Editor’s tip: Use a hair comb to distribute the product evenly from mid-shaft to ends, and leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing.
Key ingredients: glycerin, argan oil, hydrolyzed quinoa | Fragrance-free: no | Silicone-free: no
Best for Shine: Joico JoiFULL Volumizing Conditioner
Why we love it: Joico JoiFULL Volumizing Conditioner could be the Goldilocks of conditioners for fine hair: deeply hydrating but not heavy, nourishing yet weightless, and volumizing without buildup. “The airy, lightweight texture of this conditioner is packed with rice protein to strengthen hair without making it stiff. It’s perfect for a boost of hydration without getting greasy, thanks to lotus flower adding soft shine. My clients tell me their hair feels noticeably thicker and more voluminous without sacrificing movement,” says Kendall Koehler, hairstylist and owner of Mayhem Boutique Salon in Austin, Texas. Another thing that sets this conditioner apart is its SmartRelease Technology, which keeps working long after you rinse. It slowly releases nourishing ingredients throughout the day, helping to protect hair from styling, heat, and all the daily stressors life throws at it.
Editor’s tip: Formulated with amino acids, it strengthens and thickens strands, giving fine, limp hair that fuller, bouncier feel with a noticeable lift.
Key ingredients: rice protein, bamboo extract, lotus flower | Fragrance-free: no | Silicone-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best conditioner for fine hair?
Fine hair isn’t just about volume—it can also be prone to brittleness, dryness, and breakage, so the right conditioner needs to do more than just add body. “It should strengthen, hydrate, and boost volume for long-term hair health,” says Dickson.
If you’re looking to strengthen hair, consider conditioners with “ginger root that can enhance the individual hair shaft diameter while soothing the scalp, pea peptides that are a weightless hair strengthener, and walnut oil, which lightly strengthens and protects while adding shine,” she says. For hydration, “aloe vera is your go-to for deep moisture and softness, while glycerin acts like a moisture magnet, keeping hair hydrated without making them feel heavy,” she says.
Be mindful of volumizing conditioners, as not all are created equal. “Many volumizing products actually focus on chelating the hair to create instant volume and lift—I call these ‘quick-fix’ products,” Dickson says. “They work great at first but can physically weaken and compromise the hair over time.” Instead, if fullness and bounce are the goal, she recommends looking for humectants for lightweight hydration.
Should fine hair not use conditioner?
Fine, flat hair absolutely needs conditioner—but the right kind and how often you use it are key. Skipping conditioner can leave fine hair dry, tangled, and prone to breakage, but using the wrong one can weigh it down. “Fine hair can be more fragile, so it’s essential to use conditioners with lightweight proteins to help maintain the hair’s elasticity,” says Rivera.