Shampooing your hair regularly will not only remove the build-up of dirt and dust on your hair, but also natural oils that are very helpful. In addition to regular use of heat tools, chemicals, and natural damage, your hair can become dry, frizzy and damaged. However, this can easily be fixed with the use of conditioner. There are three general types of conditioner - traditional, leave-in, and deep - each of which does the same job of softening your sweet hair.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Regular Conditioner
Step 1. Choose the right conditioner for your hair type
Traditional conditioners are used every time you shower, after you rinse off your shampoo. This type of conditioner works to repair damage caused by heat tools, chemicals, and the general damage that your hair experiences on a daily basis. Choose the type of conditioner advertised for your particular hair needs; Whether you have curly and curly hair, dry and damaged, or limp and straight hair, there are specific conditioners that can help each hair type.
Step 2. Wash your hair
Go to the bathroom, and continue with your regular washing routine as usual. You'll be using conditioner on your hair after you're done washing it, so give your scalp and hair a good scrubbing with your favorite shampoo. Focus most of the washing power on the scalp, being careful not to tug on wet hair while washing as this can damage the ends of the hair and cause more damage.
Step 3. Rinse your shampoo
While it may not sound like much fun, turn the water temperature as cold as you can stand it. Cold water is safer for your hair than hot water, and will help seal the hair shaft and prevent breakage. Rinse off all shampoo with cold water, being careful not to pull strands of hair if you run your fingers through it. When your hair feels 'squeaky', you've rinsed off all the shampoo.
Step 4. Squeeze your hair
If your hair is drenched in water, any conditioner you try will wear off immediately and won't stay on long enough to affect your hair. If your hair is very short, you may not need to squeeze it too much. However, if you have long hair, spend a little time squeezing the water out of your hair as much as you can.
Step 5. Use conditioner
Pour a small amount of conditioner into the palm of your hand; The amount you need will vary depending on the length of your hair, from a dime size for chin-length hair or shorter hair. If your hair is very long, you may need a full palm-sized amount of conditioner. Run the conditioner through the ends of your hair, trying to apply it to each strand as best you can. Your conditioner should only be applied to the ends of your hair, as these are the damaged (oldest) areas. Applying conditioner near the scalp and roots can clog the follicles, and slow hair growth/increase oil production.
Step 6. Let the conditioner soak in
This step is slightly optional; The longer you wait and allow the conditioner to soak in, the more it will improve the health of your hair. If you're in a hurry, you can rinse it off almost immediately afterward, but it won't leave your hair as soft and shiny as it used to be. Try applying conditioner, then washing your entire body/face as it absorbs. Then when you're done (usually a minute or two later), you can rinse off the conditioner for maximum effect.
Step 7. Rinse off the conditioner
Assuming you've changed the water temperature back for comfort, lower it back as cold as you can stand. As mentioned above, cold water is healthier for your hair. Take a few minutes to rinse off the conditioner; if your hair still feels 'slimy', then you haven't gotten rid of it all. When your hair is smooth and no longer feels so slick, then you're good to go! Squeeze hair and apply conditioner is done.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Leave-in Conditioner
Step 1. Choose a leave-in conditioner for your hair type
As with regular conditioners, there are many different types of leave-in conditioners, depending on your needs. There are two general styles of leave-in conditioner: cream and spray. The former is best suited for thick, long, or curly hair, as it will weigh down the strands a little. The latter is especially suitable for thin or straight hair, as it slightly reduces weight.
Step 2. Shampoo your hair and apply conditioner to your hair
Do hair care as usual. Leave-in conditioner doesn't need to be rinsed off (as the name suggests), but it doesn't need to be applied to wet hair. Use the previously mentioned instructions to wash and condition your hair, then use a towel to dry it so it's just damp.
Step 3. Pour a small amount of serum in the palm of your hand
Most products will recommend a pea-sized amount for medium-length hair of average thickness, but the amount will vary from person to person. You can always add more product to your hair, so start with less than you think you'll need.
Step 4. Rub the product into your hair
Rub your hands together to thin out the conditioner a little, then start working your way through the ends of your hair. As with your regular conditioner, avoid your scalp or hair roots; stay on the most damaged (oldest) part of the hair, usually half the length of the hair down.
Step 5. Comb your hair
Use a wide-toothed comb to brush your hair after applying leave-in conditioner. This will spread the product further, and help to avoid clumps of conditioner making certain parts of your hair greasy, while others are left to dry.
Method 3 of 3: Using Deep Conditioner
Step 1. Choose a deep conditioner
All deep conditioners have the same goal: to repair chronically dry/damaged hair. Therefore, there aren't too many 'types' of deep conditioners for you to choose from, just different brands. Find a conditioner that fits your hair and budget.
Step 2. Wet your hair
Rinse your hair with warm or cold water (colder is better). You can choose to shampoo your hair first if you want, but all you really need to do is wet the entire hair. When you're done, squeeze the hair, removing as much extra water as you can.
Step 3. Apply a deep conditioner
Scoop some conditioner out of the container with your hands, and apply a thick layer all over your head. Most of the conditioner focuses on the ends of your hair, but you're free to spread it evenly all the way to the roots. Be sure to separate out any large clumps of hair so that each strand gets an even coat.
Step 4. Wait for it to soak
Wear a shower cap on your head to secure hair from clothes/keep it away from your face. Follow the directions for your particular conditioner, and allow it to cure for a while. Usually, it will take between 20-30 minutes for the conditioner to work its magic. If you want an extra boost, you can set the hairdryer on a 'warm' setting and heat the conditioner as it sinks in.
Step 5. Rinse off the conditioner
Remove the shower cap, and turn on the water as cold as you can stand. Take 3-5 minutes to rinse off all the conditioner, being careful not to leave any extra in your hair. When your hair no longer feels 'slimy', you may have removed all of the conditioner. At this point you are free to dry and style your hair as you wish.
Tips
- Avoid regularly using hot tools and chemicals on your hair, as this will damage the hair and require regular use of more conditioner.
- Use conditioner at least once a week. Don't use too much or on the scalp, especially if your hair gets oily easily.
