conditioner

Conditioner is a hair care product designed to improve the feel, appearance, and manageability of hair after cleansing. It typically works by depositing conditioning agents onto the hair shaft to reduce roughness, static, and tangling, while helping to retain moisture.

Most conditioners are formulated as rinse-out products that are applied after shampooing and rinsed away. There are also leave-in conditioners, which are applied without rinsing, and deep conditioners or hair masks, which provide intensive moisture or repair benefits for damaged hair. Co-washing, using conditioner to cleanse in place of shampoo, is another approach used by some hair care routines.

Conditioners contain several key types of ingredients. Cationic surfactants and conditioning polymers help the hair cuticle lie flat and resist friction. Silicones, oils, and fatty acids provide slip and shine, while humectants retain moisture. Some conditioners include proteins or amino acids intended to temporarily strengthen hair. The pH is commonly kept around 4.5 to 5 to help close the cuticle after washing, improving smoothness and color retention.

Application methods vary by product and hair type. For rinse-out conditioners, apply to towel-dried hair focusing on mid-lengths to ends, leave for a short period, then rinse thoroughly. Leave-in conditioners are applied sparingly to damp hair. Deep conditioners are used periodically as treatments. People with fine or oily hair often prefer lighter formulas, while damaged or dry hair may benefit from richer or protein-containing products.

Safety and sustainability considerations include potential allergies to fragrances or preservatives and choices about silicone-containing versus silicone-free formulations. Proper use can improve detangling, manageability, and overall hair health.