How to Use Conditioner Properly for Healthy Hair
Conditioner is the second step of your wash routine, and it matters more than most people think. After shampoo cleans the hair, conditioner restores moisture, smooths the cuticle and reduces frizz, so hair looks glossy and is far less prone to tangling and breakage. The trick is simple: apply it to the lengths and ends (not the roots) of towel-dried hair, leave it 3 to 10 minutes, then rinse. Here is how to get it right.
Key takeaways
- Always shampoo first, then condition, never the other way round.
- Apply to the lengths and ends, not the scalp, and use a modest amount.
- Condition towel-dried hair, not soaking wet hair, so it can absorb.
- Leave 3 minutes for normal hair, up to 10 for dry hair.
- Conditioner supports softer, smoother, healthier-looking hair, it is cosmetic care, not a treatment.
What is conditioner and what does it do?
As the name suggests, conditioner is designed to improve the hair's condition. Shampoo lifts away dirt, product and excess oil, which can leave the hair a little stripped. Conditioner then coats the cuticle in a nourishing formula that restores moisture, smooths the surface and reduces frizz, so hair feels softer and looks glossier. Skip it and hair tends to look dull and tangles and breaks more easily.
How do you use conditioner properly?
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Shampoo first | Cleanse so the conditioner has a fresh canvas to work on |
| 2. Towel-dry | Gently squeeze out excess water so hair can absorb, not repel |
| 3. Use the right amount | Start with a 20p-sized blob, add more only if needed |
| 4. Lengths and ends only | These are the oldest, most damaged parts; keep it off the roots |
| 5. Leave 3 to 10 minutes | Longer for dry hair, then rinse with cool water |
Why the lengths and not the scalp? The hair nearest the root is youngest and healthiest, while the ends have endured months or years of brushing, heat and styling. Too much conditioner at the roots can leave fine hair looking flat, so moderation is key.
How long should you leave conditioner in?
- Oily or normal hair: at least 3 minutes.
- Dry or damaged hair: up to 10 minutes for a deeper drink of moisture.
For very stressed hair, a good conditioner can double as a deep-conditioning treatment left in longer, or even overnight, before rinsing.
Condition Me® Hair Growth Conditioner
A breakage-defence conditioner with cholesterol, shea butter, hydrolysed lupine protein, rosemary and caffeine. It deeply moisturises, smooths the cuticle and fights frizz, leaving hair softer, stronger-feeling and easier to manage. It pairs perfectly with the Grow Me shampoo, and doubles as a deep-conditioning treatment.
Shop Condition Me ConditionerWatermans is a UK family business that has sold over 5 million bottles since 2012. The range is vegan and cruelty-free.
Conditioner is your best defence against breakage and frizz. If breakage is your main concern, our guide on how to reduce hair breakage goes deeper, and for a full pairing, see the best shampoo for ageing hair.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to use conditioner?
For most hair types, yes. Skipping it leaves hair drier, duller and more prone to tangling and breakage.
Should I put conditioner on my scalp?
Generally no. Apply it to the lengths and ends. A little on a very dry scalp is fine, but too much at the roots weighs hair down.
How long should I leave conditioner in?
About 3 minutes for normal hair and up to 10 minutes for dry or damaged hair.
Can I leave conditioner in overnight?
A rinse-out conditioner can be used as an occasional deep treatment left in longer or overnight for very dry hair, then rinsed well.
Can I use conditioner every day?
Yes, most people can condition daily. Adjust the amount so fine hair does not go flat.
Get conditioner right and the rest of your routine works harder: shampoo first, condition the lengths of towel-dried hair, leave it to soak, then rinse cool. For soft, smooth, frizz-free hair, try the Watermans Condition Me Conditioner.
