How to Use Conditioner for Hair

Washing your hair regularly helps remove dirt and accumulated dandruff, but it also strips away essential natural oils. In addition, frequent use of heat styling tools, chemicals, and environmental factors can leave your hair dry, frizzy, and damaged. Fortunately, this can be easily remedied by using conditioner. There are three main types of conditioners: regular conditioners, leave-in conditioners, and deep conditioners, each of which plays a role in giving your hair a smooth and attractive shine.

Choose a conditioner that suits your hair type. Use regular conditioner every time you shower, right after washing your hair with shampoo. This type of conditioner helps repair damage caused by heat, chemicals, and everyday wear and tear. Select a conditioner that targets your hair's specific needs; whether your hair is curly, dry, damaged, or weak, there is a conditioner formulated to improve each type of hair.

Shampoo your hair. Follow your usual shower routine. You will apply conditioner after shampooing, so start by washing and cleansing both your scalp and hair with your favorite shampoo. Focus especially on your scalp and avoid tugging too hard on your hair while washing, as this can cause damage to the roots and lead to hair breakage.

Rinse out the shampoo. Although it might feel uncomfortable, rinse your hair with the coldest water you can tolerate. Cold water is gentler on your hair than hot water and helps tighten the hair shaft, preventing breakage. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly with cold water, and be careful not to pull at the strands when working your fingers through your hair. When your hair feels squeaky clean, that means the shampoo is fully rinsed out.

Towel dry your hair. If your hair is too wet, the conditioner will be washed away immediately and won't have time to affect your hair. You don't need to towel dry too much if you have short hair. However, if you have long hair, take a moment to dry it as much as possible.

Apply conditioner. Pour a small amount of conditioner into your palm; the amount depends on your hair length, about the size of a coin for hair that reaches your chin or shorter. If your hair is very long, you might need to fill your palm with conditioner. Apply the conditioner to the ends of your hair, trying to distribute it evenly throughout each strand. You should only apply conditioner to the ends, as this part is the weakest (the oldest part of your hair). Applying conditioner near your scalp or roots could clog hair follicles, slow down hair growth, and increase oil production.

Let the conditioner soak into your hair. This step is up to you; the longer you leave it in, the more effective the conditioner will be. If you're in a hurry, you can rinse it off almost immediately, but doing so will not provide the soft and shiny results that conditioner is known for. Try to leave it in, and in the meantime, you can do something else like washing your face or taking a shower. Once you're done, rinse your hair gently with water for the best results.

Rinse out the conditioner. Try to use the coldest water you can tolerate. As mentioned earlier, cold water is better for your hair's health. Spend a few minutes thoroughly rinsing out the conditioner; if your hair still feels "slippery," it means the conditioner hasn't been fully washed out. When your hair feels smooth and no longer slippery, your hair is clean! Gently towel dry, and you've completed the conditioning step.

Choose a dry conditioner for your hair type. Just like regular conditioner, there are many options for dry conditioners based on your specific needs. Dry conditioners come in two main forms: cream and spray. The cream variety works best for thick, long, or curly hair as it helps weigh the strands down slightly. The spray form is better for fine or straight hair, as it's lighter and less heavy.

Shampoo and condition your hair. It's helpful to establish a daily hair care routine for yourself. Dry conditioner doesn't require rinsing (just as the name suggests), but it should only be used on damp hair. Follow the instructions above to wash and rinse your hair, then towel dry it so it's just slightly damp.

Dispense a small amount of serum into your palm. Most products recommend using a pea-sized amount for medium-length hair with average thickness, but this can vary depending on your hair. You may tend to use more than needed, so try starting with less than you think you'll need and adjust from there.

Apply the product to your hair. Rub your hands together to spread the conditioner thinly and evenly across your palms, then begin applying it to the ends of your hair. Just like with regular conditioner, avoid applying it close to your scalp or roots; focus on the weakest part of your hair (the oldest part), typically from the middle of your hair down to the ends.

Comb your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair after applying dry conditioner. This will help distribute the conditioner evenly and prevent it from gathering in one spot, which could cause that section of hair to become greasy while the rest remains dry.

Choose a deep conditioner. All deep conditioners have the same main purpose: to repair severely dry and damaged hair. There aren't many “types” of deep conditioners, just different brands. Find a deep conditioner that addresses your hair's needs and fits within your budget.

Wet your hair. Rinse your hair with warm or cold water (the colder, the better). You can also shampoo first if you prefer, but all you really need to do is get your hair wet. After that, try to dry your hair as much as possible before applying the deep conditioner.

Apply the deep conditioner. Take a small amount of conditioner from the container and rub it between your palms. Then, apply a thick layer over your entire head. Focus on the ends of your hair, but feel free to apply it to the roots as well. Be sure to divide your hair into sections to ensure every strand gets an even coating of the conditioner.

Allow the conditioner to absorb into your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap to keep the conditioner from touching your face or clothing. Follow the product's specific instructions to ensure the best results. Generally, deep conditioners work best after 20-30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can use a blow dryer to warm your hair, which will help the conditioner absorb more quickly.

Rinse the conditioner out. Remove the shower cap and use the coldest water you can tolerate. Spend 3-5 minutes thoroughly rinsing out the conditioner, making sure no residue remains in your hair. Once your hair no longer feels "slippery," you’ve rinsed out the conditioner properly. At this point, you can proceed to dry and style your hair as desired.