How to use conditioner properly

See how it works

Do this

1. 1Shampoo first, squeeze out the water, then apply conditioner.
2. 2Cover mid-lengths and ends. Keep it off an oily scalp.
3. 3Comb it through gently, ends first, while the conditioner is on.
4. 4Leave it a minute or two, then rinse well.
5. 5Dry or curly? Add a little leave-in on damp ends.
6. 6Hair feels coated or limp? Use a clarifying (deep-cleaning) wash now and then.

The numbers behind it

• 100% to under 10%

  Chance of a damaging snag when combing wet bleached hair fell from 100% to under 10% with conditioner (lab hair bundles).

  New 2018 ↗

• Fewer breaks

  A commercial conditioner reduced both short and long hair breaks during combing of bleached hair bundles (lab).

  Robbins 2007 ↗

• Smooths, not repairs

  In a lab test, conditioner ingredients cut combing force but did not undo bleach-type (oxidative) damage.

  Tham 2026 ↗

• Not absorbed

  Expert safety panel: dimethicone (a common silicone) is not absorbed through skin and is safe in cosmetics as used (up to 15%).

  Nair 2003 ↗

For your hair

• Curly, coily or bleached hair

  Rougher, damaged hair snags more, so conditioner matters most. Use a richer one and detangle with it.

• Fine or low-density hair

  Use a light conditioner on the ends only. Heavy formulas can weigh hair down.

• Oily scalp

  Start the conditioner at ear level. Rinse thoroughly.

Myths to ignore

• Myth Conditioner repairs split ends and damage.

  Truth It lubricates and smooths the surface. In the lab it improved combing but left the damaged structure unchanged. Only a trim removes a split end.

  Tham 2026 ↗

• Myth Silicones suffocate hair and should be avoided.

  Truth Hair is dead tissue, so nothing suffocates. Silicones cut friction and add shine. Water-insoluble types can build up; an occasional clarifying (deep-cleaning) wash fixes it.

  Carvalho 2025 ↗

• Myth Silicone-free conditioners cannot work.

  Truth On bleached hair, silicone-free emulsions partly or fully restored the water-repelling surface, similar to a silicone formula. Lab study by an ingredient supplier.

  Liu 2022 ↗

Made for this

• Light Conditioner Slip and shine for fine, straight and wavy hair
• Rich Conditioner Deep slip and softness for curly, coily and dry hair
• Repair Mask Weekly reinforcement for bleached, heat-styled or brittle hair

Go deeper

• How conditioner worksRinse-off conditioner coats hair with a positively charged layer that cuts friction and tangling; it does not repair structural damage.
• Silicones in hair careSilicones coat hair to cut friction and add shine without repairing it; buildup is real but manageable, and the scare claims are unsupported.
• Leave-ins, masks and layering methodsMasks and leave-ins use the same conditioning chemistry as rinse-off conditioner; layering methods like LOC rest on consumer satisfaction, not trials.