If we had to name one essential product for regular hair care, it would undoubtedly be hair conditioner. Although this product has a wide range of applications, many people are unaware of how to use it correctly or what its primary role is. For that reason, we opted to address all questions and uncertainties related to conditioners in this text. Here, you will also find product recommendations for different hair types, along with tips on how to choose the right one for your hair.
A conditioner acts as a protective layer, coating the hair strands and sealing the cuticle. It is typically used as the final (most often second) step in the hair-washing routine. By sealing the cuticle, the nutrients from hair care products remain inside the hair strands, keeping them hydrated, smooth, and shiny for a longer time. Additionally, conditioner protects the hair from mechanical and heat damage while reducing the negative effects of external factors such as wind, humidity, and pollution.
Here are the key reasons why you should regularly use a hair conditioner:
- Smooths and softens the hair, giving it shine;
- Reduces breakage and the appearance of split ends;
- Makes detangling easier and minimizes static electricity;
- Prevents moisture loss and maintains the necessary hydration level.
How to Use Hair Conditioner
A conditioner is applied after shampooing and rinsing the hair. It is typically used on clean, damp, towel-dried hair. Distribute it only to the hair (not the scalp), evenly spreading it along the entire length, and leave it on for a few minutes. Usually, this is 2-3 minutes, but always follow the instructions on the specific product.
Immediately after applying the, it is recommended to gently detangle the hair strands with a wide-tooth comb, ensuring that all strands are evenly coated. By the time you finish detangling, the recommended time for the conditioner has usually run out. After that, rinse the hair thoroughly, preferably with lukewarm or cool water.
Below are common questions and answers regarding the correct use of conditioner.
Why Is It Important to Towel-Dry Hair Before Applying the Conditioner
Hair has the ability to absorb water. If the hair is completely saturated after rinsing the shampoo, the conditioner will be less effective since the excess water will reduce the hair’s ability to absorb the conditioner’s ingredients.
After thoroughly washing your hair with shampoo, it is recommended to remove excess water. First, gently “squeeze” the hair to remove excess moisture, then pat it dry with a towel. Hair professionals suggest using a terry cloth towel avoiding vigorous rubbing. This material effectively absorbs excess water without creating excessive friction, which prevents hair damage.
Do You Need Both the Hair Mask and Conditioner
Many people confuse hair masks and conditioners, but they are two different products. A mask is not a substitute for conditioner, nor vice versa.
A hair mask is thicker and more concentrated than a conditioner, containing a higher percentage of nutrients. It is used for intensive, deep nourishment and hydration. Masks provide hair with essential minerals and vitamins, keeping it moisturized and healthy. Unlike conditioner, which is typically used in every hair-washing routine (and can be used daily), a mask is generally applied once a week.
A conditioner’s primary purpose is to smooth the hair (seal the cuticle), reduce static, and “lock in” nutrients within the hair strands. So, if you use a mask to deeply nourish and hydrate your hair, you should still apply conditioner afterward to seal in the nutrients.
Should Men Use Hair Conditioner
Proper hair care is not gender-specific. Both men and women should follow the same hair care rules if they want strong and healthy hair. Since conditioner is applied to the hair length and not directly to the scalp, anyone with hair longer than 2 cm should use conditioner after every wash.
Does Conditioner Make Hair Greasy or Weighed Down
The conditioner does not make hair greasy or weigh it down, provided it is used correctly. If you apply conditioner to the roots or scalp, your hair may become greasy more quickly, losing volume and bounce. Additionally, if you do not rinse the conditioner properly, your hair will soon appear oily and messy.
The Best One
Although every conditioner serves the same primary purpose, there are significant differences between them. All conditioners help smooth and soften the hair, but not all are equally effective for different hair types.
To find the best conditioner, first, you need to assess your hair condition and determine what you want to improve. If you regularly dye your hair, choose a conditioner for colour-treated hair. If your hair is dry and damaged, use a product for dry hair. If you have natural curls, a curl-enhancing conditioner should be a part of your hair care routine.
Additionally, you can adapt your conditioner choice to your lifestyle and habits for greater convenience. For example, Revuele liquid conditioners with fast action formulas are an excellent option for quick and easy application while still delivering effective results. These products are applied to clean, damp hair and rinsed out after just 9 seconds—almost immediately after application.
Below, you will find our recommended conditioners for different needs.
Spray Products
A spray conditioner is usually used as a supplementary treatment. Most of these products do not require rinsing and can be applied to both dry and damp hair. They are an excellent choice for protecting hair before styling. Thanks to the spray nozzle, they are easy to apply and distribute evenly across the entire hair surface. This makes detangling easier, reducing hair breakage and split ends. Many spray conditioners also offer heat protection, which is why professional hairstylists use them before curling or straightening hair.
Our recommendation: Totex two-phase keratin spray, which does not require rinsing after application. Since this conditioner consists of two liquid phases, it is essential to shake the bottle well before use to mix the phases properly.
This product is suitable for everyone, but it is especially recommended for those who frequently dye their hair and regularly use heat-styling tools. It contains keratin, which repairs damaged hair and prevents further damage. This spray conditioner forms a protective film around the hair strand, shielding it from heat damage during blow-drying and styling with hot tools.
If you still have any questions about hair conditioners after reading this text, feel free to write to us in the comments. Share with us the tips and tricks you use to keep your hair healthy and well-groomed.