An Ultimate Guide On How To Use A Hair Conditioner To Achieve Gorgeous Locks In 5 Simple Steps

Hair Conditioners can prove to be the backbone of your hair care routine. While a shampoo cleanses your hair, a conditioner softens your hair. But what is a conditioner? A conditioner is a moisturising product that generally contains oils, emollients, humectants, and silicones. All these ingredients restore hair’s moisture after you wash your strands. The importance of a conditioner can’t be stressed enough.

Hair conditioners should be used immediately after washing hair, to replenish the moisture lost during cleansing the hair with a shampoo. Along with providing moisture, a conditioner softens, reduces tangles, increases shine, and makes hair manageable. Using a conditioner is very important for all hair types. Before you select a conditioner for yourself, you need to know more about these products. Here’s how to use a hair conditioner. 

Table Of Contents

What Is A Conditioner & What Does Conditioner Do To Your Hair?
How To Use A Conditioner On Hair?
Step 1: Choose A Conditioner For Your Hair Type
Step 2: Quantity Of Hair Conditioner
Step 3: Cleanse Your Hair
Step 4: Apply Hair Conditioner On Wet Hair
Step 5: Detangle And Style
Some Other Ways To Use Hair Conditioner
Common Myths About Hair Conditioners
Pro Tips On Using Hair Conditioner
Choosing The Right Conditioner For Your Hair
Who Should Use A Hair Conditioner?
Conclusion
FAQs On How To Use Hair Conditioner
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What Is A Conditioner & What Does Conditioner Do To Your Hair?

Before we directly jump onto discussing how to use a conditioner on hair, let us first read about them. Hair conditioners are miraculous potions that work wonders for our tresses. These creamy, nourishing formulas are designed to replenish moisture, smooth down the hair cuticle, and enhance manageability. Without conditioners, our locks would be a tangled, frizzy mess – a nightmare for anyone striving for glossy, healthy hair.

Conditioners are formulated with a blend of emollients, humectants, and other nourishing ingredients that deeply penetrate the hair shaft. They help to repair and seal the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair strand. A smooth, sealed cuticle reflects light beautifully, resulting in that coveted shine and lustre we all crave.

But conditioners do more than just make our hair look fabulous – they also protect it from damage. The conditioning agents create a protective barrier that shields our strands from harsh environmental factors like pollution, UV rays, and heat styling. This added layer of defence helps to prevent breakage, split ends, and overall dryness.

How To Use A Conditioner On Hair?

It’s crucial that you use a hair conditioner correctly to receive its benefits. When your hair is still wet after washing, apply some conditioner to your strands. This will aid in retaining moisture and reducing frizz, after your hair has dried. Here is how to apply a hair conditioner. 

Step 1: Choose A Conditioner For Your Hair Type

It’s best to opt for a conditioner that is the perfect fit for your strands but before including it in your hair care regime you must know your hair type. Your choice should help enhance the overall appearance of your mane and combat any concerns that you are facing. Those with dry and frizzy strands should opt for a creamy conditioner, while those with oily strands should opt for a lightweight conditioner. 

Step 2: Quantity Of Hair Conditioner

The amount of hair conditioner you use completely depends on the length of your hair. Check the product packaging for recommended amounts to use. Otherwise, begin with one or two drops of the conditioner about the size of a rupee coin. Apply it evenly through your damp strands Remember, you can always add more product if needed. 

Step 3: Cleanse Your Hair

Before you get down to cleanse your hair, it is necessary to oil it properly. Massage your scalp with a natural hair oil for about 5-10 minutes. Once you are done massaging, apply the oil to your strands as well. Keep the oil for at least a few hours before washing your hair with a hair thickening and volumising shampoo or smoothing hair shampoo — depending on your hair type and concern. 

Step 4: Apply Hair Conditioner On Wet Hair

Once you have washed your hair, it’s time to condition it. Take a coin-sized amount of conditioner in your hands and run your fingers through the ends of your hair. Let it stay on your hair for three to four minutes before rinsing it off. Ensure you don’t apply conditioner close to your scalp or roots as this tends to block the cuticles. 

Step 5: Detangle And Style

After washing and conditioning, wait for your hair to go from wet to damp. Once damp, take a few drops of hair serum and apply it to your strands and detangle them with a wide-toothed comb. Proceed to style your hair as usual. 

