I don’t know how many of you have asked this question, but with so many types of conditioners available to buy, it can boggle the mind as to which one to select. Besides helping your hair feel softer, and in some cases it helps with less tangles after you have washed it, what exactly does hair conditioner do for your hair?
Scientifically speaking, conditioners actually replace the sebum that is lost from your hair. And, what is sebum? Sebum is an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in mammalian skin. Its main purpose is to make the skin and hair waterproof and to protect them from drying out.
More than likely you will agree that hair conditioners will, however, make your hair dull and lifeless if you use too much, and if you don’t use enough, your hair ends up with static electricity and definitely is unmanageable.
So, now that we have established that your hair requires conditioning, all that is left is to figure out what is the best conditioner for your particular hair type. There are basically four types of conditioners available in the marketplace. The first are the instant conditioners that are applied immediately after you have shampooed your hair. These conditioners contain additives such as aloe, balsam, herbal extracts, lanolin, and vitamins. Your hair will end up shiny but in actuality only do a mild conditioning job on your hair. The second type of conditioner is the deep conditioner. This type of conditioner is a more concentrated version of the instant conditioner. The only difference is that the deep conditioner is intended to remain on your hair for a longer period of time before rinsing it out. Deep conditioners are intended for use by those who really have a need for conditioning due to damaged hair. A deep conditioner should be applied at least once a month. Some deep conditioners come in the form of hot-oil treatments or protein packs. The next type of conditioner for your hair is the leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners are applied to your hair after shampooing and towel drying. There is no rinsing needed and it does not get washed out until your next shampoo. This product will make your hair look shinier but it doesn’t take care of split ends or frizzy hair. The last type of conditioner is the protein conditioner. Protein conditioners are sometimes used as a temporary application to make your hair appear thicker. They are just that….temporary. The main benefit to a protein conditioner is that it keeps your hair lubricated between washes. Although the protein conditioner contains proteins, the proteins do not penetrate the hair shaft.
Now that you know what the different type conditioners can do for your hair, have fun picking out a couple to try on your hair and by process of elimination you will find the one that is best suited for you.