Choose the conditioning your hair needs.
Start with rinse-out care, then decide what to add.

Check what rinses out and what stays in

Read each label for where to apply it, how wet the hair should be and whether to rinse. Conditioner and many masks rinse out; leave-in stays on. A product called a treatment may have a different sequence, so check before combining it with anything else.

Check whether a mask replaces conditioner

If the mask says to use it instead of conditioner, skip your usual conditioner that wash. If it specifies conditioner before or after, follow that order. When the directions are unclear, ask the manufacturer before adding another conditioning step.

Hair still tangles during washing

• Work conditioner through the areas that catch, including underneath.
• Detangle curls or coils damp with conditioner; let straight hair partly dry before combing.
• If replacing rinse-out conditioner with leave-in made detangling harder, return to the rinse-out step.

The ends still feel rough after drying

• Check that conditioner reaches the ends and stays on for the directed time.
• If the dry ends still feel rough, try leave-in there at the next wash, using its directions.
• Keep your other products the same and compare softness and ease of detangling.

Several conditioning layers leave hair coated

• Write down which products you used, how much and where.
• At the next wash, omit one optional conditioning layer or reduce its amount within the label’s directions.
• Compare the dry result before changing another product; you do not need to discard everything at once.

Rinse-out conditioner for softness and detangling

Choose conditioner for the hair you need to detangle and soften. Fine or straight hair may need it mainly at the ends; dry or curly hair may need it through more of the length. Spread it evenly and rinse as directed.

Browse rinse-out conditioners. Your tangles, past treatments and preferred finish help guide a personal conditioner recommendation.

A mask to try when conditioner is not enough

A mask is optional. If your conditioner leaves the lengths difficult to detangle or rough, compare a mask’s purpose and directions before buying. Check whether it replaces conditioner and whether you have time for the stated wait and rinse.

Browse rinse-out masks. The consultation considers what your current conditioner does before recommending an extra mask.

Leave-in for lengths that need more softness

A leave-in stays on after washing. Use it where the hair needs softness or easier detangling, starting with the directed amount. Check your styler’s instructions for order. Use a product made to stay in; do not dilute rinse-out conditioner to make one.

Browse leave-in conditioners. For help choosing a leave-in, describe where your hair feels rough and what you already apply.

Apply rinse-out conditioner to the lengths and ends

Divide the wet lengths so you can reach inside them. Smooth conditioner through the areas that need it, wait for the time on the bottle and rinse thoroughly. The illustrated method keeps the scalp clear.

Use a rinse-out mask as its label directs

Prepare wet or damp hair as the mask directs, spread it through the specified areas and rinse after the stated time. Follow its instructions about conditioner. Do not add heat or leave a rinse-out mask on overnight.

Apply leave-in after the final rinse

After rinsing out your wash products, remove excess water until the hair matches the leave-in’s directions. Apply the directed amount, spread it through the lengths and leave it in. The method shows cream and spray alternatives.

Detangle without pulling through a snag

Start near the tips and comb toward the ends. Once that area is clear, start a little higher and comb down again. Hold above a snag while easing it apart. Let straight hair partly dry first; detangle curls or coils damp with conditioner.