Recently, we shared everything you need to know about shampoo, which is a very important part of healthy hair. Combine your favorite shampoo with the right conditioner, and you've got the perfect combo for shiny locks. That's why today we're diving a bit deeper into the world of conditioners.
What is a conditioner?
A conditioner or cream rinse is a hair care product designed to improve hair structure. After using shampoo, your hair cuticles are open. When you add a conditioner, your hair absorbs all the nourishing ingredients. It nourishes your hair, closes the cuticles again, and provides a protective layer around the hair.
Ingredients of a conditioner
The exact composition varies by brand and hair type, depending on what you expect from it. Most conditioners contain these ingredients:
- Moisturizers – the substance that hydrates your hair.
- Reconstructors – these help restore your hair (an example is collagen).
- Acidifiers – this (acidic) substance helps close the hair cuticles and adds shine.
How do you use conditioner?
The best practice is to use a conditioner after every wash on the ends of your hair. The ends of your hair need more care than the top. Additionally, a conditioner can make your hair greasy faster, so try to avoid applying it to the scalp.
Use a quantity of conditioner about the size of a euro coin. The thicker and longer your hair, the more you will need. Distribute it through the lengths and ends of your hair and check the packaging to see how long the conditioner needs to work. Make sure to stick to that time; it's a shame to rinse it out too quickly before it has done its job. Once the time is up, rinse the conditioner out thoroughly. Anything left in your hair can make it limp and greasy.
Leave-in conditioner
There’s also another variant: the leave-in conditioner. This product is ideal when you're short on time. You apply it after showering on towel-dried hair. As the name suggests, you don’t rinse it out. Throughout the day, this conditioner will work its magic and give you beautiful, shiny hair. Want to give it a try? The 5-in-1 spray from Hask also works as a heat protector! Win-win.
Conditioner for dry hair
Every shampoo cleans your hair, and every conditioner ultimately hydrates it. However, the extent to which the conditioner does this depends on your hair type. Do you have dry, porous, or easily breakable hair? Then it's wise to choose a highly moisturizing conditioner. Like this one with Argan Oil. Silky soft hair guaranteed.
Conditioner for colored hair
If you have colored hair, you have very different requirements for a conditioner than if you don’t have dye in your hair. One of the top priorities is that the color should last as long as possible. To achieve this, you need a cream rinse with an acidifier. As we just learned, an acidifier is a substance that closes your hair cuticles. And that’s what we need! Because as long as the cuticles are closed, the color cannot escape. Our favorite is this protective conditioner from OGX. It also contains ingredients that make your hair shine. Hello, beautiful colored locks!
Conditioner for curls
Curls require a completely different approach than other hair types. With curly hair, you often deal with tangles or frizz. A good shampoo specifically for curls works wonders, but with the right conditioner, your curls will shine like never before. The Curl Quench conditioner from Maui nourishes your hair without weighing down your curls. Use the right leave-in conditioner for curls to really complete the look.
There’s still a lot to gain with the right conditioner. Want to take optimal care of your hair? Then a leave-in conditioner can be a fantastic addition.
Have fun finding your perfect hair care!
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