The best conditioners for curly hair

Why you'll love it: The Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner cleans and conditions hair without stripping strands of essential moisture or vibrant dye.

Unwash makes products for all hair types, but many of the brand's products are especially excellent for curls. I personally like the Bio-Cleansing Conditioner. It's a co-wash that cleanses and conditions strands in one go (but it's not a shampoo).

The product boasts a "unique formula" that "attracts and removes daily dirt and surface build-up without stripping hair of its healthy, natural oils." It cuts down on frizz and helps create defined ringlets with minimal post-shower styling required.

This non-stripping, nourishing effect makes this an especially good choice for color-treated hair. The product claims to "[lock] in natural oils & color," so it contributes to keeping dyed hair vibrant and well hydrated. Unlike many conditioners, this one can be used on the scalp as well to access the full cleansing benefits.

Ulta shoppers rate the product 4.5 stars, based on 181 reviews, and it's been featured by Allure and Into the Gloss.

"This is the first cleaning conditioner I have tried (have used 5-6) that didn't leave my hair weighed down or very brittle. My hair was damaged 8 months ago from bleaching. I never thought my hair would look or act like it did before the damage till this conditioner. This leaves my curly hair soft and bouncy again and not weighed down," writes one shopper.

Pros: Cleanses and conditions, non-stripping, free of sulfates and parabens, can be used on color-treated hair

Cons: Expensive

Buy Unwash Bio-cleansing Conditioner at Ulta for $29

Why you'll love it: The Kristin Ess Frizz Management Cleansing Conditioner is an affordable option that works as well as its salon-branded counterparts.

Kristin Ess products are a delight to use, with sleek packaging and a nice floral scent. Plus everything in the range (besides the recently-launched electronic tools) costs less than $15 at Target.

My most recent fave is the Kristin Ess Frizz Management Cleansing Conditioner — and not just because of the photogenic pink packaging. It’s a creamy, lightweight cleansing conditioner that combats frizz and humidity and whisks away dirt and buildup while retaining moisture in just one step.

"The best cleansing conditioner! I have curly hair that needs extra care and no shampoo. This is a quality conditioner that cleanses and is affordable," writes one Target shopper. "My daughter has very thick, curly hair. She loves this and said it feels much softer since using this. I love the dry shampoo too!" says another.

Racked writer Tanisha Pina also gives the product high marks.

Pros: Affordable, cleanses and conditions, good for all curl types

Cons: Strong fragrance, can be hard to get product out of packaging

Buy Kristin Ess Frizz Management Cleansing Conditioner at Target for $14

Why you'll love it: The DevaCurl One Condition Delight Weightless Waves Conditioner is light enough to use on fine, loose curls.

If you find most conditioners geared toward curls too weighty, you might like the DevaCurl One Condition Delight Weightless Waves Conditioner.

It’s a lighter version of the original One Condition that I love to use when my hair is shorter to encourage volume without causing my ringlets to fall flat.

One Condition Delight utilizes rice protein, lotus flower, and chia and flaxseed to hydrate, detangle, and fight frizz. It’s ideal for wavy hair or looser curls that aren’t super tightly coiled.

"I love this conditioner. I started using the conditioner for curly hair, and liked it, but this one is lighter and makes my wavy/curly hair really curl nicely," writes one Ulta reviewer.

Weightless Waves has an overall 4.3-star rating on the retailer’s site, based on 120 reviews. It’s also been featured by Byrdie.

Pros: Lightweight, good for waves or loose curls, not heavy

Cons: Expensive

Buy DevaCurl One Condition Delight Weightless Waves Conditioner at Ulta for $46

Why you'll love it: The Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner is a more intensely hydrating option for thick, dry curls.

Some hair types benefit from deep conditioners that are thicker and more hydrating. The Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner is a solid pick for coarse, tight curls.

Formulated with algae extract and wheat amino acids that "help to seal hair's cuticle, locking in the moisture curls need," this conditioner is powerful enough to hydrate dry, brittle ringlets and cut down on frizz. If you find most conditioners for curls too lightweight, this could be a great option.

This conditioner has been recommended by Naturally Curly and has a 4.4 Ulta rating based on 134 reviews. "I used it as a conditioner which I rinsed out after 30 minutes and then used it as a leave in conditioner. It changed my very coarse hair into soft manageable hair."

Pros: Very moisturizing, great for dry and coarse curl types

Cons: Expensive

Buy Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner at Ulta for $50