Why conditioner is used

But the kind of conditioner you need is dictated primarily by the type of hair you have. Always apply it to freshly washed or rinsed hair, and always follow a shampoo with a conditioner.

You can use them daily if you like, but most importantly, you should always use them after shampooing. Leave it in your hair for a minute—and as many as 5, based on dryness or texture. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Hair Haircare. By Adam Hurly. Adam Hurly. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Reviewed by Sophia Emmanuel. Should Men Use Conditioner? The Right Way to Use Conditioner. Shop The Look. Pattern Beauty. L'Oreal Paris. Rene Furterer.

Featured Video. Conditioning ingredients have a positive charge, so they cling to hair and make it less static. Different formulations offer different benefits and have difference potential side effects. As the name implies, leave-in conditioner is made specifically to be not rinsed off. Manufacturers say that leave-in conditioner may promote healthy hair growth by keeping product on your hair longer, and that it may provide a heat protection barrier before you blow-dry.

Natural hair or more textured hair may benefit from the extra moisturizing leave-in conditioner provides. Advancements have made it somewhat possible to do both at once, but keep in mind your results may vary. Historically, 2-in-1 has been most like shampoo. But recently, more people have used just conditioner to wash their hair. These products, called co-wash, are slightly different and discussed more below. These practices can cause extra damage to hair shafts.

Anyone who washes their hair should probably also use conditioner. While your head produces its own natural conditioner called sebum , shampoo removes it. Over time, this daily wear and tear can damage hair shafts, causing hair to become frizzy and dull. Hair with different textures will need different ingredients to best treat it. And if you blow-dry your hair every day or get it colored often, it will need extra moisture.

If your hair has been bleached, colored, or permed, it will have extra wear and tear. Look for shampoo and conditioner made for color treated hair. You can also ask your salon for recommendations. Some people have thicker hair shafts than others. If this is the case for you, you may want to look for a stronger conditioner that will better heal and protect your hair. Curly hair can be prone to dryness and frizz. If your hair is curly, you may need to be more diligent about spreading conditioner evenly over your head.

Keep a wide-tooth comb in the shower, and run it through your hair after applying conditioner. The main risk is getting product in your eyes or nose, which may cause a brief burning sensation.

Coconut oil as well as almond , avocado , and jojoba oils are popular alternatives to condition hair. The upshot of smoother strands is less static and fewer split ends—so hair is easier to style.

This in turn strengthens the hair shaft, preventing breakage, split ends, and even hair loss. You can use conditioner immediately after shampooing or on its own. The general recommendation is a few times per week, but you can use it daily. Common sense goes a long way: If you hair is superfine and prone to greasiness, condition less often.

If your hair is thick and especially dry or damaged like from coloring, chlorine, or the sun , it should be a more regular part of your haircare rotation. The most common misconception about shampoo and conditioner is that you only need one or the other. If you shampoo three or four days a week, try conditioning on off days. Subscribe to Birchbox Grooming to discover personalized products for you, here!

Gift Now Treat Yourself. Why You Need Hair Conditioner Conditioner does as its name suggests: Rather than cleansing strands, it conditions the hair follicle—and the effects are immediate. How and When to Use It You can use conditioner immediately after shampooing or on its own.