Asian woman showering outdoors.

When it comes to hair conditioner, the rule of thumb is to use it every time you shampoo. Shampoo, for all its benefits, strips your locks of their natural oils and makes your hair appear dry or less manageable. Conditioner is its insurance. If you’re not seeing effects, maybe you’re using your products incorrectly. Learn how to use hair conditioner to maximize its results with the tips below.

How to Use Hair Conditioner Correctly

Understanding the role of these can teach you how to use hair conditioner and shampoo effectively. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, shampoo was developed to remove sebum and environmental dirt. In recent years, its formulations have changed to address various hair and scalp concerns. On the other hand, conditioners are designed to nourish, improve hair manageability, decrease hair static electricity, and boost shine.

TLDR: shampoos remove (dirt and grime) while conditioners provide (nourishment). This simple hair math explains why shampoos must always precede conditioners. Without the other, you could get either starved locks or excess buildup. Shampoo gives conditioner a clean slate to do its magic.

There’s no one way to apply conditioner. It depends on several factors, including your lifestyle, the weather, and hair quality. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about how to use hair conditioner.

Should I use hair conditioner daily?

You’ll probably find articles online about the perils of shampooing your hair daily. It’s easier said than done in the Philippines where you likely and a . If you shampoo daily, it only makes sense . The latter will help manage dullness, dryness, and frizz.

How much hair conditioner should I use?

This question is a tricky one. First, assess your hair by length, texture, strand thickness, and density. Longer, thicker, denser hair usually requires more product, but fine hair, regardless of length, doesn’t need much. Play it by ear. Squeeze a palm sized amount of Cream Silk Vitamin Boost Standout Straight on your palm. It gives your hair a daily vitamin boost with a formula that has a dynamic fusion of Pro-Vitamin B5 that injects back lost nourishment to revitalize hair from within, marula oil to strengthen hair against breakage, and argan oil that smoothens hair by fortifying and strengthening it.

How do I apply hair conditioner?

The general advice is to apply the conditioner mid-shaft. However, this can be confusing. With the conditioner in your hand, begin at the roots and work it upwards up to the mid-length (or around the neck area). This means the ends, which generally receive the least oils from your scalp, get the most love. Avoid the roots since conditioner might weigh down your strands, losing your hair’s natural bounce and making your .

Can I use hair conditioner without shampoo?

The short answer is no. However, certain skin and hair issues may require some people to skip shampoo and focus on conditioner. Eczema, psoriasis, or sensitivity to specific chemicals may prompt alternative haircare methods. If you have any of these conditions, consult a dermatologist if your current hair routine isn’t working.

There’s also a technique called “co-washing” or “conditioner washing.” Popular among individuals with curly or dry hair, it involves cleansing hair with a conditioner instead of traditional shampoo. You may need occasionally to combat buildup.

How to Maximize Your Conditioner Use

Conditioners can strengthen , but having a proper haircare routine boosts your odds of healthier hair.

Detangle your strands properly.

It’s better to when your hair is dry. Hair is brittle when wet, so trying to outwrestle those knots might cause more problems. Use your fingers to smoothen any major snags before stepping inside the shower. Then, gently smoothen overlooked kinks as you work in your conditioner. The oils will protect your strands from damage and make detangling easier.

Rinse off all products.

Use cold water to rinse out the conditioner. The lower temperature helps close the hair cuticles and pores in your scalp, locking in all the goodness you just lathered in. Massage your strands carefully as you run them under water to ensure you remove all the traces of product.

Dry your hair.

Again, wet hair is extra fragile, so you might want to dry your locks before combing, styling, and even heading out to brave the elements. If you’re rubbing your hair with a towel, stop! The friction will harm your strands. Pat dry with a towel to absorb excess moisture. Then, air-dry your locks, park yourself in front of a fan (like how your mom did it!), or blow-dry with a cold setting (avoid when possible).

Use the right conditioner for your needs.

Not all conditioners are created equal. Like shampoos, these hair moisturizing products are designed to address specific issues. Figuring out what your hair needs is the first step to finding the best conditioner for you. You can start with the suggestions below. 

If you’re not a conditioner kind of girl, try Cream Silk’s Vitamin Boost range to get you into the habit. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a conditioner upgrade, use Cream Silk’s Triple Keratin Rescue Range to get the best version of your hair. 

  • For stubborn frizz and flyaways: Cream Silk Vitamin Boost Standout Straight smoothens tresses in just one wash. An all-in-one hair spa/hot oil/keratin infusion, it intensely and hastily makes hair much more manageable thanks to having 40% more nourishing ingredients.
  • To strengthen hair-fall prone locks: Cream Silk Vitamin Boost Hair Fall Defense has three nourishing oils (argan, rosehip, and marula) for its conditioning work, but it also has Break Shield Complex to fortify your hair from root to tip.
  • To repair intense damage: If your hair needs extra reinforcement, use Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Straight. More potent than your average conditioner, it provides extra reinforcement for ultimately straight and manageable hair.
  • To restore vividness in colored hair: Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Color Revive is a sulfate-free conditioner that can replenish lost nutrients and revive chemically treated strands. Its three keratin components also combat damage caused by dyeing and bleaching hair. Learn more about and discover the best ones for your hair.

Hair products beyond shampoo may seem like an afterthought, but now that you know how to use hair conditioner properly, start adding it to your shower routine. Cream Silk is making it its mission to educate Filipinas about the importance of a post-wash hair routine. Its new educational platform, The Cream Silk Hair Institute, aims to make hair care simple and easy with solutions derived from 40 years of expertise.

Visit The Cream Silk Hair Institute to learn about the ideal haircare regimen. Then find the best Cream Silk conditioner for you on and .