Conditioner is to natural hair what Romeo is to Juliet, and by that I mean we would literally die without it (maybe not but you get my point”>. As curly girls, our hair loses moisture at a faster rate than our straight haired sisters – leaving our tresses more prone to frizz, breakage, and split ends. A good conditioner (or two or three”> is a must in our hair care arsenal, but since there are so many to choose from, we made a curated guide to the best conditioners for each hair type and hair need. While some relish the process of trial and error that comes with testing out new products, you can skip all that with our Editors Choice List of Best Conditioners!
The conditioners that made it on our coveted 2018 Annual Editors’ Choice List were handpicked by us for you. Scroll down to see what products won, and what you may want to add to your shopping cart!
What we look for
Here are a few (but not all”> of the criteria we used to make our decision:
- Does the product give my hair the moisture and slip it needs?
- Would the product replace your Holy Grail product in that category?
- Ingredients
- Does the product do what the packaging claims it will do?
- Does the product have added benefits not listed? What are they?
- Ease of use and product distribution
- Packaging and product functionality
- Innovation
- Scent
If you’re on the search for a conditioner that will work for your curl pattern, check out our 2018 Editors’ Choice award winners – and what we loved about them.
Daily Conditioners
Type 2
BOUNCE CURL SUPER SMOOTH CREAM CONDITIONER
Hair snarls and tangles? Gone! The slip from this smooth cream conditioner instantly detangles your hair and prevents breakage leaving all hair types extremely moisturized. Your hair will fall IN LOVE with this Conditioner, created from 23 plant extracts and oils, it’s formulated to leave your waves bouncy and hydrated all day long.
Type 3
EDEN BODYWORKS CITRUS FUSION CONDITIONER
This nutrient rich conditioner works to fortify and strengthen the hair. Our editors love using this as a rinse out or leave in for optimal moistuizing throughout the day. Emmolient rich oils like Avocado and Castor Oil leave your hair soft and smooth for frizz-free curls that last!
Type 3c
THE MANE CHOICE HEAVENLY HALO HERBAL HAIR TONIC & SOY MILK DEEP HYDRATION SOFTENING MILK
A Hydration sensation! Blends of Umutanga Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Yashtimadhu Root, Yucca Root, Burdock Root Oil and Soy work together to deeply hydrate, soothe, and nourish your hair. This conditioner is gentle enough for daily use and potent enough to drastically improve your tresses. Editors love it’s restorative moisture properties and mix of essential oils that deeply penetrate hair and smell incredible.
Type 4
SUNNY ISLE JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL EXTRA DARK CONDITIONER
This ultra hydrating formula is infused with rosehip and sesame seed oils essential to the overall health of the scalp and hair. Wheat proteins work to penetrate the hair shaft protecting against breakage and shedding while the essential oils promote growth and provide intense nourishment to dry hair. It’s like Castor Oil, but better!
Leave-In Conditioners
Type 2
TRÉLUXE UNTIE THE KNOT NOURISHING LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
This lightweight conditioner blends high quality botanical ingredients that gently sink into textured tresses allowing hair to absorb the included nutrients and providing the right foundation for your best curls. Not only does this leave-in condition, it’s known for it’s detangling properties too!
Type 3
MIELLE POMEGRANATE & HONEY LEAVE IN CONDITIONER
On the look for a leave-in that leaves your curls frizz-free but not weighted down? Mielle’s formual was created for thick and curly hair with tighter curl patterns, and primes curls by moisture sealing and cuticle smoothing to create soft to deep definition. Our editors love using this as a part of their wash-n-go routines!
Type 3c
SHEAMOISTURE 100% VIRGIN OIL LEAVE-IN
Detangle, protect & control frizz with this lightweight milky leave-in treatment that softens hair and improves styling manageability without leaving behind product buildup. 100% Extra Virgin Coconut and Shea Oils, Coconut Milk and Acacia Senegal combine in this restorative formula that rehydrates hair, detangles and acts as a barrier against heat while reducing frizz. And if you love coconut like me, you will love how this product smells too!
Type 4
SHEAMOISTURE COCONUT HIBISCUS HOLD & SHINE DAILY MOISTURE MIST
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist is a special blend of nourishing silk protein, hydrating coconut and neem oils that restore moisture and body while providing curl control for bouncy, healthy curls. Ingredients like coconut oil hydrates and protects hair while reducing breakage, silk protein smoothes hair for a soft, silky feel, and neem oil controls frizz while adding brilliant shine. WIN WIN WIN!
Deep Conditioners
Type 2
CARMELLA MARIE DEEP CONDITIONER WITH HONEY HIBISCUS
This deep conditioners unique mix of honey and essential oils will naturally soften and smooth your hair while improving the over all health of your hair follicles over time. It also smells incredible. If you are looking for moisture that lasts, you are in the right place!
Type 3
DEVACURL MELT INTO MOISTURE MATCHA BUTTER CONDITIONING MASK
If you have wavy, curly or super curly hair and your texture is prone to extreme dryness, then this mask is for you!
This nourishing treatment mask is like a magical elixir for dehydrated waves or curls. This nutrient-rich, buttery formula effortlessly melts into hair without feeling heavy. All curl types are left feeling shiny, silky-soft and completely transformed.
Key Ingredients:
- Matcha Butter retains moisture and seals the cuticle
- Beet Root Extract improves elasticity and protects color
- Sweet Almond Oil is rich in vitamins and Omega Fatty Acids that help moisturize and nourish the hair
Type 3c
CARMELLA MARIE DEEP CONDITIONER WITH HONEY HIBISCUS
So good it won twice!
Type 4
OUIDAD CURL IMMERSION™ TRIPLE TREAT DEEP CONDITIONER
Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner is a rich, super moisturizing formula that hydrates, de-frizzes, and softens hair while banishing dryness and encouraging curl definition and shine – all in 2 minutes.
This luxe conditioner penetrates to the cuticle to restore natural ceramides and maintain moisture and shine while restoring hair strength, elasticity, moisture retention, porosity, smoothness, and strength. Coconut and Avocado oils infuse curls with maximum moisture without weighing curls down while Grapeseed oil acts as a sealant to lock in moisture and hydrate curls.
What’s your favorite styling tool? Let us know in the comments below if yours was chosen and what you love most about it!
Check out the rest of our Editors’ Choice winners here.
