Ye baal nahi aapki jaan hai. Or jaan ko jaan se zyada sambhalna padta hai. Is your frizzy hair calling for your attention? Do you wish to have the lehrati zulfein that they show in the ads? Your hair might be in need of a nourishing conditioner.
But before deep diving into conditioners, it’s important you know what conditioner is and what it does.
Basically saying, it acts as a moisturiser for your hair after it may have been stripped away of its natural oils while shampooing. Ingredients such as silicones, oils, and emollients, as well as cationic surfactants, help replenish your hair’s moisture. There are multiple types of conditioners available in the market:
- Rinse-out conditioner: Used directly after shampooing and rinsed off.
- Leave-in conditioner: Generally used in the form of a spray. You spray and let it rest.
- Deep conditioner: This is also used after shampooing but, as per the instructions, it has to be left alone for half an hour before you wash it off.
But do conditioners even work? Read on to find out:
6 Benefits Of Conditioning Your Hair
There has been a lot of debate on whether or not conditioner works on your hair. An Indian Journal of Dermatology explained how conditioner helps improve hair manageability and add shine and lustre. Here are 6 benefits of using a conditioner every time you wash your hair:
- It protects your cuticles.
- Makes your hair instantly shine and smoothens it.
- Helps prevent hair breakage/damage.
- Repairs chemical and heat-damaged hair.
- Keeps your hair moisturised throughout the day and night.
- Reduces split ends and tames flyaway hair.
Whether you believe it or not, you can easily prepare a hair conditioner at home. It is expected to work just as well (if not better) than the commercial conditioners.
Read Janhvi Kapoor’s Hair & Skin Care Secrets
7 Homemade Hair Conditioner Recipes
1. Olive Oil & Honey Conditioner
Both these ingredients are natural conditioners and, therefore, are the perfect options for your hair. It will not only nourish and smoothen your hair but also help prevent dandruff. This homemade conditioner for dry hair can easily become your go-to.
Steps:
- Mix two tablespoons of honey.
- Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Mix both the ingredients to make a paste.
- Part your hair into 4 sections and apply it gently.
- Cover your hair with the shower cap and leave it on for 15 mins.
- Rinse it off with a sulphate-free shampoo.
- Follow it with your regular conditioner if you want to.
- Repeat this twice a month for the best results.
2. Eggs & Olive Oil Conditioner
This is no new news that eggs are good for your hair. It has essential proteins that help bring natural shine to your hair. The goodness of olive oil has just been discussed. This is your homemade deep conditioner for damaged hair.
Steps:
- Take 2 eggs and separate the egg yolks.
- In a bowl take 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Whisk together the yolk and olive oil to make a paste.
- Add some water to this paste.
- Part your hair in sections and apply it generously.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it in for 30 mins.
- Rinse it off with your shampoo and follow with a conditioner.
- Use this remedy once a week to get the best results.
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3. Baking Soda Conditioner
This golden ingredient sitting on your shelves is one of the most versatile ingredients and, no doubt, it’s helpful for your hair too. It has anti-fungal properties that clean up your scalp of any bacteria, preventing any infection and making it healthy.
Steps:
- Take about a quarter cup of baking soda.
- Take half a cup of regular hair conditioner and mix it in.
- To make a paste, combine the two ingredients.
- Apply in parts to the hair.
- Cover your hair with your shower cap.
- Rinse with cold water after using a sulphate-free shampoo.
- Apply a regular hair conditioner afterwards.
- For maximum results, use it once a month.
4. Coconut Oil Conditioner
Yaad haina mummy ki champi? It has been ingrained in our culture for good reason. Coconut oil has fatty acids that go deep inside our scalp and nourish it from within. This DIY hair conditioner helps your hair grow and keep healthy and long.
Steps:
- Heat about 3 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Prepare a hot towel by dipping it in hot water and wringing it out.
- Massage the oil into your hair from root to tip.
- Wrap the heating towel around your head. Allow 45 minutes to sit.
- Rinse with cold water after using a sulphate-free shampoo.
- Apply your regular hair conditioner afterwards.
- For best results, use twice a week.
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5. Banana Honey Conditioner
Khao bhi, lagao bhi. Your beloved kela is filled to the brim with silica, which not only reduces hair loss but also makes your hair shine bright and gives it a natural lustre. This homemade conditioner for dry hair will make your hair bouncy and soft as well!
Steps:
- Take 1 banana fully ripe.
- Add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of honey to it.
- To get a smooth mixture, mash and combine everything together.
- Apply it to your hair from root to tip.
- Allow for a half-hour rest period.
- Rinse with cold water after using a sulphate-free shampoo.
- Apply a regular hair conditioner afterwards.
- For optimal results, use it once a week.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner
This homemade hair conditioner gives your hair the moisture it requires while also making it easier to handle because of its detangling properties. It also works as a homemade hair conditioner for dry hair.
Steps:
- Take 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
- Pour yourself a cup of water.
- Combine all ingredients and set aside.
- Wash your hair with a sulphate-free shampoo and a regular conditioner.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar mixture into the hair and massage it into the scalp and strands well.
- Leave it in or give it one last rinse.
- For the best results, use twice a month.
7. Shea Butter Conditioner
You might have seen this ingredient in lotions and creams. It is enriched in antioxidants and is a good source of vitamin C. It will keep your dandruff at bay and also nourish your hair at the same time. It’s a great DIY deep conditioner for curly-haired girls.
Steps:
- Take 1 tbsp of shea butter
- Take 2 tbsp coconut oil.
- Take 1 tbsp argan oil.
- Using a dropper, add a few drops of any essential oil.
- Warm up the coconut oil and shea butter combination.
- Combine the argan oil and essential oils in a blender.
- Apply the mixture from the roots to the tips of your hair. Allow it to sit for around 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water after using a sulphate-free shampoo.
- Apply a regular hair conditioner afterwards.
- For best results, use twice a week.
For homemade leave-in conditioners, you can totally DIY leave-in conditioner for your hair using oils like almond and coconut. (use the homemade hair conditioner after shampooing and let it rest).
10 Do’s And Don’ts While Washing Your Hair
Washing your hair the right way is an art. Your routine should be influenced by your needs and wants, but there are definitely certain things that people always manage to get wrong. To help you identify your mistakes and promote good habits, here are some simple do’s and don’ts of hair washing.
Dos | Don’ts |
1. Mix your shampoo with water before applying. 2. Rinse it off thoroughly. 3. Only shampoo your roots. 4. Wash your conditioner off with cold water. 5. Pat dry it once and let it air dry. | 1. Don’t use hair products that contain sulphate (read your labels). 2. Avoid washing your hair with hot water. 3. Don’t shampoo your tips. 4. Don’t keep your hair wrapped in a towel for long. 5. Don’t overuse hair sprays and heat products after washing your hair. |
FAQs
Q. How should I use a conditioner?
A. Apply your conditioner strictly on the length of your hair and stay clear of the scalp because it already has natural oils secreted from the roots.
Q. Can I use a conditioner before shampooing my hair?
A. Yes! You can definitely reverse the steps and use the conditioner first. Let it sit for a few minutes and then use your shampoo, without rinsing off the conditioner. But if you notice any negative results in doing so, discontinue the practice and use a homemade hair conditioner after shampooing.
Hair conditioners can work wonders on your hair. You’ll start noticing differences in just a few weeks. Here’s your chance to #BeALittleMore natural with your hair using these homemade conditioners. Do you use any other homemade hair products? Share your recipes in the comments below!
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