11 best conditioners for men in 2023

Conditioner is vital in haircare. It adds moisture, hydration, nourishment, and protection. It can make or break your hair care routine. But so many men don’t use this economical yet luxurious product. If you’ve been skipping out on conditioner, it’s time for that to change. Here are 11 of the best conditioners for men in 2023.

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably been bombarded with countless beauty products that influencers swear by. But here is the industry’s best-kept secret. The best brands are the ones you’ve never heard of. Yes, you read that correctly.

Blu Atlas, a clean and vegan men’s personal care brand, is the hidden gem among the duds and dupes in the haircare market. You won’t be wasting your time or money when trying out a Blu Atlas product because they are top-of-the-line. Blu Atlas Conditioner, available in Classic and Coconut Apricot, transforms your hair into sexy, sultry, and hydrated locks. Even if you don’t have long hair, your strands still need moisture for health and vitality.

Blu Atlas uses naturally derived ingredients sourced from plants, fruits, and minerals. This conditioner contains argan oil that is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids that manage frizz and amplify your hair’s natural shine. White tea extract is naturally anti-inflammatory and has antimicrobial properties that distribute throughout the hair to keep your scalp and locks flawless and youthful. Barley protein — which you’ve probably never heard of but now will be your favorite ingredient — boosts hair growth with the power of niacin and thiamin.

Combined, these ingredients repair damage, add hydration, increase shine, and protect your hair from harmful irritants. Use after cleansing your hair with shampoo for the best results.

You’re a refined gentleman. You appreciate the finer things in life, like the best of classic literature and even better bourbon. There is nothing wrong with knowing what you like; it means you’re confident in your choices and decisions.

American Crew understands your needs, which is why they have crafted one of the best conditioners for men in 2023. It’s full of ingredients that are good for your hair, skin, and health. It ditches harmful ingredients and irritants that cause problems — think silicones. Plus, the packaging just screams elegance and sophistication, doesn’t it?

American Crew Daily Moisturizing Conditioner is gentle enough to use on your hair daily without making it look greasy. It’s made with vitamin B5 and other vegan ingredients that aim to detangle, defrizz, and degrease your hair. A benefit of all those fine ingredients? They smell as good as they work.

Made to be paired perfectly with American Crew Shampoo, your hair will look stunning after continuous use of this haircare routine. That means you can spend more time being the classy, elegant man you are and less time worrying about your hair. Whoever said looking the part came effortlessly? After all, we’re not all James Dean.

Okay, guys, let’s talk about relaxation. Although it’s been taboo for too long, men deserve and want a spa day, too. Wouldn’t it be nice to take the day off and be pampered? Even if your schedule doesn’t allow for a full-fledged spa day, you can still treat yourself with OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Conditioner.

This is the perfect conditioner for the guy who wants something nice but doesn’t want to break the bank every time they need to wash their hair. OGX has long been known for their haircare products that get the job done, and this conditioner is no exception.

Rich with nourishing coconut milk, coconut oil, and egg white protein, your hair will look and feel revitalized. Gone are the days of limp, dull hair that looks like you have serious bed head even if you just washed it. Like almost all of OGX’s products, this coconut milk-based conditioner locks in moisture. That way your locks (however long or short) stay nourished throughout the day and night. So, if you’re not one of the lucky few that were born with maintenance-free hair that is somehow naturally moisturized by your oils, then OGX has you covered.

Also, a benefit of moisturizing your hair with products containing coconut is that your hair will look absolutely radiant. Think more shine, softer strands, and less frizz—all that with an added bonus of your hair smelling like a tropical getaway. How great does that sound?

If you yearn for the mountains and fresh, alpine air, Rocky Mountain Barber Company Daily Use Conditioner Forest Mint has you covered. Designed to bring the aroma of the mountains to you, this paraben and SLS-free conditioner gives your hair that wind-blown effortless look without that greasy sheen. It’s one of the best conditioners for men in 2023 because it’s made with real essential oils so you get clean, natural ingredients without artificial irritants that can often make your hair worse — because a bad hair day can still ruin your day, even in the backcountry.

