Ever squeeze a dollop of conditioner into your hands and wonder if it’s enough? As a naturally curly person, conditioner is a vital component in your hair care arsenal. But the thing is, you don’t need it every single day. In the end, you know your hair best, so continue reading while keeping your hair texture in mind.
Let’s find out why conditioner matters, how often you should wash your hair, and how much of it you should use.
The Benefits of Using Conditioner
At its core, conditioner is a moisturizer. The three biggest benefits of using conditioner are that it:
- Re-introduces moisture that was stripped from shampoo
- Moisturizes hair after chemical treatments and dye
- Moisturizes hair after excessive heat styling and hot tool use
What Is Conditioner?
While shampoo cleanses and removes buildup, conditioner re-introduces moisture back into the hair.
Conditioner is typically made up of cationic surfactants, emollients, oils, and sometimes silicones. Conditioners can help you achieve shinier, healthier, and softer locks—plus they can protect your hair from damage and split ends. It makes for a great detangler, too.
It’s important to be mindful of the type of conditioner you’re using. Silicones can be harmful to curly or coily hair, so make sure you’re choosing a silicone-free conditioner formulated for textured hair.
Types of Conditioners
Deep Conditioner
Deep conditioner has a thick consistency formulated for curly, coily, and extra dry hair. This type of conditioner is best used only once or twice a month. OSSAT Naturals Deep Moisture Mask is an ideal moisturizing mask that conditioners your hair and repairs damage from heat, chemicals, and color.
Leave-In Conditioner
Introducing moisture back into your hair doesn’t have to stop once you turn the water off. Leave-in conditioner like Hawaiian Silky Static-Free Leave-In Conditioner helps smooth and eliminate frizz without weighing your hair down. Just spray and comb through damp hair for a finished look.
Moisturizing Conditioner
Moisturizing conditioners like the Wonder Gro Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair & Scalp Conditioner are formulated to replenish and revitalize your scalp and hair. Use it after you’ve thoroughly shampooed your hair, applying your desired amount from root to tip.
Co-Washes
Co-washes are designed to shampoo and condition your hair at the same time. Products like the Leisure Curl Shampoo and Conditioner help cleanse your scalp while moisturizing at the same time. Plus, you can use it as a detangler.
How Often Should You Condition Your Hair?
This is the million-dollar question. Drumroll, please.
You should condition your hair as often as you feel you should. Typically, those with thicker, drier, or damaged hair should condition more than others. Most people with curly hair wash theirs once or twice a week; so if you’re washing your hair at least once a week, you should be conditioning it, too. Conditioner is also the best product to use when detangling curls.
How to Apply Conditioner
1. Wash With Warm Water
Make sure you’re washing with warm water. Even though hot water feels good (especially on a cold day) it can actually irritate your scalp and fade hair color faster than cold or warm water.
2. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse your hair before applying product. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris stuck in your hair.
3. Apply Shampoo & Rinse
Once you’ve done your initial rinse, apply your chosen shampoo. Massage the shampoo into your scalp using the tips of your fingers rather than your fingernails. Doing so will help circulate blood flow and may even promote hair growth. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
4. Apply Conditioner & Wait
Now it’s time to apply your conditioner. Apply your preferred conditioner roughly an inch below the scalp, and run it evenly through your hair—but don’t rinse yet. Let your conditioner soak for about two to five minutes before rinsing.
5. Rinse Conditioner
After you’ve let your conditioner sit, rinse it out with warm water. You can introduce a leave-in conditioner after you’ve showered to lock in extra moisture.
6. Towel or Air Dry
Finally, dry your hair with a microfiber towel or air dry for a perfect finish.
Signs You’re Over-Conditioning
Yes, there’s a chance you’re using too much conditioner. You might be over-conditioning your hair if it feels limp, heavy, or greasy, or it just doesn’t look or feel as bouncy as it should. Scale back a bit, and try to find that sweet spot.
Signs You’re Under-Conditioning
On the other hand, you might be underdoing it if your hair looks and feels dry, frizzy, or damaged or if it easily tangles, even after wash day. In this case, introduce some moisturizing products and techniques into your routine.
Pick Your New Go-To Conditioner With AFAM
Your conditioner is a staple in your hair care routine. Make sure it’s a good one. Explore our collection of highly moisturizing conditioners, leave-ins, masks, and more when you shop at AFAM.