Learning how to properly use conditioner is a major step in improving the health of your hair. If you are someone that still finds your hair in knots with tangles and frizz, you might be using your conditioner the wrong way. Continue reading this post to find out how!
This post is all about how to properly use conditioner.
What Is Conditioner?
Conditioner is a product that is meant to be used after a deep cleansing shampoo, in order to help reduce frizz and tangles. It also helps in retaining moisture loss after the shampoo process.
Conditioner is also known to improve manageability, texture and appearance of the hair. It is a product that is typically used after the shampoo process and it helps to flatten the cuticle layer on the hair strands, reducing the friction between the strands while providing slip when detangling
Not all conditioners are the same and it is important to note how much time you have to spend on your hair on wash day. If you are not able to do a deep conditioning treatment, after you shampoo you would just follow up with your rinse out conditioner.
However, if you are planning to deep condition, you will want to skip using your rinse out conditioner and go straight into your deep conditioning treatment or hair mask.
Remember that traditional conditioners coat your hair, so if you go in with a deep conditioner after that, you might not get the maximum absorption of the product which could lead to your hair feeling dry sooner than usual.
How To Use Conditioner
Although the method for using a conditioner varies depending on the type of conditioner you are using (i.e. a deep conditioner, leave in conditioner, cleansing conditioner or pre poo conditioner), using a traditional rinse out conditioner is pretty straight forward.
Follow these easy steps below:
- Section your hair into 4 or more parts to stay organized.
- Run warm running water over your hair to open the cuticles for maximum absorption of the products you are about to use.
- Apply your shampoo of choice, lathering each section one by one and from root to tip, while focusing the cleanser directly on the scalp.
- Rinse out each section thoroughly.
- Apply your conditioner of choice section by section, from root to tip being careful to avoid placing it directly onto the scalp.
- Rinse out thoroughly with cool water to close cuticle layer on hair and lock in moisture.
How Long Is It OK To Leave Conditioner In Your Hair?
When using a rinse out conditioner, you will typically want to leave it in for no longer than 3-5 minutes. This is because the molecular structure of a rinse out conditioner is a lot different than a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask.
Since the molecules in a traditional conditioner are a lot larger when compared to deep conditioner or leave in conditioner, traditional conditioner is meant to just coat the external layer of the hair.
This is why it is important not to use your rinse out conditioner as your deep conditioning treatment, because the molecules in regular conditioner will have a hard time penetrating the hair strand.
Deep conditioners are made with much smaller molecules in order to be fully absorbed into the hair strand when used with indirect heat.
How Often Should I Condition My Hair?
Whether you are using a rinse out conditioner, deep conditioner or leave in conditioner, you will want to incorporate a conditioner with every wash.
If you are pressed for time, you will want to reach for your rinse out conditioner in order to avoid spending the extra 20 minutes deep conditioning.
Try to stick with washing your hair once per week or bi-weekly in order to keep your hair and scalp healthy. For more tips on how often should you use conditioner, click here.
Follow up with your conditioner of choice (rinse out OR deep conditioner) every single time and follow up with a leave in conditioner after your final rinse for an extra boost of moisture.
Do You Wash Conditioner Out With Warm Or Cold Water?
No matter if you choose to use a rinse out conditioner or a deep conditioner, you will always want to rinse it out under cold running water. This is because cold water will close the pores on the hair strands.
The benefits of using cold water include:
- Seals Cuticle Layer
- Reduces Frizz
- Increases Shine
- Locks In Moisture
What Happens If You Don’t Wash Out Conditioner Properly?
Leaving your traditional rinse out conditioner in for longer than the recommended time, can have unfavorable results. You will want to keep your conditioner in for no more than 5 minutes or go according to the instructions on the label.
If you try to double your conditioner as a leave in conditioner, you will notice your hair might start to feel greasy and become more prone to product build up.
You may start to develop an itchy, irritated scalp and products will almost always fail to moisturize your hair no matter what you use. You will notice that your hair styles just don’t come out right anymore due to your stylers not being able to mold the hair due to buildup.
Leaving conditioner in your hair or not washing it out properly can also cause flaking and the products turning white when applied, making your styles look awful and not last.
Always be sure to rinse your conditioner out properly whether you are using a rinse out conditioner or a deep conditioner for the best result when trying to grow healthy hair.
If you are feeling like you need an extra boost in moisture, add a leave in conditioner to your regimen and do not rinse this out. This will help to prolong the moisture levels in your hair.
Final Thoughts On How To Use Conditioner
Using conditioner the right way can help your hair when it comes to manageability, reduction in frizz and improving the overall texture and feel of your hair.
Be sure to rinse it out under cool water for the best results and if you decide to use a deep conditioner, there is no need to use a rinse out conditioner before.
This post was all about how to properly use conditioner.
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