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Conditioning adds brilliance and sparkle to the tresses. It is essential to condition the hair thoroughly at least thrice a week in order to maintain the moisture and oil balance of the hair. A number of hair conditioners are available in the market these days that help moisturize the hair and keep it glossy. Conditioning makes it easier to manage and style the hair.
Conditioning is the process by means of which provides an intense nourishing treatment to the hair. It defends the hair from excessive dryness, thereby making it smooth and easier to manage. Well conditioned hair has a healthy glow and sizzle to it. Hair conditioners add volume and shine to dull, lifeless looking hair. Conditioning is done after thoroughly shampooing the hair and is an essential part of any hair care program. It is essential to condition all types of hair to keep it shiny and flexible. Conditioning increases the elasticity of hair and gives it a healthy look. Dry hair tends to benefit most from deep conditioning treatment. A mild conditioner is best for oily hair and must be used sparingly.
Selecting the right hair conditioner:
The type of conditioner depends upon the texture of your hair. Every individual has a unique hair texture that can range fro dry and oily to normal and silky. Conditioners can be categorized into six broad categories:
Moisturizers: These conditioners are embedded with humectants that attract moisture to heir and bind it. They are ideal for dry, brittle or coarse hair.
Detanglers: These conditioners have an acidic affect on hair. They have a low pH level ranging from 2.5 to 3 and help get rid of hair tangles and knots. They also have an active defense mechanism initiated by the process of polymerization and help detangle the hair instantly. Most detanglers have an instant affect while other take 1 to 5 minutes to have the desired affect.
Thermal Protectors: These protect the hair from exposure to excess heat such as the affect of sunlight, blow drying, hot rollers, curling irons, straighteners etc. They work by activating the action of heat absorbing polymers that distribute the heat evenly on the hair, thereby preventing hair damage.
Acidifiers: These are conditioners that have a pH of 2.5 to 3.5 and close the cuticle layer of the hair making the hair appear shiny and healthy. They also prevent the hair from weighing down and increase the strength and elasticity of the strands.
Glossers: These conditioners contain oils derived from silicon in minute quantities and are used in small amounts. They reflect light, thereby making the hair look sparkle and shine. Their silicon action helps combat frizzy hair woes.
Reconstructors: These are protein based conditioners derived from hydrolyzed human keratin which is the optimum source protein containing all the 19 essential amino acids found in hair. They have a low molecular weight that enables them to penetrate the hair strands and strengthen them.
Oils (EFAs): Oils are enriched with essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are required to nourish dry, brittle hair that has been exposed to over perming, heat, chemicals end radiation. Sebum is the natural oil produces by the sebaceous glands on the scalp. EFAs help make the hair pliable and lush.
Suggested method of conditioning your hair:
- After shampooing gently squeeze out the excess water.
- Comb your tresses gently from the roots to the ends using fingers or a wide toothed comb. Remove tangles completely.
- Apply a little hair conditioner on your palm and rub it through the hair with your fingers. Remember to not rub the conditioner on the scalp as this can result in dandruff.
- Leave it on the hair for 5 minutes.
- Now gently massage the hair to loosen the conditioner.
- Rinse the hair with water to remove all traces of the conditioner.
- Wrap a dry, fluffy towel on your head to dry your tresses.
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