Why is it important to use Hair Conditioner and How to choose the right one?

In the ever-evolving world of hair care, one persistent myth refuses to wither away – the notion that hair conditioner is harmful to your hair. Some folks out there still believe that conditioner is the arch-nemesis of luscious locks, claiming it weighs hair down, causes grease, and leads to a lifetime of hair woes. Which is exactly why we at NYNM are here to demystify this myth and enlighten you on why conditioner is not just good, but vital for your hair health. Moreover, we will delve into the fascinating world of hair types and guide you on choosing the perfect conditioner for your unique locks.

So, let’s get down to the brass tracks! For starters, what is a conditioner?

Quite simply put, conditioner serves as a moisturising and conditioning product composed of ingredients like silicones, oils, emollients, and cationic surfactants, which help remove excess oils during washing and replenish lost moisture in the hair caused by shampooing, thereby, reducing breakage of strands. 

There are various types of conditioners available, including traditional post-shampoo hydrators, deep conditioners that penetrate hair thoroughly and are left on longer, cleansing conditioners (co-washes) that combine shampooing and conditioning, and leave-in conditioners for nourishing and protecting hair throughout the day. Additionally, there's also dry conditioner, designed to lightly enhance hair's shine, smoothness, and softness without the risk of overapplication or greasiness.

Let’s now have a look at why conditioner is extremely important, and how the absence of it in your hair care routine can potentially cause long-lasting damage!

The Importance of Using Hair Conditioner

What happens if you stop using conditioners? Well, quite frankly, that might not be a pleasant experience! Conditioner is the cornerstone of any good hair care routine. After cleansing with your favourite shampoo, it is imperative to replenish your strands with moisture to re-fortify and smooth your hair follicles. While shampoo helps rid your locks of dust, grease and dirt, conditioner revitalises it by adding back the moisture lost due to cleansing. Your hair can become more brittle, susceptible to tangles, and prone to breakage with the absence of a conditioner.

Here are a few reasons why the shine and vitality of your hair is kept in place by diligently using conditioner:

Moisture Balance: 

Shampoo thoroughly cleans your hair, but it often leaves your locks feeling dry and stripped of essential oils. This is where conditioner swoops in as your saviour from woes of dry and damaged hair. It restores lost moisture, making your hair softer and more manageable.

Damage Control:

Our hair faces various adversaries in daily life – heat styling, environmental pollution, UV rays, chemical treatments and so on. What conditioners do is act as protective shields, reducing the damage caused by these external factors, which ultimately leads to healthier, more resilient hair. 

Enhanced Texture:

Whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight, conditioner can enhance its natural texture, giving it a smoother, silkier, and shinier appearance. Think of it as a magic wand that transforms your natural hair into something truly extraordinary!

Detangling Delight:

Tangles and knots are the mortal enemies of hairbrushes and combs, and invariably yours! Conditioner acts as a detangler, smoothing the hair cuticle, and making it easier to comb through without the painful tugging and incessant breakage. 

Be it dry hair, frizz, tangles, or even brittle hair strands, conditioning your hair every time you shampoo can surely ease these problems for you. All you have to do is find the right product for your hair. Fret not, that’s what NYNM is here for!

How to choose the right conditioner?

Ah, a tale is as old as time…

By now, we can all agree that there are more hair types than what you thought you knew. (If there is still uncertainty as to what your hair type is, refer to this article to get some clarity). 

Now that we've clarified the importance of using conditioner, let's embark on a journey through the diverse landscape of hair types. Each hair type has its unique characteristics and needs, and choosing the right conditioner is crucial to ensuring your hair looks and feels its best.

Fine and Straight Hair:

Fine, straight hair tends to be silky but prone to looking flat and lifeless if not adequately  nourished. For this hair type, opting for a lightweight conditioner with volumising properties will give the best results. These conditioners add moisture without weighing your hair down, providing the lift and body your locks crave.

Petal Fresh®’s Pure Rosemary & Mint Conditioner, is the perfect solution for your wash-day with the goodness of Rosemary, Mint, Babbasu Oil and Chamomile. Giovanni is another brand we claim as a ‘must have’ when it comes to your hair care routine. These conditioners gently condition your hair while adding volume from root to tip for a lush body and long-lasting fullness. It's like giving your hair a little boost of confidence!

