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What Type of Hair Conditioners are Available and What`s in Them

What Type of Hair Conditioners are Available and What`s in Them

Most of us already know what hair conditioner is and what it can do for our hair, but just how familiar are we with the many types of conditioning products available to us and what do we really know about them.

Hair conditioners are generally formulated to maintain hair’s softness. In the recent years however, manufacturers have developed an entire line of conditioning products to specifically treat individual needs. The two most commonly known, are leave-in and rinse-out conditioners. However there are also conditioners designed to strengthen hair, add extra volume to fine or limp hair, help repair and prevent split ends, for blow dryer use, and help to maintain permed or color-treated hair.

Leave-in conditioners are formulated to do just as it says, leave-in your hair. They are especially good for those needing a little extra moisture and added softness to their hair.

Rinse-out conditioners are meant to leave-in for a few minutes or so and then rinsed out of the hair. These conditioners range anywhere from simple to specifically designed for different hair types.

If your hair is dry, weak or breaks off easily you might consider a conditioner that will strengthen your hair.

If you have fine or limp hair that won’t hold a curl there are conditioners available that will add a little extra volume to limp or fine hair.

If your hair is damaged by split ends, a conditioner meant to prevent and help repair split ends would be beneficial for you.

If you blow-dry your hair frequently, there are heat-activated conditioners meant for use with blow dryers to help retain the moisture lost in blow-drying.

If you’ve permed or dyed your hair, there are conditioners available to help lock-in permed or color-treated hair and keep it looking great.

One thing hair conditioners all have in common is the key ingredients. Conditioning agents such as Dimethicone, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol and Keratin are just a few of the active ingredients used to add softness and shine to hair.

Generally found in cosmetics, Dimethicone is a part of the silicone family that is known for its distributable and moisturizing ability and is safe for use in beauty products.

Panthenol is an alcohol similar to pantothenic acid a vitamin of the vitamin B complex used in both hair conditioners and cosmetics for its binding and moisturizing abilities. Panthenol is also a common aid ingredient used by the pharmaceutical market in treating sunburns and some minor skin disorders. Pathenol is considered safe and has even been used in some food ingredients.

A sweet colorless, odorless liquid, Propylene glycol is commonly used as an antifreeze and found in brake fluid as well as beauty products. If absorbed through the skin in some products, Propylene glycol however, can have harmful effects. The ingredient is also used as a moisturizer in medicines and can be found in food and tobacco products. It has been found to be generally safe in cosmetics, medicines and food only.

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein found in the outer layer of skin, human nails, bird feathers, and in horny tissues of animals’ hooves. Interestingly enough, Keratin is also found in the silk fibers of a spider’s web. Keratin is generally used in conditioners to help strengthen the hair and is safe to use.

Whichever conditioner you decide is right for your hair, if you are still in doubt check the labels and if all else fails make your own. After all mother nature knows best and beautiful hair knows mother nature.

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