2025 has already delivered some serious wins in the world of haircare—and if there’s one product that’s earned its spot on our top shelf, it’s conditioner. From ultra-hydrating formulas to color-protecting heroes, this year’s conditioners have gone beyond basic to truly transform hair from the inside out.
Here’s a roundup of the best conditioners we’ve tried so far in 2025, including a few standout formulas from amika hair conditioners, Olaplex, Briogeo, and more that have quickly become staples in our routines.
1. amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner
If your hair is chronically thirsty (hello, winter dryness or bleach damage), Hydro Rush is a total lifesaver. Packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane, this conditioner delivers serious hydration without weighing down your hair. It makes a noticeable difference in softness after just one use, and over time, it helps restore elasticity and bounce. Ideal for dry, textured, or curly hair types, this is the one we reach for when our strands need a tall drink of water.
2. Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Still one of the gold standards for damaged hair, Olaplex No. 5 deserves a spot on this list. It’s formulated to rebuild broken bonds in the hair caused by chemical or heat damage. The texture is rich but not greasy, and it leaves hair stronger, smoother, and noticeably less frizzy. While it’s more of a reparative product than a daily go-to for everyone, it works wonders when your hair needs a reset.
3. amika Normcore Signature Conditioner
We love a good everyday conditioner—and Normcore is exactly that. It’s lightweight, smells amazing (like all amika products), and delivers just the right amount of moisture and detangling power for most hair types. With ingredients like sea buckthorn and coconut acid, it balances hydration without buildup, making it a favorite for fine to medium hair. If you’re not sure where to start, this is a great entry point into the amika world.
4. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Yes, it’s technically a mask, but it functions like a supercharged conditioner. Briogeo’s cult-favorite formula is loaded with algae extract, B-vitamins, and rosehip oil to boost shine and repair damage. We’ve used this weekly in place of a standard conditioner for an extra moisture surge, and the results speak for themselves—silkier, stronger hair that looks and feels healthier.
5. amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Conditioner
Frizz-prone hair? Velveteen Dream is your best friend. This smoothing conditioner is enriched with amino acids and sea buckthorn to fight humidity and tame flyaways while keeping hair soft and touchable. It’s especially helpful if you blow-dry or straighten your hair often—offering protection and smoothness without feeling heavy. We love using it before big events or on extra-humid days.
6. Pureology Hydrate Conditioner
Color-treated hair requires a little extra love, and Pureology Hydrate delivers with its sulfate-free, plant-based formula that protects color vibrancy while nourishing dry strands. With a cool minty sensation on the scalp and a rich, creamy consistency, this one brings the salon experience home. Bonus: it’s vegan and packed with antioxidants.
7. amika The Kure Bond Repair Conditioner
Rounding out our list is The Kure, amika’s answer to bond repair—and it’s impressive. Ideal for anyone with color-treated, processed, or heat-styled hair, this conditioner uses vegan bond cure technology to rebuild and fortify damaged strands. It works beautifully as a follow-up to The Kure shampoo or mask, but it also stands alone as a powerful recovery tool for stressed hair.
Whether you’re chasing hydration, repair, or frizz control, this year’s top conditioners are delivering results across the board. amika’s conditioners continue to impress with their balance of high performance and clean, vegan formulas—but we also love seeing other brands push the boundaries with innovative ingredients and treatments.
If 2025 is the year you finally upgrade your haircare routine, any one of these conditioners is a great place to start. Because when your conditioner works with your hair (and not just on it), the difference is undeniable.
