So what does conditioner do anyways?

[Kara]

Are you serious? where do you live? shampoo conditioner has been out for the last 40 years!

I've never really had long hair before, so it hasn't been much of an issue. 

[Jamie-o]

If you have short hair, you really shouldn't need it.

But it will make your hair a lot softer.  At least if you go with one of the mid-priced brands.  Suave sucks. I don't care what their commercials say about not being able to tell the difference.  Personally I like Pantene.

Basically what conditioner does is coat your hair in some protective substance (usually wax or silicone) to make it slicker and to protect it from damage.