Disclosed are conditioning compositions comprising by weight: (a) from
about 0.1% to about 10% of a cationic surfactant; (b) from about 0.05% to
about 10% of a water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting
of a water-soluble anionic polymer, a water-soluble amphoteric polymer,
and mixtures thereof; (c) from about 1.0% to about 10% of a high melting
point fatty compound; and (d) an aqueous carrier; wherein the cationic
surfactant and the polymer from a water-soluble complex; and wherein the
cationic surfactant and the high melting point fatty compound from a gel
matrix. The compositions are especially suitable for hair care products
such as hair conditioning products for rinse-off use.