How Long Should I Leave Conditioner on My Hair?

Whether your hair is short or long, thin or thick, straight or curly, we’re guessing that conditioner is a part of your regular hair care routine. This shower essential helps hydrate your hair after you lather up to promote smoother, softer-feeling strands. Some conditioners also help address specific concerns, such as damage, frizziness, or dryness. But if you rinse out your conditioner immediately after working it through your mane — as many of us do on busy mornings — you may not benefit from the formula as much as you could. 

How long you should leave conditioner on your hair varies depending on the product you’re using. Standard conditioners should typically be left on for a minimum of a minute to work their magic. Deep conditioners and hair masks work best when they’re allowed a bit more time to penetrate your strands — usually between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on the product. Bonding conditioners, too, typically require a few extra minutes to work as intended. If you’re unsure what category your go-to conditioner falls under, read the label on the back of the bottle. Most of the time, it’ll include details on how long the product is meant to be left on. (And generally speaking, a minute or two in either direction won’t harm your strands.)

You’ll also want to be sure to apply your conditioner properly to reap the full benefits. To start, wash your hair as usual and rinse out the lather. Then, squeeze out any excess moisture and work a generous dollop of conditioner throughout your mid-lengths and ends. Allow it to sit for the amount of time recommended on the bottle — or at least one minute — and then rinse again. 

If your hair doesn’t feel as hydrated as you’d like postshower, reach for a lightweight leave-in conditioner. The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner gets our vote; it’s lightweight but deeply hydrating and boasts the brand’s signature (and viral) Cheirosa 62 scent.