How to use conditioner correctly

Why it's important to use conditioner

Do you need to use conditioner after washing your hair? It's a common question in any hair care routine. When we want more beautiful hair with shine, softness and movement, we tend to focus on shampoo... but what role does conditioner really play? At a time when cutting steps seems tempting, many people wonder whether they can do without this product.

Today we look at what conditioner is for, how to apply it properly and why it's key if you want healthy, good-looking hair in the long term.

What does conditioner do for your hair?

The role of hair conditioner is to improve the look of hair, which is rebellious by nature. Conditioner protects and beautifies hair after washing, restores moisture, detangles, helps prevent split ends and reduces frizz.

What happens if you don't use conditioner?

If you don't use conditioner, your hair will not only be drier and duller, but may also be left unprotected against the external factors that affect it day after day: sunlight, pollution. And if you have long hair, you may find it hard to comb, and you may even encourage breakage of the hair fibre, what is now known as "breakage alopecia".

That's why using conditioner after shampoo shouldn't be optional — not because you're short of time, nor because you think it might make your hair look dirty sooner or take away volume. And if you're someone who thinks conditioner makes your hair look dirty, perhaps you just haven't found the right one for you.

Although the job of shampoo is to cleanse, many shampoos include conditioning ingredients to leave hair more comfortable. But in most cases that's not enough, because they are also designed for effective cleansing, so using a conditioner afterwards is key. When you wash your hair, it absorbs water, becomes taut and more fragile — one more reason not to skip applying it.

Benefits of using conditioner regularly

1. Improves hair structure by protecting the hair fibre (keratin and lipids) from within, helping it stand up to external aggressions, pollution and UV radiation.
2. Helps prevent split ends by keeping hair better moisturized. As well as being softer and easier to detangle, hair responds better to drying, straighteners and styling.
3. Adds shine to hair, by improving the structure of the hair fibre and, specifically, the condition of the cuticle. It keeps the cuticle scales compact and cohesive, also acting as a protective shield.
4. Tames the dreaded frizz by protecting the hair's lipids. This makes the hair fibre less susceptible to static, also improving combability and shine.

Types of conditioner and when to use them

There are different types of hair conditioner, and each one has a specific purpose:

1. Rinse-out conditioner. The most common type, also called "cream rinse", it's used after shampoo to soften and detangle the hair and close the cuticle, leaving hair more radiant and better protected.

H04 Conditioner is Modesta Cassinello's rinse-out conditioner, formulated to care for all hair types, from the finest to the driest or most damaged. Its improved, innovative Advanced Formula combines a synergy of botanical ingredients, plant proteins, biotin and postbiotic actives that work from the roots to improve the health of the hair and scalp.

Thanks to this exclusive combination, H04 delivers visible, long-lasting results from the first applications, restoring the hair's strength, density and vitality. Its light, sensorial texture also means you can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment on dry hair, for extra nourishment and protection before washing. One product, two ways to use it and a single goal: visibly healthier, well-cared-for hair.

2. Leave-in conditioner. This type of conditioner is used after washing and doesn't need rinsing. It's very useful for fine or curly hair, or as an extra step for any hair type, as some contain actives that, as well as extra softness, protect against frizz and seal the hair cuticle, boosting shine.

H08 Leave-in Conditioning Spray is Modesta Cassinello's no-rinse conditioner. It's a revitalizing, moisturizing leave-in mist for all hair types. Its active ingredients restore the integrity of the hair fibre, reducing frizz and giving your hair back the qualities we always love to see: strength, softness and shine. It also rebalances the hair's final pH, which can be thrown off by hard water, chemical treatments and/or cosmetics.

Website review of H08 Leave-in Conditioning Spray. "I bought this product to refresh my curls. I wasn't sure it was the right product and I love it. It moisturizes my hair without weighing it down, my curls don't drop and it leaves them loose"

How to apply conditioner step by step

Use it after washing your hair, once you've carefully removed the excess water — even better if you can do this with a towel, as it leaves the hair more receptive.

Put the conditioner in your hands and spread it over damp hair, from roots to ends. This conditioner includes actives that are very beneficial for rebalancing the scalp, but avoid the root area if your hair is fine and/or tends to be oily.

At Modesta Cassinello we always recommend combing your hair after applying conditioner, because it ensures you spread it evenly and also makes rinsing easier. We recommend the iBlend brush, a special brush for applying any treatment to wet hair, as it deposits the product rather than sliding it down the hair. Remember it's important to leave the conditioner on for a few minutes and then rinse well.

H04 Conditioner can also be applied as a pre-shampoo treatment. This very on-trend technique involves applying the conditioner to dry hair a few minutes before washing. Then carry on with your care ritual: shampoo and conditioner again, unless your hair is very fine or very oily. You'll notice the difference!

5 keys to choosing and using the ideal conditioner

1. Choose the right conditioner for your hair type. Look closely at your hair's needs before you choose. This step matters to stop the product taking away volume or making your hair feel less clean, which can happen if you use a conditioner formulated for hair oilier than yours. If in doubt, we're here to help.
2. Before or after washing? You choose (or combine both). You can use conditioner after washing, as usual, or also before shampoo as a pre-treatment on dry hair, for extra nourishment and protection. If you decide to apply it at both moments, try to use a shampoo and conditioner from the same line: their formulas are designed to work in synergy.
3. How you apply it matters — a lot. Having a good product isn't enough: applying it correctly makes the difference. We'll never tire of saying it. Make sure you spread it from mid-lengths to ends with a light massage, and leave it on for the recommended time.
4. How much conditioner is enough? Follow the principle of elegance: less is more. Apply only the amount you need — the size of a walnut or a hazelnut, depending on the length of your hair. Avoid the roots, especially if your scalp tends to be oily.
5. Complement it with other treatments if you need to Conditioner plays an essential role, but it doesn't replace other hair treatments. Masks, serums and oils have different, complementary actions and will help you keep your hair moisturized, strong and shiny.

If, in the world of beauty, you're a fan of effective, sustainable cosmetics with a high percentage of natural ingredients, I invite you to try our hair care line. ;) Join the Mediterranean cosmetics movement!

Frequently asked questions about using conditioner

What happens if you don't use conditioner?

Hair can lose moisture, tangle more easily and become more brittle. It's also more exposed to the effects of sun, heat and pollution.

Is conditioner recommended for fine or oily hair?

Yes, although it's best to choose a light formula and apply it only from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots. That way you keep the balance without adding weight or oiliness.

Can conditioner be applied to dry hair?

Some conditioners can be used as a pre-wash treatment on dry hair. This technique helps boost moisture before shampooing, especially on very dry or damaged hair.

Is it a good idea to use conditioner every day?

Yes, if you wash your hair every day. Conditioner is formulated to protect, moisturize and make styling easier after washing. If you choose a product suited to your hair type — light, non-greasy and well balanced — you can use it every day without any risk of weighing hair down or reducing volume. In fact, for hair that's washed every day, using conditioner is an effective way to keep the hair fibre flexible, soft and protected against friction and external agents.

Every article is backed by the expertise of Dr. Modesta, pharmacist and founder, committed to excellence in hair care.