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Dry Hair? Problem Solved with These Drugstore Products

Dry hair is among the most frustrating of hair afflictions — hair that’s dry breaks, frizzes and takes on a shape of its own no matter how much heat you apply. It’s a vicious cycle really. Your dry strands are unruly, so you blast them with a hair dryer or flatiron. Then the heat dries out the hair even more.

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The only thing worse is losing your hair altogether.

After a decade of color-treating my long hair, I fight the battle of dry hair constantly. I’m always in search of an inexpensive conditioner that hydrates and stops the frizz. If you live in that world, it may take a few tries to find the best drugstore conditioner for you — but you can begin with these picks that come highly rated by the masses.

Best Drugstore Conditioners

My process for choosing these drugstore conditioner was fairly simple. I went to the Walmart and Target websites and sorted all the conditioners by best sellers. I’ve noted which products I’ve tried myself and also which showed up on both best-sellers lists.

1. Aussie Miracle Moist

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Aussie Miracle Moist earns the top spot as the best drugstore conditioner because it showed up on both store’s best-seller lists. Think of all the people that purchase hair conditioners from Target and Walmart — there’s something to be said for that cumulative wisdom.

The key ingredients here are avocado and Australian jojoba seed oil, which soften and moisturize your dry locks.

I’ve not tried this particular product, but I have used Aussie products on and off for years. I’ve found them to be a good value for the price.

2. Herbal Essences Smooth Rose Hips Conditioner

Rose hips, vitamin E, and jojoba extracts work together to add shine and silkiness to the hair in Herbal Essences Smooth Rose Hips Conditioner. This product has more than 600 reviews on Target.com with a nearly five-star rating. Users say the smell is amazing — I can vouch for that, too — and that the smoothing properties are excellent.

Due to its heavier texture, this conditioner is best suited for thicker or coarser hair.

3. VO5 Moisture Milks

Alberto VO5 is a mainstay in the drugstore hair care arena. This formula contains vitamin E, vitamin H, vitamin C, vitamin B5, vitamin B3 and soy proteins for moisturized, manageable hair.

I have used VO5 conditioners in the past and found they weren’t quite right for my very fine, color-treated hair. That’s not to say it won’t work fabulously for you, as it does for many Walmart shoppers. At less than $6 a bottle, you can’t beat the price and you’re not out too much if you don’t like it.

4. Suave Rosemary and Mint Conditioner

Next on the list is Suave Professionals Rosemary and Mint Conditioner — a $4 steal that mimics the more expensive Aveda Rosemary Mint product. And real users swear it works just as well, with a much smaller price tag. Expect an invigorating smell, plus detangling and moisturizing properties.

5. Kristin Ess The One Signature Conditioner

Admittedly, I’d never heard of this brand before I came across it on Target.com. My first impression just looking at the bottle is that it’s a quality product playing it cool with understated packaging — maybe that’s how it ended up being a Target best-seller. You gotta admit, right or wrong, we’ve all made buying decisions that way.

Most of the reviews say this stuff leaves hair silky and smooth. There are a few naysayers of course who don’t like it — but with 100-plus reviews, that’s to be expected.

One thing that comes up quite often in the reviews is the scent. This conditioner has a strong scent, which may or may not be your thing. If you love a lingering floral smell in your hair, give it a try and let us know what you think!

6. Dove Nutritive Solutions Intensive Repair Conditioner

This conditioner by Dove moisturizes and repairs damaged strands, thanks to a mysterious ingredient called Keratin Repair Actives. These little guys interact with damaged keratin to strengthen and repair the hair’s structure. So while you are moisturizing, you’re also helping to reverse hair damage. And all for less than $7!

If you liked this post, you’ll love our article about the best budget shampoos!

Kristopher Kaushal

Saturday 2nd of April 2016

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govt66

Wednesday 4th of November 2015

I have very dry hair - its about medium length...and boy does it get dry during the winter! I used argan oil too - but the best product i found that works for me is the Shielo Hydrate Conditioner. There is something is this conditioner that makes my hair soft like butter ! The biggest selling point is the bottle lasts a lot longer than other products I have tried. This is perfect if you have long hair like mine and quickly get through hair products!

Anne Williams

Wednesday 12th of February 2014

Argan oil conditioners are the best if you ask me, but REAL argan oil, not the cheap rip offs they sell at drugstores. I use the pro naturals brand, pricey but worth it.

Laura

Tuesday 24th of July 2012

I got a new conditioner online a week ago and it's been awesome so far :) It's not your regular drugstore conditioner, it's pricier but it's well worth it! Took care of my hair loss along with the dryness and damage (after I trimmed off the split ends). Really good, it's called pro naturals moroccan argan oil conditioner. Really recommend it!

askvivi

Tuesday 1st of May 2012

Thanks for the post! My hair is thick and curly and the best product I've used to take care of dryness is Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner, my hair is hydrated and healthy now, plus it's shinier than before :)

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