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How To Use Conditioner For Your Hair – 14 Simple Methods

Give your beautiful tresses a deep treatment with different conditioning methods

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shruti Chavan, MBBS
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma

Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech

Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach • Feb 2, 2024

How To Use Conditioner For Your Hair – 14 Simple Methods

Image: Shutterstock

Hair care 101 – it is important to use a hair conditioner and nourish your hair. But many of us are clueless as to the right conditioner etiquette. A recent trend suggests using a conditioner before you wash your hair with shampoo. Some slather it on their hair to gain its many benefits, while others rinse it off seconds after application. While these steps are both incorrect, using a conditioner properly can make your hair healthy and lustrous.

Keep reading to learn the right steps of using a conditioner and how you can make the most of it. We have also included DIY conditioner recipes for smooth, frizz-free, and ultra-silky tresses!

In This Article

Why And How To Use Hair Conditioner

Constant exposure to pollution, heating styling, dirt, and sweat can strip your hair of its natural oils. Even shampooing rids your hair of sebum and other nourishing oils. Hence, you should use a conditioner and keep the oils and nutrients intact.

Whether you have thin and fine hair, thick and wavy hair, or curly and frizzy hair, conditioning your hair is an absolute must. To find out how to condition your hair, take a look at this routine:

Rinse the shampoo off properly to get rid of sweat, dead skin cells, pollution, and additional hair products.
Take it in the palm of your hands as per the quantity recommended on the bottle. (It generally amounts to the size of a quarter).
Start by applying it to your hair ends. If you have longer hair, apply it from the chin level and move towards the ends.
Next, run a wide-toothed comb through your hair to apply
Leave it on for about 1-7 minutes. (The time frame depends on the conditioner you are using).
Finally, rinse it off thoroughly, preferably with cold water.

Trivia

The first hair conditioning product emerged in 1900, crafted by Eduoard Painaud at the Exposition Universelle.

Moving on, let us look at the different conditioning methods you can use, depending on your hair care needs.

How To Use Conditioner: Top 4 Hair Conditioning Methods

1. Engaging In A Pre-Conditioning Ritual

This method is ideal for people with long hair. Here are the steps to follow if you wish to pre-condition your hair:

Use lukewarm water to wet your hair.
Apply conditioner.
Leave it on for a few minutes.
Wash it off with a gentle shampoo and condition again.

2. Using Regular Conditioner

A popular method of hair conditioning is to use a regular conditioner after you shampoo your hair. These conditioners help seal the hair cuticles while adding essential nutrients to your strands. Plus, it improves your hair’s elasticity and softens the hair fibers.

Make sure to get rid of all the excess water in your hair after your shampoo it. This way, the nutrients can easily penetrate your hair shaft.

3. Using A Leave-In Conditioner And Serum

Leave-in conditioners and serums detangle the hair, tame unruly and frizzy locks, and add an extra layer of luster. They also coat your hair without weighing it down.

You can use leave-in conditioners and serums post-shower if you have thick and unmanageable hair. However, use these products sparingly as over-using them can make your hair greasy and oily.

For more volume, towel-dry your hair first. You can use a leave-in conditioner for curly hair and frizz control by applying it on sopping wet hair.

4. Using A Deep Conditioner

You can use plant oils such as coconut, almond, avocado, or jojoba oil as a natural alternative to chemical-laden conditioners. These choices are safe to deep condition your hair. However, bear in mind three important factors:

Do a trial run for a week and see how your hair responds to this type of deep conditioning.
Be prepared for your hair feeling heavier and greasier than usual.
Make sure to use 100% pure and organic oil.

If you want a balance of the right proteins and moisture, you can ask your stylist to recommend a deep conditioner. Here is how you should apply it:

Use a deep conditioner after shampooing your hair.
Leave it on for 30 minutes.
Steam your hair so that the conditioner gets sealed into your hair shaft.
If you are not short of time, you can wrap your hair in a shower cap.
Set your blow dryer on low speed to let the heat work its magic.

Did You Know?

During the late Victorian era, Macassar oil was used by men as a hair conditioner to style their hair.

Using hair conditioners made with natural ingredients can ensure your tresses are healthy, strong, and nourished. If you are struggling to find a chemical-free product, try the following DIY conditioner recipes.

DIY Easy Hair Conditioner Recipes

Try these simple hair conditioner recipes made with everyday ingredients for smooth and shiny locks:

Recipe 1:

2 tablespoons of sesame seed oil
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Half a cup of yogurt
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Recipe 2:

1/2 cup of shea butter
3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 avocado

Recipe 3:

1 banana
2 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of olive oil/coconut oil

Instructions For All Three Recipes

Mix all the ingredients respectively and apply the mixture to your hair.
Dab your hair with a towel that has been soaked in hot water for 2 minutes.
Leave the mixture on for 15-30 minutes to deep condition your hair.
Wash it off with a natural rinse such as beer or a combination of water and apple cider vinegar.