Frizzy, Thick Hair:

Thick, coarse hair can tend to be a wild beast, difficult to tame and prone to frizz. To make life a little easier for yourself, choose a rich, creamy conditioner with deep moisturising ingredients like shea butter or avocado oil. Re'equil and Jessicurl’s Moisturising hydrators will soften your strands and make them more manageable, leaving you with smoother, sleeker hair. 

Curly and Wavy Hair:

Curly and wavy hair can sometimes be quite frustrating. Much like rebellious teenagers – it has a mind of its own. The best CG friendly conditioners, turning frizz to beautiful ringlets, are Ashba’s conditioners, formulated specifically for curly hair. These products are formulated to enhance and define your curls, minimise frizz, and maintain your hair's natural bounce and shape. 

Conditioners for curly hair can be a tricky one owing to the diversity in types of curls. With extensive trial and error, it becomes easier to narrow down on the few products that you swear by. But that also means allowing your ringlets to succumb to unsuitable products occasionally, increasing damage and tangles. However, melting those tangles away and keeping your curls healthy is cakewalk with Bounce Curl’s smooth conditioners. You need not restrict yourself to wearing hairstyles that tuck your hair in, go flaunt them curls!

Dry and Damaged Hair:

If your hair is suffering from dryness and damage, it's time to call in the big guns. OGX Ever Straightening’s therapy has restorative ingredients such as keratin, argan oil, and jojoba oil. These powerhouses will repair and rejuvenate your hair, leaving it smoother, shinier, and healthier than ever.

For intense repair and hydration, the best conditioners for dry hair are Giovanni’s Smooth As Silk  and Cantu’s Sulphate Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner. They will surely do wonders to regain nutrients in your hair, giving it back its glaze. 

While silicone keeps your hair hydrated from within, it can also prevent other nourishing ingredients from penetrating deep into your hair follicles. Silicone can also build up on your hair, resulting in a dry feeling and dull appearance. Re'equil's silicone free conditioner ensures complete prevention from damage and a plump, hydrated look!

Daily Hair Conditioners for Men and Women

For most people, the problems lie in the roots. Balancing an oily scalp with dry ends can be a hair conundrum. You need a daily conditioner that moisturises the ends without overloading the roots. Shea Moisture,Vilvah, Manetain, True Frog and Re'equil's lightweight, hydrating conditioners maintain the balance your hair craves, keeping it healthy and comfortable. 

Conclusion: 

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again - conditioner is not your hair's enemy; it's a trusted ally in your quest for beautiful, healthy locks. With the right conditioner tailored to your unique hair type, you can transform your mane into a crowning glory. And with the boom of information, buying conditioners online has never been easier and more effective.

Sometimes it can feel like you’re shooting in the dark with beauty products, especially hair care, if you’re uncertain about things like ingredients, hair type and benefits. Which is why, for us, providing information regarding niche categories when it comes to your hair is top priority. To understand your hair type and get suggestions based on your unique hair type, we nudge you to take this AI Hair Quiz!

Remember, your hair is as unique as you are, and it deserves care that suits its individual needs. So, embrace the conditioner, choose wisely, and let your hair shine with confidence!

FAQs:

Can conditioners have any negative effects on your hair?

Very few, though they do exist. Certain chemicals can be allergens with people who have hyper sensitive skin and scalp. The best way to avoid irritating a sensitive scalp is to opt for a lightweight conditioner with natural ingredients to nourish your hair. Cantu's hypoallergen conditioner, powered with the goodness of shea butter is a no-brainer!

Using more than a palm sized dollop can weigh your hair down, especially for people with fine hair. Using the optimum quantity and type of product based on your hair type is imperative in your quest to transform your hair. 

How often should you use conditioner on your hair?

While shampoos help clean the grime out of your hair, conditioners nourish it by replenishing the lost moisture and nutrients. It therefore becomes necessary to follow up your hair care routine with a suitable hydrating conditioner to get the best results for them perfect beach waves or glorious ringlets!

How do you use hair conditioner, and how long should you leave it in?

Like most things, there is a right and wrong way to condition your hair. Avoid rookie mistakes, and apply the product only on the hair, and not the scalp! Long, fluid motions, and ensuring your strands are not soaking wet after shampooing helps the hair absorb the moisturising ingredients better.

As far as the time is concerned, 5 minutes should suffice, as this is approximately how much time it takes for the conditioner to adhere to the hair. If you're using a deep conditioner, 10 to 20 minutes is ideal.

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