Back to Basics: Condition (A Hair Regimen Series)

The world of hair conditioners is so vast it might make your head spin! With companies promising their products will do this, that, and the other it is hard NOT to become a conditioner crack-head! There is no doubt many aspects take a toll on our tresses. The environment, how we manipulate our hair, whether we choose to use chemicals (including color) and what we use to cleanse our hair are some things that take from it. Conditioning is the step we take to give back.

Step 3: Condition

What: Conditioning is applying a product to the hair after cleansing. Keep in mind that conditioning should enhance your hair’s overall health and appearance.

When: After cleansing

Why: The purpose of conditioning hair is to restore balance.

How: Types of conditioner (with examples) (1) Rinse through (VO5 & Suave) – leave in for a few minutes and rinse out (2) Homemade (avocado & mayonnaise) – single ingredient or mixture of edible ingredients; heat can be used for better penetration (be careful with eggs though). Also note that some homemade treatments can call for a gentle shampoo afterward (3) Deep (Elasta QP DRR-11 & Curls Ecstasy Hair Tea) – leave in for 15 minutes or longer; heat can be used for better penetration. (4) Leave-In (Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-In; water based & SheaMoisutre Shea Butter Leave-In; cream based) – apply to hair and do not rinse out (5) Herbal rinse (Hairveda pH24/7 & Adiva Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Herbal Rinse) – pour through hair; it can be left in or rinsed out. You can also make your own tailored rinses. (6) Intense Treatment/Special Purpose (ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor & Motions CPR) – follow manufacture instructions carefully. These conditioners usually have “repair”, “reconstruct”, or “protein treatment” on the label.

Other notes: It is good to have more than one conditioner to alternate. This is because your hair can get used to one and will not respond the same.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily