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In actuality, it’s not so simple.

Just as there are manyshampooson the market, so, too, are there countless conditioners.

woman touching hair against blue background

@freshlengths/ Instagram

The wrong pick can weigh down your hair or leave it static, dry, and brittle.

Keep reading for their advice.

Meet the Experts

What Conditioner Types Actually Mean

Conditioner packaging can be a bit confusing.

To start, we break down the buzzwords below.

These typically do so with strengthening ingredients likekeratinand moisturizing agents.

Green tea extract and other antioxidants are also go-to ingredients.

The Byrdie editors are big fans of the NexxusUnbreakable Care Thickening Conditioner.

“Conditioner with dimethicone, glycerin, andshea buttercan hydrate without weighing down the hair.

Quintero says a lightweightconditionerthat adds fullness and volume is your best bet for oily hair.

These conditioners tend to pack in too much moisture at once and will cause your hair to be limp.

Added protein may also be a good thing for oily hair.

Byrdie Tip

When applying conditioner, keep the product off your scalp.

Sometimes, oily hair is actually the result of conditioner that hasn’t been properly rinsed.

Sometimes, overwashing can also be the culprit for dry hair.

“Look for conditioners that deeply condition and protect hair and add shine and moisture,” says Quintero.

Avoid “strengthening,” “fortifying,” and “volumizing” conditioners.

These products are great forbalancing moisturewithout adding too much to weigh your hair down.

Deep conditioners are a great investment for dry and damaged hair.

Try a coconut oil treatment forintense damage repair.

If your hair is particularly damaged, consider a conditioner that packs a harder punch.

Nazarian says coconut and argan oils can offer deep hydration and smooth follicles for shiny curls.

“I would look for amoisturizing conditioner, a great leave-in, and a great oil.

Most people with natural hair tend to do adeep conditionevery two weeks.

Can You Skip Conditioner?

“So many shampoos and conditioners can really help your hair needs based on texture and density.”