Today I’m sharing the best hydrating conditioners for damaged hair. I color my hair regularly, wash it daily, and use hot tools pretty often, so it’s not a stretch to say my hair experiences some damage on a consistent basis. I consider hydrating products to be one of my best beauty investments; they keep me from experiencing breakage or hair loss, and add shine so my hair doesn’t look dull or lifeless. If you’ve read my blog before, you know I’m all about using hair masks instead of conditioners (view my post on the best hair masks here), but I’ve added conditioners back into the mix over the last year since they’re cheaper and easier to travel with. I’m very picky and my standards are high, but consider these conditioners to be the diamonds in the rough - they’re the few that have actually made a difference, re-hydrated my hair, and helped bring my damaged hair back to life.

the best hydrating conditioners for damaged hair

davines nounou nourishing conditioner

This conditioner is the one I used years ago before switching to the Ouai hair mask. It’s thick but absorbs into your hair easily, makes your hair super soft without weighing it down, and is totally worth the price. It smells really light and fresh without being too sweet, and a little goes a long way. I like that you can also get it at Nordstrom or on Amazon, because purchasing through your salon isn’t always convenient.

ouai medium conditioner

I didn’t think the Ouai Medium Conditioner would be able to measure up to the hair mask, but I really love it and think it’s an incredible everyday conditioner. Unlike the Davines NouNou conditioner, this one comes in a bottle and it’s easier to buy (available at Ulta, Target, Amazon, Sephora, etc.). The scent is so luxurious yet faint, so it won’t overpower you if you’re sensitive to fragrance. It works all of my tangles out in the shower when I finger comb it, and my hair feels hydrated and shiny after. I know Ouai makes a Fine Conditioner for fine hair, but it’s harder for me to find in stock on a regular basis. The Medium conditioner doesn’t weigh my hair down, so it’s still a great option for fine hair.

kerastase première repairing conditioner for damaged hair

This conditioner is pretty expensive at $48 per bottle, but if you only conditioner your hair 1-2x a week or are trying to repair your hair after a lot of bleach or color corrections, it’s worth it. This doesn’t just make your hair soft; it actually adds hydration back into your hair, reduces damage, and feels like it really “heals” your hair. I use this conditioner after I get my hair highlighted, and recommend it to friends who live in colder climates. This conditioner is a part of a system; I love the shampoo as well, but use it sparingly since it is a little expensive for me.

davines heart of glass rich conditioner

If you have damaged hair, I recommend using a toning conditioner instead of a toning shampoo. You get the same great results but conditioners are gentler and more hydrating than the shampoos typically are. The Davines Heart of Glass Rich Conditioner is my absolute favorite toning conditioner. I alternate between wanting to tone my hair with both purple and blue based toners, and this one is like the perfect mix of both. It doesn’t leave any purple tint behind, and brightens your hair without damaging it. The scent is a little too powdery for my liking, but it fades quickly and isn’t overpowering.

the best clean-beauty hydrating conditioners for damaged hair

amika the kure bond repair conditioner

I’ve been obsessed with the kure shampoo for years now, and the conditioner is just as good, too. It deeply hydrates your hair, and has stopped my split ends from getting worse. It also adds tons of shine, makes my hair sleek without weighing it down, and is easy to wash out in the shower. The scent is also incredible; I get compliments anytime I use it. It’s also priced fairly and I love that it’s clean-beauty certified - I really don’t think there are any cons to this conditioner.

k18 damage shield protective conditioner

K18 is a pricier brand, but their products perform so well that they’re worth it. The Damage Shield Protective Conditioner is pH balanced to reduce frizz, bring hydration back into your hair, and smells great. A little goes a long way, so this would be a great investment if you only wash your hair a few times a week. Because it is a little more expensive I recommend subscribing to it on Amazon to save 5-10%.

the best budget hydrating conditoners for damaged hair

hair chemist macademia oil deep repair masque

It’s a hair mask instead of a conditioner, but I cannot rave about it enough and it’s going to give you the best results if you’re on a budget, especially since it’s less than $12. I’ve used this for years and purchased it 20+ times over the years. It works just as well as higher-end options, and unless you have really thin, fine hair, it won’t be too heavy for you.

herbal essences hydrating conditioner with coconut water & jasmine

As far as true drugstore conditioners go, this one is the best one I’ve tried. I used it nonstop growing up, and it’s my go-to anytime I need to find a conditioner if I forget to pack mine. It genuinely hydrates your hair, whereas some drugstore conditioners superficially hydrate and leave a film behind. The scent is fresh without being overpowering, and it’s not too heavy for fine hair.