Hair Conditioner Benefits

What does a conditioner do? When it comes to reducing frizz and enhancing shine, a hair conditioner is your best bet. Using a conditioner is a great way to repair damage and boost hydration. Here are some incredible advantages of using hair conditioners that you should be aware of.

1) Hair Conditioner Enhances Volume : When it comes to boosting the look of your hair, selecting the right conditioner is crucial. In addition to preventing frizz, a quality hair conditioner will boost your hair’s volume and make it look silky. Each day will be a good hair day with the use of a biotin and collagen hair conditioner, which will offer volume and softness to your strands.

St.Botanica Recommends Best Conditioner To Increase Volume: Biotin & Collagen Hair Conditioner, 300ml

St.Botanica’s Biotin & Collagen Hair Conditioner will help you get thicker, healthier, and fuller hair. It volumises hair by improving hair texture and making the locks soft. Furthermore, it also gives your hair a natural sheen. Enriched with the goodness of Biotin, Collagen, Vitamin B5, Oats Extract, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil — this conditioner for hair growth hydrates dull and dry tresses. 

2) Hair Conditioner Decreases Hair Breakage : By adding a protective layer to the cuticle, a conditioner strengthens your hair and guards it against breakage. This encourages strong hair growth. A hair conditioner makes your hair stronger, silkier, and manageable. Select a conditioner that meets your needs and complements your hair type. You can also use a shampoo for hair fall to strengthen your strands. 

St.Botanica Recommends Best Conditioner To Prevent Hair Fall & Breakage: GO Anti Hair Fall Hair Conditioner 200ml

St.Botanica’s GO Anti Hair Fall Conditioner helps you get rid of hair fall and achieve stronger and healthier strands. Infused with all the goodness of Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, Shea Butter, Brahmi, Aloe Vera, Red Onion Extract, Castor Oil, and Moroccan Argan Oil — it is the best pick when it comes to solving hair fall and hair breakage. It will help keep your scalp and hair nourished. This conditioner is a great solution to strengthen your strands.

3) Hair Conditioner Enhances Softness And Shine: Your hair becomes smooth and manageable with a hair conditioner. Using a conditioner results in lustrous and smooth hair. Using a smoothing hair conditioner correctly can thoroughly hydrate and nourish your strands. 

St.Botanica Recommends Best Conditioner To Promote Softness: Moroccan Argan Hair Conditioner, 200ml 

St.Botanica’s Moroccan Argan Hair Conditioner is an ultra-nourishing remedy for dry, frizzy, and unmanageable hair. All thanks to the goodness of Moroccan Argan Oil, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, and Wheat protein — using this product will leave your hair silky and frizz-free. This Moroccan Argan Oil conditioner will provide immense nourishment to your hair strands — making them softer, healthier, and shinier.

4) Hair Conditioner Shields Against Damage: Conditioners protect your hair from all sorts of damage, including those caused by heat-styling and dyeing. It rejuvenates your hair and supplies it with all the moisture it needs to prevent split ends and breakage. Conditioners with pro-keratin are a good choice for those with coloured hair and damaged hair.

St.Botanica Recommends Best Conditioner To Repair Damage: Pro Keratin & Argan Oil Smooth Therapy Conditioner, 300ml

St.Botanica’s Pro Keratin & Argan Oil Smooth Therapy Conditioner profoundly conditions and strengthens your hair. Enriched with premium hair conditioning agents like Keratin, Argan Oil, Bhringraj, Amla, and Brahmi — it leaves your hair smooth and easy to manage. This keratin conditioner protects your hair from damage by forming a protective coating on your hair, detangles hair, tames flyaway hair, and smoothens frizzy hair. 

5) Hair Conditioner Ensures Hair Health: Using a hair conditioner can also help improve the quality of your strands. It will help heal your hair and lock in moisture. Make way for soft and frizz-free hair with the right conditioner by your side. It can also combat dandruff and flakes.

St.Botanica Recommends Best Conditioner To Promote Hair Health: St.Botanica Anti-Dandruff Pre-Biotic Conditioner

St.Botanica’s Anti-Dandruff Pre-Biotic Conditioner is infused with premium botanical extracts like rosemary oil, hyaluronic acid, and Canadian rosebay. It helps fight dandruff-causing bacteria on the scalp and restore lost moisture. Enriched with antioxidants and nourishing oils, it rebalances scalp pH and soothes dry & itchy scalp condition. It is a perfect addition to combat dandruff and promote healthy hair growth.

