How to Choose a Conditioner

Conditioner replenishes moisture, detangles, and smooths the hair cuticle after shampooing. Choosing the right conditioner for your hair type is essential for healthy, manageable hair.

Types of Conditioners

Rinse-Out Conditioner

The standard conditioner applied after shampooing and rinsed out. Provides daily hydration and detangling. Suitable for most hair types.

Deep Conditioner

Intensive treatment used once a week or every other week. Provides deep hydration and repair. Best for dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair.

Leave-In Conditioner

Applied to damp hair and not rinsed out. Provides ongoing hydration and detangling throughout the day. Great for dry or curly hair.

Cleansing Conditioner (Co-Wash)

Combines cleansing and conditioning in one step. Gentle enough for frequent use. Popular for curly and dry hair types.

Choosing by Hair Type

Fine Hair

• Lightweight formulas that don't weigh hair down
• Volumizing conditioners
• Apply mainly to ends, avoid roots

Thick or Coarse Hair

• Richer, more emollient formulas
• Moisturizing conditioners
• Can handle heavier products

Dry Hair

• Intensely moisturizing formulas
• Ingredients like shea butter, oils, ceramides
• Deep conditioning treatments weekly

Oily Hair

• Lightweight, oil-free formulas
• Apply only to mid-lengths and ends
• Avoid heavy, creamy conditioners

Curly or Coily Hair

• Rich, creamy formulas
• Moisturizing and defining properties
• Leave-in conditioners for ongoing hydration
• Deep conditioning regularly

Damaged or Color-Treated Hair

• Repairing or reconstructing formulas
• Proteins and amino acids
• Color-safe conditioners for treated hair
• Deep conditioning treatments

Key Ingredients to Look For

Humectants

Attract moisture to hair:

• Glycerin
• Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5)
• Hyaluronic acid

Emollients

Smooth and soften hair:

• Natural oils (argan, coconut, jojoba)
• Shea butter
• Silicones (dimethicone)

Proteins

Strengthen and repair:

• Hydrolyzed keratin
• Silk proteins
• Wheat proteins

How to Condition Properly

1. After shampooing, squeeze excess water from hair
2. Apply conditioner mainly to mid-lengths and ends
3. Avoid applying to scalp if you have fine or oily hair
4. Leave on for 1-3 minutes (or as directed)
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water

Common Mistakes

• Using too much product
• Applying to roots (can weigh hair down)
• Not rinsing thoroughly
• Using the wrong conditioner for your hair type
• Skipping conditioner (even oily hair needs it)

How Often to Condition

Most people should condition every time they shampoo. Those with very dry or curly hair may benefit from conditioning between shampoo days.

When to Switch Conditioners

Consider switching if:

• Your hair feels heavy or limp
• Your hair feels dry or brittle
• You notice buildup
• Your hair's needs have changed (season, color treatment, etc.)

The right conditioner makes a significant difference in hair health and appearance. Take time to find the formula that works best for your hair type and needs.