If you have fine hair, you’re probably used to hearing lies and half-truths from marketers. “Use our shampoo and conditioner, and your hair will grow instantly!” “Our shampoo improves the quality of your hair!” But which products are authentic? Which ones deliver on their promises? And what makes them different from all the rest?
In this article, we’ll cover three of the most common lies told about best conditioning shampoo for fine hair — and tell you what you need to know to find the right one.
1. Conditioning shampoos are all the same
Conditioning shampoos are all the same
None of the above claims is regulated by the FDA, and none of them has been shown to work that way on humans. The two main types of shampoo I see are the super-conditioning variety (aka fast-drying shampoo) that claims to melt away dull hair and its chemical counterpart that claims to allow hair to capture natural, healthy water better and maintain elasticity.
The Fast Drying
These products typically claim to achieve deep blonde shades, with clear, fast-drying results in just 15–30 minutes. If you’re willing to sacrifice slickness for maximum effectiveness, these formulas can blend easily with other products and work well on a hot day. Best of all, you don’t need bottles or fancier equipment — a single person in a plant often mixes these old-school formulas.
The Traditional
A real rinse-and-repeat rinse is not only a true hair maintenance staple but also makes for greater conditioning gains. British proponents call this “whiskering,” and it simply means rinsing your hair before using it. It also helps loosen dirt and build up product buildup. I believe that the main factor here is temperature. After a hot summer’s day, oils on the skin and hair become “uncoated.
2. Are all “conditioners” created equal?
Conditioners fall under two general categories: rinse-off and leave-in. Rinse-off conditioners are used after shampoo, and they’re usually silicone-based to restore smoothness and shine while also providing a protective barrier to seal in moisture. Leave-in conditioners are used after shampoo but before styling or heat-styling products. They’re primarily water-based, but they also contain oils and other ingredients that seal in moisture.
While most conditioners come with a 5–7 day use recommendation, if you find a product with a lifetime guarantee, consider that the conditioner will work its magic for that entire time, potentially reducing regimen time.
Most hair care products come in silky, creamy, or textured powders, some with added vitamins and minerals for good measure. While some may be labeled “anti-aging” and “skincare” and contain ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid, you’re essentially getting what’s called “skin-texture” enhancement — hydration, wrinkle-fighting, brightening, et cetera, and the SPF vitamins and minerals that those companies tout.
3. What makes a good quality conditioner for fine hair?
A good quality conditioner for fine hair will help to add volume to your hair. It will also help to prevent breakage and keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. A good quality conditioner for fine hair will be lightweight and not weigh hair down. It should also have a creamy consistency and not be too watery. The new favorite brand of conditioner for fine hair? HONEY.
Honey combing has increased in popularity in the last few years. You can find it in nearly every grocery store, not just for weight loss but also for moisturizing your hair, preventing dandruff, and more. So it should come as no surprise that most conditioners made specifically for fine hair (which typically sits at and above 110 degrees) contain a significant amount of honey. Depending on the brand, you might get between 1–3 grams of honey per bottle. Surprisingly, most of that honey isn’t honey, but beeswax.
4. Is there a difference between conditioners and regular shampoos?
There is a difference between conditioners and regular shampoos. They’re each designed for different purposes. Shampoos are designed to clean hair and get rid of product buildup, while conditioning products are designed to add moisture to the hair.
This is not always true. Conditioners are an industry term and not a true definition, but they usually actually improve the quality of the hair more than regular shampoos — and for the most part, they don’t have any drying effects, which means if it was dryer on your head, you’d probably feel better about it. But there are different types of conditioners for different purposes.
Dermalogica’s Original Deep Conditioning Gel is the traditional go-to for people who want softer, more textured hair. On the other hand, the Rogaine Deep Conditioning Sheet is meant to improve natural hair growth and condition the scalp.
It comes in different strengths and densities, so it will suit different hair types. It has a capacity of 300ml which should easily last you a whole day.
5. How to find the best shampoo for fine hair
Finding the right shampoo for fine hair can be tricky. You want something that will cleanse your hair but won’t weigh it down. Try one of these products: – Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion shampoo – Dove Dermacare Scalp Therapy shampoo – Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume shampoo.
