You have to admit it. Every time you go to the grocery, you spend a huge amount of time comparing many different hair products. All in the hopes of finding which is the best hair conditioner for curly hair. Chances are you are as confused as I was when I land on the hair conditioner section. Apart from the many different brands of conditioner, there are many different types that were confusing to me. There is a deep conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, a regular rinse-out conditioner and a cleansing conditioner. All these conditioners confused me until I made my own research and found out these are very different, yet equally important parts of a good hair care routine. 

What is a Hair Conditioner, and Why Do You Need One?

Hair conditioners are a type of hair care product that moisturizes and softens hair. They are often used after shampooing to make the hair easier to comb and help to make it softer, shinier, and more manageable.

What are the different types of hair conditioners in the market?

There is a deep conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, a regular rinse-out conditioner and a cleansing conditioner. To help you, let me enlighten you on how and when to use the different types of conditioners.

Rinse-out conditioner

Rinse-out conditioner is the most common type of conditioner and most familiar to all. This is the one that we regularly use after shampooing. Rinse-out conditioners are usually meant to stay in your hair for about 5 minutes and get rinsed out. It provides immediate hydration, moisture and conditioning to the hair. This also helps in detangling the hair during the shower.

Leave-in Conditioner

This type of conditioner, as suggested by its name, is meant to be left in the hair. This type of conditioner is usually applied to towel-dried hair after a shower to retain moisture. Leave-in conditioners also prevent frizz and help protect hair from dryness. There are leave-in conditioners that can help to protect the hair from heat due to styling and exposure to the sun.

         

Deep conditioner

If you have serious hair issues, deep conditioner is the conditioner for you. Deep conditioners are hair treatment that is done once or twice a week. They provide your damaged hair with moisture and hydration on a deeper level. They can repair damaged hair and bring it back to life.

Cleansing conditioner

If you have curly hair, most likely you are familiar with co-washing. Co-washing is a way to clean your hair using a cleansing conditioner and not your regular shampoo. A cleansing conditioner is one that contains ingredients that can help in removing the dirt and gunk in the hair and scalp. They are usually chemical-free and do not dry the hair like a regular shampoo.

How to choose the right conditioner for your lifestyle?

These 4 types of conditioners function differently. But they are all important in keeping your natural curls healthy and bouncy. We often use regular conditioners but these may not suffice your needs as per your lifestyle. If you have dry and damaged hair, you will need to use a deep conditioner. You can use some of the best deep conditioning hair masks to repair your damaged hair and bring moisture back to your hair. If you love the outdoors, you should never go out without a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners are your instant solution to frizzy hair due to wind and humidity. If you sweat a lot or if you have an oily scalp, we highly recommend using a cleansing conditioner to clean your hair without stripping its natural oil. 

How to apply conditioner to your hair?

Different types of hair conditioners have different applications. The most common is the rinse-out conditioner that we usually use after shampoo. This is the best daily use conditioner. Apply the conditioner to your hair, leave for 5 minutes and rinse out.  The Leave-in conditioner needs no rinsing out. Apply it to your damp hair before styling your hair. You can re-apply leave-in conditioner throughout the day depending on your hair needs. Deep conditioners need a little more time and attention. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week. Apply it to your hair making sure that every strand is coated. Leave for 15 to 30 minutes and rinse out.  Use a cleansing conditioner just as your would your rinse-out conditioner when you feel that your hair needs some cleansing. Refresh your hair with a cleansing conditioner without stripping your hair’s natural oil. A cleansing conditioner is an alternative to your regular shampoo. It is still recommended to have a re-set wash once a week or once every two weeks.

How to know if you are over conditioning your hair?

We know that conditioning your curls can be addictive. Especially when you see your hair transform from dry and damaged to bouncy and healthy. But remember not to overdo it. Over conditioning can lead to too much product build-up on the hair and scalp. This can make the hair sticky and heavy.

How to know if you are under conditioning your curly hair?

There are times that no matter how much you condition your curls, they still feel dry and look lifeless. Maybe you are doing enough. Or maybe you are using the wrong type of conditioner. Don’t be scared to try new products. But remember, always follow the instructions specified by the manufacturer to make sure that you are getting the best out of their product.

Takeaway

Hair conditioning is an essential part of your hair care routine. Each type of hair conditioner has its own unique benefit to your curls. There are many different hair conditioners available on the market and you will get confused about which one to choose. Patience is key. You need to find the best conditioner for your hair. To help you with that, we have listed down the best leave-in conditioner for you to try. And if you have dry and damaged curls, we also have tips on how to revive your curls.