You have finally decided to build the perfect hair care routine and now you need to find the right products for you. You know all about conditioners and recognize the importance of their use for your hair. But how about this brand new product called “leave-in conditioner”? Ever heard of it? In this article you will learn everything about it.
What are the benefits of leave-in conditioners?
They:
- Help detangle the hair
- Prevent hair breakage
- Reduce frizz
- Highlight color
- Add shine and elasticity
- Improve the appearance of split ends
What are the differences between a conditioner and a leave-in conditioner?
Traditional conditioners and leave-in conditioners moisturize, smooth and protect hair from damage. But there are two basic differences between them: a) formula and b) how to use.
Conditioners are thick and heavy products and this is the reason why you should rinse your hair thoroughly after applying them. Leave-in conditioners, on the other hand, are lightweight and this is the reason they are not washed out after you have applied them on your hair. They are designed to offer extra moisture throughout the day and protect your hair from dehydration and damage.
How to use leave-in conditioner?
Leave-in conditioners are applied just after you have washed your hair and it is very important to follow the right steps:
1) After shampooing, rinse your hair. Avoid hot water, as it strips your hair from its natural oils, removes its shine and affects its color. Use instead lukewarm water to clean your hair and scalp and rinse with cold water to add shine and smoothness.
2) If your hair is extremely dry, you can apply both conditioners, conventional and leave-in conditioner. Just be sure to rinse off thoroughly after applying the traditional conditioner.
3) Use a towel to remove excess water but avoid rubbing your hair, instead gently squeeze it. When your hair is wet, it is more vulnerable and rough-drying with a towel may cause breakage, split ends and frizz.
4) Apply a small amount of your leave-in conditioner on your mid-shafts and ends. The amount of the product you should use, depends on the length of your hair. For a medium hair (length from the shoulder to the armpit) an amount of the size of a nut should be enough.
5) To evenly distribute the product, comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb or a brush specifically created to detangle wet hair. Be extremely careful, as wet hair is very vulnerable and prone to breakage.
6) Don’t wash out. Let your hair air dry or follow your typical styling routine.
As you can see, it's essential to follow some rules everytime you apply a care product. For more hair care tips, read this blog post:
12 Common Mistakes that Ruin your Hair
How does a leave-in conditioner benefit different hair types?
Leave-in conditioners can be extremely beneficial for all hair types:
Dry Hair
Leave-in conditioners are ideal for dry hair as they offer extra moisture and protect your hair from further dehydration. For very dry hair, it is recommended to use both, conditioner and leave-in conditioner, as well as a hair mask (twice a week).
Oily Hair
Traditional conditioners have a heavy formula and tend to weigh down your hair and make it look too oily. Leave-in conditioners, on the other hand, thanks to their lightweight formula, are the best choice for those who have oily hair. Tip: Since oily hair is accompanied with excess sebum production, avoid using your leave-in conditioner on the scalp.
Damaged Hair
The overuse of styling tools such as hairdryers can lead to serious hair damage. The excessive heat dries out the moisture from your strands and makes your hair dry and dull. Coloring the hair too often is another reason that results in hair damage. Hair dyes contain a lot of harsh chemicals that lead to dryness, broken ends and even hair loss. Leave-in conditioners provide the essential moisture protecting damaged hair and restoring its elasticity and health.
Frizzy Hair
Frizzy hair is usually caused by dryness, excessive heat, and frequent use of chemicals (dying, bleaching). It is a sign that your hair is severely dehydrated. As a result, your hair absorbs moisture from the environment and starts to look rough and brittle. Leave-in conditioners have moisturizing properties, reducing dehydration and frizz.
Curly Hair
Curly hair tends to lack moisture more often than the other types of hair and the only way to keep it healthy is to provide the necessary moisture. Leave-in conditioners offer deep hydration and thanks to their lightweight formula, they don’t weigh down the hair and help your curls look more defined and refreshed.
Where can you find the best leave-in conditioner?
Our favorite leave-in conditioners
If you enjoy making your own hair care products, follow this easy recipe for a homemade leave-in conditioner:
Recipe for homemade leave-in conditioner
You will need:
1 tbsp. Coconut oil
1 tbsp. Avocado oil
1 cup of water
5 drops tea tree essential oil
How to:
Mix all ingredients together and put your leave-in conditioner in a spray bottle.
