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How to Use a Conditioner? (The Proper Way!)

Maddie Felton (she/her)
by Maddie Felton (she/her)
Updated:
17 Jun 2025
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
It's important to know the proper way to condition your hair.
Good technique prevents over-conditioning and lets you reap the maximum benefits of healthy and well-nourished hair.
adore beauty article image

How To Use Conditioner?

Label instructions tell you how to apply conditioner for maximum results. However, you should remember these general rules when using any conditioner:
  • Don't apply conditioner to sopping-wet hair. If your hair is too wet, the product slides off and can't penetrate or coat the fibres. Be sure to wring out your hair before applying conditioner.
  • Use the correct amount. The amount of conditioner you use depends on your hair type and length. Read our guide on how much conditioner to use.
  • Apply the product to the ends of your hair only. Focus on the oldest, most damaged sections. Using conditioner on the scalp and roots can lead to over-conditioning.
  • Distribute the product evenly. Use a wide-toothed comb after application to ensure every strand of hair has been treated.
  • Allow the conditioner to absorb. Your wait time depends on the type of product you use. A rinse-out conditioner only needs a minute or two to absorb, whereas a deep treatment takes much longer.
  • Rinse thoroughly. Rinse until your hair feels fully clean and there's no slippery texture to your hair.

The Benefits Of Using A Conditioner

You may be wondering what does conditioner do to the hair. Conditioner both nourishes and protects hair. It works by sealing your hair cuticle to help prevent heat damage and block external elements such as pollution. This protective layer gives your hair a soft, shiny finish. The conditioner itself also sinks into the hair shaft, leaving the fibres moisturised and strong.
Conditioner is especially great at repairing dry, brittle, and chemically treated hair. However, conditioner is an essential for detangling and enhancing all hair types.

Choosing the Right Conditioner

Whilst all conditioners serve the same purpose, it's important to choose one that's been tailored to your hair type and concern. Coloured strands are weaker, so use a conditioner specifically for coloured hair, such as Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Strengthening and Reparative Hair Conditioner. This product also works well on thick or dry hair.
If you have fine or thin hair, use a volumising conditioner, such as KEVIN.MURPHY Plumping Rinse 250mL. Always read labels to determine what conditioner is best for your hair type before purchasing.
Conditioners are meant to be rinsed out, left in, or used occasionally as an intensive treatment. Different formulas suit different hair types, so this should also be carefully considered.

How to Use Conditioner After Shampoo

  • After shampooing and rinsing hair squeeze the appropriate amount of conditioner into the palm of your hand
  • Apply to the lengths and ends of your hair working into the most damaged areas first
  • Rinse out the conditioner.
    Conditioner

    <p>Conditioning is a crucial step for any hair care routine as it has two important purposes which ensure healthy and hydrated locks. The first step is to protect the hair. When conditioner is applied, it coats the cuticle in a protective seal which helps to prevent damage from external elements such as pollution, sun, and heat damage. The second step is to condition the hair. Whilst the product is protecting the cuticle, it also penetrates through to nourish the hair strands from within, leaving it moisturised and strengthened. Conditioner will also impart a gorgeous and glossy finish and who doesn&rsquo;t want that?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Conditioning your hair is important, no matter your hair type. But it&rsquo;s equally important that you keep your hair type in mind when selecting your conditioner. For damaged and colour-treated hair, an intensely nourishing and deep treatment will be more beneficial than using double the amount of a lighter formulation. Whereas, for fine and thin hair, we recommend a lightweight and volumising conditioner which will nourish hair without weighing it down.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The hair care experts Kevin.Murphy have developed a range of conditioners which are favourites amongst Adore Beauty Customers. The Plumping.Rinse is perfect for fine and thin hair as it uses densifying plant extracts, tripeptides, and oleanolic acid to extend the growing phase of hair and strengthen the individual hair cuticles for thicker and fuller hair. The Hydrate-Me.Rinse is more suitable for thicker, dryer, and coarser hair as it&rsquo;s packed with deeply moisturising oils and vitamins to improve hair health and boost hydration.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We offer a large variety of hair conditioners, suitable for all hair types and hair care concerns. We also have leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning masks available for intense protection and hydration.</p>

Adore Beauty Acknowledges the Woiwurrung language group of the Eastern Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners of the land our Customer Fulfillment Center and Head Office conduct our business operations on. We would like to extend that Acknowledgement and Respect to all First Nations People and Elders across Australia as our parcels travel across their land, air and water. We recognise First Nations Peoples continuous relationship and connection to Country and at Adore Beauty we commit to treading lightly on the land our parcels travel. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.

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