How To Apply Hair Conditioner: A Guide for Men

Not everyone has, or even wants to have, the soft, flowing locks of a Fabio type. But conditioner does more for your hair than make it swoon-worthy. If you apply it correctly, it can improve your locks' shine and feel.

Here's a practical, step-by-step guide on how to apply conditioner. Once you know you're doing it right, you can experiment with different types of conditioners to make sure you're getting the most out of it.

What Is Hair Conditioner Used For?

Surprise surprise, hair conditioner is used for conditioning hair. But what does "conditioning" actually mean?

Since hair follicles are technically dead skin cells, they can't be repaired at a biological level. Instead, conditioner steps in to coat the hair cuticle and fill cracks on the surface of the hair. The result is softer, smoother hair that's easier to detangle.

When To Use Conditioner in Your Hair Care Routine

Men should use conditioner every time they shampoo their hair to make it softer and reduce frizz. Think of conditioner as just another step in washing your hair. After shampooing, your mane might be free of grime and dirt, but that's only half of the equation. You also need to nourish your hair so it can look its best.

Keep in mind that everyone's hair is different, and you might need to use conditioner more or less often based on your hair type. Pay attention to how your hair feels after you condition it. If your hair feels oily, you might be using too much product or a type that doesn't get along with your hair.

How To Apply Conditioner to Men's Hair: 7 Steps

Here's a step-by-step process for getting the best results with a natural conditioner.

1. Wash Hair With Shampoo First

Give your hair a good, thorough scrub with some natural shampoo first. Remember that you shouldn't wash your hair every day — just enough to keep it clean and let it do its thing. That means you won't be conditioning it every day, either.

2. Gently Remove Excess Water

Give your scalp a rinse with cool water to remove any excess soap. Then, take your hair out of the water and squeeze away the excess. It should be wet, but ideally not dripping (because those drips bring precious product with them).

3. Get the Right Amount of Conditioner

Squeeze a coin-sized amount of conditioner into your hand. The size of that "coin" depends on your hair length. Here's how much conditioner to use for different hair lengths:

• Short hair: A dime-sized amount
• Medium hair: A nickel-sized amount
• Long hair: A quarter-sized amount

4. Distribute Product Evenly From Mid-Lengths To Ends

Apply conditioner about halfway down your hair, then use your hands to comb it out to the ends. Men with short hair should apply conditioner by squeezing it into the ends of their hair to avoid their scalp. If your hair is longer, reach for a wide-tooth comb to move the product all the way to the ends.

5. Leave In for the Recommended Time

How long you should leave conditioner in depends on which type you're using. Every conditioner has a recommendation based on the ingredients they use, but it's usually one to three minutes. That gives it time to set in and nourish strands.

6. Rinse Thoroughly With Cool or Lukewarm Water

After you've waited long enough, rinse your hair to remove all the conditioner. You don't need to leave any of it in unless you're using one that's specifically labeled as a leave-in conditioner. Some people like to do a cool water rinse to close up your hair's cuticles and lock in all that moisture.

7. Gently Dry Hair and Style as Usual

When you step out of the shower, dry off as usual, and reach for your favorite styling products to coif your hair into the perfect shape.

How To Get the Most Out of Your Conditioner Routine

Along with the steps above, there are some extra tricks to get the most out of your shower. Here's how to use conditioner to get your hair nice and soft without the grease:

• Don't overuse the product: Using just the right amount is key. The amounts suggested above are general guidelines, and you should experiment to find the right amount for your hair type and length.
• Match conditioner to your hair type: Different hair types, like straight or curly, have different needs. Curly hair, for example, usually requires more moisture, and there are special conditioners designed to nourish it accordingly.
• Rinse thoroughly every time: You're trying to get the conditioner into the hair strands, not on them. Rinse away any leftover product after you condition your hair so it doesn't become greasy.
• Avoid rough towel-drying after conditioning: Don't beat up your hair right after spending all this time caring for it. Gently dry hair off with a towel and let the air handle the rest so it can settle out on its own.

Ready To Improve Your Hair Care Routine?

Proper conditioning makes all the difference between a mop and a magnificent mane. It's all about using the right product, in the right amount, at the right time. The routine just takes a bit of trial and error to find what works for you.

While you're trying out different products, give Dr. Squatch's natural Moisturizing Conditioners a go. They're made with natural ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter that bring out the best in your luscious locks. Look your best and feel confident in your daily 'do.