Hair conditioning

Ingredients with hair conditioning function help to make hair smoother, softer and more manageable. They reduce tangling, reduce friction between hairs, and make combing easier both wet and dry. Most often, such substances form a thin softening layer on the surface of the hair or selectively settle on damaged areas of the cuticle, so the hair fluffs less, shines better and looks more well-groomed. In the CosIng database, this function refers specifically to substances that improve the appearance and feel of hair, rather than treating its structure from the inside out. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)

Cationic components are especially often used in this role: they are well attracted to the surface of the hair, which often has a negative charge after washing. Due to this, conditioning agents help to reduce static electricity and make the hair more even to the touch. In addition, they also affect the texture of cosmetics themselves: cream conditioners, balms and masks become more dense, gliding and comfortable in length distribution. Such ingredients are especially useful for dry, damaged, colored and long hair that lacks smoothness and protection from mechanical damage. (cir-safety.org)

Typical examples are Cetrimonium Chloride and Behentrimonium Chloride. Both components are widely used in washable products to facilitate combing and soften hair; for Behentrimonium Chloride, this function is explicitly indicated in the Cosmetic Ingredient Review materials. Silicones and protein derivatives are also found in similar formulas, which further improve gliding and visual smoothness, but the final effect always depends on the entire formula, not just one component. (cir-safety.org)