I’ve used Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner a few times now on my short hair. It leaves my hair soft without weighing it down, and I love the Hinoki scent, which stays in my hair after I’m out of the shower. I’m fine with the price, and I’d buy it again.
The short answer: at $45 for 250ml, you’re paying for the scent as much as the conditioning. If you love Hinoki, it’s an easy indulgence. If you just want soft hair, you can spend a lot less.
A luxury conditioner with a scent that lingers
Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner
A rich conditioner that leaves my short hair soft, with a Hinoki scent that stays in my hair.
Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner Review: Quick Verdict
This is a short-term review, since I’ve only used it a few times. So far, it does the two things I want: my hair feels soft, and it smells great for a while afterward.
Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner specs
| Spec | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $45 | |
| Size | 250ml (8.5 fl oz) | About $5.30 per ounce |
| Travel size | 85ml | |
| Scent | Hinoki | |
| Formula | Vegan ingredients | |
| Oils | Avocado, coconut, argan, and crambe seed | |
| Other notable ingredients | Amodimethicone (a silicone), panthenol, and fragrance | |
| Shelf life | 18 months after first use |
How It Works on Short Hair
My hair is short, and so far this conditioner has left it feeling soft and clean, without feeling heavy.
Le Labo calls this a rich conditioner and tells you to rinse it well, which is good advice. I can’t say how it would work on long, curly, or damaged hair, since that isn’t what I have.
What Does Hinoki Smell Like?
Hinoki is a Japanese cypress, and this is the part of the conditioner I love. Le Labo says the scent is inspired by the Buddhist temples of Mount Koya in Japan and the hinoki trees surrounding them.
The thing that stands out for me is that it stays in my hair. A lot of the value here comes from smelling it after your shower, not just during it.
Hinoki Conditioner vs. Hinoki Hair Mask
I bought the Le Labo Hinoki Hair Mask at the same time, and it left my hair softer than the conditioner. Le Labo says to leave the mask on for 3 to 5 minutes and use it once or twice a week, so the two make sense together.
Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner and Hair Mask specs
| Spec | Conditioner | Hair Mask |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $45 | $50 |
| Size | 250ml bottle | 250ml jar |
| Directions | Rinse well | Leave on 3 to 5 minutes, 1 to 2 times a week |
| Softness, for me | Soft | Softer |
What’s in It?
The first ingredients are water, fatty alcohols that condition hair, and behentrimonium chloride, a common conditioning agent. It also includes amodimethicone, a silicone that helps smooth hair, along with avocado, coconut, argan, and crambe seed oils.
None of that is unusual for a conditioner, so I wouldn’t buy this for a secret formula. The difference I care about is the scent. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, note that the list includes fragrance, limonene, and linalool. I didn’t find any systematic review that compares a conditioner like this one with cheaper options.
Is Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner Worth It?
For me, yes. The price doesn’t bother me, I have no complaints so far, and I’d buy it again.
Buy it if you love woody scents, you want the scent to stay in your hair, or you want a small luxury in your shower.
Skip it if you just want soft hair at a normal price, you avoid fragrance, or you have long or damaged hair and want a conditioner chosen for that.
Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner FAQ
How much is Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner?
It’s $45 for 250ml, or about $5.30 per ounce. Le Labo also sells an 85ml travel size.
Does the Le Labo Hinoki scent stay in your hair?
It does in mine. That’s one of the main things I like about it.
What does Le Labo Hinoki smell like?
Hinoki is a Japanese cypress. Le Labo says the scent was inspired by the temples and hinoki trees of Mount Koya in Japan.
Is Le Labo conditioner good for short hair?
It has been for me. It leaves my short hair soft without weighing it down.
Is Le Labo conditioner vegan?
Le Labo says it’s formulated with vegan ingredients.
Does Le Labo Hinoki Conditioner have silicone?
Yes. Its ingredient list includes amodimethicone, which is a silicone.
Should I buy the Le Labo conditioner or hair mask?
The mask left my hair softer, but Le Labo recommends using it only once or twice a week. The conditioner is the one meant for regular use.