St.Botanica Recommends Best Conditioner To Promote Hair Health: Australian Tea Tree Hair Conditioner, 300ml 

St.Botanica’s Australian Tea Tree Hair Conditioner is formulated with Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil, Ginger Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosemary Oil. It will help remove any traces of dirt and impurities from your strands. This conditioner will give a natural boost to your mane and preserve its elasticity in the long run. Regular usage will prevent dandruff, leaving your hair hydrated and manageable. 

St.Botanica Recommends Best Conditioner To Promote Hair Health: GO Anti-Dandruff Hair Conditioner 200ml

St.Botanica’s GO Anti Dandruff Conditioner helps you get rid of dandruff and achieve a healthy scalp. Infused with all the goodness of Moroccan Argan Oil, Grapefruit Extract, Vitamin E, Tea Tree Oil, and Eucalyptus Oil, it will help nurture your strands from within and keep them hydrated. Proper use of this conditioner will help you achieve a dandruff-free mane. This anti-dandruff conditioner will help keep your strands nourished and moisturised. 

Some Other Ways To Use Hair Conditioner

Hair conditioners can be used in many ways to nourish your mane. It’s important to understand hair conditioners before you use them. Here are the three main uses of a hair conditioner. 

Use As A Leave-In Conditioner

Just apply some leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair after you have shampooed. You don’t need to wash off a leave-in conditioner. It’s a lightweight formulation that is made of nourishing ingredients. Leave-in conditioners promote healthy hair growth and also protect your hair from damage. Curly and wavy hair can benefit a lot from using leave-in conditioners or dry & frizzy hair conditioners. 

Use As A Deep Conditioner

Bothered by dull and damaged tresses? Fret not and opt for a deep conditioner. It soothes and nourishes hair damaged by dyeing and heat-styling. Using a deep conditioner once a week can help repair your strands. Apply the product to your hair and leave it for 20-30 minutes before washing your hair. Coconut conditioners can also help you. 

Use As A Co-Wash

Co-washing is when you ditch shampoo and use a conditioner to cleanse your scalp. This a great way to cleanse curly and dry hair, without stripping them off natural oils. You can use an onion conditioner for co-washing. 

Top 5 Homemade Hair Conditioners

You can easily use natural hair conditioners at home. These diy hair conditioners are great for your hair and easy to make. 

Homemade Hair Conditioner 1 – Rice Water

Use Rice water for hair growth because it contains amino acids. It also contains vitamins C, B, and E, which promote hair growth as well. Regular usage also helps prevent hair breakage and ensures strand strength. This homemade conditioner for frizzy hair is great for your hair. 

Ingredients: 

1. 1 cup rice

2. 1 cup water

How To Use:

1. Rinse and strain rice to remove dirt and impurities you don’t want on your hair.

2. In a medium bowl, combine strained rice and water. Mix until the water becomes very cloudy.

3. Strain the rice and discard the water this time. Save the rice for later or cook it.

4. Pour the rice water into a plastic container and cover it with a lid. Let the rice water sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. This allows the fermentation to proceed and all the delicious vitamins and minerals to come out.

5. Store the rice water in the refrigerator. 

6. Use it twice a week to massage your scalp and wash your hair after 20 minutes. 

Homemade Hair Conditioner 2 – Yoghurt & Honey Mask

Yoghurt strengthens your hair, while antioxidant-rich honey moisturises your strands. Using this mask once a week can really take your mane game to a whole new level. This homemade conditioner for dry hair is nourishing. 

Ingredients: 

1. 4 Tablespoons Yoghurt

2. 2 Tablespoons Honey 

How To Use: 

1. Mix the two ingredients together to form a consistent paste. You can add more yoghurt to reduce the thickness of the honey. 

2. Apply the paste from root to tip and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and follow it with a conditioner. 

Homemade Hair Conditioner 3 – Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is a renowned hydrating ingredient that helps nourish your scalp and strands. Aloe vera for hair delivers all the required nutrients to the scalp, leaving your hair long and smooth. 

