We recommend the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, which is compatible with all hair types and differs from your average conditioner because its formula is designed to deeply penetrate the strands of your hair to repair all kinds of damage, whether it’s from regular blowouts or exposure to the sun. It contains ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and biotin, which make it great for frizzy and dry hair.
Type of Hair
According to White, having amino acids, proteins, moisture, UVA/UVB protection, and properties that seal the cuticle would be excessive for hair that is not damaged. White emphasizes that a hair type that is fine or thin requires fewer ingredients for moisture and shine compared to a hair type that is curly or coily. All hairstylists we interviewed emphasize the significance of selecting a conditioner that is tailored to your particular hair type, as they acknowledge the existence of different needs.
The labeled bottle usually contains conditioner that is specifically designed for the type of hair as well as the information about this particular kind. People who have color-treated hair need to look for conditioners that offer UVA/UVB protection, as these conditioners will protect their hair color from fading in the sun. This applies to both people with color-treated hair and people with hair that is treated with Aguirre White. Color-treated hair also includes this type of hair.
Ingredients
Depending on your hair type, it can be highly advantageous to examine the list of ingredients before making a purchase, both for hair care and overall beauty.
According to her, individuals with thin hair will reap advantages from “volumizing” items containing panthenol, a variant of vitamin B5 that “will moisturize the hair without causing it to become heavy.” However, Brook suggests utilizing argan oil, shea butter, and cupuacu butter products for individuals with curly or coily hair that is of medium to coarse texture.
Brook suggests, “In case of having greasy hair, utilize a purifying conditioner and search for cetearyl glucoside as a component.” She mentions, “It aids in purifying the hair, maintaining moisture, and providing a soft texture to your hair.” She recommends the utilization of conditioners containing squalane oil for hair that is damaged: “This serves as a natural moisturizer that will fortify and mend your hair, resulting in it being three times more resilient after a single application.”
Hair Conditioner vs. Leave-In Conditioner
There are notable benefits that can improve your hair, but the latter is optional. In the case of natural hair, conditioner can be used instead of shampoo, particularly in the place of natural hair. After you have completed your shower and dried your hair with a towel, conditioner is used as a leave-in while conditioning your hair after shampooing.
White suggests that a leave-in product can serve multiple purposes, such as providing sun protection or repairing damaged hair. If you have hair that tends to tangle easily, it is recommended to use a leave-in product to tackle those tangles. Similarly, if you have been swimming and want to safeguard your hair, using a leave-in product is advised. Additionally, if you are in need of extra moisture, heat protection, or protein for your slightly over-processed ends, a leave-in product would be suitable.
Aguirre recommends using both leave-in and rinse-out conditioners as part of their routine hair care for those with thick, curly hair, and White believes that all hair types can benefit from using heat on their hair.
Possible Inquiries
What will occur to my hair if I refrain from using conditioner?
According to White, failure to utilize a conditioner can lead to the occurrence of split ends and breakage, which is crucial for safeguarding and preserving the hair’s appearance, well-being, thickness, and overall style. White mentions that if one possesses healthy and undamaged hair and scalp, it is not a calamity to completely forgo the use of conditioner. However, White asserts that without the utilization of a conditioner, damage is unavoidable when employing chemicals or heat on the hair. Brook also concurs, affirming that abstaining from using a conditioner can result in scalp problems, diminished elasticity in the hair, and ultimately breakage and split ends.
Until you find the conditioner that works best for you, make sure to experiment and shop around so that you’re not likely to find a conditioner that isn’t working for you. White says that those who have thin, fine hair often skip conditioner, but it is also one of those products that you should use regardless of your hair type.
How can I maximize the benefits of my conditioner?
Applying an excessive amount of conditioner is the most common error observed by all our experts. Therefore, it is advisable to use a smaller amount of product in order to maximize the benefits of your conditioner.
Begin with a dollop the size of a nickel for fine or short hair and a dollop the size of a quarter for long or thick hair, as suggested by Brook. Utilizing a smaller amount of conditioner is not only advantageous for your hair, but it will also extend the longevity of the bottle, reducing the frequency at which you need to restock.
Another mistake that White Brook points out is rinsing out the conditioner too quickly, which can leave your hair feeling heavy, dull, and lifeless. Brook recommends letting the conditioner sit in your hair for two to three minutes so that it can absorb all of the nutrients from the formula.
Which components should I refrain from using in a conditioner?
Everyone recommends avoiding drying alcohols and silicones, as well as parabens when using conditioners. If you have fine hair, for example, you should steer clear of heavy ingredients like shea butter. It is dependent on your hair type, so you should avoid the ingredients recommended by White.
Trust Us
Chicago salon Maxine was interviewed by three hairstylists, including Shelly Aguirre, a hairstylist at Care Hair Zenagen, and Chad White, the national education director at Zenagen. Additionally, Sunnie Brook, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist, was also interviewed. She spent hours researching all the components that make the best conditioners, ultimately choosing the products based on their overall value, size, effectiveness, and ingredients. This article was written by Rachel, a lifelong lover of beauty and fashion, and a writer for Simple Real Home.