Every haircare routine shares a few fundamental components. Regardless of your hair type, your haircare system should include cleansing with quality shampoo, conditioning, detangling and styling. So, if that’s the basic routine, where do leave-in conditioners fit, and when can you use them?
Also known as leave-on or no-rinse conditioners, leave-in conditioners are exactly what the name suggests. It’s a type of haircare product you should leave in your hair to lock in extra moisture and replenish your strands with essential nutrients. You must apply it after cleansing but before styling while your hair is still wet. It can also replace your regular conditioner, but it’s best to use both, especially if your hair is extra dry and prone to damage.
Six Reasons You Should Use A Leave-in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners may seem like an additional expense, but the truth is they serve many purposes. You can even find formulas designed to target specific needs, so virtually any hair type can benefit from them.
If you are still on the fence about leave-in conditioners, the following might convince you to add one to your haircare arsenal.
Protect Your Strands
Heat exposure and various environmental factors can dehydrate your strands, causing split ends and breakage. Leave-in conditioners coat your hair, protecting it from dry air and intense heat. Some formulas can even create a heat barrier to protect hair from chemical abuse and hot styling. Plus, applying it before hitting the pool or the beach can prevent salt, chlorine and other chemicals from damaging your hair.
Moisturise Dry Hair
People with dry hair can benefit the most from a leave-in conditioner. Many products you can find today contain necessary ingredients that help boost your hair’s moisture, including rosewater, aloe vera and glycerin. So, if your strands are particularly dry, make sure to add a leave-in conditioner to your routine.
Restore Damaged Strands
Besides the environment, how you style your hair can make your strands weak and brittle. For instance, bleach, chemical straightening, perms and dyes can damage your hair shafts and follicles, making your hair look dull and frizzy. However, thanks to the leave-in conditioner’s moisturising benefits and its ability to protect and nourish the strands, your hair can look healthy and bouncy.
Give Life To Curly Locks
Curly or textured hair is more susceptible to dryness than straight hair. It craves extra moisture because it’s harder for the sebum or your hair’s natural oils to migrate down from the roots to the ends. Combing the formula into the full length of your curls can help your locks appear more defined and healthier than ever.
Combat Frizz
Frizz happens when hair lacks moisture, causing the cuticle to be rough and hair fibres to run in multiple directions. The problem can worsen when you spend a lot of time under the sun or live in a hot or humid environment. One effective way to combat hair frizz is by applying a leave-in conditioner that adds moisture to hair and helps smoothen out frizz. Plus, it can protect your strands from harsh weather conditions and the sun’s heat.
Add Extra Shine
Sometimes, regular conditioners may be too heavy for your hair, causing it to look flat, dull and lifeless. Instead of using your regular conditioner after shampooing, you can use a leave-in conditioner to add shine and life to your hair. That’s because leave-in conditioners tend to be more lightweight so applying them after cleansing won’t weigh your hair down.
How And When To Use Leave-in Conditioner
The process involved in applying a leave-in conditioner is the same for every hair type. However, you may need to add more product if your hair is thicker or textured. To maximise the benefits of the formula, here are the steps you should follow.
- Wash your hair with your favourite shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
- Use your regular conditioner formulated for your hair type. Leave it on for up to a minute or according to the instructions on the label. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. If you choose to replace your regular conditioner with the leave-in formula, proceed to the next step.
- Squeeze excess water gently out of your hair and pat your hair dry using a microfibre towel. To avoid breakage or frizz, make sure you don’t rub your strands together, since your hair is more fragile when wet.
- Apply a good amount of leave-in conditioner and smooth it through your hair, focusing on the hair shafts and tips.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to disperse the formula and detangle your locks.
- Allow to dry or style your hair as desired
If you’re wondering how often you should use a leave-in conditioner, the answer depends on how it affects your hair. If, after daily usage, your hair feels and looks healthy, then continue using the formula. On the other hand, if your hair becomes limp, greasy or too heavy, it’s best to use it less often.
Conclusion
Unlike your regular conditioner, leave-in conditioners are more lightweight and deliver a detangling effect. They may contain glycerin, natural oils and vitamins to protect and moisturise strands without adding extra weight. Although it can benefit all hair types and concerns, you still need to find the right formula suitable for you.
Vinci Hair Clinic specialises in hair loss treatments and restoration procedures for men and women. Take advantage of the complimentary consultation we offer all our new clients by booking an appointment today!
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