I Have Fine or Thin Hair. Should I Skip Conditioner?

If conditioning leaves your locks bone-straight, overly slick, unmanageable, dull, oily-looking, or heavy, then it may be tempting to skip this haircare step altogether. However, people with all hair types can enjoy the benefits of conditioner. Avoiding conditioner will only leave your own hair undernourished and unprotected.

Knowing how conditioner benefits thin, fine hair and how to choose the right product make all the difference. Rather than being a problematic step in your haircare routine, conditioning can leave you with beautiful, healthy hair.

Why should I be using a conditioner?

Conditioner both penetrates and coats the hair strands to nourish hair fibres and protect them from external elements. A conditioner can moisturise dry or brittle hair and leave it silky-soft. Conditioner will help protect your hair from heat damage, pollution, and sun exposure, so it's a step that shouldn't be ignored.

Conditioner comes in various forms: leave-in sprays and lotions, deep-conditioning masks, and the most commonly used rinse-out conditioner. Different hair types require different formulas to retain maximum moisture without over-conditioning.

Choosing the Right Conditioner

Should I ever skip conditioner?

Those with fine, thin hair are often apprehensive about conditioning and may have experienced weighed-down hair when using conditioner in the past. However, conditioner should really be used with every wash to ensure healthy hair.

How can I enjoy the benefits of conditioner without it making my hair unmanageable?

• Choose your conditioner carefully. Some conditioners are too heavy for fine or thin hair. Choose a lightweight or volumising formula, such as  O&M Fine Intellect Conditioner or KEVIN.MURPHY Plumping.Rinse .

• Consider a leave-in conditioner. The lighter consistency may suit your hair better than rinse-out formulas.  Wella SP Volumize Leave-In Conditioner is perfect for adding volume.

• Use a small amount. Many people simply apply too much conditioner. Use less than you think you need. Wring your hair out before applying conditioner, and comb through to ensure even distribution.

• Only apply conditioner to the lengths of your hair. Avoid the roots at all costs, as this will only lead to an oily and clogged scalp.

• Don't leave conditioner in for too long. Give your rinse-out conditioner just a minute or two to absorb. You can use deep treatments occasionally, but choose ones formulated for fine hair, such as Kérastase Nutritive Magistral Masque, and rinse them out promptly.

• Condition your hair before using shampoo.  Reverse-washing your hair can help prevent product build-up and is beneficial for those with thin or fine hair.

If you have fine and thin hair, it's important not to skip conditioner, as you can still enjoy the benefits of such a product. The right formula detangles, reduces static electricity, prevents flyaways, adds volume, and may even keep your hair looking cleaner. Pay attention to your technique and use the right conditioner for you in order to achieve healthy and nourished hair.