The instructions for using a shampoo are pretty straightforward: all you have to do is to Apply, Lather, and Rinse! The trouble starts when it comes to using a hair conditioner. Since there are many different formulas and ways to use them, people find it difficult to understand how to get the most of them.

You won’t get the full benefits of the product if you use it less than you’re supposed to. But what if you overdo it? Is it bad to leave the conditioner in your hair longer than it should be left? We are here to answer all your questions. Keep on reading to know it all.

Table of Contents

1. What you need to know about hair conditioners
 1.1 How to use a hair conditioner?
 1.2 How long should I leave my rinse-out conditioner in before rinsing?
2. What happens if I leave the conditioner in my hair all day?
3. Can I sleep with a leave-in conditioner?
4. Is it okay to use a regular conditioner as a leave-in conditioner on your hair?
5. The bottom line

1. What you need to know about hair conditioners

Firstly, let’s understand the science behind how hair conditioners work. Your hair has a negative electric charge, and most shampoos contain anionic surfactants, which also have a negative charge. When your hair gets to a higher negative charge, your hair shafts start to repel each other and lift. The result is frizz and a static hair. Your hair might even feel coarse and become brittle and more prone to breakage. And this is where conditioners come in. Conditioners help change the charge of the surface of the hair shaft to positive, which helps flatten your cuticle and reduce frizz. 

1.1 How to use a hair conditioner?

Now that you know what a conditioner is and how it works, let us look at how you should use it.

• When to use: Every time you shampoo your hair.
• How to use: Apply on damp hair from mid-lengths to the end, avoiding the roots.
• How much to use: It depends on the length of your hair, but make sure to cover it completely.

1.2 How long should I leave my rinse-out conditioner in before rinsing?

We all know by now that a hair conditioner is a must-have to restore the moisture balance to the hair and improve the overall hair texture. But sometimes, people obsess over its benefits and make the mistake of not leaving it on for an adequate amount of time. The ideal amount of time to leave the conditioner in your hair is three minutes. You could also look at the instructions on the product packaging and do as recommended. 

2. What happens if I leave the conditioner in my hair all day?

If you are planning to leave a rinse-out conditioner in your hair for a few extra minutes or even an hour, you don’t have to worry about anything. However, leaving the conditioner on until your next wash, could be an issue. Following are the things that might happen:

• You might experience an itchy scalp and scalp irritation. 
• Your hair could feel heavy and coated, which is the result of product build-up. Build-up on scalp can even lead to hair loss. 
• Your hair might be weighed down and it may look flat, dull, and lifeless.
• The conditioner leaves a residue that might attract dirt and dust, which can cause damage to the hair structure. Conditioners that contain silicones and proteins can also cause dusty residue.

3. Can I sleep with a leave-in conditioner?

Conditioners are typically meant to be left on the hair for no more than three minutes. Alternatively, you can use a leave-in conditioner, which does not require rinsing. It is the best solution for those who enjoy giving an extra bit of nourishment to their hair after washing it.

A leave-in conditioner is meant to be left on the hair until the next wash. Because it has a light texture, it won’t cause build-up or weigh down your hair. 

Here are a couple of leave-in hair treatments that I use and love:

Hair revitalizer with natural oils

If you want a leave-in conditioner with natural ingredients and oils that can nourish your hair, this WOW Skin Science hair revitalizer is an amazing option. It is packed with premium botanicals that leave the hair shiny and lustrous. It will make your dull hair look full of life in an instant. 

10 in 1 Apple cider vinegar mist tonic

If you are too busy to use several products for your skin and hair, let me introduce you to the 10-in-1 mist tonic that will change your life. With the goodness of botanical active ingredients like apple cider vinegar, green tea, rose hydrosol, etc., you can keep a check on acne, scalp build-up, and itchiness.

4. Is it okay to use a regular conditioner as a leave-in conditioner on your hair?

In case you have run out of your leave-in conditioner, and you are thinking about whether you can use your regular conditioner instead, let me tell you that there is some risk involved. However, if you still want to experiment, you can dilute it with some water, apply it on your ends leave it in your hair. Just don’t leave it on for more than one day and use a clarifying shampoo to wash it off. 

There is nothing better and safer than using a product the way it was meant to be used. This stands true for hair conditioners as well. 

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products. From our all natural sulfate, silicone and paraben-free hair care collection we recommend Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo. And if you would like to learn more about apple cider vinegar's benefits or onion oil's benefits check out our ultimate guide on how to use them on your hair.