Many people with fine hair stop using conditioner because it flattens it. The problem is hardly ever the conditioner: it is which one, how much and where.
Short answer: Not necessarily. Fine hair loses volume when the conditioner is very rich, is applied near the roots or is not rinsed out well. With a lightweight conditioner, applied only from mid-lengths to ends for two minutes and rinsed thoroughly, fine hair stays soft and keeps its body.
In short
- Fine hair does need conditioner: without it, it tangles and breaks.
- Key points: lightweight formula, from mid-lengths to ends, two minutes and a good rinse.
- Use very little: the size of a hazelnut.
What to look for when choosing one
- It should say ‘volumising’ or ‘fine hair’.
- It should not have heavy silicones, such as dimethicone, among the first ingredients. We explain this in silicone-free shampoo.
- A fluid texture, not a thick cream.
How to apply it on fine hair
- Squeeze the water out very well after shampooing.
- Apply very little, from mid-lengths to ends.
- Wait two minutes.
- Rinse for longer than you think you need to.
More ideas in the guide to volume for fine hair.
Ingredients: what usually suits fine hair and what weighs it down
| Usually suits fine hair | Usually weighs it down |
|---|---|
| Panthenol | Butters, such as shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) |
| Hydrolysed proteins (wheat, keratin) | Rich oils near the top of the list |
| Aloe vera | Silicones such as dimethicone in large amounts |
These are not fixed rules: the whole formula and the amount you use both count.
If it still goes flat
- Use half the amount.
- Start applying it lower down, from halfway along the lengths.
- Rinse for one minute longer.
- Once a week, wash with a clarifying shampoo to remove residue.
- Dry the roots with your head upside down.
Which Nitiel product fits
BLOOM SOFT is Nitiel’s volumising conditioner, with hydrolysed keratin, nettle extract and caffeine. It detangles and helps control frizz while keeping volume. It is ECOCERT COSMOS Natural certified, 98 % of the formula is of natural origin and it is not vegan.
Sources and references
- Tips for healthy hair. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Dermatologists’ guidance on how often to wash depending on the scalp and where to apply shampoo and conditioner.
- Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. M. F. R. Gavazzoni Dias, International Journal of Trichology (2015). Scientific review of surfactants, silicones, conditioners and protein hydrolysates in hair care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use conditioner on alternate days?
Yes. If your hair is very fine and short, using it every other wash may be enough.
Conditioner or leave-in mist: which is better?
On very fine hair, a light mist can replace conditioner on some days.
Does conditioner make fine hair greasy faster?
Only if it reaches the roots or is not rinsed out well. Applied from mid-lengths to ends and rinsed properly, it does not bring your next wash forward.
Does putting conditioner on before shampoo work?
It can work on very fine hair: the shampoo removes the excess and the lengths stay soft without weight. Try it for a couple of weeks and compare.