How to Choose Hair Conditioner

The right conditioner can be the difference between a great hair day and a very bad one. But with so many different brands and types of hair conditioner to choose from, how do you know which product is right for your locks? 
Don’t worry! This guide will help you understand how to choose hair conditioner that brings out the best in your hair. From volumising conditioner to dry conditioner and everything in between. Let’s break down how to choose conditioner for hair types, scalp issues, and different lifestyles. Once you’ve figured out what to look for in conditioner, find the perfect conditioner here at My Haircare & Beauty. We have the best prices on premium, salon-quality conditioner brands, with options to suit all budgets and hair types. Make every day a great hair day with conditioner from My Haircare & Beauty!

The Role of Conditioner

Before we talk about how to choose hair conditioner, what does conditioner actually do for your hair? Its main role is to replenish moisture that can be stripped away during shampooing. Further, it restores your hair’s natural protective barrier. 
Everyday conditioner contains nourishing ingredients that smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and add softness and shine. This gives you beautiful, healthy-looking hair, but also makes your hair easier to detangle and style, minimising breakage. 
Specialised conditioners can also provide targeted haircare benefits. These include repair for damaged strands, strengthening for weakened hair, or enhanced colour retention. There’s conditioner for oily hair, sensitive scalp conditioner, and so many more types of hair conditioner to choose from. 
Ultimately, the right conditioner helps keep your hair hydrated, resilient, and ready for whatever you throw at (or in) it. But how do you find the best conditioner for your hair? And what are the hair conditioner types you need to know? Let’s explore that next.

What are the Different Types of Hair Conditioner?

You’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of different types of hair conditioner out there. But what do they all do? What’s the difference between a hydrating conditioner and a shine enhancing conditioner? Let’s take a look at some common hair conditioner types and what they can do for your hair.

Hydrating Conditioners

Hydrating conditioners are designed to deliver intense moisture to dry, brittle hair. They contain ingredients like humectants, oils, and emollients that deeply penetrate the hair shaft. They also restore moisture balance and improve softness and elasticity. If you’re looking for a conditioner for curly hair or a dry hair conditioner, hydrating conditioners are a great choice. They help smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz, leaving hair feeling silky and manageable.

Volumising Conditioners

If you have fine or limp hair, volumising conditioners are formulated to add body and lift without weighing the hair down. They typically contain lightweight ingredients that coat the hair to create the appearance of fullness and bounce. 
Unlike hydrating conditioners, volumising formulas avoid heavy oils and silicones. This makes them one of the best hair conditioner types for maintaining volume and enhancing the natural movement of fine hair.

Protein-Rich Conditioners

Protein-rich conditioners are targeted for hair that’s been weakened by chemical treatments or heat styling. These conditioners infuse hair with proteins like keratin or silk amino acids, helping to rebuild and strengthen the hair’s structure. The added protein bonds to the hair shaft, fortifying it from within and reducing breakage. However, protein-rich or keratin conditioner should be used sparingly, as too much protein can make hair stiff and brittle.

Leave-In Conditioners

Leave-in conditioners are lightweight formulas that are applied after washing and left in the hair, rather than being rinsed out. They provide ongoing moisture and protection throughout the day, making them ideal for detangling and taming frizz. A leave-in conditioner also serves as a great base for styling. It’s great at adding an extra layer of hydration without weighing hair down. These types of hair conditioner work particularly well for curly, coily, or textured hair types that require long-lasting moisture.

Colour-Safe Conditioners

What conditioner should I use if I’ve dyed my hair? Colour-treated hair requires special care to preserve its vibrancy and prevent fading. Colour-safe conditioners are formulated without sulphates and harsh chemicals that can strip colour, and they often contain ingredients that help seal the hair cuticle to lock in colour. These conditioners for coloured hair also provide gentle hydration and protection. This helps colour-treated hair maintain its shine and vibrancy for longer. You’ll also find colour-specific conditioners, like blonde hair conditioner and brunette conditioner, which are often designed for both natural and dyed hair.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Deep conditioning treatments are intensive formulas designed for periodic use to deliver a powerful boost of nourishment to the hair. They typically contain rich ingredients like shea butter, oils, and proteins that penetrate deeply to repair and rejuvenate damaged or dry hair. Used once a week or as needed, this conditioner for damaged hair helps improve hair strength, shine, and overall health, making it perfect for combating the effects of heat styling or chemical processing.

