Colouring and over use of heated appliances certainly have
taken their toll on my tresses so using a good conditioner is vital.
Hair conditioners improve the look and feel of the hair.
They contain ingredients such as silicones that add shine and moisture to the
hair, proteins that bind and coat the hair and emollients such as fatty acids
and fatty alcohols which cover the hair to protect and seal in moisture.
Use a conditioner that is right for your hair type as formulations differ. The amount you should use varies depending on your hair type and its length. Overdo it your hair will be greasy; if you don't apply enough your hair may be hard to manage. If you have an oily scalp, condition the ends and mid-lengths only. If you have dry or flyaway hair use a leave-in conditioner. Check the fragrance before you buy it as the smell can linger. The more expensive conditioners usually have a nicer perfume.
Deep conditioners are the most effective method of conditioning hair as they have concentrated levels of conditioning ingredients such as panthenol. They work well on hair that is extremely dry. Use once a week. When my hair is extremely dry, I use them instead of a conditioner. A word of caution: if you have coloured red or dark hair, some masks can make the hair dull and lift colour. Hot oil treatments may also remove colour.
Use a conditioner that is right for your hair type as formulations differ. The amount you should use varies depending on your hair type and its length. Overdo it your hair will be greasy; if you don't apply enough your hair may be hard to manage. If you have an oily scalp, condition the ends and mid-lengths only. If you have dry or flyaway hair use a leave-in conditioner. Check the fragrance before you buy it as the smell can linger. The more expensive conditioners usually have a nicer perfume.
Deep conditioners are the most effective method of conditioning hair as they have concentrated levels of conditioning ingredients such as panthenol. They work well on hair that is extremely dry. Use once a week. When my hair is extremely dry, I use them instead of a conditioner. A word of caution: if you have coloured red or dark hair, some masks can make the hair dull and lift colour. Hot oil treatments may also remove colour.
A tip I learnt from my hairdresser, Michael Charalambous is
to use almond or olive oil. This works particularly well if you have thick hair
which is really parched. Apply to mid-lengths only and leave overnight. Use a
plastic cap to cover your hair or put a towel on your pillow.
Remember that hair is dead once it leaves the scalp so
products can only provide a temporary fix.
By Daralyn Danns
