All that to say: The conversation around a good cleanse can get quite nuanced, but do the same rules apply to conditioner? We consulted the pros to find out. If you rinse your hair with just water, you may be fine to skip the conditioner, but always reach for hydrating leave-in products if your strands feel dry post-rinse. So the quick and simple answer: You should condition your hair every time you shampoo. If you have really dry hair, you may even want to fold in a conditioner-only wash (aptly called a “co-wash”). “Co-washing—or, conditioner washing—allows the gentler cleansing without the drying detergents that can harm the scalp and hair. Also, co-washing protects the integrity and strength of the hair while maintaining its natural oils,” hairstylist Miko Branch, founder of natural hair care brand Miss Jessie’s, previously told mbg. How you choose to condition is a whole other matter, and it’s a bit more nuanced. In addition, some conditioners may be better suited for certain hair types. “You may also be using a conditioner that is not right for your hair type,” she says, “Or putting it too close to the roots.” Especially if you have finer strands, you’ll want to apply your conditioner from the ears down, not on the scalp. It’s important to note that the telltale signs of under-conditioning are fairly similar to those of heat-damaged hair and strands in need of a good trim—so be sure to weigh all of the causes before blaming your conditioning routine outright. So, where do hair masks and deep conditioners fit into the equation? Well, that also depends on how often you wash your hair and what your goals are. “I love to use a mask once a week for an extra boost of nourishment,” Jaclyn says. If you have thin or oily hair, you can still use a hair mask. Just be sure to use a bit less than you do conditioner and use it as your conditioner rather than on top of it. If you wash your hair less often, say twice a week, then you may opt for a biweekly hair mask schedule. All in all, the choice is yours—just be sure to listen to your hair, and don’t be afraid to switch up your schedule if your strands begin to feel too oily or too dry.