Ingredients:

1. Aloe vera gel extracted from freshly cut leaf or packaged. 

How to Use: 

1. Scoop out the gel from an aloe vera leaf and transfer it into a clean bowl. Blend it to form a smooth and consistent paste. You can also add some water to reduce its thickness. 

2. Apply the mask to your scalp and strands. Leave it for an hour before washing it off. 

Homemade Hair Conditioner 4 – Shea Butter Mask

Shea butter can prevent scalp dryness and keep dandruff at bay. This ingredient can thoroughly nourish your scalp.

Ingredients:

1. 1 Tablespoon Shea Butter

2. 2 Tablespoon Coconut Oil/Argan Oil

How To Use:

1. Melt shea butter and add some coconut oil to it. You can also add argan oil instead of coconut oil. Apply it to your scalp and strands. 

2. Give it one to two hours to work its magic. After a few hours, wash and condition as usual. 

3. Use this mask once or twice a week. 

Homemade Hair Conditioner 5 – Banana & Honey

Banana is an extremely nourishing ingredient that will moisturise your strands inside out. Add some honey and you have one of the best hair masks to combat dryness.

Ingredients:

1. 1 Ripe Banana

2. 2 Tablespoons Honey

How To Make: 

1. Mash a ripe banana properly and add some honey to it.

2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and strands. Massage well. 

3. Wash your hair after an hour. You can apply this mask once a week. 

Common Myths About Hair Conditioners

Now that you know about its numerous benefits and how to use hair conditioner, let’s debunk some of the most common myths about hair conditioners:

1# Conditioner To Be Used Only On Tips

One of the most persistent myths is that conditioner should only be applied to the ends or tips of your hair. This couldn’t be further from the truth! While the ends are more prone to dryness and damage, the entire length of your hair can benefit from the nourishing effects of a conditioner. Apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, focusing on the areas that need the most moisture and conditioning. This will ensure that your hair is evenly coated and nourished from root to tip.

2# Conditioner Increases Hair Fall

Another common myth is that using conditioner can lead to increased hair fall or shedding. However, this is simply not true. In fact, conditioners can actually help to strengthen and fortify your hair, reducing breakage and shedding. By providing essential moisture and nourishment, conditioners help to improve the overall health and integrity of your hair strands, making them less prone to breakage and shedding.

3# Conditioner Makes Hair Greasy

Some people believe that using conditioner will make their hair look and feel greasy or weighed down. While this can be true if you use an overly heavy or rich conditioner for your hair type, it’s generally not the case when you choose the right product and use it correctly. Look for lightweight, water-based conditioners that are formulated for your specific hair type and needs. Apply the conditioner sparingly, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, and rinse thoroughly to remove any excess product.

4# Conditioners Only Work In The Shower

Another myth is that conditioners only work their magic while you’re in the shower. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! While rinse-out conditioners are designed to be applied and rinsed out during your shower routine, there are also leave-in conditioners that can be used on damp or dry hair.

Pro Tips On Using Hair Conditioner

Now that we’ve dispelled some of the common myths, let’s dive into some pro tips to help you get the most out of your hair conditioner:

• Always use a conditioner after shampooing to replenish lost moisture.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water before applying conditioner to remove any residual shampoo.
• Focus on applying conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends, where your hair is most prone to dryness and damage.
• Leave the conditioner on for 2-5 minutes to allow the nourishing ingredients to fully penetrate your strands.
• Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove any excess product and prevent build-up.
• Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair while the conditioner is still in.
• Consider using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week for extra nourishment and hydration.
• Experiment with different conditioner formulas and ingredients to find the perfect match for your hair type and concerns.
• Invest in high-quality conditioners from reputable brands to ensure optimal results.
• Protect your hair from heat styling, UV exposure, and environmental pollutants to maintain the benefits of your conditioner.

Choosing The Right Conditioner For Your Hair

Before opting for a conditioner, it’s important to understand your hair type and look for ingredients that soothe and nourish your hair. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind before selecting the right conditioner for yourself. 

• Those with oily hair should steer away from hydrating, moisturising, and smoothing conditioners. These conditioners are great for dry and frizzy hair but will weigh down oily hair. Volumizing conditioners and strengthening conditioners are great options for those with an oily mane.

• Those with dry and frizzy hair should opt for moisturising conditioners. Wavy and curly-haired beauties can also opt for these conditioners.

