What’s the difference between 3 Major Types Of Conditioners?

conditioning hairDo you remember your first time shopping for conditioners? Not knowing anything at all about how conditioners worked, or what the differences were (if any) between the various brands, it was pretty much a matter of guessing. I’m now much more knowledgeable about hair products, and I’d like to share some of that knowledge with you so that you aren’t relying on guesswork and luck. There are different kinds of conditioners for different hair types, and they do work differently. If you understand these products, you’ll be better able to choose one that works for you. But in order for your conditioner to work, it’s also important that you are using the right volumizing or clarifying shampoo as well. The purpose of this article is to help you understand what products are available, and to figure out which ones you need. The three categories of conditioners are rinse-out conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and deep conditioner.

1. Rinse-Out Conditioner

This kind of conditioner is probably the one you’re most familiar with, and it is extremely simple to use. Just work it into your hair, wait a minute or two, and rinse it away completely. Rinse-out conditioners are designed to treat the outside surface of the hair cuticle, smoothing and protecting from damage from heat appliances. You can use them every day after you shampoo. Most types of hair, from dry to normal to oily, benefit from using this kind of product.

2. Leave-In Conditionerconditioning hair

This type of conditioner is very thin, light-weight, and not viscous. It will moisturize and protect your hair quickly and easily. It contains surfactants, which allow the product to spread out and treat each hair with a thin coat of conditioner. Like any other styling product, you spray it on to your hair after your shower. You will especially love it if you are prone to tangles, as it is an effective de-tangler. If you have thinner, curly or oily hair, leave-in conditioners will probably work well for you. Give them a try!

3. Deep Conditioner

This category of product, not surprisingly, is designed to condition your hair on a deep level. Deep conditioners are best for damaged and dry hair. These products contain oils, emulsifiers and waxes to repair damage and treat dryness. If your hair is normal to oily, deep conditioners may not be the best products for you, as they can weigh down your hair and make it look even oilier. Usually, you use a deep conditioning product by applying it to your hair and leaving it in for about half an hour. Next, rinse it away thoroughly. This repairs damage to your hair shafts, but the effect doesn’t last forever. It’s best to use deep conditioners once every week or month, depending on your hair type. It’s also good to deep condition two or three days prior to coloring your hair. Deep conditioning your hair is time-consuming, but it’s the most effective way to improve your hair if it is dry or damaged. It really can make a difference.

Now It’s Your Turn

This is not an either/or situation. All of these products have their place in a good hair care routine, and you may need to use each of them at different times. To find out more about conditioners, follow this link for an in-depth guide to choosing the right leave-in conditioner. Check out this article if your hair is curly. If you’re concerned with saving money, take a look at these 10 products that cost 10 dollars or less. If you’re interested in trying deep conditioning, look at our top picks in this category.