When it comes to matters of hair products, we are always cautious of the best conditioner we should buy.
Conditioners are an important part of the hair care routine because they serve as moisturizing and rejuvenating agents after shampooing, which leaves the hair bare after washing off all nutrients.
The use of conditioning products until recent times used to be seen as something with minimal effect on hair growth.
Shopping for the right conditioner product can be tedious especially for women who do not know what their hair wants. This could lead to buying the wrong product for your hair, which may result in damaging your hair or setting it back from its growth rate.
There are many factors to consider when you are shopping for the best conditioner product perfect for you.
You have to take into perspective your hair type first and styling routine. You also have to know your hair age. Yes, hair does age. From new hair to growing hair, to grown out hair, you need to be able to figure out the conditioner that best suits your age and hair age.
Let’s learn all we can about conditioners and their uses to help you make an informed decision on what type of conditioner you should purchase.
Shopping Guide
What is a Conditioner?
Conditioner is simply a moisturizing and conditioning agent, usually made up of silicones, oil, and emollients, as well as cationic surfactants (soap or detergents). These ingredients together replenish the hair’s moisture after shampooing has stripped it off and left the hair dehydrated. A conditioner provides compounds that help protect the hair and also beautifies it.
Why is a conditioner important
A conditioner is important because it moisturizes. That is the main function. When your hair is moisturized, it is softer and easy to handle. Styling your hair becomes a no-stress act
According to a board-certified dermatologist, Adam Friedman, “a conditioner refortifies the cuticle with a protective coating, allowing the hair to keep growing and not break easily”. This means conditioner also keep your hair from breaking.
Furthermore, he stated that when hair is exposed to the outside, the cuticle or outer lining gets damaged until it ultimately breaks. The conditioner fills the injuries and coats the hair to assist the cuticle, just like filling a pothole.
A conditioner also smoothens the hair texture and helps to detangle it, increasing the shine, reducing frizz, and overall making it nice on the hands.
Learn how to detangle your hair more
Benefits of using a conditioner
The benefits of using a conditioner and the importance as stated above. But for more clarification:
Hydrates: A conditioner keeps your hair hydrated all the time.
Soothing: A conditioner fills the injured cuticles, in your scalp, making your hair soft and shining, soothing your hair after use.
Strengthening: A conditioner keeps your hair from breaking. Strengthening your strands as it moisturizes them after use.
Lessens elasticity: A conditioner is filled with rich ingredients, make your hair stay hydrated. This results in less elasticity.
Protects: A conditioner protects your hair and reduces the discomfort you might feel when your hair is wet. Hair is the most vulnerable when wet, but with a conditioner, your hair is protected from friction.
Essential ingredients: a conditioner leaves behind essential ingredients after use, leaving your hair in good quality and retains it until the next wash.
Types of conditioners
There are different types of conditioners based on their uses.
Thickening Conditioner
Thickening conditioner, sometimes called ‘volumizing conditioner’ is just as it sounds. Its major function is to increase hair volume. It uses ingredients with protein and collagen to make your hair look as full and healthy as possible. This type of conditioner works for all hair types but obviously is best for people whose hair is thin or thinning.
Deep Conditioner
A deep conditioner is made of a thicker base than the regular conditioner. It is best suited for curly, coily, or hair that tends to be dry or damaged. For best effects, you should use it several times a month.
Moisturizing Conditioner
This type of conditioner contains more oils to smoothen and soften the hair. It can be used on all types of hair, especially those that need the extra moisture like dry, curly, or dense hair. Make sure to massage it deep into hair roots for the best effect.
Protein Conditioner
This type of conditioner contains keratin, preventing hair breakage. It also helps to thicken straight hair, providing necessary nourishment. It is best used for weak hair once or twice a month.
Leave-in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner helps to untangle strands, smooth out frizz, and soften the hair. But if you have naturally oily hair, leave-in conditioner will be too thick for your hair and may make it even oilier.
Detanglers
Detanglers are used for detangling hair, especially natural hair. It keeps the hair from feeling heavy or sticky. It also prevents hair breakage and smoothens the hair out of any knots and tangles.
Cream Rinse Conditioner
Cream rinse conditioner has a thinner consistency than a regular conditioner. It’s used as a quick detangler for people with fine to medium hair that is straight or wavy that is not dry or too curly.
Instant Conditioner
This is a rinse-out conditioner that comes in the form of a cream or sprays after post-shower. The major use is to leave amounts of key ingredients for the hair shaft. It’s best used for curly, dry, or coily hair because they are hair types prone to frizz and have split ends.
How to use conditioner
A conditioner is not hard like rocket science. It is very easy to apply and will give good results after several uses. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t use too much of a product to avoid damaging your hair.
- Rinse out your hair after wetting or shampooing. Then towel dry to remove excess water.
- Spread a good amount of conditioner on your hands and rub together.
- Massage the conditioner into your hair from the roots to the tips.
- Leave the conditioner in for a while. Deep conditioning takes longer, maybe 10 to 30 minutes. For the leave-in conditioner, it stays in the hair as you style, making this step the final.
- Use warm water to wash the conditioner out of your hair. You can naturally dry or use a dryer after using it.
See the best dryer products available.
Hair Types and Conditioner Products
Knowing what type of hair you have goes a long way in choosing what type of conditioner best suits your hair’s needs. If it still confuses you, it is best to talk to a hairstylist or a professional.
Color treated hair
If your hair has been bleached, colored, or permed, it will have extra wear and tear. Look for shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair. You can also ask your salon for recommendations.
Textured hair
Some people have thicker hair shafts than others. If this is the case for you, you may want to look for a stronger conditioner that will better heal and protect your hair.
Curly hair
Curly hair can be prone to dryness and frizz. If your hair is curly, you may need to be more diligent about spreading conditioner evenly over your head. Keep a wide-tooth comb in the shower, and run it through your hair after applying conditioner.
Oily, Straight Hair
Avoid hydrating conditioners or conditioners that are meant for people with curly hair. Look for products that will give you volume, light, and that will strengthen and balance your hair.
Dry, damaged, or dull hair
Avoid strengthening or volumizing conditioners. Look for products that have hydrating, softening properties.
Extremely damaged hair
Look for products that are meant specifically for damaged hair. Buy a conditioner that controls dandruff and protects your hair from the harmful rays of the sun. A deep conditioner is an excellent option to put in your hair every once in a while.
Buying Guide
As good as a conditioner is good for the hair, you should be aware that some of the ingredients are allergens for some people. So before you buy that conditioner, make sure you know what it contains and what quantity. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, please don’t use it and find another alternative.
Conditioners also weigh down the hair after several uses. So it is best to use proportionately to what your hair needs. Too much might make it moist, greasy, or flat and also damage the hair.
Once you start using a conditioner, don’t stop. Once you stop your hair brittles and harden. It will also be difficult to comb and you wonder how you survived without a conditioner in the first place.
And lastly, when shopping for the right conditioner, you have to consider the amount you will be using. This depends on how thick and long your hair is. You have to buy according to your needs.
Conclusion
A hair conditioner is important for the maintenance and growth of your hair. Your hair type is a big determinant of what type of conditioner product you need. With the information you have now, it would be easy to shop for the best hair conditioner that suits you.
Don’t be afraid to try other products until you find the right one and don’t wait too long if your product is not giving you the right result. Trust your buying and good luck on your hair journey.
Check out how to use your best conditioner product here.
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