Washing your hair regularly with shampoo will remove dirt and oil build-up, as well as the beneficial natural oils. Adding regular use of styling tools that use heat, chemicals and harsh weather conditions can make your hair dry, frizzy and damaged. With the use of conditioner, however, these unwelcome characteristics can be easily eliminated. There are three main varieties of conditioner, the traditional one, the no-rinse one and the one in the form of masks, each with its action aimed at nourishing and softening your hair.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Traditional Conditioner
Step 1. Choose the correct type of conditioner for your hair type
A traditional conditioner should be applied to each wash, immediately after rinsing the shampoo. This type of conditioner works to repair the damage caused by heat, chemicals, and the natural stress and wear that your hair is subjected to every day and to extricate itself well. Choose a type of conditioner designed for the specific type of your hair, preferring for example a product suitable for the needs of curly, frizzy, dry, damaged, fine, oily hair, etc. For each type of hair there is a conditioner that can bring benefits.
Step 2. Wash your hair
Step into the shower and start your regular beauty routine. You'll be applying the conditioner to clean hair, so first carefully massage the roots and lengths with your favorite shampoo. Mainly focus your attention on washing your scalp, being careful not to tug on damp hair while you wash it, to avoid damaging the ends and risking them breaking.
Step 3. Rinse off the shampoo
While you may not like the idea, it is advisable to reduce the water temperature by using it as cold as possible. Compared to hot water, cold water is safer on your hair, and will help close your cuticles and prevent breakage. Remove all traces of shampoo with cold water, being careful not to jerk your hair if you run your fingers through the strands. When the hair takes on a 'creaky' consistency, it means that all the shampoo has been eliminated.
Step 4. Wring out your hair
If the hair is soaked, no type of conditioner will be able to wrap it effectively avoiding immediately sliding down. If you have very short hair, you probably won't need to squeeze it for long. If they are long, instead, take a few more moments to eliminate as much water as possible.
Step 5. Apply conditioner
Pour a small amount of conditioner into the palm of your hand; the doses needed vary according to the length of your hair. Start with a minimal amount if you have chin length or shorter hair. If your hair is very long, you will probably need to fill your palm with conditioner. Massage it on the ends, trying to distribute it evenly between the strands. The conditioner should be applied from the middle to the tips and in various parts behind the head where the hair is more tousled. Applying the conditioner close to the roots and scalp can cause clogging of the follicles, slowing hair growth as well as increasing sebum production.
Step 6. Let the conditioner work
This step is not optional since if the conditioner is not allowed to act for at least 3 minutes it will not give good results; the longer the processing time, the better the effect on the health of your hair. If you are in a hurry, you can rinse off the conditioner shortly after applying it, knowing however that the result will not reach the normal shine and softness. Try to apply the conditioner and then dedicate yourself to the hygiene of the body of the face allowing it to act at its best. After that, usually after 5 to 10 minutes you can rinse it off and enjoy the maximum benefit.
Step 7. Rinse off the conditioner
Assuming you have returned the water temperature to its usual heat, reduce it again by making it as cold as possible, as far as you can handle. As mentioned above, cold water is healthier for the hair. Spend a few minutes rinsing off the conditioner; if the hair is still 'slimy', it means that you have not completely eliminated it. When your hair is smooth, but no longer slippery, you can squeeze it and then get out of the shower!
Method 2 of 3: Use a leave-in conditioner
Step 1. Choose a leave-in conditioner that suits your hair type
Like the traditional ones, these products have also been formulated for the many and different needs of the hair. There are two main varieties of leave-in conditioner: cream and spray. The first type is more suitable for thick, long or curly hair, because it slightly weighs the strands. The second is ideal for fine or straight hair, being lighter.
Step 2. Use shampoo and conditioner
Do your normal hair beauty routine. As the name suggests, leave-in conditioner does not need to be rinsed off, it must be applied to damp hair. Use the directions given in the previous section to apply shampoo and conditioner correctly, then pat your hair dry with a towel to remove excess water.
Step 3. Pour a small amount of cream onto the palm of one hand
A pea-sized dose for medium length and thick hair is recommended in most packs, but the amount will cost you from person to person. You can always add more product if you need it, so start with a smaller dose than you think you need.
Step 4. Massage the product into your hair
Rub it between your hands first to dilute it slightly, then start applying it on the tips. As with traditional conditioner, it is best to avoid bringing it closer to the roots and scalp; therefore limit yourself to treating the oldest and most damaged part of your hair, normally located from the middle of the lengths to the ends.
Step 5. Comb your hair
Use a wide-toothed comb to comb your hair after applying leave-in conditioner. The product will be further distributed between the strands, preventing it from accumulating in some areas making them heavy and greasy, to the detriment of others that have remained dry.
Method 3 of 3: Use a Hair Mask
Step 1. Choose a hair mask
Each mask has a single purpose: to repair damaged and dry hair in a chronic way. For this reason, there are not many types of masks to choose from, there are only different brands. Look for a mask that meets your hair and wallet needs.
Step 2. Moisten your hair
Rinse them with hot or cold water, the colder the better. You can choose to use a shampoo first if you wish, but all you really need is damp hair. After washing or getting them wet, squeeze them to remove as much excess water as possible.
Step 3. Apply the mask
Take some of the product out of the package with your hands, and apply a thick layer all over your head. Concentrate most of the product on the tips, but feel free to massage and distribute it all the way to the roots. Carefully separate the larger strands, so that each section of hair is well nourished by the mask.
Step 4. Let it act
Wear a shower cap on your head to push hair away from your face and clothing. Follow the specific directions on the mask package, and leave your restructuring treatment on. Normally, it will take about 20-30 minutes for the mask to work its magic. If you want to give the beauty treatment a further boost, you can heat the product on your hair with the help of a blow dryer set on a light heat.
Step 5. Rinse the mask
Remove the cap, and set the water to the coldest temperature you can handle. Spend 3-5 minutes rinsing your hair carefully to get rid of any residual traces of the mask. When your hair is smooth, but no longer slippery, you can pat your hair with a towel and then dry it and style it as you wish.
Advice
- Avoid regularly using straighteners, curling irons, hairdryers, etc., and avoid using chemicals on your hair. Otherwise you will damage them and you will be forced to further increase the conditioner applications.
- Use conditioner every time you wash your hair so you don't have any problems when you need to comb it. Do not overdo the doses on the scalp, especially if your hair tends to grease easily.
