The frequency of conditioning your hair depends largely on your hair type, texture, and length:
- Oily Hair: Condition 1-2 times per week, focusing on the ends rather than the scalp to avoid extra oiliness. Use lightweight, oil-free conditioners and rinse thoroughly
- Dry Hair: Condition more frequently, about 3-4 times a week or even daily if very dry. Use rich, moisturizing conditioners with ingredients like argan oil or shea butter. Deep conditioning once a week is also beneficial
- Normal Hair: Conditioning 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient. Apply evenly from roots to ends with a lightweight conditioner to maintain balance
- Combination Hair (oily scalp and dry ends): Condition 2-3 times a week, focusing on the dry ends. Use different products for scalp and ends if needed
- Fine Hair: Condition 1-2 times a week with lightweight, volumizing conditioners applied mainly to the ends to avoid weighing hair down
- Medium Hair: Condition 2-3 times a week with balanced hydration
- Thick Hair: Condition 3-4 times a week with moisturizing and smoothing conditioners. Leave-in conditioners or serums can help with frizz control
- Hair Length Consideration: Short hair may only need conditioning around 5 times a week, while long hair benefits from daily conditioning, especially on the ends to prevent dryness and damage
General advice from multiple sources suggests conditioning every time you wash your hair, which is typically a few times a week, using rinse-out conditioners. Leave-in conditioners can be used as needed, especially for dry or damaged hair, and deep conditioning treatments are recommended weekly or monthly for extra repair and hydration
. In summary, tailor your conditioning routine to your hair's specific needs, focusing on moisture balance without over-conditioning oily areas. Conditioning 2-3 times per week is a good baseline for most hair types, adjusting frequency and product type based on dryness, oiliness, texture, and length
