In your forties, the inevitable signs of aging can show themselves through dry, unmanageable hair. If this is the case, conditioner should be your new best friend. Implementing a conditioner into your haircare routine will strengthen, moisturize and smooth your strands. Sounds hard to pass up, right? Below you will learn about the advantages of using conditioners for strong, healthy hair in your forties.
What is Conditioner?
Conditioner is intended to increase moisture, shine and softness in hair. There are many specific conditioning formulas aimed at solving hair problems like moisture retention, breakage and thinness. Many conditioners contain humectants and oils to boost your strands elasticity and hydration. Others are high in protein to strengthen hair and prevent split ends. When selecting a conditioner, it is important to consider your hair type and texture, as well as your hair needs.
Types of Conditioners
We typically think of conditioner as the second step to hair washing. While this is true, there are also a few other conditioning methods that offer restorative benefits.
Leave-in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner is a no-rinse option used after your wash your hair. They are formulated to detangle the strands, while also providing extra moisture to the hair. A leave-in conditioner is often a light cream or spray, that is less heavy than a typical conditioner. Leave-ins should be applied to damp hair before any styling takes place. It can be used in place of the conditioner you would use in the shower, or as an additional moisturizer if you struggle with dryness.
Deep Conditioner
Deep conditioner is a thick, pasty solution that penetrates your hair cuticle to replenish moisture and increase elasticity. Deep conditioners have a high-concentration of moisturizing ingredients to provide long-lasting hydration benefits. When applying a deep conditioner, massage the product into your hair, focusing on your mid-shaft and ends. Give your strands 20-30 minutes to soak in the conditioner, and then thoroughly rinse.
Dry Conditioner
A dry conditioner is a dry formula that is found in an aerosolized can. Dry conditioner offers a smooth finish to styled hair by calming frizz and boosting hydration.
Advantages of Using Conditioners in your Hair Routine
Protects the Cuticles
The cuticle is the protective layer of your hair, so it is essential to maintain its strength. Your cuticles are the entryway for moisture to reach your strands. The only way to maintain proper moisture is to seal and protect the cuticle—this is where conditioner comes into play. Conditioner serves as a protective layer around the cuticles to protect them from external threats like heat and pollution.
Increases Elasticity and Shine
In your forties, hair can become more brittle and prone to breakage. A conditioner works to strengthen your hair shaft to better withstand tension. A conditioner with essential oils, like olive oil or coconut oil, will smooth hair follicles that create frizz and dullness. A smoother cuticle will automatically increase your hair’s shine. A light-weight conditioning formula is best to boost elasticity and brightness.
Detangles Unruly Hair
To put it simply, tangles are a nightmare. Combing through your snags can be a dreadful part of your haircare regimen. Hair is hardest to brush when it is damaged or dry. Using a conditioner regularly will restore moisture and make working through tangles less of a task. Also, conditioner causes hair strands to become smoother and softer, making them easier to detangle and style.
Balances pH levels
Many times, shampoo contains a high pH level, which disrupts the pH balance of your scalp. High pH levels can alter the negative electrical charge of the hair fiber surface, thus increasing friction between those fibers. This can lead to cuticle damage and frizzy hair. Using a conditioner after shampoo helps balance your hair’s pH level. A neutral pH level will keep your hair hydrated and control static.
Moisture Boost
After the years of heat styling and color treatments, a moisture boost may be needed. Conditioners offer intense hydration treatment at the follicle level to provide long-term moisture. If you experience dry hair, a leave-in conditioner or a weekly deep conditioner will take your moisture levels through the roof. Here are a few ingredients to look for in a conditioner that will nourish your strands:
- Honey has emollient and humectant properties, making it a powerful ingredient in many conditioners. Emollients contribute to smooth hair, while humectants work to lock in moisture and shine.
- Avocado oil contains healthy fatty acids that nourish your strands and provide immense hydration.
- Coconut oil prevents protein loss, moisturizes, and removes build-up on the scalp, making it a common ingredient in hydrating haircare products.
- Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it absorbs water from the surrounding environment. Humectants keep dry hair hydrated and healthy.
- Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to restore shine and moisture.
- Aloe Vera is loaded with vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins soothe the scalp and hydrate strands. Aloe vera is also known to support healthy hair growth.
Picking the Right Conditioner
If you find conditioner is leaving your hair sticky, heavy, or greasy you are probably using the wrong kind for your hair type. Here is the breakdown on conditioner formulas:
- Moisturizing conditioners will add moisture and smoothness to your hair. This type of conditioner is best for those with thick or coarse hair that lacks moisture.
- Strengthening conditioners work to bring damaged, brittle hair back to life.
- Volumizing conditioners provide a boost for those with fine, thin hair.
- Curly Hair conditioners designed for curly hair are extremely moisturizing and calm frizz.
- Balancing conditioners are a neutral option for those that don’t particularly struggle with dry or greasy hair.
Let’s Wrap it Up
Conditioners prove to be advantageous in several ways for aging tresses. From increasing your hair’s shine to balancing its pH levels and replenishing moisture, conditioner should make its way into your haircare routine. A conditioner suited for your hair type and texture can help you achieve your strongest, healthiest locks yet.
