We don’t wash our hair regularly, but when we do, conditioning seems like an extra step but it works like magic on our hair. Hair conditioning is just too important to skip. Here’s why.
Detangle – The most obvious benefit of conditioner is that it helps you comb out wet hair easier because it reduces tangles. It works by smoothing down the cuticle, which is made up of individual cells that stack on top of each other like roof shingles. When raised, they stick to cells on nearby hair strands and tangle together. Smoothing them down keeps them in place.
Moisturize – While your shampoo cleans away dirt and grime, it also strips away some of your hair’s natural oils that keep it soft and shiny. The right conditioner infuses moisture into each hair strand to replenish what shampooing and heat from styling tools and the environment have taken away.
Protect – As it smooths out your hair’s cuticle layer, conditioner leaves a protective layer on top of each strand, protecting them against the environment and heat from hot water and styling tools. Less damage means your hair will look silky and shiny for longer.
Strengthen – Conditioners fortified with strengtheners help your hair withstand harsh elements, dry air, and heated styling tools so your hair looks healthy and soft. When each strand is covered with a moisturizing, protective coating, your hair is smoother and frizz-free. Everyone needs conditioner, even if you have oily hair, or if you think that conditioner weighs your hair down. Ask your stylist to recommend the best conditioning product for your hair type and texture, use only the amount directed, and rinse well under warm – not hot – water. People with dry, curly hair need to condition even more often, so ask your stylist if deep conditioning treatments are right for you.
How to condition your hair?
Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to condition your hair. The right way, is to apply the product in long, fluid motions, and to ensure you squeeze some of the water out of your strands after shampooing so that it doesn’t diminish the effects of the conditioner. Excess water dilutes your conditioner and prevents hair from soaking up moisturizing the ingredients.
Conditioner helps balance the pH levels in your hair and smooths that cuticle down, which helps preserve and lock in your hair color as well as the moisture balance in your hair. A smooth cuticle is healthier looking, shinier, and has better body and bounce.
A roughed up cuticle can also be thanked for tangles in your hair. Imagine that the cuticle of each hair strand is like the shingles on a rooftop; all those shingles are supposed to be smoothed down and pointing in the same direction (down). A roughed up cuticle looks like a tornado ran across those shingles, causing several to curl up or even break off over time. If you put several hundred hairs with curled up cuticles together, those roughed up pieces begin to stick and catch on one another. Using conditioner helps to ensure that the cuticle lays smooth to the surface, preventing tangles and allowing tangles to release easily.