In theory, all conditioners should do just that — condition your hair so that your scalp is hydrated and your strands are silky and smooth. But some hair products continue to use less-than-stellar ingredients and fillers that can actually end up drying and damaging your hair over time.
Always read labels if you’re unsure of a product’s reputation — and always skip it if it contains this ingredient.
Alcohol
Not all alcohols are the same, and some can actually help dry hair and scalps, according to Web MD. But the ones that should be avoided are the “prop” alcohols: isopropyl, propanol, propyl, and SD alcohol 40.
Another ingredient that you shouldn’t use on dry, sensitive scalps is fragrance. Even if that conditioner smells like heaven, the artificial fragrances used to create a pleasant smell are drying, sensitizing, and can cause dermatitis and contribute to scalp, dry skin.
It’s always a better idea to stick with natural conditioners that have a fresh fragrance courtesy of essential oils like coconut oil.
Wondering which conditioners are great for a dry scalp? Search for natural ingredients like tea tree oil, coconut oil, witch hazel, and even apple cider vinegar — all of which help relieve dry skin and balance the oils on your head.
A great option is Wow Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Hair Conditioner, a hydrating duo designed with top-notch ingredients like apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and coconut oil. The kicker: it boasts more than 14,000 reviews from customers who can vouch for its hydrating, volume-boosting powers.