The best baby hair conditioner you can buy

Publish date: 2024-06-25
2019-06-28T13:13:32Z

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As a mom of two, I understand that choosing a hair conditioner for your baby comes down to four essential criteria: ingredients, purpose, fragrance, and cost. I personally wanted to find a baby hair conditioner that was made with natural ingredients that would be gentle on my babies' skin.

But how do you know if products that claim to be made with natural ingredients are actually good? How do you know if it de-knots or soothes frizzy hair? And is it perfect for sensitive skin?

I found answers to all of these questions as I researched the best baby conditioners you can buy. I've also used all of these products with my own children.

Here are the best baby conditioners you can buy in 2019:

The best overall

Amazon

The California Baby Calendula Hair Conditioner soothes and shines all hair types with its super gentle natural ingredients, and you only need a small amount each time so it lasts longer.

I adore the California Baby Calendula Hair Conditioner. I first discovered it when my daughter's fine hair had become brittle and frizzy. I needed something gentle, that detangled knots easily, and controlled the growing frizz.

A few mom friends used California Baby, so I gave it a try. Within one wash, I noticed a big difference in my daughter's hair. Her once dry curls rejuvenated with a glossy shine.

Another thing I loved was all the natural and organic ingredients. The baby conditioner is free from parabens, sulfates, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances. The main ingredient is the organic calendula flower, grown in Santa Barbara, California.

I also recommend the matching California Baby Calendula Shampoo. The baby shampoo and conditioner combo is affordable and lasts a long time. Plus, you don't have to worry about what's in the products.

Tons of people love California Baby conditioner. One reviewer said, "Love this conditioner. My daughter has a sensitive scalp (she still had cradle cap at 2 years old). This is the only conditioner that got rid of her cradle cap and haven't used anything else since."

It truly is a great smelling and exceptional baby conditioner that won't harm your little cutie, yet leaves her hair soft and silky.

Pros: All natural, safe, gentle, perfect for sensitive skin, long lasting, detangler, made in the USA

Cons: None

Check price at Amazon Check price at California Baby

The best for curls

Target

The Shea Moisture Mango and Carrot Extra-Nourishing Conditioner is a gentle and safe conditioner perfect for curly locks and zapping hair with extra moisture.

The Shea Moisture Mango and Carrot Extra-Nourishing Conditioner smoothes and moisturizes your baby's hair, working out knots while nourishing and strengthening hair. You can use the conditioner for people of all ages from babies to adults.

All of the ingredients are natural, and some are certified organic, making it an excellent choice for those who shy away from harmful chemicals. It's naturally scented with mango, carrot, and orange blossom extract. I found the scent mild, but some reviewers found it overpowering. 

While it's great for curls, it's also nourishing for dry and brittle hair. If you like the conditioner, they offer a matching shampoo. I even had a mom friend tell me she loves the Shea Moisture Baby Shampoo with argan oil for herself and baby. For those who don't want a conditioner but curling cream after the bath, the company has a hibiscus curling cream that works well.

You can find Shea Moisture conditioner at most major retailers, so it's widely available and reviewed. On average it receives a 4.2 out of 5-stars on Target and 4 out 5-stars on Amazon.

One Target reviewer said: "Smells amazing! My daughter has thick curly hair that always tangles. This shampoo leaves her hair soft and bouncy." If you want a conditioner that nourishes curls and dry hair and doesn't hurt the wallet, Shea Moisture conditioner does the job right.

Pros: Cost-effective, nourishing for dry hair, organic ingredients, protects curls

Cons: Strong smell, not as pure as other natural conditioners

Buy the Shea Moisture Mango and Carrot Extra-Nourishing Conditioner at Target for $8.79

The best detangler

Amazon

The Little Twig Detangling Conditioner is perfect for detangling baby locks naturally.

As I was perusing reviews about baby conditioners, I stumbled across quite a few that mentioned the Conditioning Detangler by Little Twig. I was intrigued by the great reviews, so I ordered some to try.

