It’s not enough to merely shampoo your hair a couple of times a week. Conditioner also needs to be an integral component of proper haircare, so here’s how often you should be doing it.

How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? 

You’ve likely heard the old adage of how you shouldn’t shampoo your hair every day because it can strip your hair of essential oils. The truth is that frequency should depend on your specific hair type. 

When it comes to conditioner, it’s actually supposed to rehydrate your hair, so you may be able to get away with using it more often. But the true frequency depends on what type of conditioner you plan on using. 

Leave-in Conditioner

Leave-in conditioner is designed to stay in your hair after you wash it. It’s recommended for mild to moderate dry hair or reasonably damaged hair. 

In this instance, it’s best to use leave-in conditioner once a week.

Deep Conditioner

For deep conditioner, you want to leave it in your hair for a minimum of 30 minutes. It’s heavier than rinse-out and leave-in conditioner that’s meant to help repair damaged locks. 

You should use this type every month or so.

Rinse-Out Conditioner

Rinse-out conditioner is probably the variation you’re most familiar with. Most people use it in tandem with shampoo, and as such, experts recommend using it a few times a week. 

How to Apply Conditioner to Your Hair

First and foremost, you need to select the right conditioner for your hair. There are different options out there, and you need to consider hair type and level of damage to figure out which one you should use. 

From there, you want to follow the directions on the bottle exactly. Ultimately, it’ll be the same where you apply it to your hair after washing. It’s really just a matter of how long you leave the conditioner in your hair, which can vary from a few minutes to hours. 

If you decide to use a leave-in conditioner, then you’ll apply it once you’re out of the shower. You can then comb it through your hair for even distribution.

How to Tell if You’re Over-Conditioning

You know you’re conditioning too often if your hair appears overly dry. Your hair requires natural moisture and oils to an extent. When you wash frequently, it strips the hair of these materials, resulting in dryness. 

You’ll also notice your hair losing some of its natural volume. Your hair should be able to stand up partly on its own, but when it becomes dull and flat, you need to change up your regimen.

Additionally, dandruff may worsen if you’re using too much conditioner. This tends to happen if you’re using the wrong kind of conditioner as it may irritate your scalp, resulting in inflammation. 

How to Tell if You’re Under-Conditioning

You know you’re not conditioning enough when there’s excessive hair breakage. If you begin to notice some hairs are shorter than others, then it’s a sign that hairs breaking in less-than-ideal places. This is a significant detriment, especially if you’re looking to grow your hair out.

Your hair may also become dehydrated, and there’s a test you can do to see if that’s the case. Take a strand of hair and float it in water. If it sinks, it’s dehydrated. 

Tips for Conditioning Your Hair

The best tip for conditioning your hair properly involves reading the instructions on whatever bottle you’re using. It should tell you precisely how much and how often to use the product, so there shouldn’t be any confusion.

Still, everyone’s hair is different. If you notice any negative changes to your hair or scalp, stop using the conditioner. You may need to use it less frequently or require a new one altogether. 

There can be some trial and error at first, but it’s all part of the process. 

Conditioning Mistakes to Avoid For Your Hair

The biggest mistake you can make when it comes to conditioner is neglecting to wash it all out properly. You want to ensure you adequately rinse your hair and scalp after a wash to ensure residue isn’t left behind that could irritate you later. 

You also want to make sure you apply conditioner primarily to your hair instead of your scalp. It’s designed to hydrate your locks, so you’re not getting as many benefits if you really rub it into your skin. 

References:

Dillin, Rachel. “Does Conditioner Worsen Dandruff?” The List, 11 Aug. 2021. https://www.thelist.com/485054/does-conditioner-worsen-dandruff/

Weimert, Kelly. “How Often Should You Condition Your Hair?” Healthline, 21 Aug. 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-condition-your-hair