Disclosed are conditioning compositions comprising by weight: (a) from about 0.1% to about 10% of a surfactant system comprising at least one cationic surfactant; (b) from about 0.05% to about 10% of a polymer selected from the group consisting of an anionic polymer, an amphoteric polymer, and mixtures thereof; and (c) an aqueous carrier; wherein the surfactant system and the polymer form a water-insoluble complex upon dilution, and wherein the composition is transparent or translucent. The compositions are especially suitable for hair care products such as hair conditioning products for rinse-off use.