The 7 Most MIRACULOUS Conditioners For Dry, Brittle Hair Repair
Dehydrated, brittle, lackluster-looking hair is certainly not on anyone’s hair goals list, leading many a woman to search for the best moisturizing conditioners to fix their dry hair woes!!
And of course, left untreated, parched hair can quickly and rather, unfortunately, turn into more severe damage, making things twice as difficult.
But luckily, with the right products, we can rescue our manes and bring the moisture we so desperately need back into our tresses!
Between dyeing, heat styling, and having hypothyroidism, I’ve had my share of dry hair struggles. But what I’ve found is that by giving my hair some extra love with consistent use of nourishing masks, oils, conditioners, and styling products, it is really quite possible to turn things completely around!!
I’ll save styling products for another day soon… But today, I want to share with you seven top beauty expert-approved conditioners to take your dry hair from Absolute Drab to Unrecognizably Fab!!
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Why Is My Hair So Dry & Brittle??
Dry hair occurs when your hair does not have, receive, or keep enough moisture.
So let’s start with the basics… Normally, our scalps produce oil that, in turn, moisturizes our hair shafts. However, sometimes the problem stems from the fact that one’s scalp may not be producing enough oil.
At other times, the problem could be fueled by a factor (environmental or hair practice) that has caused the moisture to be stripped from our hair.
And lastly, the problem may stem from issues with the cuticles. This is generally the point where you’ve moved beyond just “dryness,” and you’re moving rapidly into the “damaged hair” territory.
The cuticle is the outer protective layer of the hair strand. When the cuticles become damaged or compromised, hair becomes more susceptible to moisture loss and struggles to retain it.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to dry, brittle hair. Let’s take a look at a few common culprits…
- Weather – As the seasons change and it grows colder outside, the air becomes drier, and there is less humidity. Moisture gets stripped from your hair and easily escapes. But it’s also important to keep in mind that excessive sun exposure can also lead to dryness. So it’s not just a colder season phenomenon.
- Health Conditions – An overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause dry, brittle hair.
- Over-Washing – Washing too often strips your hair of its natural oils.
- Harsh Products & Excessive Heat Styling – Hair dye, bleaching, relaxers, perms, flat irons, blow dryers, or curling irons… name your vice!! All can strip oils and damage the cuticles.
Related: How To Fix Heat-Damaged Hair: A Comprehensive Guide
How Do You Find The Best Conditioners To Repair Dry Hair?
Ingredients
For hair dryness, the key is using conditioning products that smooth down cuticles and contain ingredients that replenish some of the moisture that has been lost. Also, you want ingredients that can help the hair to retain moisture.
Let me dispel a few myths when it comes to good and bad hair ingredients.
First, not all alcohols are bad for your hair. The good alcohols (listed below) are called “fatty alcohols” or “long-chain alcohols.” They hydrate & condition hair, seal in moisture, and smooth down those damaged cuticles.
Secondly, not all silicones are bad for the hair. In fact, silicones are often used in products to help with shine, reduce frizz, give heat protection, and condition the hair.
Generally, they smooth out the hair cuticle and can form a barrier that helps to prevent moisture loss. But they can sometimes, over time, weigh down the hair and create product buildup. Which is why moderation is key. And often, it’s suggested to use a clarifying shampoo to remove that buildup from time to time.
However, that is just certain silicones. You see, some are water-soluble, while others simply evaporate. And then there are those that don’t actually create buildup at all.
Lastly, for those that do cause buildup, you can sometimes get away with just using a gentle shampoo containing cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine rather than a strong clarifying shampoo.
So, keep all these things in mind before you consider banning silicones from your hair regimen.
Now, here are a few ingredients to look for that will either help with getting moisture and retaining it or are still considered “good” for the hair.
- Oils (plant oils, coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado oil, etc…to name a few).
- Glycerin (a humectant that helps with moisture retention)
- Good Alcohols like stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, or cetyl alcohol
- Butters like shea butter or cocoa butter
- Silicones (just keep in mind, if you have curly hair using a gentle shampoo with cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine every now and then can help with buildup).
- Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Keywords In Product Descriptions Or Labels
Lastly, look for certain words or phrases on the labels or packaging of products like “hydrating”, “hydration”, “nourishing”, “nourish”, “anti-frizz”, “frizz-fighting”, “moisturizing”, “moisture”, “smoothing”, etc.
The 7 Best Conditioners To Overcome Your Dry, Brittle Hair Struggles!!
Now the wait is over…..
Here are the Top 7 Beauty Expert-Approved Conditioners to tackle your dry hair problems for good!!!
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1) OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner + Shampoo Set
Best Shampoo And Conditioner For Dry Hair – Normal To Thick (Curly, Wavy, Or Straight)
The Good: (I recommend using the set) This conditioner was formulated with argan oil, allowing it to deeply penetrate your hair shaft to hydrate and strengthen from within.
