Demystefying Leave-in Conditioner Part 2

Hello hello ladies!

I'm picking up from last week where we discussed leave-ins and what they do. This week i'm continuing and elaborating more on the types of leave-ins available.

As mentioned last week, there are two types of conditioners, protein and moisturising.

How do I know i'm using a protein leave-in?

Protein leave-in conditioners are designed to strengthen and repair the hair as everyday, some of the protein in the strand gets broken down to due manipulation, the sun or other environmental factors. If your  product has ingredients such as wheat protein, collagen, oat protein, soy protein, keratin ( these may also have the word hydrolyzed in front of them), eggs/egg protein, silk, amino acids, or milk protein then you are dealing with a protein leave-in. Although coconut oil is not a protein it aids with protein retention in the strands. Therefore you will find that your hair is more strengthened when using a product with above mentioned ingredients.

When should I use a protein leave in conditioner? 

You should use a protein leave conditioner:

-if your hair feels too soft and elastic. Using it  will tide you until you do a protein treatment ( which should be done as soon as possible when you experience this symptom)

-if you cowash, baggy or do the greenhouse effect often (to maintain your protein and moisture balance)

- if you have fine hair ( to make it less susceptible to breakage)

How do I know i'm using a moisturising leave-in?

 A moisturising leave-in is designed to moisturise, increase suppleness and the flexibility in your strands. You can identify a moisturising leave in by the following ingredients: water, honey, glycerine, aloe vera (or any other humectant) , fatty alcohols. Olive oil is not necessarily moisturising but it penetrates the strand and has been proven to increase softness and manageability in hair. Your hair is more moisturised when using a product with above mentioned ingredients.

When should I use a moisturising leave-in conditioner?
 You should use a moisturising leave-in:

-when your hair feels dry and stiff

-if you have been using a lot of protein heavy products

-on a day that you do a protein treatment

-if you live in a hot and dry climate

- during the winter

When in doubt as to which leave-in you should use, it's safest to get a moisturising one. Note that some moisturising leave-ins may contain collagen, silk or amino acids. These are considered ”light” proteins and will not take away from the overall moisturising effect in them. If you are protein sensitive try to avoid leave-ins with protein ingredients.

One last word of guidance, although I have set out when it would be most appropriate for you to use a certain type of leave-in, always pay attention to your hair and what it likes. These are just guidelines as to when your hair is most in need of a protein or moisturising leave-in. It's good to have one of each so that they can be used in alternation depending on the state of your hair.

  

Confession time. How many leave in conditioners do you have?