With so many choices in hair conditioning, navigating the aisles of a salon can seem like a daunting task.

Two weeks ago, we ran the gamut of shampoo options for varying types of hair, and this time we're moving on to conditioner while following the same simple rule: Good hair care isn't rocket science.

By choosing formulas with natural ingredients that include beneficial vitamins, proteins and fats, you can nourish your hair without getting lost in a hair-care labyrinth.

Curly Hair
Curly hair dries out faster than a grape in the Sahara sun, so make sure your conditioner is super-hydrating and creamy. Ingredients such as nut oils, avocados and shea butter will quench curly thirsts.

Splurge: Ojon Ultra Hydrating Conditioner ($22 for 8.4-oz. at Sephora) is made with palm nut oil, almond oil and shea butter. It's like winning the hair-care lottery.
Save: Burt's Bees More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Conditioner ($8 for 12-oz. at burtsbees.com and health food stores) has raspberry extracts and nut oils that make hair soft and shiny without product buildup.

Colored Hair
Coloring dries out hair, especially if you change it to a lighter shade. The chemical process leaves hair parched, and using the wrong conditioner can dull your new hue, so stick with formulas specially made for colored hair.

Splurge: Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care Conditioner For Dry, Damaged Hair ($22 for 8-oz. at Dillard's) is part of a hair-care line used by the Victoria's Secret models. It keeps hair fresh and protected from the sun, plus it's packed with vitamins, fruit oils and silk proteins so hair will look and feel amazing.
Save: Clairol Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner for Colored Hair ($4 for 12-oz. at drugstores) has jojoba oils and vitamin E, plus it makes hair smell like a floral bouquet.

Long Hair
In addition to getting frequent trims and avoiding hot tools altogether, using a lightweight conditioner that helps prevent split ends will ensure your hair will be healthy. Healthy hair is the only kind that safely reaches extreme lengths.

Splurge: Redken So Long Conditioner ($15 for 12-oz. at salons and some drugstores) coats the hair cuticle to protect against heat styling and also has a detangling agent that helps avoid breaking weak, wet strands.
Save: L'Oreal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Conditioner for Medium to Long Hair ($4.99 for 13 oz. at drugstores) detangles wet hair and has a "pearl protein complex" that promises to deliver maximum shine.

Dry/Damaged Hair
Conditioner is crucial for attempting to disguise dry and damaged hair. Although there is no cure for split ends, injured hair can be disguised until your next trim by using a conditioner that seals the hair cuticle and adds shine. Try using a deep conditioner for better results.

Splurge: L'Occitane Angelica Conditioner for Dry & Damaged Hair ($26 for 8.4-oz. at Nordstrom) contains angelica and lavender oils that work to refresh dull hair and stimulate damaged strands.
Save: Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Complete Therapy Conditioner for Dry-Damaged Hair ($9.50 for 13-oz. at drugstores) promises to seal hair against future moisture loss and to help prevent split ends and frizz.

Normal Hair
If you are lucky enough to be blessed with naturally hydrated and healthy hair, make sure you maintain it by regularly hydrating and softening your locks. Use a conditioner without harsh chemicals and plenty of natural ingredients.

Splurge: AVEDA Rosemary Mint Conditioner For Fine to Normal Hair ($10 for 8.5-oz. at specialty salons) gets rid of static and frizz while refreshing the scalp with rosemary and peppermint extracts.
Save: MOP Mint and Basil Conditioner For Normal to Oily Hair ($6 for 10.15-oz. at ecrater.com) is a lightweight conditioner with basil and sage that moisturizes and conditions, and peppermint that soothes the scalp.