Condition & treat

Compare rinse-out, leave-in and pre-wash application methods.

10 guides · Free to read

Choose your starting point

Start with the product you have and when its directions say to use it. A conditioning mask used before shampoo needs its complete wash-out sequence; a rinse-out mask used after shampoo has a separate guide. Conditioner, leave-in and bond-care methods also differ. Match the product type and wash-day stage before comparing the time involved.

Compare the methods

Explore the methods below. Open a guide for when to use it, what you’ll need and the full steps.

Supporting damp ends while smoothing clear conditioning gloss.

8–15 min hands-on

Apply a clear rinse-out gloss

A clear rinse-out gloss is a no-pigment conditioning treatment used for temporary feel and shine.

Distributing leave-in treatment through a small damp section with both palms.

6–12 min hands-on

Apply a leave-in bond-care treatment

Leave-in bond care is a hair treatment that stays in the lengths. This guide covers creams used after shampoo, before conditioner, with a required waiting time.

A woman supports damp hair with one hand and smooths mask along its lengths with the other.

12–25 min hands-on

Apply a pre-shampoo conditioning mask

A pre-shampoo conditioning mask is a hair-length treatment used before cleansing for softness and manageability.

A woman supports a damp section with one hand while smoothing pre-wash treatment through it with the other.

12–20 min hands-on

Apply a pre-wash bond-care treatment

A pre-wash bond-care treatment goes on before shampoo. This guide covers a single cream applied to damp hair, then rinsed out before washing and conditioning.

A woman smooths a thin film of oil over the mids and ends of her own dry loose hair.

8–15 min hands-on

Apply a pre-wash oil treatment

A pre-wash oil treatment coats hair lengths with a suitable oil before shampooing it out.

A woman smooths a visible layer of white hair mask through the middle and ends of one wet hair section.

3–6 min hands-on

Apply a rinse-out hair mask

A rinse-out conditioning mask is a cream or lotion used for extra conditioning. It is removed with water after the product’s waiting time.

Smoothing dissolved treatment through wet lengths while supporting the ends.

15–25 min hands-on

Apply a rinse-out mineral-removal treatment

A rinse-out mineral treatment is a hair product made to remove mineral deposits. This method covers water-activated crystals used between shampoo steps.

A thin coating of conditioner being smoothed over the lower lengths and ends, away from the scalp.

3–6 min hands-on

Apply conditioner to the lengths and ends

Targeted conditioning uses a rinse-out conditioner on the middle lengths and tips to soften those areas while keeping product away from the scalp.

A woman smooths a thin layer of leave-in conditioner over the middle and ends of one damp hair section.

2–4 min hands-on

Apply leave-in conditioner

A leave-in conditioner stays on the hair after application to help with softness and detangling. It comes as a cream, lotion or spray.

Both hands cup the wet ends upward and lightly press the folded hair over the basin.

4–7 min hands-on

Squish conditioner into waves

Squish-to-condish is gentle upward cupping of water and conditioner through wet hair to help waves gather into groups.