Conditioners are known to provide soft and shiny hair and repair damage, but are we using them right? Many of you may make mistakes unknowingly by using conditioner to the root or in excess quantity. According to haircare experts, this can be the wrong formula. It can result in buildup, scalp irritation, or frizziness in your hair.
Using hair conditioners improperly against your hair type can worsen your hair health, causing issues like itchy or dry hair. This blog can help you understand what goes wrong during the use and avoid the side effects of conditioner on hair.
Busting Myths Around Hair Conditioners
Hair conditioners have long been used, yet misconceptions about their use are aired around. Let’s bust some of them here:
Conditioners Turn Your Hair Oily and Greasy
There is a misbelief that conditioners can make your hair heavy or greasy, especially for people with fine hair. A conditioner with a smart formulation for your hair condition can do magical wonders. If you have fine hair, you can go for leave-in sprays or lightweight conditioners that help add moisture without adding heaviness to your hair.
Conditioners Only Improve Dry and Damaged Hair Health
It’s not new to know that hair conditioners help restore moisture in your dry or damaged hair. However, they are beneficial for all hair types – even oily hair may need hydration. If you skip using conditioner, it can lead to overproduction of oil in your scalp to balance dryness. You can choose a balancing conditioner that nourishes your hair without adding excess oil.
Applying Conditioner to the Roots Only
This is one of the biggest mistakes when using a conditioner. Applying it to the roots can cause buildup, clogged follicles, and a greasy look. Generally, you should apply a conditioner to the mid-lengths and tip of your hair to get the desired results.
All Conditioners are the Same
There are different hair shampoo and conditioners that suit your hair health. What’s magical for curly and thick hair may not be perfect for fine and straight hair. Using the wrong conditioner can harm your hair health more than good.
Potential Side Effects of Hair Conditioner
Despite the benefits, some conditioners can add negative effects to your locks if you use them incorrectly. Here are some potential side effects listed:
Residue Buildup on the Scalp
Generally, conditioners contain silicones and oils that leave residue on the hair shaft and scalp. This buildup may block hair follicles and weigh down hair. If you observe that your hair turns greasy quickly after washing, you may need to remove this buildup with a shampoo.
More Frizziness
While conditioners are known to add shine and tame your strands, applying them wrongly can increase frizz. If you use heavy conditioners, your fine hair may look flat, while thick hair may look frizzier. To combat these issues, you should focus on using a conditioner on the ends and in moderation.
Irritation on the Scalp
This can be among the side effects of hair conditioners. After using certain conditioners, some people may experience itchiness, redness, or even breakouts along the hairline. It can often be due to parabens, fragrances, or other chemicals. If you are sensitive, you can go for natural or hypoallergenic conditioners.
What Should You Watch Out for in Conditioner Ingredients?
It is true that all conditioners have different compositions and work differently for individual hair types. To boost your hair health, you should be careful of the following ingredients and keep the harmful effects of hair conditioner away:
Silicones
This ingredient is added to conditioners to create a smooth and shiny appearance. However, it can create buildup on the hair and block the essential moisture and nutrients from reaching deeper into it. To avoid this, you can choose silicon-free options to avoid conditioner side effects hair.
Parabens
Companies use parabens as preservatives in conditioners, but studies have shown that they may cause changes in hormone levels. If you want to boost your hair health and are concerned about long-term health effects, choose paraben-free conditioners.
Alcohol
Conditioners with alcohol content can strip moisture from your hair. If any of the hair conditioners contain drying alcohols like isopropyl alcohol, you should avoid using them. Instead, choosing the ones with fatty alcohols, like cetyl alcohol, can help hydrate your hair.
How to Use a Conditioner Correctly for Healthier Hair?
Everyone wishes to have healthy and luscious locks. To get great results with minimal side effects, you can follow these tips:
- Use the Right Amount:
Defining the quantity of the conditioner is important. You can use a solid coin-sized amount for short hair, a quarter-sized for medium-length hair, and more if you have longer hair. - Avoid the Scalp:
Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths down, avoiding the roots unless the product specifies otherwise. This prevents greasy roots and keeps the scalp free from potential buildup. - Rinse Thoroughly:
Residual conditioners can weigh down hair and cause buildup over time. Rinse your hair until you feel it is completely clean and there’s no residue left. - Use a Weekly Clarifying Treatment:
To prevent side effects of conditioner for hair, you can add a favorable shampoo to your routine. Use it once a week. It will help refresh your hair and ensure that your hair is getting enough nourishment.
Wrapping Up
Hair conditioners are a great formulation for giving your hair the desired results. Getting healthy, soft, and manageable hair is only possible if you use them the right way. Though there are certain myths around it, the key to good health lies in choosing the right product for your hair condition; otherwise, its side effects can bring certain drawbacks. If the condition is severe, talk to a hair care specialist.
Reference Links:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8812815/
https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/115_buff3a_suppl.pdf