Hair conditioner is important part of hair care! Conditioning your hair is one of the most important steps to keep your hair healthy and beautiful. Using a conditioner helps protect your hair from things that can cause damage. It is vital that you know what hair conditioner is, what hair conditioner is designed for your hair type and how to properly apply it.
Hair conditioner is a moisturizer for your hair. Moisture gives your hair strand elasticity, strength, and beauty.
Do not confuse a conditioner and a treatment. A conditioner is acting on the surface and provides temporary protection and strength to the hair. A treatment penetrates the hair, restoring and maintaining internal strength.
Use A Conditioner Designed For Your Hair Type
Conditioners and shampoos interact with one another. Your conditioner should complement your shampoo.
For example, if you use a shampoo for dry hair, use a conditioner for dry hair as well.
The most important thing is that you use a conditioner which is formulated for your hair type.
• If your hair is dry or damaged use a conditioner that strengthen and moisturize this type of hair.
• If your hair is fine/thin use a light conditioner for fine hair.
• If your hair is chemically treated use a deep conditioning treatment.
• If your hair is long use a weekly deep conditioning treatment.
• If your hair is short you do not need a conditioner unless it's been tinted, permed, relaxed or sun bleached. Short hair can use a conditioning shampoo.
If your hair is colored use a conditioner for color treated hair with a weekly deep conditioning treatment.
• If your hair is oily you do not need a conditioner.
Types Of Hair Conditioners
Moisturizers
They are concentrated with humectants. Humectants are compounds that attract and hold moisture into the hair.
Reconstructors
Normally contain protein. The main purpose of a reconstructor is to strengthen the hair.
Acidifiers
An acidifier closes the cuticle layer of the hair, resulting in shiny, bouncy hair.
Detanglers
Most detanglers are acidifiers. They close the cuticle of the hair which causes tangles.
Thermal Protectors
Thermal protectors defend the hair against heat. Using thermal protectors is one of the best things you can do for your hair if you blow dry, or use heated styling tools.
Glossers
Most Glossers contain very light oils made from silicone. Glosser is used to make the hair look shiny because they reflect light. Also, they are great to help control frizzy hair.
Oils (E.F.A.'s)
If you have dry hair you need to add oil to your hair. The scalp produces natural oil called sebum. EFA's are the closest thing to natural sebum. EFA's can take very dry and porous hair and transform it into soft pliable hair.
There are three categories of conditioners:
1. Heavy conditioner is left on the hair for a minute or more and is best for dry, damaged or coarse hair types.
2. Light conditioner is rinsed through the hair to help remove tangles, add moisture and is best for normal and fine hair.
3. Leave in hair conditioner is applied to wet hair and not rinsed out. They add weight and hold hair down.
Be careful not to use conditioners that have been formulated with thick waxes or polymers which can weigh down your hair. Especially if you have fine hair. Check out this recipe for a homemade hair conditioner.
How To Apply Hair Conditioner Properly
It is very important to apply conditioner properly.
Condition after shampooing.
1. Rinse your shampoo;
2. Squeeze the excess water off the hair or use a towel to dry it;
3. Take a conditioner;
4. Do not pour conditioner directly onto your hair. Place a 20 cent coin-sized blob onto the palm of your hand and rub them together;
5. Once in a lather, apply to your hair;
6. Gently move your fingers through the hair to spread it evenly from root to tip;
7. If your hair is long use a wide tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly;
8. Never use your finger nails or dig into your scalp;
9. Leave on for 60 seconds, giving your hair time to absorb the nutrients;
10. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use cool water for the last 20 seconds.
How To Deep Condition Hair
Coarse, super curly or very dry hair needs deep hair conditioner.
Also hair damaged by chemical treatments, coloring, heat styling and environmental pollution needs deep-conditioning.
The conditioner penetrates deep into your hair strand to remoisturize and protect. Leave in the conditioner for 10-20 minutes.
Use a deep conditioning treatment every other week. For some women a weekly treatment is the best. However, if you notice build-up, treat your hair only once a month.
1. Select a formula that best suits your hair;
2. Shampoo your hair and towel dry;
3. Place a quarter-size amount of conditioner onto the palm of your hand;
4. Rub hands together;
5. Begin at the hairline;
6. Apply a little extra to the ends;
7. Massage scalp;
8. Wrap a warm towel around your head or use a plastic cap;
9. Leave on for the time indicated;
10. Rinse your hair thoroughly or it will be really slimy.
Hair conditioning treatments
See above for difference between a conditioner and a treatment.
There are two types of treatment:
• Reconstructors
• Moisturisers
Moisturizing Hot Oil Hair Treatment
Reconstructors are protein based and make the hair stronger. Use them if your hair is chemically damaged or weak.
You will not have a great hair after this type of treatment so use a conditioner to make your hair feel smooth. Don't color your hair and use this treatment within the same week.
Moisturisers balance the moisture content of your hair.
Great for frizzy, dry and curly hair. This type treats all damage conditions.
Treatments should be applied using the instructions on the pack or by your professional hairdresser.
Do not leave treatments in your hair for longer than instructed. For general maintenance go to once a fortnight or once a month. For fair to poor hair go to once a week. For really bad hair go to twice a week.