Scented with a rich blend of peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oil, this conditioner delights your senses each time you step into the shower. This conditioner can be used on any hair type—thick, thin, dry, oily, curly, straight, and anything in between. You can rely on Rocky Mountain Barber Company because they’re been making high-quality, reliable products since 2015. And many brands have come and gone in the last ten years.

One of Rocky Mountain Barber Company’s keys to success in this crowded personal care space is their niche design that creates products for the greatest athletes, travelers, and adventure enthusiasts. If that sounds like you, or someone you’d like to be, then you’ll find yourself among the crowd of fans that adore this brand.

One of the best conditioners for men in 2023 will bring your hair back to life. Whether you want to admit it, aging affects us all and brings unwanted side effects — like balding and sparse hair. If that sounds like your scenario, Brickell Men’s Products Revitalizing Hair Conditioner will give you that look you’ve so longed for. Brickell uses only organic and natural ingredients in their products — like aloe vera, vitamin E, tea tree oil, and peppermint. This soothing blend provides relief and restoration to your hair and scalp, giving your head of hair (or lack thereof) a full dose of hydration and revitalization.

Hydration is your wingman in the fight against balding, sparse hair, and dry scalp. The more hydrated and cleansed your pores and hair follicles are, the less likely they’ll want to turn against you by not wanting to allow hair growth. We’re serious — your dome can be that stubborn when it doesn’t get what it wants. Think about it this way, fellas. If the desert floor is cracked and dry due to a lack of moisture, then why would you want that for your crown (literally and figuratively on the crown part)?

We won’t blame you if you haven’t heard of Blackwood for Men — which is a shame because they have one of the best products out there. Blackwood for Men Active Man Daily Conditioner should be your next go-to when you find time to revitalize that head of hair of yours between hitting the slopes, hiking trails, and running on treadmills. Just one look at the ingredients and you’ll see why people are raving about Blackwood.

A lot of conditioners on the market claim to thicken, repair, and protect your hair and scalp, but they often come at a cost. Most of the time, those said conditioners are formulated with artificial ingredients that try to mimic the real thing. Often, these synthetic counterparts are harsh on your skin.

Blackwood for Men Active Daily Conditioner couldn’t be further from the norm. It uses a nature-inspired formula with some of the finest Japanese botanicals like Tsubaki and licorice root. Together, these botanicals balance excess oil while promoting healthy hair growth. If you’re not already on your way to order this conditioner, then what are you waiting for? We know you are probably out of conditioner anyway because why else would you be reading this?

If you or a loved one suffers from itchy and dry scalp, oily and greasy hair, or irritated and red skin, then Oars + Alps Invigorating Conditioner Alpine Tea Tree is the conditioner for you. This conditioner from one of the internet’s favorite up-and-coming brands has just what your dome ordered to keep it looking fresh and feeling soothed. Oars + Alps utilizes witch hazel, a naturally occurring astringent that soothes and calms irritation and redness. It also balances your skin’s natural oils, leaving it not too oily and not too dry — which is perfect if you struggle with both greasy hair and dandruff on the scalp.

Paired with witch hazel is tea tree oil. A lot of products on the market boast their inclusion of tea tree oil into their formulas, and for good reason: Tea tree oil prevents dead skin buildup on the scalp while also keeping your strands free from grime, which leaves your hair free to be moisturized by the infused protein-rich spirulina.

And to top it all off, Oars + Alps blended a little menthol into this conditioner to provide a cooling and tingling invigoration every time you use it. Think of it as an excuse to stay in the shower a little while longer. No one can be mad at someone for a little self-care, can they?

Dove needs no introduction. Chances are you’ve used their products dozens if not hundreds or thousands of times over — whether you bought them yourself, used your girlfriend’s, or snatched as many travel sizes as possible from the hotels that give them out like candy. Regardless of how you obtained Dove over the years, you know how efficient their products are at what they claim to do. Dove’s Intensive Repair Conditioner is no different. If you have damaged hair, then you need one of the best conditioners for men in 2023 and the years to come.

Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner instantly nourishes damaged strands, leaving your hair visibly repaired. On top of a restored appearance, Dove also formulated this conditioner to prevent 98% of future hair damage by fortifying roots to ends against breakage. This magical formula is made possible thanks to Dove’s proprietary Bio-Restore complex that regenerates your hair’s natural healthy look. And just when you thought this conditioner couldn’t get better, it is also certified cruelty free by PETA and bottled in 100% recycled containers.

So, fellas, in the future, if any of your buddies asks why you’re using Dove, refer them to this article after you are done telling them you proudly walked into your local grocer/supermarket and bought it yourself.

With a name like Forte, you can expect one of two things. Either they’re really good at doing one thing (such as haircare), or they're strong. Luckily for you, Forte means both. Men’s lifestyle influencer Alex Costa founded Forte, so you know this product is good.

Forte Series Hydrating Conditioner Deep Treatment was developed to deliver your hair the most intense nourishment you can find in the hair care industry. Guys, don’t pretend you don’t want luscious locks too. Everyone wants to look their best, and Forte Series Hydrating Conditioner Deep Treatment can help you get there.

Cocoa butter gently softens your hair strands, adds protection, and prepares your hair for styling. Tea tree oil further clarifies the hair, removing any oil that your shampoo may have missed. Together, these powerhouse ingredients give your hair and dome everything it needs to keep staying — and looking — fresh.

That’s right, your precious scalp beneath those now luscious locks benefits just as much as your strands. If you’re thinking it is because of those fine ingredients, you’re right on the money. Tea tree oil purifies your skin while cocoa butter moisturizes to prevent dry skin from causing buildup.

Traditional plastic bottles create excess waste that is harmful to the environment. Even if the bottle says it is recyclable, chances are it really isn’t, and it’ll end up in a landfill where it’ll sit for a thousand years. Fortunately, there are better solutions. Take Grown Ass Man Chill Out Conditioner Bar, for instance, which omits the need for plastic bottles, instead using a soap-like bar. It’s practical, efficient, and ethical, which is why this is one of the best conditioners for men in 2023.

We know you’re thinking, “Bar soap, in this day and age?” Yes, you’re right. The 2020s are very much like the 1920s in more ways than one. If it worked back then, why shouldn’t it work just as well, if not better, today?

Shampoo and conditioner bars have been taking the market by storm in recent years. If you haven’t tried one yet, now is the time. This bar is invigorating, with fresh scents of lemongrass, tea tree, and avocado oil.

Made with essential oils that soften the hair, this bar washes away dandruff, dryness, and stiffness. It allows your hair to look and feel its best, without breaking the bank. Plus, men can use this bar on facial hair, too. You’ll love the versatility.

Old Spice has long been the gold standard for men’s products. Yes, their commercials (of which there are plenty) say that too, but it’s the truth. And with a variety of products to choose from, you simply can’t go wrong. But if you’re pressed for time in the morning, try Old Spice Pure Sport 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner.

It combines two steps into one, (for those who love convenience) but it doesn’t skimp out on either. This shampoo and conditioner cleanses the hair, adds hydration, and protects your locks from damage because who really needs another bottle in your already sparse studio one-bedroom apartment? Think of Old Spice 2-in-1s, or the ever-elusive 3-in-1s, as the futon of personal care; it truly is the best of both worlds.

Wait right there; there’s more. Not only is this shampoo and conditioner convenient, but it’s also a bargain (because you’re only buying one thing), and it smells as good as Old Spice advertises it to be. With airy, light notes of lime, lemon, and other citrus, you’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated every time you wash your hair. Talk about something else to look forward to when you get home besides your futon.

Maybe you are used to using a combined two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. If that sounds anything like you, you probably don’t even know the benefits of using a conditioner. Don’t worry — it’s not actually that confusing.

Conditioner works by protecting your hair cuticles and adding hydration. Cuticles protect the inner layers of your hair and assist in water content. This results in some people having straight, wavy, or curly hair. Basically, cuticles directly affect the health and style of your hair.

When you shampoo your hair, the natural moisture is washed away. If you don’t seal in moisture with a conditioner, your hair can break — turning brittle and frizzy. Conditioners are a lifeline for your hair, so if you’re not using them, you had better start.

