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A hair conditioner enters our lives as a side-kick for the modest shampoo and we quickly accept it as a complementary product that makes the mane smooth and lustrous. But did you know it can do much more? This often-overlooked hero deserves the spotlight, and we’re here to give it just that. From the benefits of using hair conditioner to their types, we’re spilling everything you need to know to make the most of your formula. Not just that, we’re exploring exactly how to use hair conditioner and how to pick one best-suited to your hair type and concerns. Scroll on!
Benefits Of Hair Conditioner
- Protects The Hair: Regularly using a conditioner helps protect the hair and restore its texture and shine, as per a study. It creates a protective barrier on the hair cuticles to protect them from heat damage and environmental stressors such as pollution.
- Moisturisation: Hair conditioners are key to achieving softer strands, especially for those with dry and brittle hair, as they provide much-needed moisturisation. They can make your hair feel smooth and replenish any essential oils lost during the cleansing process.
- Anti-Frizz: Hair conditioners also reduce frizziness, making your mane more manageable. You can create stunning hairstyles without worrying about flyaways.
- Curbs Hair Fall: Softer strands are less likely to tangle, thereby reducing breakage and hair fall. Conditioners also improve hair elasticity to reduce hair loss and promote growth.
How To Use Hair Conditioner: 4 Steps
Step 1: Dampen Your Hair
A conditioner is commonly applied along the lengths after cleansing the hair with shampoo – unless you’re ‘reverse conditioning’, where the order is swapped. However, don’t immediately apply the conditioner on soaking wet hair. Before applying conditioner, let most of the water drip down for a damp feel.
Step 2: Apply Along The Lengths
Avoiding the scalp, apply the conditioner along the lengths of your locks. You can use a wide-toothed comb for straight to wavy hair or a detangler for curly hair to distribute the formulation evenly. Alternatively, you could use your fingers to comb through the lengths of your hair before applying conditioner.
Step 3: Let It Soak
After even application, wait for 2-3 minutes before rinsing off the conditioner. This helps the product penetrate deep within to avoid breakage, while nourishing the mane for a frizz-free, silky smooth feel.
Step 4: Rinse Completely
It is a common misconception that some conditioner should be left on the hair after washing for a smooth finish. Conversely, this may lead to build-up on the scalp and visible dandruff-like flakes. Ensure you leave no slippery formula and rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.
10 Best Conditioners For Every Hair Concern
1. Dry Hair
Hair care holy grail, argan oil is an ultra-moisturising ingredient that makes the mane feel silky smooth. It is a boon for dry and brittle hair that breaks easily, and should be a must-have in your shower routine. We recommend the Anomaly Smoothing Conditioner with Argan Oil & Quinoa which hydrates the hair and is packed with protein to fortify each strand.
2. Frizzy Hair
Are you tired of unruly locks ruining your look? Anti-frizz conditioners should be on the top of your list for a sleek, smooth appearance. Try the Re'equil Anti-Frizz & Smoothening Hair Conditioner featuring the hero ingredient Babassu oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, as per a study. It also has clinically proven active ingredients that protect the hair from pollution damage and prevent residue build-up.
3. Oily Hair
Conditioners may weigh your hair down if you have an oily scalp, but avoiding them completely can leave your locks feeling dry and brittle. The solution? Earth Collective’s non-greasy hair conditioner is packed with the goodness of kaolin clay, which absorbs excess oil. It also boasts jojoba and grapefruit extracts that soften the hair and add bounce.
4. Limp Hair
Hair lacking hydration will not solely look dull but also appear flat and limp. To fix this, you need a volumising conditioner to bring your hair back to life for dramatic, hair-flip-worthy locks. Use the Herbal Essences Strawberry & Mint Conditioner to cleanse the hair, leaving it looking voluminous and vibrant.
5. Hair Fall
Tired of hair clogging your shower drain? Meet the Nykaa Naturals Anti-Hair Fall Sulphate-Free Conditioner enriched with the goodness of onion and fenugreek to strengthen the hair follicles and promote hair growth. It also provides an instant boost of nourishment and lends lustre to your strands.