Before applying the conditioner to your mane, ensure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Do a patch test on your arm, or speak to a hair specialist before you proceed.

Wondering how to choose the right conditioner for your hair? The answer is in the following section.

How To Choose The Right Conditioner For Your Hair?

Start with understanding your hair type and texture. You also need to factor in your styling routines and tend to your locks accordingly.

Here is a quick breakdown of how to choose a conditioner that actually works for your hair:

For Color-Treated Hair
For hair that has been bleached or colored, you need an extra dose of nourishment. So, opt for a conditioner that is specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
For Textured Hair
If you have coarse, thick hair, you can go for a stronger conditioner that can heal, nourish, protect, and deep condition your hair. Conditioners made of coconut oil or shea butter are a good choice.
For Curly Hair
Look for ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, and keratin in your conditioner. People with curly, dry, and frizzy hair need to spread the conditioner more evenly throughout their hair. A wide-toothed comb can help distribute the product.

You now know how to pick the right one for your hair type. But before you start using it in your hair care routine, keep the following tips in mind.

Effective Hair Conditioning Tips To Keep In Mind

1. Apply Conditioner An Inch Away From Your Roots

Start by applying where your hair is the driest and most damaged. Distribute it evenly from the mid-length till the ends. Do not apply conditioner on your scalp or roots as it can make them extra oily.

2. Consider Co-Washing Your Hair With A Conditioner

For people who have extremely dry and brittle hair, using shampoo too often can make things worse. Instead, go for co-washing – a method that involves using just conditioner to cleanse your hair and skipping shampoo completely.

Co-washing maintains your hair’s strength, moisture levels, and integrity without making it dry or frizzy. The biggest downside is that it may leave a lot of product build-up in your hair. Therefore, you need to use a gentle clarifying shampoo every 2 weeks to get rid of it.

3. Wash it Off Thoroughly

Any conditioner left behind can lead to hair breakage and damage. So, wash the product off until the water runs clear. You should not see any bubbles or residue.

4. Rinse With Cold Water

Washing your hair with cold water can retain the moisture and nutrients from the conditioner by closing the hair’s cuticles.

5. Use A Hair Serum To Complete The Ritual

To get the most out of your hair conditioning ritual, use a hydrating serum after every wash.

However, you need to avoid exceeding the recommended usage for optimal hair health. Check out the next section to know more.

How Often Should You Use Conditioner?

How often to use conditioner depends on your hair type. For rinse-out conditioner, it is best to use it a few times a week. Dry, coarse, curly, or color-treated hair can benefit from daily use.

Leave-in conditioner is recommended once a week, or more often for curly, dry, or damaged hair. Deep conditioner, ideal for very damaged or dry hair, is usually applied every month or two.

Cleansing conditioners are suitable for daily use for oily or fine hair. However, dry, coarse, and curly hair can go longer between washes, often up to a week or more, but they may need more regular conditioning, so a cleansing conditioner may not be the best choice for these hair types.

Some use conditioner after shampoo, some use conditioner without shampoo, and some do not even use it after shampooing. People use conditioners in different ways. But using a hair conditioner to nourish your hair is an important step in the hair care regimen as it helps improve hair texture and promote hair growth. Following the points mentioned above can give you an idea of how to use a conditioner to reap maximum benefits. With the right method and product, you can attain shiny and lustrous hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wash my hair after using a conditioner?

Yes. Conditioners are made of heavy, greasy ingredients that make your hair sticky and lead to buildup if you do not rinse them out properly.

How long can I leave conditioners on my hair?

You should leave the conditioner in your hair for at least 3-5 minutes before washing it off. For deep conditioners, follow the instructions on the package. It should ideally stay in your hair for 10-30 minutes. Do not leave it in longer than that to prevent damage and inconvenience in washing. It must not be used as an overnight mask.

Can I use a conditioner every day?

No. Use a conditioner once or twice a week.

Should I brush the conditioner through my hair?

No. Brush your hair before washing it when it is dry. Your hair is fragile when it is wet, and brushing conditioner through it can cause breakage. Instead, you can use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair with conditioner.

Is hair conditioner necessary?

Yes. Consider conditioning an essential step in hair care. It moisturizes all types of hair and is especially beneficial for damaged hair.

Key Takeaways

Conditioner helps seal the hair cuticles while adding essential nutrients to the strands.
A strong conditioner can heal, nourish, protect, and deep condition coarse hair, thick hair.
Use coconut, almond, avocado, or jojoba oil as a natural alternative to chemical-laden conditioners.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to detangle your hair after washing it, and deep condition your hair every two weeks.

Master the art of conditioning for luscious locks by watching this video. Learn expert techniques on how to apply conditioner, the dos and don’ts, and tips for choosing the right conditioner to ensure your hair remains hydrated, smooth, and radiant.