19 Best hair conditioners for men in 2022

Conditioner is often overlooked in men’s grooming routines. This really isn’t our fault, as the grooming industry still expects us to be uninterested in taking an extra few minutes to care for our hair. Instead, they consistently thrust 2-in-1 shampoos upon us—as if investing time and money into one’s appearance were a pursuit ring-fenced for women.

Well, we think this trope is outdated, and we’ve come to let you know that sometimes, 2-in-1 just doesn’t cut it. 2-in-1 products try to be both clarifying and moisturizing in one fell swoop, which is fairly impossible to do effectively.

Massaging in a nourishing conditioner after you rinse off your shampoo can drastically improve the health of your scalp. A hair conditioner reduces itchy skin and flaking. It nourishes your hair’s roots, so that it grows thicker and stronger. It makes your mane shinier, more manageable, and easier to style.

If you want better treatment for your hair, read on to discover the absolute best hair conditioners for men of 2022.

1. Blu Atlas Conditioner

Blu Atlas always scores highly on our best-of lists, because they’re unbeatable in terms of quality. Their products are 100% vegan, contain no artificial fragrances, and use all-natural ingredients. The brand even offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Even well-established, quality brands can’t compete with all that.

The minimally-packaged Blu Atlas conditioner is formulated to be lightweight so it won’t weigh your hair down. It’s deeply nourishing and strengthens your hair by fortifying your strands with protein. Hydrolyzed barley delivers the protein, while humectant glycerin protects hair and helps it lock in hydration. This natural formula is free of silicones and mineral oils, so it won’t coat your hair or cause unpleasant buildup over time.

This product is ideal for guys who want to improve the condition of their hair and scalp using natural, quality ingredients. It will improve the texture and shine of your strands, without weighing them down.

2. American Crew | Daily Conditioner

This daily conditioner from American Crew is easily accessible and available at most big chain stores. We loved that this men’s conditioner is geared toward maintaining a healthy scalp, which is essential to encouraging strong hair growth and avoiding dandruff.

The formula includes a host of hard-working essential oils. Rosemary oil is there to reduce itchiness and to encourage new hair growth. Studies have shown that it is as effective as minoxidil treatment for preventing hair loss.

Peppermint oil and menthol make this formula smell incredibly fresh. They are also included to support scalp health, as they are powerfully antimicrobial. Panthenol, or Vitamin B5, is added to moisturize and strengthen hair strands.

This product is ideal for guys who like the fresh scent of mint and menthol, or who find themselves struggling with scalp health. If you’re looking for a product that contributes to hair loss prevention, this is a great choice.

3. Hims | Thick Fix Conditioner

This luxurious conditioner from Hims is specifically formulated for men to support healthy hair growth. The packaging is minimal and we liked that the conditioner is part of an extensive range, so you can use it after the brand’s shampoo for a full hair-thickening treatment with every shower.

The key ingredient in this conditioner is niacinamide—a form of vitamin B3 that boosts blood circulation in the scalp. It also increases the suppleness and body of your hair. We loved the eucalyptus scent as well. Eucalyptus is excellent for scalp health as it fights infections and reduces inflammation.

This product is ideal for guys who want to invest a little time and money into their hair. If that’s the case, we recommend that you also go for the shampoo and the minoxidil scalp treatment, to see the best effect on your hair growth.

4. Jack Black | Nourishing Hair & Scalp Conditioner

Jack Black frequently appears on our best-of lists and in our bathrooms. Their products look fantastic, work well, and aren’t full of chemicals. This nourishing hair and scalp conditioner is formulated without sulfates, parabens, colorants, and alcohol, so it won’t be irritating or drying.

The formula is great for all hair types, as it is created to be nourishing, moisturizing, and strengthening, without being overly intense. Key ingredients include pro-vitamin B5 and biotin, which both work to thicken and strengthen hair. Silk protein binds moisture into the strands and gives an amazing shine. A host of other botanicals include tea tree, peppermint, and green tea.

Apart from soothing the scalp and improving hair texture, this formula’s fresh, energizing scent is sure to wake you up for the day ahead.

5. SuperFoods | Smooth Operator Conditioner

This hair conditioner from SuperFoods is easily available online and quite affordable. It’s also very functional for conditioning hair naturally. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, and totally safe for colored hair.

The key ingredients include shea butter, argan oil, and vitamin B6. The formula combines these three hyper-nourishing elements to create an intensely nutrient-rich conditioner that tames frizzy hair effectively. Quinoa protein will fortify the structure of your strands. Rosemary oil is there to treat your itchy scalp and generate new hair growth.

