Conditioners provide much-needed hydration and strength to hair, making it more resilient against damage. No matter if your locks are fine, thick, curly, dry or colour treated; there’s a formula tailored specifically to each unique need.
Thinner hair will benefit from volumising conditioners that create fuller-looking strands, while those with curlier or more frizzy tresses should look for moisturising conditioners that help tame frizz.
Moisturising
Conditioners provide essential hydration to keep your locks healthy and glowing, unlike shampoos which strip it of its natural oils. Conditioners typically include humectants, emollients and oils (such as Glycerin or Panthenol ) that soften and hydrate hair fibers while leaving them soft to the touch.
Smoothing products work to smooth the cuticle of hair strands, making detangled and brushing simpler, saving both time and stress while decreasing breakage. Some may include ingredients like shea butter which nourish hair for an attractive finish.
Some conditioners can be rinsed out quickly and easily while others should remain in your hair for 10-30 minutes (like deep conditioner). Byrdie testers loved these because they left their locks feeling nourished without leaving a dry, parched feel upon rinsing out.
Strengthening
Conditioners formulated to address hair loss offer some relief for those concerned. These conditioners often include protein, keratin and other essential nutrients to repair damage and enhance elasticity while strengthening individual strands against daily wear and tear as well as external aggressors like heat styling tools.
Tangled locks can be both frustrating and damaging. Conditioners containing smoothing agents coat each strand to reduce friction, making detangling much simpler and less damaging.
If your hair is curly or wavy, look for a volumizing conditioner to boost volume without adding excess weight. These formulas usually include hydrating ingredients and smoothing agents to give your locks a healthy bounce and promote volume without adding unnecessary weight.
Preventing Split Ends
Though there are plenty of products marketed as split end repair solutions available on the market today, only getting your ends cut can truly address them permanently. There are still ways you can make them less visible, however; such as using leave-in conditioner or oil that moisturizes, shines and seals and glosses your strands to provide long-term moisture.
These products may help to reduce the appearance of split ends and even stop their progression. One such form is fork split, in which your ends look as though they have been cut by a fork (hence its name).
Glamour editors often recommend products packed with protein for treating and smoothing dry, damaged strands. Stylist Laurabeth Cabott recommends K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil while Nexxus Prep & Protect features their PROTEINLOCK technology to strengthen hair.
Colour Protection
If you colour your hair, investing in a conditioner with built-in color protection is key to protecting it between salon visits. Formulas specifically tailored for color-treated locks contain ingredients like resveratrol, sunflower extract and keratin to strengthen hair while providing environmental stress protection.
A great conditioner for colour-treated hair should provide ample moisture, to avoid dryness and keep its natural radiance alive. Some even feature UV protection to shield tresses from harmful UV rays – helping them remain stronger and more vibrant for longer! Plus, these rich conditioners will gently detangle and leave locks feeling soft, smooth and beautiful; typically made with silicone-free and cruelty-free natural ingredients certified by Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty Free ingredients!
Heat Protection
Heat-styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands are essential tools for creating stunning straight locks, voluminous blowouts, and gorgeous waves; but their high temperatures can leave hair damaged with dry, brittle locks prone to breakage. Conditioners with heat protection serve as a protective barrier from high temperatures while simultaneously moisturizing and detangling hair strands.
Byrdie contributors who regularly use hot tools conducted tests on various formulas of heat protectant conditioners to find those offering the most effective protection, including strengthening ingredients to repair damaged strands and increase shine. Products included sprays, creams and serums in various sizes to evaluate.
