Hair conditioner

Hair conditioner is a hair care product used to improve the feel, appearance, and manageability of hair. Its main purpose is to reduce friction between strands of hair to allow smoother brushing or combing, which might otherwise cause damage to the scalp. Various other benefits are often advertised, such as hair repair, strengthening, or a reduction in split ends.

History

The concept of hair conditioning dates back to ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians are known to have used animal fats to condition their hair. In the modern era, the first synthetic hair conditioner was introduced in the early 20th century.

Types of Hair Conditioners

There are several types of hair conditioners, including:

• Rinse-out conditioner: This is the most common type of conditioner. It is applied to the hair after shampooing and then rinsed out.
• Leave-in conditioner: This type of conditioner is left in the hair and not rinsed out.
• Deep conditioner: These conditioners are thicker and heavier, providing intense conditioning treatment to the hair.

Ingredients

Hair conditioners contain various ingredients, each serving a specific purpose. Some common ingredients include:

• Cationic surfactants: These are the primary conditioning agents in most conditioners. They provide a positive charge to neutralize the negative charges in the hair, reducing static and improving manageability.
• Emollients: These provide a protective layer on the hair, improving its shine and softness.
• Proteins: These help to repair damaged hair by filling in gaps in the hair shaft.

Usage

Hair conditioner is typically used after shampooing the hair. The conditioner is applied to the lengths of the hair, avoiding the roots. It is then left on for a few minutes before being rinsed out. Some types of conditioner, such as leave-in conditioners, are not rinsed out.

See Also

• Shampoo
• Hair care
• Hair treatment