When it comes to hair care, shampoo and conditioner are the two basic and main products that every woman uses. Shampoos cleanse hair and scalp to remove dirt, sweat, oil and dead skin cells. However, the chemicals used for cleansing cannot differentiate between natural and artificial oils. This means the natural oils from your scalp also get washed away in the process. Conditioners, on the other hand contain oils, humectants and fatty alcohols that add moisture back into the hair and prevent it from turning dry and damaged. But in order to receive all these benefits, you should also know how to use a hair conditioner.
We know what you are thinking. Isn't using a hair conditioner pretty self-explanatory? If that is the case, then why does your hair still look dull and lifeless? Sure, you may know how to use a hair conditioner, but do you know which one is right for your hair type? How much should you use and for how long? We will be answering these and a lot of other questions about hair conditioners in this article. But first, let's take a look at the right way to apply conditioner to your hair for that ultimate shine and bounce.
How to use hair conditioner
Step 1: Wash your hair thoroughly using shampoo and rinse it out completely.
Step 2: Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, take about the size of a coin in your palms.
Step 3: Spread evenly on the lengths of your hair, never apply conditioner on your scalp. If you have long hair, start from chin level and move towards the ends.
Step 4: Run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through your hair to spread the conditioner evenly.
Step 5: Let it stay for about a minute or two, the time is usually mentioned on the label.
Step 6: Rinse the conditioner off thoroughly.
Types of hair conditioners
If you always thought there's only one type of conditioner that you use in the shower post shampoo, you're wrong. Different hair types have different needs. Hair that tends to get too dry after shampooing needs more than just a conditioner. Below we have mentioned a few different types of conditioners and what each one does for your hair. Read on to understand each and pick the right one for your tresses.
1. Rinse-out conditioners
This is the most common type of hair conditioner that people use on a regular basis. As the name suggests, rinse-out conditioners are applied to damp hair after shampooing and washed off after a few minutes. It makes hair softer, smoother and easy to manage. These conditioners also form a protective layer on the hair cuticle and prevent it from external damage.
2. Leave-in conditioners
Leave-in conditioners are pretty self-explanatory, unlike rinse-out conditioners, you leave it in your hair for long-lasting nourishment. It helps detangle hair and makes styling easy. Apart from moisturising the lengths of your hair, it also protects it from environmental aggressors. Want to know how to use this hair conditioner ? Take a dime-sized amount and rub between your palms then apply on clean damp or dry hair, post washing it.
3. Hair masks
Just like face masks nourish and hydrate your skin and impart a healthy glow, hair masks to are formulated for long-lasting hydration. The product offers better nourishment and conditions the hair at the deepest level due to the presence of oils and other hydrating ingredients. There are different hair masks available in the market for various hair types. It is recommended that you use it once a week and it can be applied from root to tip. It repairs hair and makes it healthy and voluminous.
Homemade hair conditioners
Apart from the three options mentioned above, you can also make your own hair conditioner at home using some basic hydrating ingredients. Below are a few DIY hair conditioners and the right way to use them.
1. Banana hair conditioner
Banana is a super hydrating ingredient and works amazingly well on dry and damaged hair. It prevents frizz and makes hair soft and shiny. To know the right way to prepare and learn how to prepare and use the hair conditioner, read below.
- Take one ripe banana and mash it well in a bowl
- Add 3 tablespoons each of olive oil, honey and milk
- Mix all the ingredients well and add one whole egg to the mixture
- Mix again to form a paste
- Apply the paste to the lengths of your hair, chin level down
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes then wash it off.
2. Coconut oil and honey conditioner
Coconut oil is an excellent hydrating ingredient that moisturises your hair and keeps it soft and shiny. That's the reason why the oil is found in almost every Indian household. Treating your hair to a mixture of coconut oil and honey will ensure long-lasting nourishment. Here's how to prepare and use the hair conditioner.
- In a bowl take equal proportions of coconut oil, honey and lemon juice
- Next, add 2 tablespoons of curd to the mixture and mix well
- Apply evenly all over the hair and cover with a shower cap to prevent a mess
- Leave the mixture on for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off.
3. Yogurt and egg hair conditioner
Yogurt contains protein and lactic acid, both of which are beneficial for improving the health of your hair. It works both as a scalp cleanser and conditioner that nourishes the hair and keeps it soft and smooth for a long time. Here's how to prepare and use the hair conditioner.
- Take 6 tablespoons of yogurt in a bowl and add one whole beaten egg to it
- Mix well to form a paste
- Divide your hair into sections and apply the mixture to your scalp and hair
- Massage using your fingertips
- Leave on for 20 minutes then wash off.
How to choose the right conditioner for your hair
Every hair texture is different and requires a unique set of ingredients for repairing and treating it. If you use heat styling tools frequently or get your hair coloured often, it will require extra care and conditioning.
1. Curly hair
Curly hair lacks moisture and shine. When it does not receive enough moisture, this hair type can appear dry, dull and full of knots and tangles. This can be prevented by learning how to use a hair conditioner. Apply the conditioner and run a wide-tooth comb through your hair in the shower to spread it evenly.
2. Colour treated hair
Colour treating hair frequently removes the natural shine and moisture from it, making it weak and prone to damage. Using a shampoo and conditioner formulated for colour treated hair will prove to be helpful. You can ask your hairstylist for recommendations.
3. Thin hair
Those with thin hair should use conditioners carefully, as it can make their look weighed down and oily. Use a small quantity of conditioner and apply only to the lengths of your hair, focusing on the ends. Don't forget to wash it off completely as any residue can make your hair appear flat.
FAQs about hair conditioner
Q. Can we use a hair conditioner daily?
A. While we strongly recommend against using shampoos daily because it can seriously make your hair dry, conditioner can be used more frequently if your hair is super dry. On days you don't shampoo your hair, you can apply a little bit of conditioner. However, make sure you don't use it more than 2-3 times a week.
Q. How long should I leave the conditioner in my hair?
A. For any conditioner to show results, it is best to leave it on your hair for at least three minutes. This will give it enough time to nourish your hair and add a healthy shine.
Q. What happens if I leave the conditioner on for too long?
A. No matter how dry or damaged your hair is, using a conditioner for a long time isn't going to repair it. This will only make your hair appear oily and flat. If you want to repair your hair, look for a hair mask and use it once a week.