Clarifying Conditioners

Clarifying conditioners are designed to remove buildup from styling products, hard water, and environmental pollutants that can weigh hair down and make it appear dull. These conditioners contain ingredients that gently cleanse and refresh the hair without stripping away essential moisture. 
They’re best used sparingly, usually about once a month, especially for those with oily hair or who regularly use heavy styling products. Using clarifying conditioners too frequently can really dry out your hair, so it’s important to strike a balance.

So, What Conditioner Should I Use? Tips on How to Choose Hair Conditioner

So, obviously there are a lot of choices out there, but what conditioner should I use? Let’s talk about what to look for in conditioner and how to choose hair conditioner that’s right for your hair type and goals.

Identify Your Hair Type

The first step in how to choose hair conditioner is understanding your specific hair type. Your hair’s thickness, texture, and porosity all need to be considered when you’re figuring out what to look for in conditioner. 
For fine hair, choose a lightweight, volumising conditioner that adds body without weighing your hair down. If you have thick or coarse hair, opt for hydrating conditioners with rich ingredients like oils or butters to smooth and nourish your hair.
If you have curly or textured hair, conditioners with added moisture and anti frizz conditioners are best for defining your curls while minimising frizz. The other thing you need to think about is your hair’s porosity, or how easily it absorbs and loses moisture. 
For high-porosity hair (which absorbs and loses moisture easily), use conditioners rich in proteins and sealants to strengthen and retain moisture. For low-porosity hair, choose lightweight conditioners that won’t cause buildup, and focus on hydrating yet non-greasy formulas.

Consider Hair Concerns

It’s also important to factor in any specific hair concerns you have. Are you figuring out how to choose conditioner for hair that’s dry or brittle? Or do you have particularly oily hair? Try to match your hair woes with a conditioner that’s designed to treat that precise issue. If you have a flaky scalp, an anti dandruff conditioner might be exactly what you need. If your hair is thinning, try a hair loss conditioner. And if your hair seems dull and lifeless, a conditioner for aging hair might be just what the doctor ordered.

Review Your Haircare Routine

Your haircare routine also plays a role in how to choose hair conditioner. If you wash your hair every day, you might want to go with a lightweight or leave-in conditioner to avoid product buildup.
If you wash your hair just once or twice a week, you’re probably better off choosing a hydrating or deep-conditioning treatment that provides longer-lasting moisture and nourishment to keep your strands strong and healthy. And, if you regularly use heat tools or chemical treatments, use a conditioner that offers thermal protection and helps to rebuild damaged strands. And don’t forget, when it comes to shampoo vs conditioner, there are just as many different types of shampoo you also need to consider!

Assess the Ingredients

Many people don’t realise just how different the ingredients in two conditioners can be. Make sure you’re not only choosing a conditioner because it says it’s good for your hair type – look for ingredients that actually back this up! 
If you need a moisturising conditioner, look for natural oils (like coconut, jojoba, or avocado), shea butter, glycerin, and aloe vera for hydration and smoothness. For a protein-based conditioner, make sure you see keratin, hydrolysed proteins, and amino acids.
Some other ingredients to be aware of are silicones, which can add shine and smoothness, but also build up on your hair. If you prefer a lighter feel, look for silicone-free options. Also, avoid sulphates and parabens if you have sensitive hair or scalp, as they can be harsh and strip natural oils.

Discover All the Different Types of Hair Conditioner From Your Favourite Brands at My Haircare & Beauty!

Whether you need conditioner for hair extensions, the best shampoo and conditioner for hair loss, or a gentle kids conditioner, you’ll find all the best brands here at My Haircare & Beauty. We have the best prices on premium, salon-quality conditioner brands, and so many amazing options to choose from! 
With incredible deals, free shipping on orders over $50, quick delivery, and 130-day returns for peace of mind, there’s nowhere better to source your haircare products! Get the shiny, healthy hair of your dreams with top-quality conditioner from My Haircare & Beauty.

Final Thoughts How to Choose Conditioner for Hair

Finding the right conditioner for your hair can be a struggle, but it’s worth the time and effort it takes – switching to a conditioner that’s designed for your hair type and issues can do wonders for your self-confidence! 
At My Haircare & Beauty, we have the best selection of premium conditioners for every hair type and concern. Not only will you find the right conditioner for your hair, but we can have it delivered to your doorstep before you know it! 
Don’t put up with a generic conditioner that doesn’t give your hair the shine or volume it deserves – find a conditioner tailor-made for your hair at My Haircare & Beauty!

Mel

Mel is a former Hair Stylist with over a decade of industry experience.
She enjoys writing about all aspects of the hair & beauty world including, trends, new products & best-sellers.