GQ contributor Timothy Beck Werth recently tested the entire line of Prose hair and skincare products. His conclusion? They definitely live up to the hype, though he said that for men specifically, the shampoo and conditioner will work best for guys with long hair, curly hair, or very specific hair care needs. We also love their fragrances, and that they over unscented versions, too.
The Best 2-in-1 Conditioner: Geologie Cooling Hair Co-Wash
Normally, we advise guys to steer clear of two-in-one shampoo and conditioners, but Geologie’s Co-Wash isn’t like any drugstore 2-in-1 you’ve tried before. This Co-Wash nabbed a GQ Grooming Award after its 2022 release, and some of our contributors still use it today. The Cooling version of the Co-Wash is packed with ingredients we love, with proven hydrators like squalane, tea tree to cleanse your scalp, and protein to support your cuticles. The end result is a product that supports your hair from the roots to the tips.
A good co-wash is also a good choice for guys with oily hair. It will effectively lift away excess oil, grime, and product buildup without over-stressing your strands. Doing so can even help temper that oil production, by limiting how frequently you parch the skin with shampoo. (Since your scalp responds to dryness with a boost in oil. Less dryness will equate to less oil, in the long haul.) This low-lather product cleanses your scalp and hydrates your hair, and it’s amazing how well it works, even when used sparingly. Thanks to tea tree oil, it can even help prevent dandruff and itchiness. Just be sure to follow the instructions instead of using it like a normal shampoo or conditioner.
The Best Conditioner for Coily Hair: Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Conditioner
In general, the curlier the curl, the more moisture you need—and continuously so. We recommend sticking with a leave-in conditioner for all tightly curled and coiled hair, as it provides more nonstop nourishment for texture, shine, and vitality. The best ones will also purport to help detangle hair easily and prevent further knotting.
But what about guys who prefer wash-out conditioners? This formula taps a combination of natural ingredients such as mafura oil, manuka honey, fig extract, and baobab oil to restore damaged hair and keep it hydrated over the long term. For best results, leave this conditioner in your hair for at least three minutes while you shower.
The Best Conditioner for Frizzy Hair: Evo Mane Tamer
If frizz is ruining your look, then your hair conditioner should prioritize smoothing and moisture. Yeah, we see these words a lot in this department, but imagine your hair with a lack of those two words: It’s teased, tousled, dry. Then, picture the Before & After with hair that is shiny, smooth, and all tamed into place, and you’ll understand why this combination is so important.
Evo’s formula locks in moisture, thwarts heat and humidity, and delivers a shiny, salon-caliber smoothness to even the most dry, damaged, or color-dyed strands.
The Scalp-Tingling Conditioner: Tea Tree Special Conditioner
If you’re dealing with too much oil, dandruff, or scalp itch, then you’ll enjoy the cooling, tingling sensation you get from this Tea Tree conditioner. Regular washing is probably more imperative for oily-haired individuals since your overactive scalp helps to nourish the strands with its persistent sebum production. Still, you should not overlook conditioner, especially following each wash. In fact, you’re a prime candidate for a co-wash, like the brand’s excellent Lavendr Mint Co-Wash. You should also consider the brand’s Tea Tree Special.
Tea Tree is known for its scalp tingling shampoos and conditioners, and the brand’s Special Conditioner includes its signature combination of lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil. And because tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, it can help men with dandruff and damaged scalps.
The Best Conditioner for Oily Hair: Huron Smooth & Nourish Conditioner
Huron’s shampoo made the cut in my guide to the best men’s shampoo, and if you picked up a bottle already, get the matching conditioner. This product really shines for oily hair types, cutting down on grease without leaving your hair overly dry. Huron’s conditioner is packed with heavy hitters, including biotin (for thinning hair), wheat protein (for damaged hair), argan oil (for shine), and aloe and shea butter (for moisture).
The Best Conditioner for Thinning Hair: Keeps Thickening Conditioner
Now, if your hair is thinning, no matter its natural texture, you’re probably wanting to preserve as much fullness as you can—even if there’s a little smoke and mirrors happening. Look for a conditioner that adds texture and density to each strand, for an overall effect of more uniform, mass fullness.
When you’re done messing around with thinning hair, it’s time to invest in proven treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. And if you want to give your hair the best possible chance of remaining on your scalp where it belongs, you can supplement it with a biotin conditioner like this one from Keeps. With ingredients for both your hair and your scalp, this conditioner works on multiple levels to help guys with thinning hair.
The Best Conditioner for Short Hair: David Mallett Conditioner Pure
If your hair is short—and if you intend to keep it short—then you don’t have to care about its health for the long haul as much. Still, that doesn’t mean you should neglect it, either. But this is a good chance to use something that plays to your texture or oily/dryness level. You’re also in a prime place to use a conditioner that suits the most general wide-cast net; nourish those strands after each wash, bottom line, so that you have cooperative, healthy, frizz-free hair on the regular.