When you get in the shower, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are typically included in your hygiene routine. However, although shampoo acts like soap for your hair, what exactly does conditioner do? If you’re wondering whether this product is truly necessary, use the following guide to find out why it’s an essential hair care step.

A Brief Guide to Conditioner

What Is Conditioner?

Conditioner is the creamy product used after its sudsy counterpart, shampoo, and it serves to counteract some of the soap’s less desirable effects. While shampoo is essential for removing dirt and grease from your locks, it can also strip some of the natural oils that keep your hair soft and shiny. Conditioner replaces this moisture loss with a combination of oils, emollients, and silicones, and in some cases, plant-based nutrients.

Why Should You Use It?

When you use a conditioner, you’ll be restoring the strength of your hair’s outermost layer, the cuticle, which makes it shinier and softer. This layer easily deteriorates when it’s exposed to harsh temperatures, UV rays, friction, and other environmental forces.

If you don’t use a conditioner, the cuticle will get so thin that the hair breaks, resulting in split ends and flyaways. Conditioner also makes your hair easier to brush and style, minimizing breakage and frizz. 

How Should I Choose One?

If you’re looking for an everyday conditioner, opt for a product with nourishing ingredients and a balanced pH. For more dramatic results, you’ll want to choose a deep conditioner, which should be used about once a week. This product must be left in for longer periods, which allows ingredients like hyaluronic acid to fully penetrate the hair and rebuild the cuticle.

If you’re looking for an on-the-go product, turn to a dry conditioner for spritzing—no water necessary. Make sure to thoroughly read the label, however, to ensure it’s suitable for your hair type. For fine to wavy hair, dry conditioner can typically be combed through. For curly hair, it’s best to stick to a deep conditioning mask.

 

 

For a product that prioritizes both hair health and aesthetic beauty, turn to Cabs La Vie Professional. This Mineola, NY-based brand is rooted in Arles, France, where a senior chemist uses plant research to concoct top-quality hair products. Whether you’re dealing with dryness or unmanageable curls, you can turn to this brand to smooth and reinvigorate your hair. To learn more about their products, visit their website or call (833) 528-4333.