Conditioners provide nourishment to hair follicles, keeping it healthy and encouraging faster growth. In addition, conditioners reduce friction between individual strands of hair and help prevent split ends by coating them in protective layers.
After shampoo removes oils, conditioners help reduce cuticle swelling to create a smoother surface that enhances light reflection for shine and color enhancement. There are various kinds of conditioners designed specifically to address specific concerns or types of hair.
Proteins
Proteins have become an indispensable ingredient in hair products due to their ability to strengthen and moisturize strands. Proteins act like spackle, filling any gaps or holes in the cuticle layer while repelling excess water that would normally cause dryness and breakage.
Hydrolyzed proteins are ideal, since this process breaks them down into amino acids and peptides that penetrate hair shafts more readily than larger proteins which simply sit atop it.
Keratin protein modified with hydrophobic properties to add shine and reduce resistance is also available, making them perfect for fine and medium hair, or those who have porous or damaged cuticles that need additional support. Just be careful with using too much protein as too much can lead to strawlike texture and brittleness if too frequently applied; always follow product usage directions!
Vitamins
Vitamin C is an exceptional antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress, neutralises free radicals and maintains youthful skin appearance. It stimulates collagen synthesis while brightening, evening out and inhibiting melanin production for a healthier complexion. Furthermore, Vitamin C has also been known to protect colour-treated hair against oxidative damage and fading while supporting healthy scalp conditions.
Conditioner is also essential in supporting overall hair health by helping hydrate and nourish each strand, providing crucial vitamins for improved frizz control, shine enhancement and enhanced lustre.
Select a serum or oil that contains vitamin C in its most stable form for best results. Try sodium ascorbyl phosphate or L-ascorbic acid as they have greater stability than other forms of Vitamin C, and are more likely to preserve potency over time. Also make sure to follow any suggested usage instructions or product usage recommendations on packaging for optimal outcomes.
Silicones
Silicones, an essential component in shampoos, conditioners and styling products, create a waterproof layer which prevents moisture from penetrating the hair strands – helping smooth frizz while adding shine and resisting heat damage.
Velazquez adds that silicones may be beneficial to those with thin or fine hair as they increase manageability and increase volume. She cautions that too much use could result in loss of volume, dependency on products like silicone and dependence upon them for creating polished looks; to maximize long-term success it’s essential to balance their use with other hydrating options like glycerin.
Dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane silicones may lead to product buildup on the scalp, leaving it looking dull and lifeless. To counter this issue, opt for non-greasy formulas with clarifying shampoos used regularly to clear away buildup from previous applications of heavy silicones, while those with sensitive scalps may experience irritation from prolonged silicone use.
Other Ingredients
Humectants, which attract moisture to hair, are one of the key elements in conditioner ingredients. Glycerin is one of the more widely-known humectants; others include alpha-hydroxy acids from aloe vera, polyethylene glycol butylene glycol urea etc. Additionally alcohols such as cetearyl stearyl alcohols which act as softeners/emollients/humectants should also be included; just make sure not to overdo! When using alcohols that dry your locks out! SD Alcohol 40 Isopropyl alcohols etc are best avoided as these could make your locks limp
Emulsifiers, used in conditioners to blend oil and water together into a creamy consistency that won’t separate during use, are another component. Unfortunately, some of these have adverse environmental impacts such as PEGs releasing ethylene oxide or SLS detergents (both known to cause eye irritation). Furthermore, some conditioners contain preservatives like Phenoxyethanol which has been linked with skin allergies, neurological problems, birth defects as well as birth defects – however there are natural and organic alternatives to this chemical preservative that are also available.