I was amazed by how quickly it flew through my daughter's rumpled hair from a long day at daycare. In seconds, her hair was smooth and unknotted.

After the bath, combing her hair was a cinch. It is safe, gentle, and effective. The texture is soft and creamy, and a little goes a long way. All of the ingredients are natural and mostly made up of certified organic essential oils, aloe vera, and calendula. You can leave the conditioner in or rinse-out.

Some reviewers mentioned using the conditioner more on wet hair than dry hair. For more fine hair, rinsing it out is better. I found that if you use too much, the hair is slightly oilier than average.

You can use the detangler conditioner for infants, all the way up to adults. I tried it and worked pretty well. You only need a small amount, and it has a subtle natural tangerine scent. If you prefer other scents, the company also offers calming lavender and berry pomegranate.

Pros: Safe, gentle, effective, excellent detangler, natural ingredients, certified organic

Cons: Better on wet hair

Buy the Berry Pomegranate Little Twig Conditioning Detangler on Amazon for $6.44

The best for the whole family

Amazon

Nature's Baby Organics Conditioner & Detangler is an all-natural conditioner that the entire family can use.

When it comes to finding a baby conditioner you love for your baby and one you love for yourself, you won't be disappointed with Nature's Baby Organics Conditioner & Detangler.

You only need a small dollop for your little one and a more substantial dollop for yourself. The conditioner is nourishing and packed with good stuff like organic aloe, organic calendula, and chamomile.

The natural scents are luxurious, appealing, and unique. You can choose from coconut pineapple and vanilla tangerine. All of the ingredients are vegan, never tested on animals, and as natural as possible.

The company was started by parents who wanted better choices for their kids, and it shows in the small list of ingredients.

If you care about choosing a company that gives back, then you'll love Nature Baby even more. The company has partnered with Moms Against Poverty (MAPS). For every purchase made through the online store, Nature Baby matches it by giving products to needy families.

Pros: Organic and natural ingredients, vegan, pleasant scents, suitable for the whole family, gives back

Cons: Higher priced than some conditioners

Buy the Nature's Baby Organic Conditioner & Detangler on Amazon for $16.99

The best scents

The Honest Company

The Honest Baby Conditioner is by far the best smelling natural conditioner you can buy for your baby's hair.

Honest Baby Conditioner comes in some incredible all natural scents. My favorite is the lavender with its baby calming abilities. Now, who doesn't want a relaxed kiddo right before bedtime? But if you prefer another scent, the company has sweet orange vanilla, sweet almond, or fragrance-free.

While the scents are incredible, you don't have to worry about them coming from synthetic sources or layered in harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, or preservatives. The conditioner is natural and made as pure as possible.

Plus, it untangles hair nicely, and never leaves a greasy residue on your babies hair. You can purchase the conditioner by itself or subscribe to the Family Essentials Bundle, which includes up to five personal care products. This results in about a 35% discount off the regular price. Also, if you subscribe to their Diaper Bundle, you can add the conditioner for a discount as well.

Many parents adore Honest products, and the conditioner is no exception. One verified Target buyer said: "First time using honest company products and I am impressed! Smells amazing & love that there are no synthetic fragrances. Using this stopped my baby from itching his head at night after 1 use. and made his hair so soft." The gentle, hypoallergenic conditioner makes bathtime easy and fun.

Pros: Smells fantastic, all natural, hypoallergenic, no harmful chemicals, discounts when you bundle

Cons: Dries hair some

Buy the Honest Baby Conditioner on Honest Co. for $9.95

spanspana href="https://www.aroshay.com/"Amber Roshay/a is an experienced content marketing writer and educator. Since uprooting from the mountains of Arizona to the beaches of California, her writing has appeared on several websites covering many topics. While she’s up for any project, she specializes in health and wellness, education, and parenting. /span/span Amber Roshay Freelance Writer Amber Roshay is an experienced content marketing writer and educator. Since uprooting from the mountains of Arizona to the beaches of California, her writing has appeared on several websites covering many topics. While she’s up for any project, she specializes in health and wellness, education, and parenting. Read more Read less

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