This conditioner is ideal for men who suffer from dry, dull hair, or an itchy, dry scalp. It is affordable, soothing, and nutritious, and will leave your hair soft and shiny.

6. Kiehl’s | Amino Acid Conditioner

Kiehl’s products are always high quality and full of excellent natural ingredients. We love this daily conditioner designed for all hair types. The base of the formula is coconut oil and jojoba oil, which are both extremely nutritious and deeply moisturizing. They help to make hair shiny and soft, but also treat the scalp to some hydration.

This conditioner also has cleaning properties. When combined with the fats in the formula, the added amino acids are able to gently cleanse the hair and scalp. A great feature of this product is that it’s available to reorder in refill pouches, making it ideal for customers who are environmentally conscious.

To use, simply massage the con
ditioner into your hair and scalp and leave it on for two minutes while you wash. This product and the rest of the range are ideal if you have trouble with cleansing your scalp thoroughly and want to improve the condition of your hair overall.

7. Moroccanoil | Hydrating Conditioner

Moroccanoil products are synonymous with intense hydration and nutrition, thanks to their use of quality argan oil. Used for centuries to nourish and hydrate hair, argan oil is very valuable and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You’ll love the smell too, as this rich conditioner is infused with the fragrance of spicy amber and smooth musk. The formula also uses red algae, which encourages hair to lock in moisture.

The original product from this brand was the deep-conditioning intensive hair mask. Certainly, this will benefit you if you are struggling with dry or lackluster hair. But, we don’t always have the time or inclination for treatments like hair masks. If this sounds like you, then the brand’s daily conditioner is a great way to go.

8. Beast | Hydrating Conditioner Pouch

We loved this ingenious hydrating conditioner pouch that left reviewers feeling tingly and invigorated. The pouch reduces plastic packaging and lets you squeeze out every last drop of product.

The conditioner itself is based on super nutritious argan oil, which feeds and hydrates hair. Aloe vera will soothe your scalp and act as a natural humectant, to help hair hold on to moisture.

The formula is natural and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic color, paraffins, gluten, DEA/TEA & petrolatum. The product is packed with incredible natural botanicals, designed to combat hair loss and encourage new hair growth. Ginseng, ginger, and caffeine work together to make your hair thick and healthy.

This conditioner is perfect for you if you’re worried about hair thinning, and love invigorating, spicy scents.

9. STMNT | Conditioner

Our team loves a functional product, so the fact that this conditioner comes in a handy pump bottle set it off to a strong start. The conditioner smells super fresh, with bright fragrances of citrus and menthol, calmed by soothing lavender.

We also love that the moisturizing formula is free of silicones. This prevents the possibility of buildup weighing down hair over time. Activated charcoal acts as an antimicrobial agent, and actually cleanses hair while you condition. Menthol stimulates blood flow to the scalp and fights against any minor skin infections. Lavender is there to balance oil production and act as an anti-inflammatory.

This product is ideal for guys who want an easy and fresh way to improve the condition of their hair and scalp.

10. 18.21 Man Made | Spiced Vanilla Man Made Wash

The spiced vanilla scent of this conditioner from 18.21 Man Made is so good it you’ll want to rub it all over your body. And you can! This is a hyper-functional, multi-use formula that can be used as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—all in one!

The formula makes a soft lather that is suitable for cleansing and conditioning both the hair on your scalp and your beard. The formula is sulfate-free, so it isn’t too harsh or irritating. Jojoba hydrates and conditions, while quinoa proteins strengthen hair strands.

This product is ideal for those of us who don’t like to have too many products in the bathroom. It is great as a conditioner, but as long as your hair isn’t extremely dry, as the formula isn’t an intensive moisturizing treatment.

11. Goodfellow & Co. | Moroccan Mint and Cedar Conditioner

This is a well-thought-out product that offers the functionality of the pump bottle, with a pared-down packaging style and a masculine scent of woody cedar with fresh mint. The formula is super clean, being free of silicones, parabens, sulfates, and dyes. Instead, it contains uses hyaluronic acid, an excellent humectant that helps skin and hair hold on to hydration.

The product also features hops extract to fight infections and inflammation, while reducing hair fall and any itchiness of the scalp. Glycerin, shea butter, olive oil, and apricot kernel oil work to deeply condition and moisturize.

This is an all-around quality natural formula, for a very affordable price. We were impressed with this conditioner and think it’s worth giving a go if you have dull hair or a dry scalp.

