There are really only 2 ways in which conditioning ingredients work. One way is by creating a film on the hair fiber surface. This makes the hair feel smoother when touched, reflects light better, and allows a comb to slide passed more easily. The other way a conditioning ingredient might work is by penetrating the hair fiber. This helps make the fiber more flexible which can improve manageability and reduce the chance of the fiber breaking. Some ingredients have the additional effect of attracting water to themselves which can further improve the flexibility and feel of the hair.

The only way to figure out what ingredient works for anyone’s specific hair is to try products out. See which ones you feel work best for you and go with it. If you become dissatisfied try something else. There is no magic bullet.