How To Use Conditioner: 7 Expert-Approved Tips

Sometimes we overlook the basics in beauty, from face washes to shampoos. We become so accustomed to our little daily rituals that we've been practicing (basically) our entire lives that we forget these products actually have a lot of variables and different ways to use them. 

Conditioners certainly fall into this category. You may think the answer to "How to use conditioner" is fairly obvious (uh, don't you just put it in after your shampoo? I can practically hear the eye roll!), but in practice, using this item comes with a lot of alternative practices. And it's worth experimenting with new ways to use it to see what works best for your hair type. 

We'd be remiss not to include the most common usage, if a bit obvious. But here's the thing: After shampooing (especially if you are using a more traditional foaming shampoo), you need a moisturizer to help seal down the cuticle and add back nutrients to the strand.

"Conditioner's role is to increase the moisture content of the hair and improve its elasticity, smooth the cuticle, and soften the hair fiber," writes hair consultant and trichologist Sarah Roberts, author of You and Your Hair: The Ultimate Healthy Hair Masterclass for Afro Textured Hair.

Think of it like washing your face: You need to top that fresh skin with a hydrator to keep water in the skin, as well as enhance skin barrier function. And while your hair isn't a direct comparison to your skin (your strands aren't made of living cells like your skin is, thus it doesn't have true regenerative properties), it does hold true that your hair needs moisture to look and feel its best. Without it, hair becomes brittle and breaks easier. 

"Co-washing—or, conditioner washing—allows the gentler cleansing without the drying detergents that can harm the scalp and hair. Also, co-washing protects the integrity and strength of the hair while maintaining its natural oils," hairstylist Miko Branch, founder of natural hair care brand Miss Jessie's, previously told us in our guide to co-washing.  

With co-washing, you'll want to occasionally skip the shampoo and sub in a co-washing conditioner (it's formulated to gently cleanse the scalp while hydrating the ends).

As for how often you do this, it's up to you. "I highly recommend that clients become in tune with their hair. If the hair begins to feel oily, or oversaturated—alternate frequently with a sulfate-free shampoo," Danielle Malary, owner of Lumiere Vive Salon, told us. "The routine should be specific to the client's hair and needs."

If you have dry, curly hair, experiment with leaving some of the conditioner residue on the strands. Essentially, as you are rinsing the hair, leave a coating that feels soft and silky, not squeaky clean.

It's a delicate balance and may take some trial and error till you know what's the perfect amount of leftover for your hair. (Some people will find this is not right for them as it can weigh hair down.) 

Deep conditioner and masks are used interchangeably, as they're both referring to the same thing. A mask that's a denser and richer than a standard conditioner. These are ideal for those with dry hair.

"These can be broken down into two categories: those meant to provide proteins, and those primarily for moisture. As you may know, healthy hair is a balance between moisture and protein, so we need to use both, depending on the individual needs of our hair," says Roberts. 

Some folks chose to use these in place of a standard conditioner all of the time, while others simply swap it in when their hair needs extra hydration.

Leave-in conditioners are specifically designed to gently coat strands without being too tacky or heavy. They provide hair with the long-term moisture so many crave.

Anyone could benefit from a leave-in conditioner; you'll just want to find one with the right blend of weight, nutrients, and texture for your hair type. Here's a good list of leave-ins to start with.

Some people with thin or flat hair have a hard time with a conditioner, no matter how light of an option it may be. If you feel that conditioners weigh down your roots, stretch out your curls, contribute to a buildup-prone scalp, or just generally make your hair feel oily, consider reversing your application order. Yes, really.

Lots of pros encourage those with thin, oily hair to apply conditioners on the ends first, then follow-up with the conditioner.

If all this conditioner talk has you pulling up your Sephora or Amazon cart, just remember: Sometimes the best options are right in your kitchen. So if you're looking for a deeply nourishing treat for your hair, consider trying one of our DIY masks or deep conditioners, which use items commonly found at home. 

Almost all folks with hair should be using a conditioner at some point in their routine. Without it, you’ll notice your hair will become more damaged, dry, and brittle with time.