6. Dandruff
Dandruff indicates your scalp needs TLC stat! Use the Matrix Biolage Scalppure Professional Anti-Dandruff Conditioner that removes visible flakes instantly, relieving irritation. It also hydrates, soothes, and nourishes the scalp, while star ingredients bergamot and piroctone reduce excess sebum to help eliminate dandruff.
7. Hair Loss
Plagued by thinning hair and reduced growth? Add the Aveda Weightless Conditioner to your arsenal to bid farewell to all your hair loss woes. It is fortified with organic rosemary, known to stimulate hair growth, spearmint and peppermint that energise the senses, and white vinegar to add shine.
8. Split Ends
Split ends occur due to hair cuticle damage, leading to excess hair fall. The Leaf Monk Hydrating Conditioner is enriched with antioxidants to restore hydration to the hair, ultimately reducing split ends. It is also Ecocert-certified and cruelty-free, so it's good for the planet and your mane.
9. Damaged Hair
Olaplex is a social-media-approved miracle worker made using proven patented technology that strengthens the hair. Whether it’s years of heat damage or harm caused during colour treatments, the No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner will help restore a healthy appearance, making your hair soft and shiny.
10. Weak Hair
Love eco-friendly products that use recyclable packaging? The Love Beauty & Planet Bond Repair Conditioner should be on your radar. While reducing plastic waste, this rich conditioner filled with the goodness of olive oil and peptides will restore damaged hair and improve hair strength. It also repairs bonds with glucose-based technology that is proven to penetrate hair fibres for the best results.
Dos And Don’ts Of Using Hair Conditioner
Dos ✔️
- Apply Evenly: Ensure you evenly apply the formula along the lengths of your hair for the best results. You can use a comb, brush, or just your fingers for even distribution.
- Soak In: Let the conditioner soak into your hair for ultimate hydration and nourishment. Leaving it on for 2-3 minutes is recommended, but ensure you check the instructions on the packaging.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Completely rinse off all the product from the hair without leaving behind residue.
Don’ts ❌
- Apply On Scalp: Conditioner applied to the scalp can cause product build-up that eventually flakes and mimics dandruff. It may also clog the hair follicles, which leads to breakage and affects hair growth.
- Use Hot Water: Hot water can be over-drying and make the hair more brittle. It also strips away the protective layer created by your conditioner.
- Overuse: It is recommended you use a coin-sized amount of conditioner first and amp up the amount if required. Overuse can weigh the hair down, leading to excess greasiness.
Types Of Hair Conditioners
- Instant Rinse: Instant rinse-off conditioners are most commonly used after cleansing the hair with shampoo. They compensate for the oils washed away during the cleansing process and create a protective coating for lustrous hair.
- Leave-In: Generally used for bond repair, leave-in conditioners are often incorporated as part of the post-shower routine. They strengthen the hair to improve hair elasticity.
- 2-in-1: Multi-purpose conditioners are not recommended for daily use, as they can strip away essential oils. However, they are great when travelling or on the go.
- Deep Conditioner: Ideal for dry hair, deep conditioners are thicker and creamier, providing a boost of hydration and moisture.
- Colour-Protecting: If you have overly processed hair, protect it from fading with colour-protecting conditioners to maintain vibrancy.
While conditioners are essential for optimal hair health, using the right shampoo is equally, if not more, important. Find out how to pick the best shampoo for your hair type here.
FAQs On How To Use Hair Conditioner
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What is the correct way to use conditioner?
Take a coin-sized amount and apply it to the lengths of your hair. Take more if required, depending on your hair length, and apply it evenly. Do not apply conditioner on the scalp, and rinse it off thoroughly to remove all residue after letting it soak for 2-3 minutes.
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When should you use conditioner?
TConditioners should be used each time you cleanse the hair with shampoo to retain moisture and boost nourishment, as per the American Academy Of Dermatology.
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Can I use conditioner daily?
The overuse of a conditioner can weigh the hair down, causing excess greasiness. Washing and conditioning the hair 2-3 times a week is ideal.
