What is the general purpose of a conditioner?

Conditioners are used to improve the hair's manageability, add moisture, reduce tangling and static, and improve overall condition, generally by smoothing and helping to close the cuticle and coating or strengthening the hair. Different conditioners serve different needs — for example, instant/surface conditioners, deeper moisturizing or protein treatments. Conditioner is typically applied after shampooing. Choosing an appropriate conditioner depends on the hair's porosity and condition. Knowing the purpose of conditioning and the basic types is part of hair-care fundamentals.