Hair conditioner myths and half-truths

            Many of the people who say hair conditioner leaves their hair feeling dull or lank have not given the newer products a chance, or are simply using the conditioner incorrectly .

                 After conditioning, my hair feels greasy”
As long as we apply the product correctly – from mid-way down the shaft and downwards to the tip, avoiding the roots – the effect will be to moisturise the needy zones, not over-moisturise the areas of hair that don't need it.
             
                “Conditioning leaves my hair flat with no volume”
Make sure you're using the right type of conditioner for the effect you want to achieve. There is a wide variety of products on the market, so choose the one that's appropriate depending on whether you want your hair to look sleeker, to define the curls or give body and volume etc.
              
                  “You only need to use conditioner on damaged hair”
Conditioner certainly has a restorative function, so should be used on coloured and damaged hair, but it also has a preventative function and helps protect from external factors that can cause damage – the weather, aggressive hair treatments, the hair dryer... As always, prevention is better than cure.

• “Conditioner takes the shine away”
  One of the things that conditioner will do, if applied correctly, is to close the hair cuticle – the outer layer of the hair – and make it smoother. This makes the surface sleeker and more reflective, meaning that your hair should look brighter and shinier.