Hair Health

What Does Conditioner Do to Your Hair?

by Noophoric
March 30, 2022

Conditioner is a necessity, in most people's hair care routine, but what does it actually do for your hair? In this post, we'll break down the science of conditioner and answer some common questions about how it works.

We'll also discuss the benefits of using conditioner and share some tips for getting the most out of it. So, if you're curious about conditioner, keep reading!

What is a conditioner?

A conditioning treatment effectively moisturizes, conditions, and makes your hair look healthy. It's loaded with hair-strengthening vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients that seep into each strand to nourish it while repairing damage and moisture loss.

A conditioner protects the cuticle of your hair from dead skin cells, damage, and fraying by keeping it moist. Conditioner also shields the outer layers of the hair, giving your locks a glossy sheen and fuller appearance. It's especially important to use one after washing your hair if you want it to look great.

How does a conditioner work?

When the hair is exposed to the outside world, the cuticle, or outer lining, gets damaged until it ultimately breaks. Conditioners have different ingredients and work in different ways, but they all basically do the same thing: add moisture, nutrients, and shine to your hair. Many contain silicones or other ingredients that coat the hair strands and make it look smooth and healthy.

Is conditioning necessary?

If you want healthy, shiny hair, then the answer is yes! Conditioning your hair is one of the most important things you can do for your locks. It helps to keep them hydrated, prevents damage, and makes them look lustrous and glossy.

Types of conditioners

Conditioners can be divided into two main categories:

1. Rinse-out conditioner

Rinse-out conditioners work by protective coating the hair with ingredients that add moisture, nutrients, and shine. They usually contain silicones, which form a barrier on the hair that helps to protect it from damage and make it look smoother and shinier.

These conditioners are typically applied to wet hair after shampooing, left in for a few minutes, and then rinsed out. You don't need to use a lot; a little goes a long way.

2. Leave-in conditioner

Leave-in conditioners are a moisturizing conditioner that works by adding moisture, nutrients, and shine to the hair shaft. A Leave-in conditioner usually doesn't contain silicones means they are silicone free, but they may contain other ingredients that coat the hair texture and make it look healthy.

Leave-in conditioner is typically applied to towel-dried hair, left in, and then styled as usual. A little goes a long way with these conditioners, too.

3. Deep conditioner

Deep conditioners, which are packed with hydrating properties and may be used to treat dry and damaged hair, are a great way to keep your hair healthy. Essential oils, butter, and other moisturizing substances that help prevent breakage and repair damaged and dry hair are popular choices when creating these conditioners.

Regularly, a deep conditioner is applied for around 30 minutes (more like a hair mask), then thoroughly washed away.

Repairing, hydrating, and nurturing damaged hair is the goal of these treatments. If you have normal or oily hair, they are not the best option for you. They can make your hair feel greasier and heavier and it's better to use cleansing conditioners.

4. Hair mask

These are designed to hydrate and nourish your hair instead of being masks for the face. The hair products get through the hair cuticles, feeding it with protein and moisture agents. For each type of hair, there are different masks available. Before rinsing it out, apply a hair mask twice a week for 15-20 minutes to your locks.

The goal of a hair mask is to nourish your hair. These masks moisturize and repair your hair, making it healthier and fuller in the long run.

What does it do for your hair?

There are many benefits to using conditioner, including:

1. Adds moisture: One of the main benefits of using daily conditioner is that it adds moisture to the hair. This is important because dry hair can be frizzy, difficult to manage, and more prone to damage.

2. Keeps hair healthy: Conditioner helps keep your hair healthy and thick by repairing damage and restoring lost nutrients. It also helps protect the cuticle from further damage, which can lead to frizziness and split ends.

3. Makes hair look shiny and sleek: Use Conditioner to quick fix your hair to look shiny and sleek by coating the hair shaft with ingredients that increase shine. It can also make it appear fuller and more volumized.

