What is the difference between hair conditioner and conditioner?
Shampoo's job is to cleanse hair of dirt and remove product buildup, but what about conditioners? This seems like a rhetorical question to which everyone would respond: "Yeah, it's that creamy product you usually put on your hair after shampooing, aptly called hair conditioner ."
And yes, you're right, most of us use a hair conditioner right after shampooing; some go straight to a hair mask, while others decide not to use it at all, which is absolutely not recommended!
So, what's the difference between 'hair conditioner' and 'balsamo'? Nothing! There's no difference; 'hair conditioner' is simply the English word for 'conditioner'.
Hair conditioners are hair care products that contain moisturizing agents such as emollients, humectants , oils, butters, and even silicones that create a film on the outer layer of the hair cuticle. Their purpose is to moisturize and soften hair after shampooing, reducing friction and breakage.
Different types of hair conditioner
There are different types of hair conditioners . Yes, you read that right. Hair conditioners are products used to restore moisture to the hair strands, and the most common one we use is usually post-shampoo conditioner . They are also called rinse-out conditioners , but there are also dry conditioners , like shampoos, although they are not as popular as regular conditioners.
So, going back to the types of conditioners, we have deep conditioners or masks , leave-in conditioners , cleansing conditioners like cowashes and 2-in-1 products like shampoo and conditioner together.
Why You Shouldn't Skip Hair Conditioner
Our hair is subjected to a variety of agents, styling products, tools, and hair accessories every day. Then, when we go outdoors in the cold, sun, wind, and humidity, our cuticles tend to weaken and even break. A great conditioner provides a protective layer on the cuticles, preventing damage and filling any gaps in the hair cuticles caused by damage. Shampoos tend to remove not only dirt and product buildup but also natural oils, which in turn can make our hair feel dry and stripped of moisture, so restoring this moisture back into the hair is key with a great rinse-out conditioner or balm .
The best way to use your conditioner
To get the most out of your conditioner after shampooing, be sure to squeeze out excess water from your hair so you don't dilute the conditioner (you want to get the most out of your shampoo, and diluting it makes it less effective). Too much water in your hair won't be able to absorb the conditioner properly.
Your hair needs to absorb all the benefits of that conditioner, so apply it with fluid motions, avoiding the scalp. Massage the conditioner into your hair; this is also a great time to detangle. If you have finer hair, it's best to use less conditioner, otherwise you may feel weighed down.
How long should I leave my conditioner on?
While each brand has its own recommendations, a general rule of thumb is two minutes; if you're unsure, you can also check the bottle. Deep conditioners , on the other hand, can take up to five minutes or more, while leave-in conditioners stay in the hair. Leave-in conditioners are used to rehydrate hair between washes and can be followed by creams, gels, or other styling products.
Should I choose a conditioner based on my hair type?
The answer lies somewhere in the middle, meaning that most conditioning products are typically made with the same ingredients, although they may be formulated differently. Of course, if your hair is dry and needs a lot of hydration, you should choose conditioners rich in emollients like hydrating butters and oils.
For curly hair, a hydrating conditioner should be the first choice on your list, as it not only replenishes moisture in the hair, but also helps detangle curls and strands.
If you suffer from frizz, to make your hair silky and tame frizzy hair, anti-humidity products are great for smoothing frizz and repelling humidity.
If you have damaged, color-treated, or chemically treated hair, a restructuring conditioner is your best friend. If you've ever looked at a hair cuticle, you'll know that it's like fish scales or roof tiles, which tend to lift depending on the condition of the hair.
Damaged or chemically treated hair has open and highly porous cuticles, which can lead to breakage and split ends. Therefore, you need all the protein products you can find for your hair routine. A great protein treatment is the Aphogee 5-Minute Keratin Treatment , an intensely protein-rich conditioner.
