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The 9 Best Conditioners for Fine Hair, According to Expert Hairstylists
All the hydration and detangling, no greasy mess
More than other hair types, fine hair tends to look oily or greasy, which seriously works against your plans for high volume. And the process of harnessing the most bounce and body from fine hair starts with your shampoo and conditioner. It can be tempting to go all in on rich, heavy formulas, but hairstylist Gina Rivera says that lightweight conditioners are best for fine hair. "Fine hair typically doesn't have very much body. It's limper and more lifeless," she explains. Therefore, she says, "Heavier conditioners will weigh the hair down. Lightweight conditioners will help with body and volume."
Still, you need your conditioner to, well, condition your hair. Ahead, we've rounded up nine of the best conditioners for fine hair that not only soften and detangle hair, but won't weigh it down in the process.
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Rivera says this conditioner is "lightweight, extremely moisturizing, and adds volume to fine hair." And because it's not too thick or rich, it won't weigh down fine hair or make it look oily, while still softening and adding body thanks to the thickening Filloxane.
Best for: All hair types and textures, especially fine hair
Size: 10.1 oz
Customer Review:
"I am a senior with thinning hair. After using this product one time, I was able to see great results. My hair was full of volume!" —Margaret
Rivera also recommends this conditioner from Aveda, which features soybean and jojoba oils to nourish hair without weighing it down, and is spiked with white vinegar to leave hair looking extra shiny.
Best for: Fine to medium hair
Size: 8.5 oz
Customer Review:
"I had used the Aveda Rosemary and Mint Weightless Conditioner in the past in had forgotten just how good it is. I’ve recently started using it again and my hair and scalp feel wonderful and my hair is so shiny. The fragrance if fabulous too, and as my hair is long it is a very good detangler." —Tyna_s
Among famous fine-hair-haver Taylor Swift's post-show essentials? Christophe Robin's volumizing shampoo and conditioner, coincidentally named "Delicate" like the superstar's 2017 single. We suspect the products earned her seal of approval thanks to their gentle volumizing and softening powers, as well as their soft rose fragrance.
Best for: All hair types and textures
Size: 6.7 oz
Customer Review:
"This is an amazing conditioner. Light, gives gentle volume. Leaves hair silky and shiny with no weighing down. Great for colored hair. Lovely rose scent." —NatashaNYC
A personal favorite, this conditioner has nourishing ingredients like vegan keratin, cupuaçu butter, and castor oil to keep hair frizz-free and soft, without ever feeling heavy or cloying. I'm also obsessed with Ceremonia's signature scent, which doesn't smell "hair product"-like at all.
Best for: Fine and thin hair
Size: 8.45 oz
Customer Review:
"I have thinning or fine hair and it’s also very processed so using a conditioner that contains good oils helps to keep my hair from overly drying out. The conditioner has a slight scent to it that isn’t strong although I can’t make out what it is. More of a clean and refreshing scent. I massage it into my strands and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing and my hair feels so smooth afterwards. This is also a very nice looking bottle with a pump. I also have the shampoo that goes with this conditioner so I would recommend getting it as a set."
Ouai's products are thoughtfully categorized by hair type, and this cult-fave conditioner is precisely what those with fine hair are looking for. It's not too heavy, has great slip to help with detangling, and smells fantastic.
Best for: Fine hair, all textures
Size: 10 oz
Customer Review:
"Leaves my fine hair soft and bouncy and doesn't weigh my hair down. I use the shampoo for fine hair as well and both deliver exactly what they promise. Totally worth the expense. Has a subtle fresh scent that I love!" —TulaVonGretchen
This formula stars something called the H4 Complex, which focuses on four key signs of hair health: strength, elasticity, shine, and moisture. Olivia, a 20-something New Yorker with fine hair, says it "makes my hair feel and, I think, look thicker."
Best for: Fine and thin hair, damaged hair
Size: 13.5 oz
Customer Review:
"If you have baby, fine hair that breaks off easily, this is for you. I've been using it for almost a year now, and my hair looks much healthier. My hair isn't breaking off like it was. My hair is longer than it's been in years. I highly recommend this conditioner with the shampoo, and the spray that you leave on after you get out of the shower. Well worth the money." —Tammy
Writer Randa Sakallah likes Amika's conditioner, part of the brand's Big Hit product trio that promises 2.3 times more volume that lasts all day. It's also silicone-free and suitable for chemically treated hair,
Best for: Fine to medium hair, 1-3A
Size: 9.2 oz
Customer Review:
"I’m in love! I bought the shampoo first.. then conditioner 2 weeks later. Amazing results! I have thin curly hair and straighten it daily. After blow drying I have incredible volume and it’s silky without being oily!" —Onspetals
Beauty writer Anne-Marie Guarnieri recommends this formula from Kevin Murphy. It's packed with good-for-hair ingredients like strengthening rice amino acids, antioxidant-rich acai extract, and densifying ginger root and nettle extracts, plus it leaves hair ultra-shiny.
Best for: Fine, thin, and mature hair
Size: 8.4 oz
Customer Review:
"Excellent moisturizer. My hair is shoulder length and I only need about a pencil eraser size of conditioner so very economincal and it works really well as does the Volume Shampoo. It leaves my hair smooth, soft and shiny and I think the value for the money is extraordinary. The body in my lifeless hair is fantastic and I'm so glad that my hair stylist recommended the product." —Peaches328
Another product I go back to over and over, this silicone-free conditioner (it relies on hemisqualane instead) adds shine, volume, and hydration without feeling heavy. I also appreciate the recyclable aluminum packaging,
Best for: Fine, thin hair
Size: 10 oz
Customer Review:
"I picked this up on a whim and it did NOT disappoint. I have curly hair. The amount of conditioner I have to use just to moisturize by hair is a lot. However, I used just a little of this conditioner and it coated my WHOLE long haired head. I also use JVN Air Dry Hair Cream. My curls last for days. I will definitely buy again!!' —Jenn2today
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Conditioner If You Have Fine Hair?
Yes, fine hair still needs conditioner—and not just for maintaining moisture. "Fine hair can be more fragile and easier to tangle and prone to breakage," stresses Rivera. "Using a light conditioner specifically made for fine hair will help moisturize the hair and will make it easier to comb through and add volume."
Why Do Some Conditioners Weigh Down Fine Hair?
It's all about finding the proper formula for your hair type. Some conditioners are simply too rich for finer hair. "Heavier deep conditioners typically contain oils, silicone, and/or waxes which can weigh the hair down, especially if your hair is fine," explains Rivera. Instead, choose a product specifically made for fine hair, like those listed above; they're not only lightweight, but they'll help with detangling, shine, and overall hair health too.
Meet the Expert:
- Gina Rivera is a hair artist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites in White Plains, New York.
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