Conditioner has become one of the most significant parts of any hair care routine, and it is not used properly by many individuals. When used correctly, conditioner makes the hair feel soft, prevents frizz, enhances shine and shields against every day damage. This tutorial covers the various categories of conditioners, how to apply each one step-by-step, possible pitfalls to avoid, and how to customize your own routine according to your hair type so that you would achieve a salon-like finish at home.
Types of Conditioners
It is equally important that you know what kind of conditioner you are using as it is the way you use it.
Rinse-Out Conditioners
The most common type. Laid on top of the shampoo and rinsed off in 1-3 minutes. Perfect to use on a daily basis and to detangle.
Leave-In Conditioners
Easy to use formulae that remain on the hair and do not get washed off. Ideal to keep the hair moist, safeguard and style.
Hair Masks/ Deep Conditioners
Luxurious recipes to restore hair and feed it. Applied either weekly or every fortnight and kept on 10-20 minutes.
Co-Wash Conditioners
Cleansers which clean the hair without removing the natural oils. Good in curly, coily and dry hair.
Protein Conditioners
Keratin formulated, collagen formulated, amino acid formulated. Thickens thin or split hair but it must be applied only in the amount it should, lest it stiffness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Conditioner
Step 1: Begin With Wet and Clean Hair.
Conditioner is best used after shampooing, when the shampoo is on the open cuticles and the conditioner will permeate better.
Step 2: Remove Excess Water
Wring out all the additional water with your hands or towel. Excess water will result in water washing up the conditioner and not being absorbed.
Step 3: Rub Mid-Lengths to Ends Conditioner.
Do not apply on the scalp, unless it is a scalp-safe conditioner. Concentrate on the driest parts- they are normally the middle and ends.
Step 4: Use the Right Amount
- Short hair: pea-sized amount
- Medium hair: Decker size.
- Long or thick hair: full palm-size long or heavy.
Step 5: Detangle Gently
Separate the conditioner evenly using your fingers, or a wide-tooth comb, and use it to separate tangles.
Step 6: Let It Sit for 2-5 Minutes
Enable the conditioner to take effect. Premium conditioners could take less time whereas deep moisture formula could take more time.
Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly
Run under a hose until soft, although not greasy. Leaving it behind may drag the hair down or make it greasy.
How to Use Leave-In and Deep Conditioners?
Using Leave-In Conditioners
- Use on wet towel-dried hair.
- Apply little, excessively and it will make the hair greasy.
- Target on dry areas and ends.
- Style as usual. Perfect in controlling frizz, heat protection and daily hydration.
Using Deep Conditioners
- Apply on one or twice a week (on fine hair only).
- Liberally massage between ends and mid.
- Wear a shower cap to increase penetration.
- Allow 10-20 minutes to elapse unless stipulated differently in the product.
Rinse thoroughly. Deep conditioners assist in healing the damage, dryness, split ends, and hair treated with chemicals.
Read More: Ketoconazole Shampoo: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Coating the Scalp with Conditioner
This has the potential of clogging pores and accumulating unless the product is specifically meant to be used on the scalp.
Using Too Much Product
More conditioner does not translate to more moisture- it can flatten hair.
Rinsing Too Quickly
Conditioner requires time to act. Washing has an immediate negative effect.
Conditioner No. 3000 Oily Hair
Oily hair will still require moisture, just put it on at the middle and where the hair ends.
Combination of Conditioner and Shampoo
This waters down products and diminishes the benefits they are supposed to have.
Not Undressing on Application
This causes uneven application and omitted dry spots.
Tips for Every Hair Type
For Dry or Damaged Hair
- Apply moisturizing or repairing conditioners.
- Deep condition weekly.
- Do not heat style without leave-in conditioner.
For Oily Hair
- Select light formulas.
- Only apply to mid-lengths and ends.
- Wash in lots of water to prevent residue.
For Curly or Coily Hair
- Use thick and moisturizing conditioners.
- Apply some conditioner to extremities (depending on your hair).
- Look at co-washing when the hair does not need to be shampooed.
For Fine or Thin Hair
- Apply volumizing conditioners.
- Heavy or butter based formulas should be avoided.
- Apply only a small amount.
For Color-Treated Hair
- Select color safe conditioners that have UV and heat safety.
- Wash weekly to keep soft and alive.
Read More: Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?
Professional Recommendations to ensure the best outcomes
- Cool Water Rinse: Rinse with cool water to close the cuticles to make it shiny.
- Don't Skip Leave-In: Styling aid, heat protection and all day moisture.
- Use a Microfiber Towel: Minimizes post conditioning frizz and breakage.
- Limit Heat Exposure: Excessive heat negates the effects of conditioning.
- Trim Split Ends Regularly: Conditioner does not fix split ends, but only helps.
- Select Conditioners That Do Not Have Hard Ingredients: For those whose hair is easily weighed down avoid parabens, sulfates and heavy silicone.
- Blend Protein and Moisture: An exercised schedule helps in avoiding dryness, brittleness and breakage.
Conclusion
Conditioner is a necessity of healthy, smooth and manageable hair, however, its success is determined by the manner in which it is applied. Knowing the various types, using them properly, and styling your hair using the right type will make you reach the level of salon at home. With the help of professional advice and taking into consideration the most frequent errors, you can make your hair nourished, shiny, and secured every day.
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