The best way to use conditioner is after shampoo. In the shower, wet your hair, and cleanse with the shampoo of your choice. Depending on your hair care needs, you’ll opt for a shampoo that will cleanse and protect your hair. Some people need clarifying shampoos if they have oily hair, while some people need creamy shampoos for hydration. Spend some time researching the products you’re interested in, and find the one you think will best suit your hair.

After shampooing, thoroughly rinse the product out of your hair and apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to damp hair. Every conditioner has different recommendations, but you should at least leave the product on your hair for two minutes for the best results.

Once you let the product sit for the recommended time, rinse the conditioner out. When you’re out of the shower, apply whatever haircare products you need — like leave-in conditioner, creams, gels, and sprays. Everyone has different needs, so this step will look different for everyone. Avoid combing or brushing your hair for at least 30 minutes after you get out of the shower. Wet hair breaks more easily, so let your hair air dry or blow dry it before styling it.

Conditioner is great for your hair, but there are so many other uses for it too. Here are some favorite tips and tricks.

Leave-in Conditioner

This one may seem obvious, but a surprising number of people don’t do this. Sure, you can buy specific leave-in conditioners, but that costs more money than many people have. Instead, mix equal parts distilled water and conditioner in a spray bottle and diffuse into your hair. Because it’s a leave-in conditioner, you don’t need to rinse it.

Shaving Cream

How many times have you gone to shave and realized you’re out of shaving cream? It happens to the best of us. Next time, don’t sweat it. You can use conditioner as a shaving cream because it’s thick enough to buffer your skin safely between the razor, and it’s intensely hydrating.

Lather up a small amount of conditioner, and apply where needed. You may love the feeling so much that you end up using conditioner for all your shaving needs.

Dryer Sheets

If you love the smell of dryer sheets but hate spending money on them (because they’re single-use products), this is a tip for you. Conditioner makes a great dryer sheet alternative. All you need is a spray bottle, water, and conditioner. Spray equal parts water and conditioner onto a washcloth or rag, and toss into the dryer with your laundry. You’ll have fresh, clean, and soft laundry when the load finishes — and you don’t have to keep hitting up the grocery store for dryer sheets when you inevitably run out of them.

Furniture Polish

Cleaning products are expensive, and there are, seriously, products for everything. Glass, wood, floors, showers — the list goes on and on. For an easy hack, use a conditioner. It especially works great as a polish.

Dab a little bit of conditioner on a damp rag and buff away stains, spots, and smudges on metal, glass, and wood. Obviously, every piece of furniture is different, so use discretion as needed.

Laundry Detergent

Branching off the dryer sheet hack, conditioner is also great as a detergent because, well, it conditions. For the items you need to hand wash, squirt a few drops of conditioner into the sink (or wherever you wash delicate items) and allow the product to soak into the fabric and fully nourish it.

You’ll find that your clothes are even softer than when you use regular detergent. Plus, they will smell amazing too.

Reviving Sweaters

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare. You open up the washing machine and realize you’ve accidentally shrunk your favorite sweater. It’s okay. You can fix it.

Soak your sweater in warm water with a tablespoon of conditioner and allow it to sit for several hours, preferably overnight. The fibers in the sweater — especially if it’s wool — will absorb the conditioner and expand, reversing your accident.

Gently tug on the sweater, pulling at the areas that are shrunken the most. Don’t pull too hard because you don’t want to rip the sweater. Once the sweater returns to a suitable size, rinse the conditioner out, and dry the sweater on a flat surface.

See how easy that was? No dry cleaner required.

Brush Cleaner

Anyone who uses paintbrushes knows how frustrating it is to clean them. The paint, no matter how hard you try, sticks around forever. Sure, you can let them soak for hours in specialty rinses, but even that doesn’t always work.

Conditioner actually works even better than some cleaners do. Squirt some conditioner into a bowl or cup of water, and leave your brushes to soak overnight. In the morning, rub your fingers through the brushes, softening any remaining product. Rinse and discover clean, paint-free brushes.

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