It also gives your hair an extra boost of protection from both UV rays and heat styling.
What I love about this conditioner is that it fights frizz and gives my hair an incredibly soft feel. It has a light, sweet, pleasing smell and also contains glycerin, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil. It’s a fantastic option for hydration and hair manageability!!
The Bad: It does contain the silicone, dimethicone, that causes buildup. However, using a gentle shampoo that contains cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine (1-2 times a month) will help. The other two silicones listed, I have heard are the kind that tends to benefit your hair and then evaporate.
I will also add that this conditioner may be too heavy for fine or thin hair. In which case, I would recommend one of the other conditioners in this list.
Also, a few users have complained about getting tangles, so if you have hair that tangles easily, you may want to do what I do and use a moisturizing, detangling conditioner like this one before applying. I’ve never had tangles, but that could be because I have always used the detangling conditioner first.
The Bottom Line: This is the perfect set for anyone with dry hair that is normal or thick, and while I recommend it most for curly and wavy hair, it does work for straight hair as well. If your hair tangles easily add in a detangler first. But overall, it’s excellent at bringing life back into your hair with both softness and hydration!
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2) L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Conditioner
Best Conditioner For Dry, Color-Treated Hair
The Good: Now for my color-treated gals!!! If you have dyed hair, I’m sure you know how important it is not to sacrifice that perfect color you finally achieved by using the wrong products.
Well, you certainly don’t have to worry about your color fading with this conditioner!!
It gives you long-lasting color purity while infusing those strands with much-needed moisture from rosemary oil. Additionally, it’s sulfate-free, has no harsh color-stripping ingredients, and is suitable for all hair types (fine, thin, normal, thick, coarse, etc.).
When I used to dye my hair frequently (going from dark brown to a light golden brown & at one point, a medium auburn) and often straightened it with a flat iron, this conditioner was always my go-to, absolute favorite! It kept my hair in tip-top condition with a healthy, radiant, silky shine….even with all the dye and heat I was using! Some added bonuses: it contains Vitamin E and glycerin.
The Bad: If your hair is super dry or already showing a lot of signs of damage, you may need to try something else to give your hair more moisture. However, another alternative you can try is adding in a hot oil treatment using avocado oil or coconut oil before washing it.
Some users aren’t fans of the rosemary/minty scent, but to be honest, I actually really like the smell of rosemary, haha. Anyone else??
The Bottom Line: As a very affordable option, this makes a great, easy-to-use moisturizing conditioner ideal for color-treated hair, this takes the cake! I can also say, the anti-color-fade system worked quite well for me and others I know personally who have used it. Lastly, you will love the gorgeous shine it gives your hair!!
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3) L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Conditioner
Best Conditioner For Dry Normal, Fine, Or Thin Hair
The Good: This conditioner uses lightweight oils to moisturize the hair without leaving it looking or feeling greasy. It also helps with brittle, straw-like bleached, or color-treated hair.
Ultimately it should leave your hair smooth, soft, and with a nice healthy sheen!
It contains flower oil-camellia and in smaller doses…sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and Vitamin E.
The Bad: This product does contain amodimethicone, which is a silicone that can result in buildup. However, using a gentle shampoo that contains cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine (1-2 times a month) helps.
Also, this conditioner was not moisturizing enough for my particular hair type, which is thick and naturally curly. But for fine, thin, or normal hair, you should be fine.
The Bottom Line: If you have normal, fine, or thin hair, you’ll surely love the results you get from this conditioner (won’t be too oily, heavy, or weigh down your hair). Some users who have bleached or overprocessed hair have found it to be a complete lifesaver. It added the extra softness and nourishment their hair had been lacking!! Lastly, it’s extremely economical if you happen to be on a tight budget.
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4) RAHUA Hydration Conditioner
Best Natural Conditioner For Dry, Damaged & Color-Treated Hair
The Good: This luxurious natural conditioner contains no silicone. Say what!!!??
Whether your hair is wavy, straight, curly, or coiled, the brand boasts that this conditioner gives you healthy, smooth, shiny, and moisturized-looking and feeling hair!!
With a creamy, rich consistency, it is formulated with a variety of Amazonian plant oils and fruit extracts to nourish, protect, and hydrate.
The Bad: Some users felt it was not moisturizing enough for their hair. Also, while it does say for color-treated hair, one user felt it isn’t good for hair that’s been dyed red as it fades the color quickly.
The Bottom Line: While a pricier pick than some others, it’s the most natural, silicone-free option praised by beauty editors. If your hair is dyed red, you may want to skip it. I also want to add that having been a bright red-head, a blonde, a dark brown, a light brown, an auburn, and even going solid black myself once before, red is truly the hardest color to keep from fading.
