How Often Should You Use Conditioner?
By Divya Shree
Edited by Stephanie Dawson
Hair conditioners are used to nourish hair and give it required moisture. The basic property of conditioner is that it’s acidic with a pH score of less than 7 which makes your hair smoother and shinier, a good conditioner can make your hair look glossy and picture-perfect. The important thing to remember is that conditioner is made of many chemicals. Are these chemicals good for your hair if used on regular basis? Should you daily condition your hair with a conditioner? Here is the answer:
Studies show you don’t need to use hair conditioner every day to keep your hair properly conditioned. A good conditioner can keep your hair nourished, shiny, and clean for a few days. Experts say we can damage our hair by using conditioning products on a daily basis.
Conditioning your hair also depends on your hair type. It’s recommended to condition your hair once or twice a week after you shampoo your hair. It’s also advised to oil your hair before you wash it to keep it healthy and strong.
Using poor quality conditioner is linked to many harmful effects.
1. Chemicals
Conditioners that are not organic are made with chemicals that can cause allergies. These chemicals are also responsible for loss of hair quality. Instead of repairing hair chemicals in conditioners can make your hair dry and rough. The chemicals in conditioners include sodium laureth sulfate and sodium laurel sulfate which can cause itchy scalp and irritation. Conditioner also has benzophenone, centrimonium chloride, ceteareth-12 or -20, diazolidynil urea, DMDM hydatoin, and/or isopropanol. These chemicals can irritate your skin and may be harmful for your liver and kidneys.
2. Hair Loss
Conditioner applied to the scalp can cause hair loss from chemicals in it. Another possible reason behind hair loss due conditioner is when you apply conditioner to every strand you have to de-tangle it and pull out your hair. T
Here are some guidelines on proper conditioner use:
1. Place some conditioner on your palm (amount depending on hair length) and spread it evenly on your palm in order to ensure even distribution
2. Apply conditioner on your hair from top to tip. Do not apply conditioner to your scalp, this can cause hair loss and your hair may feel heavy
3. Leave on for at least 5 minutes before rinsing
4. Wash your hair and scalp properly and completely. If conditioner is left on your scalp it can cause itchy scalp and irritation as conditioners contain silicone and moisturizing ingredients