12. Hawthorne | Weightless Conditioner

The slick packaging of this conditioner from Hawthorne caught our eye. But what piqued our interest is the product’s formula, designed to condition without weighing hair down. It’s based on lighter olive oil and sunflower seed oil. Critical amino acids help cleanse and support hair growth.

The formula is clean and natural, as it is free of silicones, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It’s also totally vegan and cruelty-free. The scent is certainly worth a mention too, as the fragrance was designed by award-winning cologne perfumers. It is fresh and uplifting, infused with geranium.

This conditioner is ideal for guys who are concerned about thinning hair and want a conditioner that won’t weigh their strands down.

13. Brickell | Revitalizing Hair Conditioner

This Revitalizing Hair Conditioner from Brickell restores, adds shine, and moisturizes. The formula is 99% natural and 72% organic and avoids sulfates, parabens, glycols, phthalates, petrochemicals, and silicones, among a host of other known harmful additives.

The conditioner leverages aloe vera, a powerful natural humectant that helps your hair retain moisture. Borage oil is incorporated to reduce hair loss and encourage new growth. Avocado oil is packed with healthy fats and nutrients to deeply moisturize your hair and scalp.

If you want fuller hair without any chemical nasties, this conditioner is well worth checking out.

14. Rugged & Dapper | Hydration Remedy Conditioner

This eye-catching bottle from Rugged & Dapper looked amazing in our showers and was a hit with reviewers. The conditioner inside was equally impressive and packed with nutrient-rich ingredients inspired by the outdoors.

Aloe vera soothes and acts as a powerful humectant to help your hair stay hydrated. Jojoba oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft and delivers a host of nutrients, while coconut oil deeply moisturizes. Tea tree oil is added to fight bacteria and fungi, helping your scalp stay in great condition. Shea butter and avocad
o oil plump hair with healthy fats and deliver a host of nutrients.

This conditioner is ideal if you’re suffering from dry hair or an irritated scalp. It’s packed with ingredients to feed your strands and keep them looking lustrous.

15. Woody’s | Daily Conditioner For Men

This attractively packaged conditioner is designed to nourish your hair and invigorate your scalp. It’s loaded with natural extracts, selected to give you soft and touchable hair.

We liked the innovative formula, which incorporated ginger and green tea—ingredients that aren’t very common. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and is a powerhouse anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger stimulates blood flow to your scalp to encourage new hair growth.

Proteins derived from soy and wheat are incorporated to strengthen the structure of your hair. Hyaluronic and linoleic acids are humectants that work to help strands retain moisture and resist drying.

This conditioner is a great balance for all hair types. If you’re worried about the beginning of thinning hair and love a beachy vibe, this would be an especially good pick.

16. Old Spice | Thickening System Conditioner

This conditioner for men from Old Spice is enriched with vitamin C and designed to help your hair reach its fullest potential. The conditioner is part of an easy-to-use three-part thickening system, made up of shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment. Old Spice claims that this product will thicken your hair in as little as two weeks.

The conditioner smelled great, as we had expected. Reviewers felt that it was masculine but understated. Also, the 10.9 oz version went a really long way, so it was great value for money. Combined with the biotin in the shampoo and the castor oil in the treatment, the vitamin C works to nourish hair and encourage new growth.

Reviews were mixed on the effectiveness of the thickening system after a period of two weeks. However, all agreed that the conditioner left hair smooth, shiny, and smelling great. If you’re looking to try an affordable thickening system, try this Old Spice innovation.

17. Head & Shoulders | Coconut Daily Hair & Scalp Conditioner

Head & Shoulders is a household name, ubiquitous with fighting dandruff. If you’re looking to improve the health of your scalp, then you should certainly think about adding a conditioner to your hair washing routine. This conditioner is perfectly designed to complement the brand’s dandruff-fighting shampoo and contains pyrithione zinc.

Pyrithione zinc helps eliminate the causes of dandruff, and also does double duty, and reduces hair loss. Massage this product into the scalp and let it sit for a few minutes to get the full effect. You’ll love how much more effective your anti-dandruff treatment becomes, as well as the new delicious smell and softness of your hair.

18. Blackwood For Men | Active Man Daily Conditioner

Conditioners for men couldn’t get any sleeker than this matte-black sharp-edged pump bottle. The formula, made with licorice root, is designed for men with oily hair, or men facing hair loss. It is free of parabens and sulfates, so it won’t irritate your scalp.

We were very impressed with the formula, which is packed with botanicals and nutrients. Licorice root and clove fight microbes and soothe the skin of the scalp. Seaweed delivers minerals and vitamins and thickens the hair. Aloe vera soothes skin and repairs brittle strands. Swertia Japonica and ginseng root stimulate blood flow to the hair roots, encouraging healthy growth.

