What Is Dry Conditioner? Here's What You Need to Know

It’s safe to say most of us can’t live without the holy grail hair care product that is dry shampoo. But are you familiar with dry conditioner? When paired with the former, this nifty duo can work wonders on giving you envy-worthy hair when there’s no time to hop in the shower. Ready to get the 4-1-1 on this hair must-have? Read on to find out what dry conditioner is, how to use it, and more!

WHAT IS DRY CONDITIONER?

You know that dry shampoo is used to absorb excess oils from your mane and refresh your strands between shampoos, but what about dry conditioner? Well, think of dry shampoo and dry conditioner as partners in crime. When you don’t have time to wash your hair, dry shampoo can be used to refresh oily roots, while dry conditioner can be used to hydrate dry ends. Typically, dry conditioner contains oils and comes in an aerosol format. While formulas can vary, the benefits of dry conditioner usually include adding shine, boosting moisture, taming frizz, and managing static and flyaways.

HOW TO USE DRY CONDITIONER

Now that you know why adding a dry conditioner to your stash of hair necessities is non-negotiable, you’re likely wondering how to use one. It’s quite simple—just follow the steps below.

STEP #1: PREP YOUR HAIR

Before reaching for your dry conditioner, prep your strands by brushing out any knots or tangles. This will also be your cue to spritz your roots with a dry shampoo if they’re in need of a refresh!

STEP #2: SPRAY AWAY

Grab your dry conditioner and spritz it from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair—wherever you feel your strands are on the dry side.

STEP #3: BRUSH IT OUT

Reach for your brush once more to comb through the product and evenly distribute it through your mane. That’s it—as easy as 1-2-3!

DRY CONDITIONER VS. LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Hold up—what’s the difference between dry conditioner and leave-in conditioner? Well, quite a bit actually. While dry conditioner can provide temporary benefits in between showers, leave-in products work overtime to provide extra moisture and nourishment. Also, while dry conditioner is applied to dry hair, leave-in conditioner is applied onto towel-dried hair after shampooing and conditioning, pre-styling.

4 OTHER OPTIONS FOR HYDRATING DRY ENDS

While dry conditioner is a great, last-minute option for hydrating dry ends, it isn’t the only product out there that you can use to show your strands some love! Here are four other options for hydrating dry ends.

Option #1: Leave-in conditioner. Like we mentioned earlier, leave-in conditioner is a hair product that you leave in your hair to provide extra moisture to your ends. Give the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion, which is a leave-in lotion formulated to provide softness, detangle, and protect against breakage, a try.

Option #2: Hair serum. Working with dry hair but still want to hydrate your strands? A hair serum can help with that! The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment is infused with flower oils and helps hydrate and nourish, transforming dry, lifeless hair so it's soft and lustrous.

Option #3: Hair mask. Aside from the above options, you can also opt to use a hair mask to nourish dry ends. Look for an option with hydrating ingredients, like coconut oil or avocado, and focus the formula on the ends of your hair.

Option #4: Hair treatment. Another product to consider? A hair treatment! Hair treatments offer an array of benefits, depending on which one you use. Look for one that’s specifically formulated to provide nourishment to dry hair, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Deep Nourishing Treatment Serum.

Now that you’re a pro on dry conditioner, let’s talk about another type of conditioner worth adding to your hair care regimen: deep conditioner! Learn how to use one to pamper your strands with the help of our article, How to Deep Condition Your Hair.