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How do I Choose the Best Conditioner Products?

Laura A.
Laura A.

Conditioner is a product that is applied to hair after shampooing to add moisture and improve the hair’s condition. Choosing among the many available conditioner products can be confusing. A few things to keep in mind when shopping for conditioners are your hair type, the ingredients in the conditioner, and the level of moisture your hair needs.

One good way to narrow down the selection process quickly is to focus only on your specific hair type. Most conditioner products state on the label the hair type for which they work best. Hair types are usually divided into oily hair, normal hair, dry hair, and chemically treated hair. This is an important distinction because different hair types have different needs. Dry hair conditioners usually provide a hearty dose of moisture that could make hair that is already oily entirely too greasy. Fine or limp hair needs a volumizing conditioner to add some body.

A bottle of conditioner.
A bottle of conditioner.

You should not choose hair conditioner products solely based on hair type, however. You also need to take a look at the ingredients. Stick with natural ingredients if your hair has been chemically straightened or dyed. Jojoba oil and avocado oil are excellent natural moisturizing ingredients found in many conditioner products. If you have sensitive skin, beware of conditioner products that contain parabens.

A thickening conditioner may help add volume and body to a person's hair.
A thickening conditioner may help add volume and body to a person's hair.

You should also watch out for silicones such as methicone and dimethicone when choosing conditioner products. People with damaged hair should avoid silicones altogether because over time they can build up in the hair and lead to further damage. In small amounts, silicones work well for people with regular hair, but be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid buildup.

If your hair is very damaged or dry, you might want to look for deep conditioner products. A deep conditioner is a very concentrated form of regular conditioner designed to provide an extra boost of moisture and nourishment. Deep conditioners should be used once per week and left on your head for approximately 20 minutes. Look for ingredients like silk amino acids and soy proteins when choosing deep conditioner products.

Another important element when it comes to choosing conditioners is the price. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on conditioner products. You can find cheap options that perform very well and expensive options that don’t deliver on their promises, so don’t use price as a guide. Keep in mind that natural ingredients tend to be more expensive. You might want to choose a conditioner made by the same brand as your shampoo because these products are often formulated to work in conjunction with one another.

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    • A bottle of conditioner.
      By: Irina Brinza
      A bottle of conditioner.
    • A thickening conditioner may help add volume and body to a person's hair.
      By: Anastasia Tsarskaya
      A thickening conditioner may help add volume and body to a person's hair.