Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? You put the conditioner on and take the conditioner off. However, there are rules when it comes to conditioning your hair, particularly if you want to show off the kind of hairstyle that will make Kim Kardashian envious.

Keep up with this list of hair care dos and don’ts and you will be on the path to the softest, lushest, most beautiful hair, no matter which side of the Mississippi you are on.

Conditions every time you wash

Conditioning your hair every time you wash it might seem like a waste of time, but trust us on this one. That little extra step, which takes no more than five minutes tops, can make all the difference in the quality of your hair. You see, shampoo is essential, but it can strip away the protective oils that keep your hair looking shiny, healthy, and strong. Conditioning your hair consistently after every shampoo is a must if you want to keep your hair in tip-top shape. We recommend using a shampoo and then a conditioner instead of an all-in-one.

Don’t over condition

On that same note, you don’t want on condition your hair. We know, we know. It is a very fine line to walk. However, too much conditioner can cause product build-up in your hair, leaving you with heavy, greasy, and unruly locks. To avoid over-conditioning, limit yourself to a quarter-sized amount of conditioner on your hair each time you shampoo (bonus: you’ll save money, too!). Also, you don’t want deep condition every day. Two or three times a week is enough. Finally, be sure to follow the rules on the back of the product regarding setting times.

Use specific hair products

It seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people use the wrong kind of products for their hair type. Making that change can result in hair that is easier on the eyes and, more importantly, much more manageable. For example, if you have fine or thin hair, choose a volumizing conditioner. If you have curly hair, grab the bottle that nourishes that texture. If you have thick or frizz-prone hair, you’ll want a formula dedicated to straightening the shaft and removing all those flyaways. You get the idea.

You can also get even more niche with your conditioner. For example, some products are made for colored hair, blondes, aged hair, and more. Really put in the effort to use a product that meets your specific needs, and you’ll reap the glorious hair rewards.

Don’t be too repetitive

Have you ever noticed how shiny your hair looks after switching to a new product? We’re not saying you should use something new every time you wash and condition, but changing things up from time to time can give your hair a new shine. A change every month or two is enough.

Also, it’s a good idea to alternate between a high-protein conditioner and an ultra-moisturizing conditioner. The key to super beautiful and healthy hair is the balance between the two, so alternating gives your mane the best of both worlds. Moisture-rich products contain oils, shortenings, and humectants, as well as fatty alcohols such as cetyl and stearyl. High-protein conditioners are, you guessed it, fortified with proteins like keratin and amino acids.

Wear a shower cap

If you’re deep conditioning hair, opt for a shower cap on your mop while you wait for the time to elapse. This is particularly effective if you’re already in the shower, as the warm, steamy water will warm the air inside the cap and help the deep conditioner penetrate to the center of the shaft. It also prevents the water from washing out the conditioner before you’re ready to rinse it out.

Don’t put oil on your scalp

Whether you’re doing a DIY treatment or using a store-bought product, keep oil off your scalp. Your scalp already produces oil, so adding more to this area can leave you feeling greasy. It is also difficult to completely remove oil from the scalp. If you make the mistake, use a clarifying shampoo as needed until you remove as much as possible. All this is not to say that oil treatments are bad. On the contrary, they are quite effective. However, when applying an oil treatment, or even a deep conditioner, focus on the mid-shaft to the ends.

Try multiple masking

Keeping the same line of thought, not all shaft parts are created equal. As you know, you want to keep oil off your scalp, but particularly dry midsections and ends need extra love. Multi-masking your hair involves putting different products on different parts of your hair, but all at the same time.

On the scalp, for example, you can put a volumizing conditioner, then a conditioner for color-treated hair in the middle (if you need it), and a very rich, oil-laden deep conditioner on the bottom to revitalize looking ends. crunchy.

Do not use DIY products after their expiration date

You wouldn’t drink milk, would you? Follow the same protocol for your beauty, skin, and hair, including deep conditioners. This doesn’t really apply to store-bought hair conditioners, which contain ingredients that keep mold and bacteria at bay. However, if you’re mixing your own hair conditioners, especially those that contain edibles like avocado, eggs, or yogurt, it’s best to only make enough for one or two uses, at most.