Just like shampoo, conditioner has always been in most of our routines like an essential. Recently, however, the trends and beliefs about conditioner do seem to be conflicting with each other. While some have totally disregarded the use of conditioner, others have opted for it as a substitute for shampoo. Considering the conflicting thoughts, we have decided to break it right down to the basics to figure out whether using conditioners for your hair is a good choice, or the contrary. Keep reading to find out!
What Is A Hair Conditioner?
When we said we were gonna break it down to the basics, this is what we meant: to start with the most basic question ever. In simple words, the term “hair conditioner” itself is a bit of a telltale. A hair product that is used to condition and moisturize the hair is termed as a hair conditioner. Hair conditioners are typically infused with nourishing ingredients like natural oils, vitamins, and emollients to soften and nourish the hair.
The main purpose of a conditioner is to retain the moisture into hair that has been lost due to shampooing. Typically, shampoos contain detergents like sulfates which rip natural oils off of hair while cleaning the dirt and sebum. Hence, a conditioner is applied after shampooing so that the hair maintains its moisture and doesn’t get too dry.
What Are The Types Of Conditioners?
Hair conditioners also have various types; each with a slightly different purpose:
The most common type, a standard conditioner is just a regular conditioner you use after you wash your hair. These conditioners usually have a creamy texture, but they differ in consistency.
Leave-in conditioners are not meant to be rinsed off, and are left onto hair for deeper hydration. It also helps with post-shower frizz, and usually comes in the form of spray, cream, oil, and serum.
For some hair types, there’s no such thing as “enough hydration”. Enter deep conditioners. These conditioners are thick, creamy in texture and are meant to leave onto hair for longer periods of time (think: 15 minutes to overnight).
What Are The Benefits Of Hair Conditioner?
As the hair gets damaged, its cuticles begin to fall apart, leaving gaps and exposing the hair cortex. Since conditioner contains nourishing ingredients including emollients and proteins, it temporarily fills in those gaps, making hair look and become smoother, healthier, and easier to manage. Hair conditioners also lubricate the hair shaft and prevent fiction, which results in tangle-free hair that's easier to comb. It also allows the hair to become stronger from the inside, which prevents hair breakage. Not to mention the fact that it primarily deals with hair dryness which consequently prevents hair frizz, split-ends, and brittleness.
How To Use A Hair Conditioner?
The answer to how to use a hair conditioner depends on the type of conditioner that you’re using.
Regular conditioner is applied post-shampoo. Once the shampoo is washed away, take the dime-size amount of conditioner and rake it well through your hair lengths, avoiding hair roots. Keep it on for 3-5 minutes and rinse it off until the water runs clear.
Leave-in conditioners are applied after the regular conditioner. Regardless of what the texture is, spread the conditioner evenly through your damp (not wet) hair and let the hair soak up the nutrients.
There are two ways to apply deep conditioner to your hair.
I- Shampoo your hair and rinse it well. Then, apply deep conditioner to your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. You can also provide heat with the help of a hair dryer for deeper hydration. Rinse it off and follow with the regular conditioner.
II- Apply onto hair and leave it overnight. Wear a shower cap; it will contain the warmth of your scalp, making conditioner work more efficiently. Follow up with your regular hair wash routine the next morning.
Which Conditioner Should You Pick For Your Hair Type?
One thing to note down is that hair conditioners are designed for particular hair types, and should be used accordingly. Scroll down to pick the best hair conditioner for your hair type.
Color Protection Moisturizing Conditioner for dry, color-treated hair
Balancing Conditioner for oily, greasy hair
Shield Conditioner for rough, brittle hair that goes out in the sun too often
Gold Conditioner For combination hair
Leave-In Conditioner Spray For frizz-prone, damaged hair
Leave-In Conditioner Cream For super-dry, damaged and frizzy hair
Deep Conditioner For hair that needs the extra mile of nourishment and moisture
Argan Oil Serum For frayed, frizz-prone hair
Cashmere Cream For unruly, hard-to-style hair
Lock Me Color Masque For color-treated, dry hair