• If you have either coloured hair or damaged hair, then you can go for deep-conditioners once a week. 

Who Should Use A Hair Conditioner?

Regardless of your hair type, you should include a hair conditioner in your hair care routine. Using a conditioner on wet strands helps lock in moisture and prevents frizz once your hair is dry. A conditioner should be an essential part of your hair care regimen — especially if you have dry, frizzy, and damaged hair.

Conclusion           

Incorporating a hair conditioner into your hair care regimen is crucial for all hair types. A hair conditioner has several benefits. So, never forget to apply this nourishing product right after you have washed your hair as it can go a long way in fighting frizz. While choosing a conditioner, make sure to understand your hair type and concerns.

FAQs On How To Use Hair Conditioner

Can I leave the conditioner in my hair overnight?

While leaving a regular rinse-out conditioner in your hair overnight is generally not recommended, there are specialised deep conditioning treatments or hair masks that are designed for overnight use. These intensive treatments can provide extra nourishment and repair for severely dry or damaged hair. However, it’s crucial to follow the product’s instructions carefully and avoid overusing these potent formulas, as they can potentially lead to buildup or weigh down your hair if used excessively.

Can You Use a Conditioner Before or After Shampoo?

The general rule of thumb is to use conditioner after shampooing. Shampoo is designed to cleanse the hair and scalp, removing dirt, oil, and product buildup. Applying conditioner to clean hair allows the nourishing ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. However, some hair types, such as extremely dry or coarse hair, may benefit from pre-conditioning before shampooing. This can help to detangle and provide extra moisture before the cleansing process.

Are there conditioners made for hair types?

Absolutely! Just like shampoos, conditioners are formulated to cater to different hair types and concerns. For example, there are lightweight, silicone-free conditioners for fine, limp hair, as well as intensive moisture-rich formulas for dry, coarse, or curly hair. Some conditioners are specifically designed for colour-treated hair, while others target issues like frizz, split ends, or heat protection. Choosing the right conditioner for your hair type and needs can make a significant difference in the overall health and appearance of your locks.

Should I apply hair conditioner to my roots?

Generally, it’s best to avoid applying conditioner directly to the roots or scalp area. The roots tend to be naturally oilier, and adding conditioner can lead to a greasy, weighed-down appearance. Instead, focus on applying the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, where the hair is typically drier and more prone to damage.

What is the difference between rinse-out and leave-in conditioner?

Rinse-out conditioners are designed to be applied after shampooing and then rinsed out after a few minutes. These conditioners provide a burst of moisture and nourishment to the hair, but the effects are temporary and need to be replenished with each wash.

Leave-in conditioners, on the other hand, are lightweight formulas that are applied to damp or dry hair and left in without rinsing. They provide ongoing conditioning and protection throughout the day, helping to detangle, smooth frizz, and shield against environmental factors like humidity or heat styling.

Many hair care routines incorporate both rinse-out and leave-in conditioners for optimal results. The rinse-out conditioner provides an initial boost of moisture, while the leave-in conditioner helps to maintain the conditioning and manageability throughout the day.

Do conditioners lead to hair fall?

No, conditioners don’t lead to hair fall.

What happens if you stop using hair conditioner?

Your hair might become frizzy and dry after you stop using hair conditioner.

How often should you use conditioner on your hair?

You should you use a conditioner once or twice a week. 

How long should you leave your conditioner on for?

You should leave a conditioner for 4-5 minutes before washing your hair. 

How much conditioner should you use?

You should use a conditioner as per your hair length. 2-3 dime-sized drops of conditioner usually works.

Is hair conditioning necessary?

Yes, hair conditioning is necessary. 

How to know when conditioner is completely rinsed off?

Just use running water to wash off your hair, till all the product is removed.

Should you use a conditioner every day?

It’s advisable to use a conditioner twice or thrice a week, after you have washed your hair with a mild shampoo. 

Does a conditioner make hair softer?

Yes, a conditioner does make your hair softer as it locks in all the moisture after washing your hair. You can also opt for hair kits and combos to pamper your hair. 

Should I put conditioner on wet or dry hair?

It’s best to use a conditioner on freshly-washed, wet hair. Apply the conditioner to your strands and gently detangle. Wait for three to four minutes before washing your hair. 

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