What Is Conditioner?
Hair conditioner is a very common hair moisturizing product. It has a creamy, smooth texture that applies on the hair easily. It offers many benefits for hair care, like frizz control (1). They are made with cationic surfactants, polymers, thickening agents, emollients, and auxiliary emulsifiers.
Cationic surfactants, considered the backbone of conditioners, help reduce static and frizz in hair. Polymers like hydrolyzed protein and polypeptides derived from collagen help moisturize hair. Fatty alcohols, waxes, salt, and gums are used as thickening agents. Natural or synthetic oils, waxes, and esters are used as emollients in conditioners. Silicone is the most commonly used synthetic oil in the making of conditioners as it offers superior hair shine, softness, and manageability.
Conditioners also contain bridging agents that increase absorption and build viscosity while adjusting the pH level of your hair. There are many types of conditioners available on the market. Check them out below!
Types Of Conditioners
There are three basic types of hair conditioners:
Regular Conditioners: They are made with anti-static and lubricating agents like polymers, waxes, oils, hydrolyzed amino acids, and cationic molecules. These compounds help moisturize the hair. Conditioners are made to penetrate the hair cuticle, so it affects the hair from within (1). Deep Conditioners: These conditioning products contain more concentrated ingredients. They are normally left on the hair for 20-30 minutes. They are used to rejuvenate and replenish dry and damaged hair. Leave-in Conditioners: These are water- or alcohol-based products that are not meant to be washed off. Leave-in products are better suited for curly hair, especially for combing wet hair.
Wondering what the benefits of using a conditioner are? Find out below!
Benefits Of Conditioners
Now that you know why hair conditioner is such a wonderful product, let’s check out how to use it!
How To Use A Conditioner
Conditioners can be used on a regular basis after shampooing your hair (1).
Procedure
Deep conditioners can be left on your hair for a slightly longer time, like 20-30 minutes (3). Leave-in conditioners don’t need to be rinsed out and can be left in the hair. Different hair types require different conditioners. Check out the next section to find out more.
Conditioners For Different Hair Types
Conditioners are made for specific hair types or problems. You can find conditioners that cater to straight, wavy, and curly hair needs. While most conditioners contain the same basic ingredients, there may be some elements that are better suited to a particular hair type or hair issue.
A regular conditioner can be used on straight and wavy hair as it won’t make the hair look oily or flat (1). Leave-in conditioners are better suited for curly hair as they improve hair manageability (1). Deep conditioners can be used for damaged and dry hair (3).
Now, let’s answer an important question.
How Often Should You Use A Conditioner?
Conditioners should be used every time you shampoo your hair as the shampoo may make your hair dry. Deep conditioners can be used as often as once a week, or as minimally as twice a month. Leave-in conditioners can be used every time you wash your hair.
Side Effects
Although conditioners are mainly safe for regular usage, there may be a few cases of adverse cases. Some conditioners may have a higher pH level, which may irritate your scalp and damage your hair (3). Some ingredients used in the making of conditioners may cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis. It is advised to perform a patch test on your forearm or behind your ear to check for any allergic reactions or irritation. Is conditioner good for hair every day? No, it is not recommended to use a conditioner daily. Excess use of conditioner can leave your hair looking greasy and weighed down. Which is better: shampoo or conditioner? Both products are used for different purposes. A shampoo cleanses your hair and scalp, while a conditioner moisturizes your hair. Do conditioners cause hair loss? Overusing conditioner may cause buildup on the scalp. This buildup mixes with excess sebum and dirt and clogs the pores. This can lead to serious hair damage, including hair loss. Can I use a conditioner without shampoo? Yes, you can use a conditioner to moisturize your hair without using a shampoo. This method of cleansing is called co-washing. How long should I leave the conditioner in my hair? Regular conditioner can be left on your hair for 5-10 minutes. Deep conditioning treatments can be left for 15 minutes to an hour. Leave-in conditioner can be left in the hair without washing it off. What is a natural hair conditioner? There are two types of natural hair conditioners: ingredient-based and hair type-based. Conditioners made with natural ingredients are called natural hair conditioners. But, natural hair conditioners may also refer to conditioners made for natural hair types, like 3C to 4C hair. Hair type-based conditioners are made for specific hair types, like curly, straight, oily, or dry hair. Can I mix shampoo and conditioner? It is not recommended to mix these two products as shampoo is meant to cleanse the scalp and strip off excess sebum and other impurities. A conditioner moisturizes the hair and scalp. Does conditioner clean hair? No, conditioner moisturizes and hydrates your tresses. Can I use oil instead of conditioner? Yes, you can use oil instead of conditioner, but only for deep conditioning treatments. If you use oil as a regular conditioner, you should use it before shampooing. What happens if I don’t rinse out the conditioner? Your conditioner will dry up and leave up a gritty buildup on your scalp if you don’t rinse it out. This could cause your hair follicles to clog and result in hair loss.
