Are you using the right conditioner for your hair type?

Posted by Sarah Jones on March 22nd, 2023

Did you know that most people are clueless of the fact that they are not using the right conditioner? Some of the most popular Olaplex stockistsin the countrytell us that because there are just so many options out there, that it is so easy to end up with a bottle that will weigh your hair down, or leave it static, dry, and brittle. We are here to shed some light on the topic and share some important things that you need to know before you go out and buy a bottle of conditioner, and it starts with what it actually does. 

What does conditioner actually do? 

Conditioner is commonly used right after washing your hair and is meant to replace the lost moisture from shampooing. It acts by smoothing the cuticle of your hair, which in turn reduces tangling, increases shine, decreases static, and helps make your hair more manageable. Conditioner is vital for all hair types, but you need to bear in mind that not every conditioner will work for your hair type.

Here’s a good rule to go by: shampoo should be chosen based on your scalp condition, conditioner should be used to treat and enhance the condition of your hair. If your scalp tends to be oily and your ends are dry (which is common), select a shampoo that is best suited for an oily scalp and a conditioner that is best suited to hydrate your dry ends. Because, like your face, treating the oil condition on your scalp begins with proper cleansing. Introducing the proper moisture back into your hair is done by choosing the right conditioner for you. Now, let’s go over the different types and what they actually mean. 

Conditioner types and their meanings: 

• Hydrating/Moisturizing: great for adding moisture, shine, and smoothness to hair. Good for thick, curly, or course hair.

• Volumizing: excellent choice when your hair is fine or limp. If your hair or style need a boost and lift, a volumizing conditioner won't weigh you down.

• Strengthening/Fortifying: good for damaged, over processed, highlighted, weak, or brittle hair.

• Balancing: balancing conditioners are typically a nice middle of the road option. Not too moisturizing, but won't dry your hair out.

• Smoothing/Straight Hair: extra moisturizers and smoothing agents help seal the cuticle and provide a smooth start for your straight hairstyle.

• Curly Hair: conditioners that are formulated for curly hair are typically very moisturizing and make an extra effort to reduce frizz.

The right type of conditioner for weak hair, prone to breakage

Does your hair usually break off when you brush, wash or style it? If this is the case then you will want to go for a strengthening condition to fortify your hair from the inside. These usually consist of ingredients like keratin and moisturizing agents. You will want to look for conditioners with strengthening ingredients, but use them in moderation. Overuse of ingredients like protein can actually lead to more breakage. Paired with an Olaplex bond repair treatment, you will be well on your way to enjoying strong and confident hair!

The right type of conditioner for oily and limp hair. 

If you tend to have oily or greasy hair, you may want to consider skipping conditioner altogether, because you will often experience that conditioner makes your hair feel worse. With luck some people can cut out conditioner, but if you do have oily hair, there are conditioners on the market that assist in reducing oil. Here's what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a conditioner for an oily scalp:

• Avoid conditioners that are "hydrating,""moisturizing,""smoothing," or otherwise considered good for curly hair. These conditioners tend to pack in too much moisture at once, and will cause your hair to be limp.

• Look for labels that read "volumizing,""light,""strengthening," or "balancing." Added protein may be a good thing for oily hair. These products are less moisturizing and more effective at removing excess oil.

• If your hair is fine and oily, try using conditioner first, then shampoo.

The best type of conditioner for dry and damaged hair

If your hair is damaged, dry or brittle, having the right conditioner is the deciding factor on whether you will have a good hair day. If this is the case for you it is important that you choose a conditioner that will prevent further damage to your hair.  Here’s what you should look out for: 

• Avoid "strengthening,""fortifying," and "volumizing" conditioners.

• For hair that is slightly dry, look for shampoo labels that promote moisture, hydration, smoothing, balancing, or assist with curls. These products are great for balancing moisture without adding too much to weigh your hair down.

• If your hair is severely damaged, consider a conditioner that packs a harder punch. Seek out labels that promote repair, control frizz, are good for highlighted hair, and protect from heat damage.

• Deep conditioners are a great investment for dry and damaged hair. With use 1-4 times per month, your hair's damage can be managed, and future damage can be prevented.

• Try out a coconut oil treatment for intense damage repair.

The right type of conditioner for natural curls 

If you have naturally curly hair, you should be looking for hydrating, moisturising and smoothing conditioners. Moisture is a top priority when you have curly hair, because natural oils have difficulty traveling through the strands of hair to distribute the moisture evenly. Ignoring the need to moisturise your natural curls can eventually lead to fragile hair. In the event that your natural curls lack vitality, it would be a good idea to visit your nearest Olaplex treatment salon!

Here's a few tips to keep in mind when reaching for a new conditioner:

• Look for products that call themselves "hydrating", "smoothing", and "moisturising".

• Consider your curl type when picking out a conditioner. 4c will require a much more intensively moisturising conditioner than 3b which could actually be weighed down with a more intense conditioner.

• Those with type 2 curls should steer clear of anything too heavy like waxes or creams that may weigh down their hair.

• Those with type 3 curls should reach for creams and leave-in conditioners that are more intensely moisturizing.

Those with type 4 curls will benefit from using oil-based creamy conditioners and regularly doing a leave-in conditioning.