Thanks to its powerful formula, this highly-rated product definitely deserves a spot in this list of the best hair conditioners for men.

19. Rocky Mountain Barber Company | Daily Use Conditioner

This daily use conditioner from Rocky Mountain Barber Company features a fresh, woody fragrance known as forest mint. The formula is free of parabens and SLS, to keep it natural and non-irritating. It is designed for all hair types, so it’s a great mid-level conditioner.

The use of peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree mean that the conditioner is powerfully antimicrobial and stimulating. If you have issues with your scalp health, or suffer from the beginning of thinning hair but are not suffering severe dryness, then this would be a great product for you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Hair Conditioners for Men

Feeling a bit lost about conditioners? Check out our frequently asked questions to find out what you need to know.

What is the difference between shampoo and conditioner?

A shampoo is clarifying, meaning that it is designed to clean your hair. Most shampoos lather, which helps to lift away dirt.

Many contain harsh surfactants, such as SLSs. These surfactants were originally designed to clean surfaces, not your head, and can be harsh. Some natural shampoos are formulated with ingredients that can clean your hair with less irritation and drying effects, such as saponified oils, amino acids, and citrus.

Shampoos, even conditioning shampoos, tend to be drying overall. This is because even gentle shampoos strip some oils from your hair, in order to make it feel clean, light, and to smell fresh.

A conditioner is completely different. Conditioners are used after shampoos, to rehydrate and protect your hair. Conditioners may use synthetic materials such as mineral oil (from petrol) or silicones to coat your hair in a protective film. Natural alternatives use oils such as coconut, argan, and olive to deeply moisturize and achieve a similar protective effect.

How should you use a hair conditioner?

Using a conditioner is different from using shampoo. Conditioners aim to nourish your hair with vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Instead of being lathered up and washed away, conditioners need to be left on your head for a minute or two, to allow them to soak in and take effect.

Apply your conditioner from root to tip, after rinsing away your shampoo. Some conditioners instruct you to only apply the product to the ends of your hair. But, this means that the skin on your scalp will not benefit from the treatment at all. If you find that applying conditioner to your roots results in weighed-down, lifeless hair, change to a less intense product.

Once you have applied the conditioner, this is the perfect time to stimulate blood flow to your scalp by massaging it in. Using your fingertips, work in little circles using firm pressure. Focus on the midline on the top of your head, and at the base of your skull, where there are acupressure points.

There are also rubber scalp brushes available, which you can use to massage your scalp. Effectively massaging in the conditioner will help your scalp and hair to benefit fully from
the treatment. You’ll also find that your scalp feels cleaner and less clogged. Your hair will begin to grow thicker, thanks to the increased oxygen delivered to your follicles. And, of course, it feels really good too. Once you’re all finished, rinse out thoroughly, using the same massaging technique to fully remove any residue.

What ingredients should you avoid in conditioners?

Some ingredients to avoid in conditioners include mineral oils, parabens, and silicones. Now, these ingredients can all be useful in certain circumstances, but they are all synthetic ingredients that have perfectly good natural alternatives.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives. They are difficult to avoid in products such as conditioners, which contain a lot of water. The presence of water means that the product will likely go off rapidly unless preservatives are added. Parabens are known to cause dermatitis and irritant reactions in some people. But, there are alternatives to parabens. Some are natural, while others are synthetic, but safer than parabens.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a derivative of petroleum, and can also be referred to as paraffin oil. It is used in plenty of grooming products, as a moisturizer. It is lightweight, and very inexpensive compared to natural vegetable and nut oils.

But mineral oil can clog pores. Also, it can damage the natural oil barrier of the skin, and eventually lead to dryness and cracking. This encourages users to apply more and more of the moisturizing product. Better alternatives include coconut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil, and many more.

Silicones

Silicones can be beneficial. For example, they’re incredibly effective at preventing moisture loss. They are useful for healing skin and have many medical applications. However, there are downsides that make silicones undesirable in conditioners.

First, silicones build up on the hair and skin, and are difficult to remove. When you first start using a conditioner that contains silicones, your hair will appear glossy. But, over time it will become heavy, and difficult to clean.

Second, the effect of silicones on making hair smooth and shiny is a facade. It doesn’t indicate that the hair truly is in good condition. Alternative humectants and fats can help you achieve truly healthy hair.

Last, silicones bioaccumulate. In the same way that they build up on your hair, they build up in the ecosystem. All the particles of silicone that you wash down the drain accumulate in our waterways and oceans. We think that this is reason enough to avoid silicones.