Using hair conditioners for most of us is an indispensable part of the hair wash routine. However, it’s hard to deny that this post-shampoo step is almost a no-brainer. All of us do it because maybe it is a good thing for hair, you read it somewhere, or someone mentioned that you need to use it.
Do you wonder why you use a hair conditioner? What’s the purpose? Is it necessary? If these questions are running through your mind, too, keep reading to learn more about hair conditioners, usage, different types, and benefits.
What Do Hair Conditioners Do For Your Hair?
You might feel that it should be enough to use a shampoo and skip a conditioner. Honestly, you can go ahead and try that, but do remember a few essential aspects. Shampoo might eliminate dirt, sebum, sweat and dead skin but mostly leaves your hair feeling dry and rough. On the other hand, conditioners help retain moisture and protect hair. They create a coating or protective layer on your hair that gives it a shiny and soft appearance.
As the name suggests, conditioners are moisturising or conditioning agents that consist of oils, humectants, emollients, silicones and fatty alcohols etc., that makes hair manageable, smooth and glossy.
Benefits of Using Hair Conditioners
Hair Becomes Easy to Manage
With the right conditioner, you will notice that it is easier to comb your hair. There are no tangles and a reduction in hair breakage.
It Looks Moisturised
Hair conditioners create a layer on your hair that not only protects but even adds moisture to your hair.
Protects Against Hair Damage
It creates a layer or coating on your hair that protects it from all kinds of damage such as heat styling, pollution and sun damage etc.
Hair Turns Softer and Shinier
Hair conditioners have ingredients that make hair soft and shiny. It not only makes your hair look stunning but also effortless to handle daily.
How to Choose Hair Conditioners?
You might feel that there’s no point stressing so much about choosing a conditioner as all have the same purpose. Though, you need to be aware that there are conditioners for specific hair concerns. Hence, always select the one that caters to your needs.
Thin Hair
You should look for a volumising hair conditioner that helps add volume to your fine hair.
Wavy Hair
If you have way hair, it is the trickiest to handle. It is neither as dry as curly hair, and at times can be a little flat too. Choose a lightweight hair conditioner or something that is for wavy hair.
Dry & Damaged Hair
Choose hydrating conditioners and help repair damage making your hair healthy, moisturised and lustrous.
Thick & Curly Hair
You can either use a hair mask or a deeply hydrating hair conditioner that can help get rid of dryness and roughness from your hair.
What are the Different Types of Hair Conditioners?
Deep Conditioners
These are conditioners that offer deep conditioning to your hair. It is ideal for damaged and dry hair. If you have oily or normal hair, it would be better to avoid using deep conditioners. The ingredients usually found in deep conditioners are waxes, oils and emulsifiers. It would be best if you kept it in your hair for a longer time to allow them to penetrate deeper into your hair to hydrate and repair them.
Leave-in Conditioners
As compared to deep conditioners, they have a lighter consistency. You don’t need to rinse leave-in conditioners. Apply the leave-in conditioner to your hair and let it stay. Thin, oily and curly hair can use this hair conditioner.
Rinse Out Conditioners
These are the most commonly used hair conditioners. It protects and smoothens your hair. Almost all hair types can use it. You are supposed to apply it to your hair ends and leave it for a few minutes. Finally, wash your hair.
How to Apply Hair Conditioners?
- Shampoo your hair and wash it thoroughly.
- Ensure that your hair isn’t too wet; if required, squeeze out some water from your hair gently.
- Take about a pea-size amount. Now, rub your hands together and apply it to the hair ends.
- There’s an easy way to check if you have taken the right amount or not. Your hair should have an even coating of conditioner. Along with that, it should be easy to move your fingers and detangle without harming or breaking your hair.
- You can increase the quantity based on your hair length and type. Remember never to go overboard and apply a large amount as it can make your hair greasy and flat.
- Leave it for about 2-5 minutes, or follow the instructions on the label.
- Rinse your hair with plain water until it is completely clean. It shouldn’t feel slippery or greasy to touch.
Side-Effects of Using Hair Conditioners
Some of the ingredients used in hair conditioners can cause allergy or adverse reactions. If you are prone to acne, you need to be careful. In case there are traces of conditioner remaining in your hair, you could have acne breakouts. Using more than the required quantity can make your hair appear oily and flat.
What Happens if You Don’t Use a Hair Conditioner?
If you don’t use a hair conditioner, you can experience dry, rough and tangled hair that’s hard to manage. It can turn frizzy, have split ends, flyaways and hair breakage. Without a conditioner, your hair can lose its shine and become weak.
It’s a Wrap
Something as simple as adding conditioners to your hair care routine can transform your hair unimaginably. Your hair becomes shiny, soft and beautiful. You can also notice that strong and healthy hair that has less frizz. Moreover, it protects and repairs hair damage too. As there are varied kinds of conditioners, always look for the one that is suitable for your hair needs. Condition your hair regularly, and your hair will be eternally grateful to you.
FAQs
- Which is the best hair conditioner?
It would depend on your hair type and issue. You can go through the blog to understand the right way to choose a hair conditioner for your hair type and the different types. However, it is better to talk to a dermatologist who can suggest the right products and treatments.
- Can you use a hair conditioner daily?
You can use a it every day, but it would also depend on your hair type. People with oily hair need to be careful as it can make their hair greasy or flat.
- Are hair conditioners harmful to your hair?
Generally, hair conditioners aren’t harmful to your hair. Though, some of them may have ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Using an excessive amount of conditioner can make your hair brittle and dull.
- How long can you leave the conditioner on your hair?
You can leave it for about 2-5 minutes, but a better option would be to follow the instructions mentioned on the product label.
