Words: Zoe Dickens
You spend hours in front of the mirror carefully sculpting and shaping your hair – but does it really need to take that long? Taming unruly locks is a simple task if you get the basics right and yet so many men don’t. Consider your shower routine for a minute. Along with the obvious, it probably includes shampoo (if you’re using a 2-in-1 hair and body wash stop immediately) but does it also feature conditioner?
Often considered necessary only for longer hair or as a product for women, if you’re not using a good conditioner you’re missing out. Not only will conditioner hydrate over-managed hair, it will also reduce static, get curly manes under control and keep locks healthy and strong – necessary if you’re worried about thinning or hair loss. The bottom line is, a good product is worth the extra couple of minutes it will add to your morning routine. Here are the best conditioners for men…
Best hydrating conditioner: Grown Alchemist Nourishing Conditioner 0.6
As the name suggests, Australian grooming brand Grown Alchemist takes an ingredient-led, science-backed approach to its products – with some seriously impressive results. Eliminating harsh chemicals in favour of effective natural ingredients, its nourishing conditioner blends camomile, lavender and myrtle extracts with green tea antioxidants and Vitamins A and K to promote circulation, moisturise the scalp and soothe brittle locks for instant improvements to hair health.
Best thickening conditioner: Aveda Invati Advanced Thickening Conditioner
Thinning hair is nothing to be embarrassed about – it happens to all men to some degree. It is, unfortunately, an inevitable sign of ageing. As always, however, prevention is better than cure so if you’re starting to notice your hair becoming finer, now is the time to start using thickening products. A long-time salon favourite for its powerful formulations, Aveda’s newest Invati range offers just that. As well as Ayurvedic herbs and soy protein, its thickening conditioner contains naturally derived amino acids which mimic the building blocks of hair, serving to thicken each individual strand and protect them from breakage.
Best volumising conditioner: Mauli Grow Strong Conditioner
Hair feeling a little flat and lacklustre? Step away from the gel and pick up a bottle of volumising conditioner instead. Chances are your limp locks are due to dryness and broken strands, rather than an ineffective styling product, and a targeted conditioned can do wonders to fix the problem. Mauli’s Grow Strong conditioner boasts a nourishing formula containing turmeric, basil and patchouli which repairs structure, strengthens hair fibres and leaves hair feeling thick and healthy.
Best leave-in conditioner: Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
If you’re in need of some serious intense hydration then a leave-in conditioner is the answer you’ve probably never considered. Enriched with tamarind seed extract, panthenol and Vitamin E, Ouai’s leave-in spray uses a high-tech blend of amino acids and hydrolysed proteins to keep frizz at bay, protect hair structure and moisturise hair long after you step out of the shower. Simply spritz on to damp hair post shower and leave it to do its thing.
Best all-round conditioner: Baxter Daily Fortifying Conditioner
If you don’t need a conditioner that targets a specific concern but still want all the moisturising and strengthening benefits of a potent product, this Daily Fortifying Conditioner from California-based brand Baxter is a great choice. Formulated with wheat protein, Vitamin E and coconut extract, and finished with an invigorating fresh mint scent, it promises to smooth and soften hair while retaining its natural nutrients and is gentle enough to use every day.
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