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Sustaining a stunning do isn't reserved strictly for those follically
blessed from birth. Anyone besieged by tangles, frizzies or split ends need look no further than the nearest drugstore, hair
salon or beauty supply depot for salvation and means of beautification. Thanks to the surplus of especially hard-working,
bad-behavior modifying conditioners out on the market, hair can stay healthy despite even the most hardcore of styling habits.
What's the key to achieving your crowning glory? Let a hair conditioner save the day -- a "bad hair day," that is.
What is a 'Conditioner'?
The term "conditioner" is vague. Conditioners fall into different groups according to what you want to accomplish with
your hair. People with thin hair need a specific kind of "conditioner", people with thick, dry hair need another...
Here's the rundown, according to Bridal
Hairstyles Magazine:
Creme Rinse: One of the first commercial conditioners, these
pearly lotions use alum salts to temporarily relax and soften the hair strand. They are wonderful for coarse, bushy hair texture,
but are not helpful for thin, brittle or damaged hair. Stir a tablespoon into a cup of water after a shampoo, then rinse out
thoroughly. If hair has a tendency to be wiry, combine two tablespoons of creme rinse to two tablespoons of hot water.
Instant
Conditioners: Composed primarily of waxes and proteins, these products are applied to freshly washed hair and left on for
no more than two minutes, then rinsed off. These products coat the hair shaft with a protein/polymer film that adds shine
and flexibility. They can also help prevent problems in hair that is styled with a hair dryer.
Deep conditioners: Rich
in proteins and oils, these thick, creamy conditioners remain on the head for 30 to 40 minutes, usually under a heat cap.
They are designed for hair showing signs of damage from coloring, waving, straightening or blow-drying. They provide protein
and moisture to restore strength, flexibility and shine. They should be used on a regular schedule, a week after chemically
treating your hair. They are helpful to all hair types and textures that are subjected to processing.
Hot Oil Conditioners:
Clear formulations of oil and water, these are heated slightly, then worked through the hair. They are wonderful for naturally
dry hair, which seems to get drier between shampoos. Dryness due to processing is best handled by deep conditioners.
Leave-in
Conditioners: Depending on the formulation, these products add body, restore shine or smooth split ends. They are particularly
helpful for frizzy or heat-damaged hair.
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