Sometimes conditioner can be used incorrectly, causing hair problems. Find out how to avoid dryness using these tips!
Hair, for most people, is the reason for a lot of work and apprehension. Whether curly, straight, short or long, all hair needs care, even the most common, such as using conditioner. However, even though it is a commonly used product, it still requires a certain amount of care when applying it to the hair. After all, who doesn’t want salon hair, right?
Did you know that the origin of conditioner was to be used as medicine? That’s right ! Initially, during World War II, conditioning mixtures were used to restore moisture to the skin of burned soldiers. It was only a few years later, in Switzerland, that some researchers improved the formula to adapt to hair strands. Currently, many brands compete for the cosmetics market, especially when it comes to daily use products like conditioner.
The benefits of conditioner
When you wash your hair, the shampoo acts as an astringent, removing impurities, but also mineral salts and natural hydration from your scalp. Consequently, if we don’t restore this hydration, our hair ends up becoming dry and fragile. Therefore, when buying your conditioner, it is very important to identify your hair’s needs, as well as the type of your hair.
In addition to restoring natural minerals and oils, the conditioner is also responsible for sealing the hair cuticles, preventing some daily effects, such as pollution, excess sun and chemicals, from damaging the hair. Using conditioner helps in the process of untangling the strands, preventing the fibers from breaking and causing frizz and hair loss.
What you shouldn’t do when using conditioner
Even though it is a commonly used product, there are some conditions for it to work properly. The first thing is to know which type of conditioner is right for your hair. You can discover this by understanding a little more about the structure of your strands. If they are oily, give priority to products that offer hydration, but with a light texture.
Dry hair, in addition to good hydration, needs products that nourish and restore the natural composition of the hair. With these needs in mind, it is worth investing in a hair schedule, even if your hair is mixed or normal. The second most important thing when using conditioner is not to replace it with the treatment mask.
This mistake is quite common, made mainly by people whose hair is dry. Replacing the conditioner with the treatment mask can leave hair heavy, due to the concentration of agents, which in the latter is higher and made for everyday use and not regular use, like conditioner. Daily use of masks can leave hair rubbery, making it easier to break when combing or tying.
Pay attention to the washing process
The daily use of shampoo and conditioner also applies to how it is used. Firstly, it is necessary to reduce the application of shampoo directly to the scalp, as most impurities are trapped and present in this part of the hair. Heavy scrubbing can tangle your hair and irritate your scalp, so apply the product and massage with light, circular movements, let the foam spread over the entire length of your hair, and finally, rinse.
The opposite is also valid, in other words, you should not apply the conditioner directly to the scalp, as this is where the highest concentration of natural hair oils are located, therefore, applying directly there can leave your strands looking dry. greasy and oily. The use of conditioner is intended for the length of the hair, aiming to aid in its hydration and nutrition.
Most people are also in a rush when it comes to washing their hair, but this is wrong. If the product does not remain on the hair for as long as necessary, it may affect its performance and not provide the expected results. Therefore, leave cleaning your hair for a time when you can let the product act, each product has a specific time, so before applying it, read the instructions on the packaging.
Leave-in and styling cream
Just like the treatment mask, some people may choose to replace leave-in or styling cream with conditioner, this is not recommended. The conditioner needs to be rinsed after application, if you use it as a finisher, the hair tends to become heavy and oily, aiming for a good condition of your hair, choose to finish with leave-in or styling cream.
Leave-in is a texturizing product, lighter than conditioner and styling cream. This product helps maintain nutrition and allows the hair to stay aligned throughout the day, without weighing it down. Just like the conditioner, it should also only be applied to the length of the hair, to avoid oiliness. Another benefit of leaving-in finishing is its power to reduce frizz, giving your hair a healthier appearance.
+ Some tips
Use the treatment mask first and then the conditioner. This order is important as it respects the composition of each product, masks contain more treatment agents, such as proteins and oils. The conditioner, on the other hand, helps close the hair cuticles, trapping all these agents and their benefits within the structure of the hair.
Always buy the same shampoo and conditioner. Just like the application, it is a very common mistake to use products from different lines, however, this can compromise the products’ action. This happens because their formulas are different and most of these hair line products are developed for use together. Furthermore, always choose the line that will bring the most benefits to your hair, after all.
As time passes, your hair can get used to the product. With this in mind, always choose, if possible, to alternate between your favorite brands. Remember, hair needs nutrition, hydration and reconstruction, keeping this in mind makes it easier when changing products.
How about more tips on how to keep your hair healthy, also read how to avoid itchy scalp and the best treatment masks for your hair type.
Sources: Claudia, All Things Hair, Beleza na Web and Blog de Brasileiro.
Imagens: Simply Earth, Glossy Box, Salon Sleek, The Body Deli e WikiHow.