4. Reduces static: Conditioner can helps affect the way hair reacts to static electricity, which can be annoying and can cause your short hair to look frizzy.

5. Makes it easier to style: Conditioner makes your styling routine easier by making it more manageable. It also helps protect it from heat-related damage, which can cause split ends and other problems.

6. Keeps hair smelling good: Many conditioners contain ingredients that help keep your long hair smelling good.

7. Prevents hair loss: Choosing the perfect formula conditioner can help prevent hair loss by nourishing the hair follicles and keeping the scalp healthy.

Best conditioners for different hair types

Here are some of the best conditioners for different hair types.

1. Fine hair: A lightweight conditioner that won't weigh your thin hair down.

2. Curly hair: A conditioner that helps define curls and reduce frizz.

3. Dry hair: A hydrating conditioner that will help add moisture.

4. Damaged hair: A conditioner that contains antioxidants and other repairing ingredients.

5. Oily hair: A conditioner that helps control hair oil production.

6. Color-treated hair: A conditioner that helps protect against color fading.

How can you get the most out of your conditioner?

There are a few things you can do to get the most out of your conditioner:

1. Use the right type of conditioner for your hair type: Not all conditioners are created equal.

2. Apply it correctly: It's important to apply the conditioner correctly in order to get the most out of it.

3. Leave it in for the right amount of time: Leaving the conditioner in for the right amount of time will help you get the most out of it.

4. Use it regularly: Using conditioner regularly will help keep your hair healthy and looking its best.

4. Rinse well: Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after using the conditioner. This will help remove all of the product and prevent build-up.

The right way to use a hair conditioner

Here are some tips on how to condition your hair correctly, no matter what your hair type is:

1. It's important to shampoo your hair first before applying conditioner. Most shampoos will help to remove any dirt or product buildup and allow the right conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft properly.

2. Conditioner should be applied to wet hair in order to maximize its benefits.

3. Massage the best conditioner into your scalp with your fingers to help it absorb better.

4. Leave the conditioner in for the recommended amount of time for best results.

5. Make sure to rinse the conditioner out thoroughly to remove all of it from your hair.

6. Use a good clarifying shampoo to wash your hair after conditioning it. This will help remove any leftover conditioner and keep your hair healthy and shiny.

7. Follow up your conditioner with a hair treatment to get the most out of your routine. After cleaning use a wide-tooth comb to style your hair. This will help keep your hair healthy and looking its best.

Side effects and precautions

Conditioner is generally safe to use, but there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. It can weigh down fine hair: If you have fine hair, you may want to use a lightweight conditioner that won't weigh your hair down.

2. It can make hair greasy if used incorrectly: Only apply conditioner to one half of your head, If you apply too much conditioner or leave it in for too long, it can make your hair greasy.

3. It may not be suitable for everyone: Some people may be allergic to the ingredients in the conditioner, so it's always best to test it out on a small area of your skin before using it.

4. It's not recommended for use on color-treated hair: Conditioner can sometimes strip away the color from hair, so it's not recommended for use on color-treated hair.

5. It should be avoided near the eyes: Conditioner should be avoided near the eyes as it can cause irritation.

Best hair conditioners

No matter what your specific hair type is, there are plenty of great conditioners out there to choose from. Here are five of our favorites:

1. Biolage R.A.W. Nourish Conditioner

This lightweight conditioner is perfect for fine hair, as it won't weigh it down. It contains natural ingredients like honey and shea butter, and it helps keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

2. Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment

This is a great conditioner for damaged hair. It contains antioxidants and other repairing ingredients and helps to restore the health of your hair.

3. OGX Hydrating CoconutMilk Conditioner

This conditioner is infused with coconut milk and other hydrating ingredients, and it helps to repair damaged, dry hair. It's also free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

4. L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Conditioner

This conditioner is perfect for hair that's in need of some serious hydration. It contains a blend of six oils, which help to nourish and repair your hair.