subject: Conditioner Basics - Conditioners For Dry or Damaged Hair [print this page] Do You Need a Conditioner? Not every hair type requires it but most of us do. Conditioner acts as a temporary spackle that fills in chinks in the cuticle layer. Because they are not moisturerich, detanglers are best for fine hair, oily hair, or for use whenever you don't need a lot of moisturizing but still want hair to behave.
Because there is a wide variety of hair types and hair needs, there is also a wide variety of after-shampoo conditioner formulas. Conditioners for damaged hair use high concentrations of lubricants and proteins to nurture hair that is fragile, frayed, ultra-dry, or injured by color, permanent waves, or relaxing services. Conditioner also forms a protective seal around hair, which forces the cuticle to lie flat - this flat surface reflects light and makes hair shine.
For the glossiest results, look for a conditioner with a pH of 3.0 to 3.5.
Balancing or normal hair conditioners are middle-of-the-road conditioners that are not too light, not too heavy. This keeps strands from tangling around each other as you brush and style your hair. Our Wellness
Spray-on conditioners are great for those of you with dry, damaged, wavy, curly or frizzprone hair. For those of you who can't give up your blow dryers, look for thermal formulas.
Conditioner adds moisture to the hair - some of the product may even sneak under the protective cuticle layers to infuse the inner strands with a temporary surge of moisture. Low pH products cause the hair's cuticle layer to clamp tightly shut, which protects the inner strand from moisture loss and creates terrific shine. Proteins are popular conditioner ingredients and can include collagen, elastin, and amino acids, which are small, natural building blocks of hair that penetrate the cuticle to strengthen strands. These can include vegetable oils, mineral oil, plant oil, and vitamin B derivatives. It lubricates strands, helping to reduce static electricity, keeping hair from getting dry and brittle, and making locks easy to brush.
They attract and lock in moisture. Their main purpose is to smooth strands and keep hair from tangling. Instead they detangle hair and leave strands looking firmer, thicker, and fuller. Body-building conditioners are great for fine, lank hair. Just mist on craggy looking spots whenever needed.
Some conditioners contain shine enhancers such as dimethicone, which helps to smooth cuticles.
Lubricants and emollients are used in conditioners.
Conditioner Basics - Conditioners For Dry or Damaged Hair
