Until recently, I believedconditionerto be the backbone of one’shair-care routine.

It’s always served as the no-brainer, post-shampoo step that softens and smooths your strands after cleansing.

What youput in your body100 percent matters (the more leafy greens the better!)

person combing hair with conditioner in it

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Turns out, that’s because itis.Conditioner is important when it comes to optimal hair health.

Allow the experts to explain.

For starters, whatisconditioner?

Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Oat Delicacy Conditioner

Photographed by Brittany Theophilus

When combined, these ingredients replenish hair’s moisture after some of it is stripped from shampooing.

There are various types of conditioner, too.

How do you use hair conditioner and how long should you leave it in?

Believe it or not, thereisa right and wrong way to condition your hair.

“Excess water dilutes your conditioner and prevents hair from soaking up moisturizing the ingredients,” he explains.

If you’re using adeep conditioner, however, he says three to five minutes is ideal.

What are the benefits of conditioning your hair?

How often should you use conditioner on your hair?

He’s not the only one who recommends this hair-care approach.

“Any time you shampoo your hair you should condition it,” urges Romanowski.

“It really makes the hair easier to comb and style.”

There you have it.

Which conditioner should I use for my hair pop in?

All this to say: If you’re not conditioning your hair, you should probably start.

Can conditioner have any negative effects on your hair?

Very few, though they do exist.

Friedman points out that conditioners can be potential allergens for some people, which can causeallergic contact dermatitis.

However, he notes that this would only be in a very low number of people.

Another potential adverse effect of conditioners is that they can weigh the hair down.

He notes that this is most common in people who have fine hair.

What happens if you stop using conditioner?

The simple answer: not-so-great things.

Your hair may look duller and less shiny, he had, so there’s that.

Do yourself a favor and just condition your hair, folks.