In the shower or on the edge of the bath, next to the shower gel, shampoo and other care products, there is almost always a conditioner. This product is, for many, an indispensable hair care product.
Conditioner: what is its role?
Unlike shampoos, the primary purpose of a conditioner is not to cleanse. Rather, its role is to detangle, add suppleness, shine, nourish and repair the hair. To this we can add other promises of care depending on the product chosen: shine, volume, color protection …
The conditioner's detangling action isn't just there to make it easier to brush hair after showering. It plays a role in the health of the hair because the active ingredients present in the product, by making the hair slippery, limit the appearance of knots and prevent us from breaking them during brushing. The hair thus has a soft and shiny aspect with the use of a conditioner.
Most conditioners also have formulas that are more or less rich in moisturizing active ingredients that can be adapted to all hair types: colored, dry, long, curly or fine hair...
Difference between conditioner and mask
The hair mask is a nutritive care that contains restructuring and fortifying active ingredients. Its main role is to deeply repair and strengthen the weakened hair fiber. The conditioner differs from the hair mask because it maintains the hair on the surface and not in depth.
Another major difference is the application time of the product. While the mask must be applied for a minimum of 30 minutes to take effect, the conditioner can be rinsed off after three to five minutes. This is one of the reasons why the mask offers a longer-lasting and more powerful result.
Is conditioner necessary?
The use of conditioner is not as necessary as the use of shampoo. Since the conditioner does not wash the hair, it is more in the category of supplements to shampoo. It is ideal for maintaining and protecting all types of hair with problems. So-called "normal" hair does not necessarily need to be maintained with conditioner.
Application of conditioner
When to use a conditioner?
Our hair is subject to many daily aggressions: sun, wind, pollution, stress, coloring, hair dryer, straightener. That's why hair care must be done regularly to give your hair a boost. For an optimal effect on hair, conditioner should be applied two to three times a week after shampoo. Although there is no obligation to use it after each wash, it is nevertheless recommended for a more effective action.
How to apply this hair care product?
A conditioner should be applied on damp, not wet hair. So after shampoo, gently wring out your hair with your hands to remove excess water.
A conditioner is not used in the same quantities as a shampoo and because of its lack of foam, many people tend to use too much. For optimal use without wasting, it is thus advised to deposit only two hazelnuts of product in the palm of the hand (three for long hair) and to spread it on the lengths and ends. To ensure that the product penetrates well, you can gently massage your hair with your fingertips. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly, because if it is not rinsed well, the conditioner will weigh hair down when dry.
A conditioner is generally not applied on the scalp but only on the weakened part of the hair, i.e. the lengths. So, if you have long hair, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair up to half of the length, stopping a few inches from the roots. For short hair, only the ends need to be treated.
Some tips on conditioner
1. Conditioner is not suitable for everyone.
Conditioner is not a suitable treatment for all hair types. Being a creamy and slightly greasy base product, conditioner is not recommended for hair with an oily tendency.
2. Do not apply to roots
As mentioned above, conditioner is not to be used on the roots, but rather on the lengths and ends of the hair.
3. Choosing a silicone free conditioner
Silicone is an ingredient found in most conventional conditioners. In fact, it’s thanks to it that hair becomes smooth and untangled in a snap. And even though silicone may appear to be a miracle ingredient, in practice it damages the hair over the long term. That's why choosing silicone-free hair products is good for the health of our hair. To keep a detangling effect in silicone-free products, brands replace it with other naturally smoothing products that are less aggressive for the hair fiber.