Woman using conditioner  or shampoo in hair Credit : Rattanakun thongbun / Vecteezy

When it comes to your haircare routine, choosing your conditioner is equally, if not more important than choosing your shampoo. There are so many conditioners on the market that it is hard to determine which one will work best for you.

Conditioners can moisturize your hair, nourish it, and help prevent breakage and damage. They can also help tame frizz and flyaways. The right hair conditioner for your hair can be great, but the wrong one can cause all kinds of issues, so here's how to figure out what conditioner is right for you. 

Consider your hair type 

When picking out a conditioner that works for you, the first thing you need to consider is your hair type. Is your hair super dry? If it is, you might need something extra hydrating. This can help guide you in the right direction. Everyone's hair is different and has different needs, so make sure you're catering to your hair's needs rather than someone who has a different hair type's recommendation from TikTok. 

Check the ingredients 

Check the ingredients in the conditioner, just like you would anything from the grocery store. This is especially important if you are sensitive to any ingredients. Some haircare ingredients can be more harmful than helpful. MyHubble says you should be wary of conditioners that use sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Looking for something with natural ingredients can also be beneficial. 

Choose the right type

Something that is great but can also be overwhelming when it comes to the world of conditioners is the fact that there are so many different types.

After getting an understanding of what the labels mean, we're going to break down some types of conditioners. Some common types are rinse-out conditioners, deep conditioners, co-washes, and leave-in conditioners. 

A rinse-out conditioner is what you would typically use in the shower; it is meant to be used and then rinsed out. 

A leave-in conditioner is exactly what it sounds like. It is a product meant to be left in your hair and not rinsed out. 

A deep conditioner is more intense than your typical conditioner. Nexxus says it is meant to be used like a mask and stays in your hair a bit longer than your typical conditioner. It can also target specific concerns. 

A co-wash is when you wash your hair with just a conditioner. It is also known as conditioner-only washing. Healthline reports that it can benefit people with curly, coily, mixed-textured, and super-dry hair.