CONDITIONER MAY SEEM like one of those superfluous grooming products that’s the first to go when you’re in a time crunch. You’ve already washed your hair, so why double up, right? Think again. The best hair conditioners for men perform an important and necessary task in your hair care and showering routine, especially if you have dry hair or an itchy scalp, by hydrating the underlying skin and adding moisture to your mane.

In fact, conditioners are especially crucial for men. "Most men shampoo their hair daily, or more frequently than women, causing their hair to become dry," says celebrity hairstylist Ryan Richman. "Shampooing cleanses your hair, but it can also strip it of natural oils that keep your hair healthy and shiny. Using conditioner will help smooth the cuticle and replace moisture."

As a general rule, you should really be using a conditioner every time you shampoo to avoid your hair getting dry or frizzy. Besides just keeping your scalp moisturized, the best conditioners for men can also pump up the volume and give your hair a thicker appearance. So if hair loss or thinning hair is a concern for you, consider one a necessity (and look for lightweight versions that say volumizing or thickening on the label).

But even if your hair is low-key thick and you've never struggled with dryness, a stellar conditioner is still crucial in not only continuing to avoid these developments, but also maintaining the health of your hair overall. Of course, everybody's hair is different so the best conditioners for men should be chosen based on your specific hair type and what it needs.