WHY HAIR CONDITIONERS ARE IMPORTANT

A conditioner is a hair care product used to improve the hair's feel, appearance and manageability. It reduces friction between strands of hair to allow for smoother brushing or combing. Conditioning after shampooing is necessary for healthy hair, as conditioners add body to the hair and smoothens the hair cuticle.

Common ingredients/chemicals in a hair conditioner include cationic surfactants and cationic polymers, humectants, oils, proteins, silicones, lipids, and emollients. However, different types of conditioners have specific chemicals/ingredients that are peculiar to them. Find out more in our Afro Curly Hair Courses.

For the best hair possible, you need different types of conditioners in your hair care routine, including rinse-out conditioners (use in the shower while hair is still wet and then rinse out), leave-in conditioners (apply after your hair has been washed to replenish moisture and assist with styling), and deep conditioners (to be used every couple of weeks or once a month to nourish hair, detangle and soften).

One of the first things to do is to check the ingredients in conditioners to ensure that they do not contain toxic ingredients such as parabens and sulfates, as the conditioner you pick should not leave your hair feeling dry and brittle.

Types of conditioners

Rinse-Out Conditioners: Rinse-out conditioners (also known as rinse-through conditioners) are the most common type of conditioner. This type of conditioner does not have to be left in the hair for an extended period of time, and the effects are usually instant. Use it by applying a sufficient amount to damp hair, then leave it in for at least three minutes. Rinse-out conditioners work by closing the cuticle scales of the hair. Some of them coat the hair in a thin film to fill in some of the gaps in the broken scales, so the hair becomes shinier and more manageable. The best ones are acid-based.

Moisturising conditioners: Moisturising conditioners focus on just that; adding moisture in order to soften the hair and make it easier to manipulate. Moisturising conditioners provide nourishment to the hair by depositing moisturising ingredients.

Deep Conditioners: Deep conditioners are best for damaged and dry hair. As the name suggests, they provide deeper conditioning compared to other conditioners. The ingredients in deep conditioners are understandably less harsh than in other conditioners. It is important to note that deep conditioners might not be ideal for normal hair as they may weigh them down.

Leave-In Conditioners: Leave-In conditioners contain moisturising and protective ingredients and can be sprayed or applied directly to the hair. They are the best type of conditioner for kinky African natural hair and can also be used in place of a detangler. They prevent hair from drying out and are lighter and thinner than other conditioners. They can be used as a moisturiser or styling product and are suitable for all hair types.

Protein conditioners: Protein conditioners are used to strengthen the hair because they add protein and amino acids. The purpose of a protein conditioner is to rebuild the damage that has occurred to the hair follicle. Protein conditioners also help to decrease shedding.

Why conditioning hair is important

Conditioning is a must for all hair types, but even more so for afro hair. Shampoos clean our hair but also strip the hair of oils and moisture. It is the conditioner that reintroduces moisture into the hair.

I often ask people to think about conditioners like the moisturiser that is applied to the face after washing it; a conditioner is basically a moisturiser that is designed for hair. It adds moisture and protects afro hair from split ends and damage.

Let’s not forget that our hair is constantly being damaged by the sun, as well as by styling and brushing. Conditioners repair this damage by fortifying the hair’s cuticles, covering them in a protective coating that fills in tiny damaged spots while protecting the hair from accumulating more damage.

One other great use of a conditioner is as a detangler. Once applied to hair, it detangles it and makes it easier to comb through. Want shinier, more vibrant, softer hair? Then conditioner it is.

In conclusion

Conditioners are a must-have for any hair care routine. And if you have afro curly hair, the need for a conditioner skyrockets. A super moisturising conditioner will leave you with gorgeous bouncy results, but it is important to use specific types of conditioners for your specific hair needs at the time.

A well-chosen conditioner will leave you feeling like a gazillion bucks, as it very well should.