Conditioners

Conditioners are liquids, creams, pastes, or gels that function like sebum.

Sebum is the ideal hair conditioner. Excessive removal of sebum created the need for a synthetic sebum-like substance which is the hair conditioner.

The conditioner effect is temporary, lasting only until it is removed with shampooing, and it requires reapplication.

Types of conditioners

Hair conditioners are available in several types, depending on their intended function and when they are applied.

They are classified into:

1. Instant conditioners

2. Deep conditioners

3. Leave-in conditioners

 

1. Instant Conditioners

Applied immediately after the hair has been shampooed, then washed.

They are called instant because they are left in contact with the hair briefly for 1–5 minutes and then thoroughly washed.

Due to their short contact time, they provide minimal conditioning and must be used after each shampooing to achieve the desired effect.

The need for instant hair conditioners:

After using a hair shampoo with high sebum-removing power.

After the frequent use shampoo since many of the hairstyles require frequent shampooing to remove styling gels, mousses, waxes, and sprays.

Used by persons who have hair damaged by permanent waving or dyeing chemical processes.

2. Deep conditioners

These are stick creams or oils packaged in jars or tubes.

Their consistency with the long time of application allow the conditioning agent to more thoroughly coat and penetrate the hair shaft to improve its cosmetic appearance.

These products are intended for very dry and damaged hair especially the chemically treated hair.

Used as often as once a week, although for many people once a month is enough.

 

How to use of deep conditioners?

  

In case of cream bathes, they are applied and left on the hair for a prolonged time (Remain on the hair for 15–30 minutes prior to shampoo removal) while in case of masques they are left on hair for few minutes as it is instructed by every manufacturer.

Sometimes heat is used to enhance penetration in the form of a hairdryer or warm towel to cause hair shaft swelling, which allows increased conditioner penetration.

3. Leave-in conditioners

Applied on towel-dried hair and remain on the hair shaft to aid in styling without rinsing.

They are removed with the next shampooing.

Some leave-in conditioners are designed to coat the hair shaft and protect the hair protein from heat damage during using the electric hair dryer like serums and others.

 

 Leave-in conditioners are found in the pharmacy in many forms like oils, serums, creams, lotions or oil replacements .

Frequency of using Hair Conditioners The frequency of using varies according to the user・s personal preference.

 If the hair has been damaged as a result of bleaching, relaxing, or exposure to dry weather, then a conditioner should be used.

 If the hair tends to be difficult to manage and dull, then a conditioner should be used.

Conditioner should not be used too much, since its accumulation the hair tends to lose its shine.

Safety of Conditioners

 Hair conditioners are applied to the hair and rinsed quickly, allowing minimal time for any reaction to occur. Rarely, hair conditioners can cause eye and skin irritation.