Conditioning is an important step in any hair care routine. It keeps the hair nourished and moisturized to avoid breakage and frizzy hair. Using the right conditioner and deep conditioner routine can save your hair from painful breakage and have your hair feeling nourished and hydrated every day.
Understanding Black Hair
To best understand how to take care of black hair, you need to understand the curl patterns and structures of natural hair. Natural Black hair can vary from wavy to curly to coily, and texture patterns can even change as the person grows up. Regardless of the texture pattern, black hair generally tends to be on the dryer side, fragile, and very difficult to over-condition. Because the hair is naturally dryer to the touch, you can never have enough conditioner. This dryness is what leads to breakage and shrinkage. For styling and overall hair health, maintaining hair moisture and hydration is vital.
The Importance of Conditioner for Black Hair
Conditioner maintains overall hair health for Black hair by helping to avoid breakage and shrinkage. When you incorporate a conditioning regimen into your hair care routine,
you will help keep your hair nourished and looking beautiful as ever. The three types of conditioners are:
Leave-in Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners are put in the hair after washing the hair while your hair is still a bit damp after towel-drying. These conditioners are a bit lighter in weight and are meant to be a barrier for your hair against the elements. Your hair is exposed to air, sun, and anything else throughout the day, and a leave-in conditioner locks in all the moisture into your locks. It also fights frizz that naturally occurs throughout the time between showers. Many people also pair a hair oil with their leave-in conditioner to give their hair a little more hydration and shine.
Rinse-out Conditioners
Rinse-out conditioners are applied to the hair during the shower after shampooing. Shampoo cleanses the hair and strips it of all the oils and dirt that have built up between showers, so rinse-out conditioner brings back some of that moisture afterward. Rinse-out conditioners can be lighter or thicker depending on what your hair texture needs.
Deep Conditioners
A deep conditioner is applied either before a shower or while you’re in the shower. The key factor of a deep conditioner is time. The product is applied and left to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes. Deep conditioner is a much thicker product and coats every part of the hair to give it intense moisture. It is recommended to deep condition twice a week for Black hair because it needs that intense moisture more often. The product is then washed out, and the hair is washed as normal afterward.
Key Ingredients to Be on the Lookout for in a Conditioner for Black Hair
Not every conditioner is made equal -- some can have
harmful ingredients such as sulfates and parabens. These additives all dry out your hair and can lead to hair damage. Sulfates and parabens are added because they are artificial preservatives for hair products but strip the hair of its natural oils. Key beneficial ingredients in all-natural hair products are coconut oil, shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil. All of these bring moisture back into the hair follicle to create a barrier against sun and wind. Natural hair products will also have added proteins such as keratin to strengthen the hair follicle and avoid breaking.
Top Conditioners for Natural Black Hair
There are several great options on the market today for the best conditioner for Black hair. Key factors to look for in your conditioner are the ingredients list, how it moisturizes the hair, and how your hair feels and looks after application.
Kuza’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Repair Cream Leave-In Conditioner has all the moisturizing and hydration your hair needs. Formulated with black castor oil and coconut oil, this product is meant to repair damaged, dry hair. The oils work together to protect the hair strands and restore natural oils removed from your hair.
Additional Best Practices
In addition to the conditioners you use, there are other complementary practices for Black hair care such as regular deep conditioning using protective styles. A regular deep conditioning routine will ensure your hair maintains its moisture and especially during the winter season when the air is driest it is important to keep up with hydrating your hair year-round. Another practice that helps maintain hair health are protective styles such as twists and braids which protect the hair while it grows.
The Takeaway
It is important to choose the best conditioner for black hair based off what your hair needs, doing research will help you make an educated decision. Having a great hair care routine and using high-quality products is key to keeping your hair healthy and leaving it always feeling nourished.
FAQs
Q: What ingredients should I look for in a conditioner for black hair?
A: Look for natural oils, like shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil.
Q: How does conditioner affect the health of black hair?
A: Conditioner helps Black hair avoid frizz, dryness, and breakage.
