We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Dry Conditioner?

By Erica Stratton
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 17,510
Share

Dry conditioner is a salon product that can be used to condition hair without using water. It comes in a spray bottle and can be applied like a hairspray. Instead of moisture, the conditioner relies on oils and chemicals to help condition hair.

Dry conditioner often comes in an aerosol bottle. To apply, the conditioner is sprayed on the hair, then is combed through so that the oils spread evenly throughout the hair. It can be applied after a traditional water shower or after the hair has been treated with a dry shampoo.

Ironically, many kinds of dry shampoos were already on the market before the creation of dry conditioner. Where dry conditioner is an aerosol, dry shampoo is usually a powder that is shaken on the head and brushed out of the hair. Though hair tends to become oily between washings, thus mitigating the need for a conditioner, the companion product was created to address the needs of those with extremely dry or chemically-treated hair.

Dry conditioner can contain many different ingredients depending on the manufacturer. It often uses oils, vitamins, or Quaternium, an umbrella term for several types of chemical compounds used in many different kinds of cosmetics and hair care products. For instance, Quaternium-15 is a preservative derived from formaldehyde, while Quaternium-80 is a silicone-based conditioner that can help smooth and soften the hair. The use of Quaternium in hair products is controversial, since some users have reported allergic reactions to it.

Dry conditioner is used by models, actors and many other people who have high-maintenance hairstyles. Using a dry shampoo and conditioner cuts down on the time someone would need to restyle their hair every time it got damp or wet. For some hairstyles, this is a process that can take up to an hour or more.

People with naturally curly hair also can benefit from using dry shampoo. For example, once curly hair has been straightened, almost any moisture can cause it to curl up again. The conditioner can also be applied as a de-frizzing solution to smooth curly hair and re-define curls.

Those with extremely dry hair may also find dry conditioner useful because traditional conditioners can leave hair feeling "heavy." Dry conditioner may also owe its creation to the "no-poo" movement, where those with curly or dry hair experiment with using products other than traditional conditioners and shampoos to improve the look of their hair.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By liz1103 — On Jun 07, 2011

@oopart28-Go with TIGI’s Dirty Secret Dry Conditioner. It is a great leave-in dry conditioner. It will totally refresh your style. You can use it on any hair type. It smells great, too. It’s also less expensive than some other brands.

This dry conditioner conditions without weighing hair down. That can really be a bonus when your hair has gone flat after a day or two. It also adds shine while taming fly-aways.

By trekker — On Jun 05, 2011

@oopart28- I spend a lot of time heat-styling my hair, too. With all the effort that goes in to creating a smooth, frizz-free style, dry shampoos and conditioners really come in handy. I have tried a few different products.

I would say the best conditioner for use on dry hair would have to be Orlando Pita Renew Dry Conditioner by T3. It is very lightweight. I love the instant addition of shine and moisture.

It’s non-greasy and doesn’t leave a noticeable finish. I really like how it keeps my hair smooth and adds luster. The dry conditioner also has a wonderful smell.

By oopart28 — On Jun 02, 2011

I have naturally curly hair. When I style it, I have to wash, blow dry, and use a flat iron to get the straight look that I want. I don’t always have the time to do this, so any product that can help keep my hair clean and conditioned without water sounds awesome! What is the best conditioner for use on dry hair?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-dry-conditioner.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.