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How do I Choose the Best Detangling Conditioner?

Samantha Elison
Samantha Elison

When it comes to choosing a detangling conditioner, there are many options. Some considerations when choosing a detangling conditioner include hair type, the way you want to use the conditioner, and price. Other factors may include who will use the conditioner — personal preference for scent or particular sensitivities may concerns, for example.

Hair comes in all different shapes, sizes, and textures. For this reason, one person's favorite conditioner might not work well for another. Most big-name conditioners have different kinds of detangling conditioners, specifically designed for people with different hair types. Some of these include straight hair conditioner, volumizing conditioner, curly hair conditioner, and dry hair conditioner. So, before you go to the store, beauty salon, or other purveyor of detangling conditioner, consider your own hair type, and choose your conditioner accordingly.

A tear-free conditioner is the best option for detangling a young child's hair.
A tear-free conditioner is the best option for detangling a young child's hair.

Detangling conditioner is used by people of all ages and both genders. Different kinds of conditioners are available for men and women, and for adults, children, and the elderly. People of different genders will often choose to buy a specific conditioner product over another based on scents that are designed to be masculine or feminine. When buying conditioner for children, it may be best to pick a "tear-free" conditioner that will not irritate their sensitive eyes upon contact. Likewise, elderly people with more sensitive scalps should opt for conditioners labeled as being for "sensitive skin."

Elderly people should use conditioner that is formulated for sensitive skin.
Elderly people should use conditioner that is formulated for sensitive skin.

The way that a person intends to use a conditioner may also be important in deciding what kind of product to buy. If you are someone who prefers conditioning immediately after shampooing in the shower, a rinse-off conditioner that is meant to be showered off immediately after application may be a good choice. If you want to use the conditioner after showering, a leave-in conditioner that can be applied to damp hair and left in all day without leaving conspicuous residue may be the best choice. Some other kinds of detangling conditioner that exist are heat-activated conditioners and dry conditioners.

Some salons offer samples of conditioners that customers can try.
Some salons offer samples of conditioners that customers can try.

Sometimes, the decision to choose one conditioner over another is based on the two products' relative prices. Though some people might have very high reservation prices for hair care products, others might want to opt for the a less-expensive product. When at the store, compare the ingredients and reported benefits of using two different products, and then assess their relative values to you.

Some detangling conditioners are formulated specifically for use on thick and curly hair.
Some detangling conditioners are formulated specifically for use on thick and curly hair.

If you are still unsure which detangling conditioner to choose, consulting a local hair dresser or cosmetologist may be helpful. These professionals have experience in different hair types and can often make suggestions for your particular requirements. Some salons may even offer samples for you to try before making a final purchase.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

It's a good idea to read customer reviews and also ask for advice from hair stylists and friends before purchasing a detangling conditioner. Unfortunately, it's difficult to know whether a product works well without trying it. But some high-end detangling conditioners are quite expensive, so one can't try everything.

bluedolphin

@fBoyle-- Yes, there are natural, safe and effective detangling conditioners for children. Check out organic stores because organic brands tend to have great options.

My sister uses an organic shampoo and detangling conditioner for my niece and she's very happy with it. The brand is certified organic and the series is formulated just for kids. So the conditioner is tear-free and also smells good.

Natural products may not lather as well since they are missing the chemicals that cause the lather in regular products. But if you don't mind that, then you will love all natural detangling conditioner.

fBoyle

I have a hard time finding a good detangling conditioner for my toddler. She has very fine hair and if we don't use conditioner, it's impossible to brush her hair after baths.

I have tried several different detangling conditioners and one worked very well but I was put off when I saw all of the chemicals in the ingredients list.

Is there a natural detangling conditioner that also works well?

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    • A tear-free conditioner is the best option for detangling a young child's hair.
      By: Africa Studio
      A tear-free conditioner is the best option for detangling a young child's hair.
    • Elderly people should use conditioner that is formulated for sensitive skin.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Elderly people should use conditioner that is formulated for sensitive skin.
    • Some salons offer samples of conditioners that customers can try.
      By: design56
      Some salons offer samples of conditioners that customers can try.
    • Some detangling conditioners are formulated specifically for use on thick and curly hair.
      By: indiraswork
      Some detangling conditioners are formulated specifically for use on thick and curly hair.
    • "Tear-free" conditioner may be beneficial for children.
      By: Jaren Wicklund
      "Tear-free" conditioner may be beneficial for children.
    • Detangling conditioner is used by people of all ages and both genders.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Detangling conditioner is used by people of all ages and both genders.