To ensure beautiful flowing tresses all year 'round, it is necessary to find both the right shampoo and the correct conditioner. While the two don't necessarily go hand in hand, they do have a relationship with one another that can ultimately affect the health of the hair as well as how it looks, feels, and styles.

Not all conditioners are the same. There are those that are meant for use whenever you shampoo; those that are used once or twice a week; and those that are used much less often. While a lot of women automatically flock to deep conditioning products, they are not always the best choice. Too much conditioner can, in fact, weigh the hair down and make it look dull and lifeless.

Any woman who is uncertain which condition treatment is best for her should check with an expert in the field. Nearly all hairdressers are trained to determine the type of hair a customer has as well as its current condition. Type refers to the texture of the hair, which can be baby fine, fine, coarse, normal, etc. Condition of the hair refers to its current state. It may have breaks or split ends. It could be dull and lifeless. It could suffer from too much color, chlorine, or sun, etc.

Once a hairdresser has analyzed the hair, she can offer suggestions for the right conditioning product. Of course, keep in mind that she will likely promote the brands used and carried by her beauty shop. That is part of her job. But if you choose not to pay slightly to severely higher prices, that's okay too. Armed with the kind of conditioner needed, you can go shopping for one on your own.

Below are 12 of the best conditioners on the market today. Study them to see if one is right for your type of hair.

Pantene Pro-V Restorative Strengthening Spray

Pantene products speak for themselves. They often appear on many "best of" lists for several reasons. This leave-in conditioner claims to strengthen the hair from within, making it healthier and less likely to lose moisture, bend, break or fall out. Although it is slightly higher priced than many other conditioners, it is still a bargain at under $10. There's no need to use it daily; one a week is sufficient for most women.

Sunsilk Hydra TLC Conditioner

Sunsilk products are all about giving hair tender loving care (TLC). Sunsilk's Hydra TLC Conditioner does just that. Infused with nutri-keratin, ithelps to bring dry hair back to life; dull hair back to its natural sheen; and split ends a thing of the past. Hair needs moisture to look and feel good and Sunsilk's Hydra TLC gives it all that it needs all for under $5. While this conditioner can be used daily, it is recommended to begin with twice a week. If that works well, there's no need for additional applications.

Thermasilk Heat Activated Conditioner

I use this product because I style my hair with an electric styling brush. Conscious of the damage that heat can do to hair; I need a conditioner that will help to counteract that. Thermasilk Heat Activated Conditioner does just that. When the product meets a heat source it activates to provide maxium protection. It also adds shine and a silky, touchable feel. That is a lot for just around $4. Use this conditioner anytime heat activated styling is involved.

Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Conditioner for Color Treated Hair

Color treated hair requires a lot of things to make it look its best. It needs protection from the elements, strengthening agents to keep it from breaking or splitting, and moisture to restore balance. Herbal Essences' Color Me Happy Condition for Color Treated Hair does that and so much more for a price tag of around $7. Use daily, if needed, or simply one or two times a week.

Redken Color-Extend Total Recharge Hair Care

Redken has been a trusted name in hair products almost from its inception. The reason behind that is simple. Redken develops products that women need and want. Their Color-Extend Total Recharge Hair Care line is no different. It works to prevent hair color from fading too quickly, leading to recolor long before the hair is in shape for another dose. It also provides filters to protect against sun damage; silicone conditioning; and ceramide to protect the hair shaft. Its price tag is a bit more, at $16, but it may well be a small price to pay for beautiful hair. Use monthly.

Garnier Fructis Hydra Curls Conditioner

Women with natural curly hair want a conditioner that works to give definition to curls while controlling frizz. That is exactly what Garnier's Fructis Hydra Curls Conditioner is all about. With its usual fruit concentrates in conjunction with vitamin B3 and B6, Hydra Curls penetrates deep into the hair shaft to repair any damage from the inside. All that is left behind is strong, resilient hair that has sheen and touchability. That's not a bad deal for under $5. This product can be used with each shampoo; however, most women only use it once or twice a week.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner

This conditioner can be used daily without fear of negative effects on the hair. It uses a mixture of natural ingredients to strengthen and moisturize even the most severely damaged hair. Meadowfoam seed traps moisture, absorbing it into the center of the hair shaft to work from the inside out to nourish the hair. Olive is used to help repair hair damage caused from too many perms, straighteners and over colored hair. Sweet almond then puts a barrier around the hair shaft to protect it throughout the day. It delivers a lot for its $15 price tag.

Aveda Damage Remedy Treatment

This product is made for a single treatment each week. There's no need to use it more often because it penetrates the hair shaft to nourish the hair from the inside out. It not only repairs hair damage from too much color or other types of over processing, it also works to smooth out the hair and seal it to look its most beautiful every day and night. Aveda uses plant oils and proteins that guarantee healthy, shiny hair but it comes at a higher price of around $25.

Infusium 23 Leave In Hair Treatment

Infusium is another trusted name in the hair care industry. It has earned a good reputation by keeping its promises. Infusium 23 got its name from the 23 ingredients they use to achieve beautiful, sexy, silky, shiny hair. The leave in treatment continues to work after the initial application. It strengthens the hair shaft while restoring the natural luster of the hair. That's more than a bargain for just under $8. Infusium 23 is safe for use with each shampoo.

Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Hair Conditioner

Nexus is one of the first hair care lines to use microsphere technology to repair hair and give it back its natural texture, sheen, and control. It penetrates the hair shaft to deliver the lipids that hair needs to retain moisture and the emollients needed to remain healthy and shiny. It also uses polysaccharides as well as triglycerides to improve the elasticity to prevent breakage and split end. Ceramide is also used to replenish any vital nutrients that have been lost, as well as to provide protection against the elements and the sun's UV rays. That is a lot for a price tag of around $10. The product can be used once a week.

Ojon Rare Harvest Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Conditioner

This product is 98% natural, infused with the Ojon oil that Central American women have used for centuries. It is packed with antioxidants and other plant oils to replenish what the hair has lost. It is also different in that this conditioner is especially made for the shower. Ojon uses no chemical fillers, just Mother Nature to moisturize, condition, and strengthen the hair while leaving it silky smooth, shiny, and soft. This product isnt cheap, but considering it only needs to be used once a month, it's not unreasonable at around $30.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle

Any woman who hasn't heard of Aussie 3-Minute Miracle must be from another planet. The name always crops up on the "best of" lists every single year. That's because its mixture of botanical extracts, along with precious oils, actually does appear to work miracles for the hair. No matter the hair's texture or condition, Aussie 3-Minute Miracle works. Not many other conditioners can claim the same. For just under $5 that is, indeed, a miracle.

Labels: Aveda, Dermalogica, Moroccan oil, Ojon Hair, T3 hair dryer