Generally speaking though, people with fine or oily hair shouldn't use conditioner any more than 2 or 3 times a week. So, if you're using your conditioner daily, or even every other day, it might be time to cut back on usage. Remember: You don't HAVE to condition your hair every time you use shampoo.
You can use conditioner immediately after shampooing or on its own. The general recommendation is a few times per week, but you can use it daily. Common sense goes a long way: If you hair is superfine and prone to greasiness, condition less often.
Absolutely! After using hair oil or serum, it's best to use a conditioner to ensure that your hair and scalp is properly hydrated and nourished. The conditioner helps to protect your hair from damage and to keep it looking soft and shiny. Plus, co...
For fine hair, use conditioner 2-3 times a week to avoid weighing it down. Opt for a lightweight, volumizing conditioner that adds moisture without excess weight. Apply mainly to the ends to keep roots from getting greasy.
If the greasiness extends to the ends of the hair within a day, then your hair probably doesn't need leave-in conditioner. But if the greasiness only affects the upper section of your hair, I'd recommend applying the leave-in to the lower portion.
Fact: Conditioner is not only OK for oily hair types to use but it's also necessary. It provides a healthy dose of hydration, nourishment, and protection that your locks can't get from shampoo alone. The key, however, is to find one that works for your individual hair needs.
Tailoring Application to Hair Type: Different hair types require varying moisture levels and care. Fine, straight hair may become weighed down by daily leave-in conditioner application, while thick, curly hair may benefit from more frequent use to combat dryness and frizz.
If the hair doesn't snap or break easily when you pull it tight and if it regains its shape, it has some healthy elasticity and strength. According to Dr. Joe “Healthy hair is like a rubber band because it has springy coils of keratin in the cortex. You can stretch it, and it will recoil.
Folks who use a co-wash instead of shampoo can actually skip conditioner since too much moisture can be detrimental to hair. The same goes for those using a conditioning wash, says Longsworth.
Over-oiling can lead to an excessively greasy scalp, which can attract dirt and exacerbate hair fall. Normal hair: If your hair is neither too dry nor too oily, oiling 1-2 times a week is a good balance. This frequency will help maintain healthy moisture levels without making your scalp greasy.
Hair oil cannot replace leave-in conditioner, and vice versa. While hair oil seals in moisture, the leave-in conditioner provides intense hydration. In addition, leave-in conditioner is formulated to help detangle the hair, while hair oil really shines at smoothing the hair cuticle and preventing future tangles.
Signs Your Hair's Being Over-Conditioned:
Your hair has lost texture, slipping from buns or out of bobby pins. Your roots become greasier sooner than you're used to.
Here's a general overview: For those with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, daily wetting may not be advisable as it can further strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to increased dryness, frizz, and breakage.
You may be doing more damage to your hair by washing and conditioning it every day. So, the rule of thumb I suggest is to only shampoo and condition your hair as you feel it needs it. No one else knows your hair as well as you do. On a good hair day, it's your best friend.
While healthy hair feels smooth, has minimal breakage, and appears shiny, unhealthy hair usually has frizz, split ends, roughness, and a lack of luster. All of these latter signs point to intrinsically weaker hair1.
The answer to this is that you should condition your hair every time you wash it, without a doubt. When we wash our hair, we're cleansing it of dirt and impurities. Shampoo opens the hair's cuticle as it cleanses, while conditioner seals the hair's cuticle to lock in nutrients.
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.
The average conditioner is not designed to be left on your hair. And, if you don't rinse it out completely, it can absolutely contribute to grease. So, if you've found yourself wondering “Why does conditioner make my hair greasy?”, make sure you're washing your hair out thoroughly in the shower!
But, if your hair needs even more moisturization, give it what it wants! In that case, you can condition your hair even on the days you don't shampoo it. If your hair is treated, damaged (from chlorine, for example), dry, curly, or thick, you may find that it needs to be conditioned in-between shampoo days.
Before Bedtime
For those with curly or long hair, a little leave-in conditioner before bed can make a big difference. Apply a light amount to your hair, then braid or loosely tie it up. This helps keep your hair tangle-free and reduces breakage while you sleep.
Frequency: Use conditioner every time you shampoo, typically 2-3 times a week. Purpose: Regular conditioning helps maintain the natural moisture balance, ensuring hair remains smooth, shiny, and manageable. Type of Conditioner: A standard rinse-out conditioner is usually sufficient.