download the finder app! App

Conditioner Finder: What you need to look for to make your hair shiny and healthy

Learn what you need to know to choose the right conditioner for every hair type and length.

Avatar
Tim Falk
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

Best Conditioner

Best Rated Conditioner Brand: Dove

If you're looking to change up your shower routine, Dove conditioner might be the way to go. Top rated for effectiveness and recommended by 98% of consumers, it's easy to see why Dove came out on top in this category.

Save on your next haircare purchase with these coupon codes

DysonDyson

2 bonus gifts with select Dyson haircare technology

Ends

Get deal
Active SkinActive Skin

FREE Klorane Aquatic Mint Shampoo 100ml

Show code
Active SkinActive Skin

Free Pureology Nanoworks Gold shampoo and conditioner Duo 50ml when you order any 2 Pureology Products

Show code
Active SkinActive Skin

Free Matrix Biolage color care shampoo when you order any 2+ Matrix products

Show code

Key facts about comparing conditioner

  • A good-quality conditioner can make a huge difference to the health and appearance of your hair, so it's worth taking some time to find haircare products that are right for you.
  • The most important factor is choosing a conditioner that matches your hair type, while cost will also be a factor.
  • Prices range from 70 cents to more than $10 per 100mL, with a wide range of choices available.

What should I know about conditioner?

We've all heard about the importance of using shampoo and conditioner as part of a regular hair care routine, but what does conditioner actually do?

While shampoo cleanses, it's the conditioner's job to soften and detangle hair and to smoothen hair to protect your strands against damage. The end result is hair that's shiny and healthy, has less static, and is easier to style however you like.

Types of conditioner

Hair conditioner labels, like the labels on a lot of other beauty products, are chock-full of marketing buzzwords and all manner of impressive-sounding claims. So how can you cut through all the lingo to find the best conditioner for your needs?

Well, the most important thing you can do is work out your hair type, and then check the label to find out if a product is designed with your luscious locks in mind. Whether you have hair that is fine or thick, straight or curly, dry or oily, you'll find a product to suit.

For example, if your hair is curly, you might want a moisturising formula designed to tackle frizz. If your hair is thin or fine, a volumising conditioner will help give it more life.

Next, you can also check whether a conditioner is designed to target specific types of hair damage. Some products are designed for coloured hair, for example, while others are made specially for dry and damaged hair.

Once you know what type of hair you have and what you want your conditioner to do, the choice becomes much easier.

How to compare conditioners

The only way to make the right buying decision is to compare conditioners to find a product that's a perfect match for your hair. Be sure to consider the following factors when weighing up your options.

Ingredients

Check the ingredients list to find out what you're putting in your hair. One common ingredient it's recommended you keep an eye out for is a surfactant known as sodium lauryl sulfate (or SLS), which helps haircare products lather. There are claims that SLS may damage your hair if overused and potentially irritate your skin, so you may want to look for a sulfate-free conditioner if you suffer from sensitive skin or eczema.

Hair needs

Next, consider if you have any special needs in terms of improving the look or health of your hair. For example, do you want to repair damaged hair? Do you need your hair to have more shine or volume? Do you want to condition your hair and tackle a dandruff problem at the same time? Check the label to make sure the conditioner you choose will be up to the task.

Hair type

First and foremost, look for a conditioner that has been specifically designed for your hair type. Whether your hair is curly or straight, oily or dry, check the label to make sure the product suits your tresses.

Price

If you're buying from a supermarket, conditioner prices range from around 70 cents to roughly $10 per 100mL. If you're buying a salon brand, you may pay even more.

As always, remember to compare the price per 100mL to ensure an accurate comparison.

Scent

Find a product with a fragrance you like – it will make you a whole lot happier to put the product in your hair.

3 things to consider

There are a few other factors you should consider before buying conditioner:

  • Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. If you're looking to save time on your hair care routine, or just have one fewer bottle crowding up your shower space, you could consider using a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. These products aren't the right choice for everyone, but it could be worth trying them out on your hair and seeing what results they produce.
  • Switching up your conditioner. There's a common misconception that you need to switch up your shampoo and conditioner regularly to ensure that your hair doesn't become "immune" to their effects, but this simply isn't true. Of course, if your conditioner isn't producing the best results for your hair, feel free to change things up.
  • Choosing a shampoo. Conditioner is only one part of your haircare routine. If you need help choosing the right shampoo, check out our shampoo buying guide.

How and when to use conditioner?

So you've chosen the right conditioner for your hair and you're ready to put it to work, but when is the best time to use it?

The general rule when conditioning your hair is that you need to use shampoo before you reach for the conditioner. Use the amount recommended on the label, then apply it to the tips and strands of your hair, not to your scalp. Once you've massaged the conditioner in, leave it in place for the time recommended on the label (commonly one to two minutes) and then rinse thoroughly.

However, some people with specific hair types may be able to benefit from what's known as reverse washing: using conditioner before using shampoo. Some hairdressers claim that for people with fine hair, reverse hair washing can nourish and hydrate your locks without leaving them greasy and heavy. So if your current shampoo-then-conditioner routine isn't working, it might be worth a try.

Ask for advice

Of course, whichever approach you choose, it may take some trial and error to find out what works best for you. If in doubt, follow the instructions on the label, or ask your hairdresser for advice on how to get the most out of your hair care routine.

If you're ready to make bad hair days a thing of the past, check out our guide to the best shampoos and conditioners in Australia. And when you're ready to start shopping, take a look at our guide to the best sites to buy haircare products online in Australia.

Best rated conditioner brand award breakdown

Total Score Overall rating Value for Money Effectiveness Scent Packaging design
Dove 8.10 4.4 4.2 4.4 4.36 4.36
Herbal Essences 8.05 4.31 4.35 4.31 4.45 4.41
Natures Organics 7.99 4.38 4.28 4.2 4.18 4.22
Schwarzkopf 7.84 4.33 3.98 4.17 4.19 4.15
Toni & Guy 7.81 4.26 3.78 4.11 4.44 4.33
Tresemme 7.81 4.28 4.04 4.17 4.08 4.06
Garnier 7.77 4.22 4.36 4.18 4.22 4.24
L'Oreal 7.76 4.2 4.04 4.22 4.22 4.28
Palmolive 7.70 4.13 4.13 4.08 4.15 4.25
Head and Shoulders 7.58 4.13 4 4.1 3.69 3.88
Sunsilk 7.57 4.14 3.94 4.12 4 4.06
Redken 7.42 4.16 3.6 3.88 3.92 4.16
Pantene 7.31 3.98 3.79 4.02 3.94 3.89
Alberto* 6.86 3.86 4 3.86 3.57 3
Other 8.03 4.4 3.96 4.4 4.42 4.2
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site