Condicionador vs. amaciador
In Portuguese, the words condicionador and amaciador both refer to the product used to soften and detangle hair after washing. The primary difference is regional: condicionador is used in Brazil, while amaciador is the standard term in Portugal.
Condicionador
A2This term is derived from the function of conditioning the hair. It is the exclusive term used in Brazilian Portuguese. It is also used in European Portuguese, though sometimes distinctively to imply a deeper treatment than a regular softener.
Você deve aplicar o condicionador apenas nas pontas do cabelo.
(You should apply the conditioner only on the ends of the hair.)
Este condicionador é específico para cabelos cacheados.
(This conditioner is specific for curly hair.)
Acabou o condicionador, preciso comprar mais.
(The conditioner ran out, I need to buy more.)
O condicionador ajuda a fechar as cutículas dos fios.
(The conditioner helps to seal the hair cuticles.)
Ela prefere usar um condicionador sem cheiro.
(She prefers to use an unscented conditioner.)
Amaciador
A2Literally meaning softener, this is the common everyday term used in European Portuguese (Portugal) for hair conditioner. In Brazil, this word is rarely used for hair and sounds similar to the word for fabric softener (amaciante).
Depois do champô, aplicas o amaciador para suavizar o cabelo.
(After the shampoo, you apply the conditioner to soften the hair.)
O amaciador deixa o meu cabelo muito fácil de pentear.
(The conditioner makes my hair very easy to comb.)
Tens algum amaciador para cabelos secos?
(Do you have any conditioner for dry hair?)
Não gosto de sair do banho sem usar amaciador.
(I do not like leaving the shower without using conditioner.)
Este amaciador tem um perfume maravilhoso a coco.
(This conditioner has a wonderful coconut scent.)
Summary
To choose the correct word, simply consider the region. Use condicionador if you are in Brazil or speaking to Brazilians. Use amaciador if you are in Portugal, although condicionador is also understood there.