Conditioner is usually the second step in hair washing. We could say one of the basic hair care. The shampoo is specially formulated to remove sweat, dead skin cells and hair products, while the conditioner makes hair softer and easier to manage, especially when brushing. It also protects the hair shaft from damage.
Most shampoos contain chemicals that are harsh on hair follicles. Washed hair is dry by itself, and chemicals certainly make it extra dry, dull and difficult to style. Conditioners contain fatty alcohols, humectants and oils that make hair soft and flexible. Some have proteins that temporarily bind split ends, and some have thickening agents to make hair fuller.
The conditioner nourishes and protects the hair. It works by sealing your hair's cuticle to prevent heat damage and block outside elements like pollution. This protective layer gives your hair a soft, shiny finish. The conditioner itself also sinks into the hair shaft, leaving the fibers moist and strong.
The conditioner is especially excellent for restoring dry, brittle and chemically treated hair. However, conditioner is essential for detangling and strengthening all hair types.
However, today's shampoos increasingly have nourishing ingredients such as conditioners, but conditioners also contain chemicals that shampoos contain.
Chemicals that are better to avoid if you want healthy hair are:
- Sulfati (SLS, SLES)
- Parabeni (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)
- Silicon
- Polyethylene glycol
- Triclosan
- Formaldehyde
- Synthetic fragrances and colors
- Dimethicone
- Retinyl palmitate
- Isopropil alcohol
Dry, damaged hair can be static because it has a negative charge. The ingredients for regeneration have a positive charge, so they adhere to the hair and make it less static.
When choosing a conditioner, the most important thing is to choose the right type for your hair and skin type. Different formulations offer different benefits and have different possible side effects.
In addition to choosing a conditioner, a good technique that prevents excessive conditioning and allows you to have the maximum benefits of healthy and well-nourished hair is also important.
How to use conditioner?
To use the conditioner correctly and most effectively, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair with shampoo. Rinse off all the shampoo.
- Do not apply conditioner to wet hair. Squeeze out excess water after shampooing. If your hair is too wet, the product slips and cannot penetrate or cover the fibers.
- Use the amount of conditioner recommended on the bottle (usually about the size of a quarter). The amount of conditioner you will use depends on the type and length of your hair.
- Distribute it evenly on the ends of the hair. Focus on the oldest, most damaged parts. For long hair, spread the conditioner from chin level downwards. Do not apply conditioner to the scalp. Using conditioner on the scalp and roots can lead to over-conditioning.
- After application, you can go through the ends of your hair with a wide-toothed comb to make sure that every strand of hair is treated.
- Leave the conditioner on your hair for a few minutes to absorb. Your waiting time depends on the type of product you use, so follow the time instructions on the product. A rinse-in conditioner only takes a minute or two to absorb, while a deep treatment takes much longer.
- Rinse off the conditioner thoroughly. Rinse until your hair is completely clean and slippery.
How to use deep conditioner?
Deep conditioner is useful for hair that is regularly bleached, dyed, permed or styled with hot tools. These practices can further damage the hair shaft.
Use the deep conditioner only once a week.
To use the deep conditioner:
- Read the directions on the product to determine if your hair should be wet or dry when applying.
- Apply the conditioner to the ends of the hair.
- Leave on for the amount of time indicated on the product label, from 10 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse off the conditioner.
How to choose the best conditioner for your hair?
Consider your hair type and styling routine when choosing a conditioner.
Hair with different textures will need different ingredients for the best treatment. If you dry your hair every day or color it often, it will need additional hydration. Keep in mind that it would be better to switch to natural colors, which, in addition to giving color, additionally care for the hair.
The most important thing is the feel of your tips to the touch. Do you have a lot of static? Does your hair feel dry, damaged or brittle? Is it greasy, limp or lackluster?
What do the types of conditioners actually mean?
- Hydrating/moisturizing: great for adding moisture, shine and smoothness to hair. Good for thick, curly or curly hair.
- Volumizing: a great choice when your hair is thin or limp. For hair that needs strengthening and lifting.
- Strengthening/Fixing: Good for damaged, over-treated, highlights, weak or brittle hair.
- Balancing: Balancing conditioners are usually a good middle of the road option. It doesn't moisturize too much, but it won't dry out the hair.
- Smooth/Straight Hair: Additional moisturizers and smoothing agents help seal the cuticle and provide a smooth, straight hair style.
- Curly Hair: Conditioners that are formulated for curly hair are usually very moisturizing and work extra hard to reduce frizz.
Find out how to deeply regenerate hair with oil here.
The best conditioner for dry and damaged hair
When your hair is dry, damaged or brittle, choosing the right conditioner can make or break a good hair day. It is important to choose a conditioner that will prevent future damage:
- Avoid “strengthening”, “firming” and “volumizing” conditioners.
- For hair that's just a little dry, look for shampoo labels that promote moisture, hydration, smoothing, balancing, or frizz. These products are great for balancing moisture without adding too much moisture to weigh hair down.
- If your hair is particularly damaged, consider a conditioner that has a stronger effect. Look for brands that promote renewal, control frizz, are good for highlighted hair, and protect against heat damage.
- Dubinski regeneratori they are a great investment for dry and damaged hair. With use 1-4 times a month, you can control damage to your hair and prevent future damage.
- Try a coconut oil treatment for intensive damage repair.
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The best conditioner for greasy and lifeless hair
If your hair is prone to greasiness, you can skip the conditioner altogether and you'll probably often find that the conditioner makes your hair feel worse. You can use a hard shampoo such as hair soap from Sapunoteka. Skipping conditioner may help, but there are conditioners that can help reduce oiliness. Here are some tips to help you:
- Avoid conditioners that are "hydrating", "moisturizing", "smoothing" or otherwise considered good for curly hair. These conditioners tend to pack in too much moisture at once and will cause your hair to feel lifeless.
- Look for labels that read “volumizing,” “light,” “boosting,” or “balancing.” Added protein can be a good thing for oily hair. These products are less moisturizing and more effective in removing excess oil.
- If your hair is thin and oily, try using conditioner first and then shampoo.
The best conditioner for natural curls
Hydration, moisturizing and smoothing are signs that the conditioner could be good for your natural curls. Moisturizing is of utmost importance if you have curly hair because natural oils cannot penetrate the hair shaft and evenly distribute moisture. If you don't pay close attention to caring for your natural curls, this lack of natural moisture can lead to brittle hair.
Here's what you should keep in mind when reaching for a new conditioner:
- Look for products labeled "hydrating," "smoothing," and "moisturizing."
- When choosing a conditioner, consider your curl type. Curl type 4c will require much more intense moisturizing conditioners than type 3b, which could be softened with a more intense conditioner.
- If you have type 2 curls you should stay away from anything too heavy like waxes or creams that could weigh down their hair.
- If you have type 3 curls, you should reach for leave-in creams and conditioners, which are more intensively moisturizing.
- If you have curl type 4, you will benefit from creamy oil-based conditioners and regular leave-in conditioners.
Sources:
www.genesiscareer.edu/8-ingredients-to-avoid-in-your-shampoo-and-conditioner/
www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-hair-conditioner#how-to-apply-conditioner
www.adorebeauty.com.au/hair/conditioner/guide/apply-conditioner-correctly
www.byrdie.com/conditioner-101-choosing-the-right-conditioner-3517814#toc-the-best-conditioner-for-oily-limp-hair