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5) Dove Dermacare Scalp Conditioner, Dryness & Itch Relief
Best Conditioner For Dry Scalp & Dry Hair
The Good: Often, if your scalp isn’t producing enough oil, you may suffer from a dry, itchy scalp in addition to dehydrated locks.
Well, containing pyrithione zinc, you can expect a flake and itch-free scalp in no time at all with this one!!
It’s a gentle conditioner that also contains coconut oil, Vitamin E, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil, which hydrate and smooth your mane for a frizz-free finish!
This past winter, visiting family in NC, I struggled quite a bit with both dry scalp and hair. Desperate for a solution, I stumbled upon this gem! I highly recommend using this shampoo designed to go with it for achieving the best results. *Won an Allure Best Of Beauty award a few years back.
The Bad: This conditioner contains silicone that could cause buildup. Using a gentle cleanser with cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine, one to two times each month will help. For extremely dry hair, you will want to consider adding a hot oil treatment.
The Bottom Line: It’s incredibly affordable and great value considering how well it cures two problems in one! (dry scalp & hair)
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6) OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Best Shampoo And Conditioner For Dry, Damaged Hair & For Dry Frizzy, Curly, Thick Or Coarse Hair
The Good: This conditioner smells heavenly!! I’m a sucker for vanilla and coconut for sure!! It’s powerfully reparative and hydrating using coconut oil, Tiare flower extract, glycerin, and vanilla fruit extract to give you softer, healthy-looking hair. This conditioner also works to revive damaged & overprocessed hair.
I was first introduced to it while visiting my mother in NC. She had been getting quite a few, rather too frequent root touch-ups in an ash-blonde shade, and it had begun to take a serious toll on her hair.
Noticing over time that it seemed to be helping her hair look less brittle, I decided to try it. Boy was I impressed!!! I would say it closely rivals my other favorite OGX conditioner, the Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner (mentioned as conditioner #1), in terms of moisture, yet is far better when it comes to correcting damage.
The Bad: I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for fine or thin hair, as it will most likely weigh your hair down. However, there are some reviewers who claim to have fine, thin hair, and who absolutely love it!
It does contain dimethicone. You will want to use a gentle shampoo containing cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine for buildup (1-2x a month).
The Bottom Line: If you are struggling with significant damage along with dry hair, this conditioner is a superb choice to repair your lovely locks without putting a dent in your wallet!
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7) CAVIAR Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner
Best Conditioner For Dry, Dull Hair Showing Signs Of Aging
The Good: Now, for our final pick of top conditioners to repair dry hair!!
If your hair goal includes a shinier, softer, and more manageable mane, this one is guaranteed to fit the build!
Using a uniquely, strategic combo of ingredients (caviar- omega fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, glycerin, shea butter, & sunflower seed oil), it can bring all the wonderful attributes of youthful, healthy hair back to your tired, stressed tresses.
The Bad: This conditioner is a bit pricier than some of our other listed options. Some users complained of a waxy build-up on their hair. It also has dimethicone, so use a shampoo containing cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine (1-2x a month).
The Bottom Line: My personal experience with this conditioner is having only used a sample of it most recently, but I will say I was definitely impressed. This conditioner also gets rave reviews by most users with nearly 5 stars.
Given the ingredients, it could be heavy for fine hair or leave a buildup for some since it has dimethicone. So, I would recommend using a cleanser to remove the buildup 1-2 times a month. The good news is if for some reason it doesn’t work well for your particular hair type, it is always returnable.
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The Considerations For Selecting These Specific 7 Conditioners For Dry Hair Repair:
- Reviews: The number of positive reviews for these conditioners along with my own experience using them. Also, beauty magazine editors’ suggestions!
- Ingredients: Quality products containing the best ingredients proven for nourishing and hydrating hair.
- Brand Reputation: Reliable, consistent, and beauty industry favorite brands.
The Last Thing You Need To Know About Dry Hair, The Repair Process, & Picking Conditioners
While the dry hair struggle can seem challenging to rectify or repair, it is certainly not impossible. All it takes is using the right moisturizing conditioners, nourishing products, and a little patience.
Most of the hard work and research has been done, as this list rounds up superb options based on the best ingredients, reviews, and brand credibility.
So, you can feel safe in knowing your days of brittleness and dryness will soon be behind you, as much healthier, hydrated ones lay ahead!!
Ready to take the issue head-on, moving into those brighter days ahead?? Try one of our top 7 picks. Look through this list once more if you need to see which conditioner is suggested as “best for” your specific hair type and/or additional hair concerns.
Leave a comment below if you enjoyed this article on the seven best conditioners for dry hair repair. Also, let us know if you have an interest in more tips to help bring dry, brittle hair back to life!
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