Everyone wants clean, voluminous, healthy hair. However, not many people know that shampoo is not nearly enough to achieve this. You should never rely only on shampoo to take care of all the moisture needs of your hair.
Conditioner is the second product in your hair-washing routine, and it is an important one. It keeps your hair's cuticle smooth, preventing tangles and coarse strands. Additionally, conditioner has properties that replenish lost moisture from shampooing and make your hair look and feel soft and smooth after washing.
However, not all conditioners work for all types of hair. Keep reading to find the right one for you.
The Different Types of Conditioners
Through marketing, every conditioner brand tells people how magical it is. They all use similar buzzwords that can leave your head spinning.
Here's a quick breakdown of the different types of conditioners out there and what they can do for different types of hair:
Hydrating or Moisturizing
If you have dry, damaged hair, invest in a moisturizing and hydrating conditioner. These products are specifically formulated to restore the moisture lost due to heat styling, sun exposure, and chemical treatments.
Volumizing
If you have relatively fine or limp hair, a volumizing conditioner is the best way to give it some much-needed lift. These conditioners often include proteins, Biotin, or even green tea, which add body and texture to hair without weighing it down.
Strengthening
These conditioners contain additional keratin, a protein that fortifies weak, damaged, or treated hair. Due to the potential for buildup and heaviness on the hair, these should be used only once or twice a month.
Balancing
The conditioners typically have low pH formulas to give different types of hair nourishment without causing buildup.
Smoothening/Straight Hair
The added silicones, polymers, and other conditioning agents in these products weigh down the hair and decrease its natural tendency to frizz and curl.
Curly Hair
These conditioners contain ingredients that work harder to tame frizz while providing much-needed moisture to keep curly hair healthy and soft.
The Best Types of Conditioners According to Hair Type
Dry and Damaged Hair
If your hair is dry, damaged, or brittle, choosing the right conditioner can make or break its long-term overall health. It's also important to choose a conditioner that will prevent further damage.
Conditioners described as nourishing, hydrating, smoothing, or balancing on the label are designed to replenish moisture, which can reduce frizz and split ends. They are also light enough to provide moisture without weighing down the hair.
You can also look into a deep conditioner to help make your hair more manageable. These can be used once to four times a month.
Oily Hair
Oily, greasy hair can be hard to deal with. And if you've found that conditioner makes your hair worse, you may be tempted to skip it altogether. But there are some great products out there that help reduce oil.
First, you should avoid conditioners with labels that say: hydrating, moisturizing, or smoothing, since these have agents that could over-moisturize your hair and weigh it down.
Instead, seek out products that volumize, strengthen, or balance hair. Products like this are less moisturizing but are great at soaking up excess oil.
Color-Treated Hair
If your hair is dyed or permed, it needs some extra love. Look for a conditioner specially formulated for color-treated hair, or ask your hairstylist for recommendations. These products can sometimes be more expensive than regular conditioners. Still, they are definitely worth the investment if you want to keep your color looking fresh for as long as possible and avoid further damage.
Naturally Curly Hair
Curly hair is more prone to dryness and breakage, so it needs as much moisture as possible. Look for a conditioner that’s hydrating, moisturizing, and smoothing. Opt for a product that contains natural, moisturizing oils so that each strand of hair gets the moisture it needs.
Curl types range from 1 to 4, and they all require different products. For example, Type 4C curls need the most moisturizing conditioners, so you may want to try a creamy, oil-based conditioner. If you have Type 3B curls, you can use a cream that isn't oil-based—it'll just weigh down your hair. Meanwhile, wavy Type 2 curls should steer clear of anything too heavy, like waxes or creams.
The Takeaway
Using only shampoo isn’t enough for healthy, beautiful hair. Just as shampoo is essential for cleansing and revitalizing, conditioner is vital for keeping your hair moisturized and feeling its best in between washes.
Before you stock up on products, remember to consider your hair type—you must ensure that the conditioner you choose suits your needs. With just a little bit of knowledge, you will be well on your way to smooth and healthy hair for years to come!
