Advice | Everyday Cheapskate
Hair conditioners fall into different categories depending on what they do and the problems they solve. Using the wrong product for the specific condition of your hair will produce disappointing results. For example, if your hair is thin and fine, you are not going to be happy with an industrial-strength conditioner for thick, coarse, frizzy, color-treated hair.
First, we need to demystify the term “conditioner.” It is a vague term that refers to a wide range of hair products designed to make hair more manageable and treat common hair problems. Next, we need to know that conditioners fall into general categories according to what they do and the problems they solve.
MOISTURIZERS
Moisturizers are concentrated with humectants, which are compounds that attract moisture into the hair and hold it there. If your hair is dry, brittle and limp, you should consider a moisturizing conditioner like Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Hydrating Conditioner.
RECONSTRUCTORS
Reconstructors typically contain protein. Hair professionals, including mine, say that keratin protein is the best source because it contains all 19 amino acids found in the hair and has a low molecular weight. The main purpose of a reconstructor, they say, is to strengthen the hair. If your hair is fine and thin, try a reconstructing conditioner like ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor. Use a hair reconstructor about once a month. When used more often, it can cause the hair to become hard and brittle, resulting in breakage and damage.
ACIDIFIERS
Acidifiers put acid on your hair, and that’s OK — a good thing for hair. When a product carries a pH of 2.5 to 3.5, it is considered an acidifier. This pH will close the cuticle layer of the hair, resulting in shiny, bouncy hair. Acidifiers do not “weigh down” hair; they create shine and add elasticity. The answer for fine, dry hair that has been damaged by chemicals or harsh environmental factors is a product like Joico Acidifier Chemical Enhancer.
DETANGLERS
Detanglers almost always come as a spray-in product that you leave in — no rinsing required. It’s got a quirky name. Don’t let that discourage you from giving Mane ‘n Tail Detangler a try. You’ll love it.
MANY CHOICES
Nearly every line of hair care products includes a wide range of conditioners, with at least one in each of the categories mentioned above. And there are many good choices right at your supermarket or drugstore.
The most cost-effective way to buy good-quality, name-brand hair conditioners is to collect hair product coupons. Then, wait for your favorite brands to go on sale at a store that doubles coupons.
My personal favorite conditioner is Pantene Pro-V Color Revival. When my Pantene conditioner goes on sale and I have coupons, I load up.
Infusium makes an excellent line of conditioners that is available in most supermarkets. When I have coupons and this line comes on sale, I’m an enthusiastic buyer.
Some beauty supply stores are open to the public and sell conditioner for less than $10 a gallon. While that’s a good deal, it’s also a lot of conditioner. So, before you jump on it, make sure it’s compatible with your family’s hair needs.
TIPS FROM A PRO
One of the responses to my shampoo article came from hair professional C.C. Courville of Louisiana. The subject of her message was “Kudos on the shampoo article!” I sensed we had a thrifty connection, so I grabbed the opportunity to ask her professional opinion on conditioners:
“My all-time favorite conditioning spray, which is a leave-in that you spray into clean, towel-dried hair, is a professional product called Biolage Daily Leave-In Tonic by Matrix. This spray-in, leave-in conditioner can be used daily.
“Biolage also has a conditioning balm that can be used weekly. After shampooing, use a dime- to quarter-sized amount (depending on the thickness of hair), and work through from scalp to ends, even combing through if desired. Leave on for 5 to 20 minutes and then thoroughly rinse out.”
C.C.’s Rule of Thumb: Leave in conditioning sprays and rinse out balms or cream rinses.