Whether your hair care routine means using conditioner every time you wash or only when your hair is really dry and craving moisture, there are certain tricks to using it that can amplify the results, leaving you with soft, silky, touchable strands. Here, two industry pros reveal the inside tips you should know.
Add oil to your conditioner.
Giovanni Vaccaro, celebrity hairstylist and creative director for GLAMSQUAD, says to add a couple drops of organic oil, such as coconut, argan or grapeseed, to your conditioner to give your hair extra nutrients—it’s particularly good for coarse types. But, be sure to rinse it out well, so you don’t risk making your hair look greasy.
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Try the cold water trick.
When it’s time to rinse out your conditioner, use cold water (it doesn’t have to be freezing) instead of warm. “This seals the cuticle and gives the hair more reflective shine,” says Matrix celebrity hairstylist George Papanikolas.
Break the rules a little bit.
“If your hair is super thick or coarse, don’t fully rinse out your normal rinse-out conditioner. The remnants can be used as a styling product when you are trying to smooth out your hair,” says Vaccaro.
Keep a comb in your shower.
Comb your conditioner through your hair in the shower to let it fully absorb. This is especially important for thick and coarse hair, as you want to saturate every strand. “It’s even more important if you use cleansing conditioners,” says Papanikolas. “Make sure every strand (and your scalp) is fully saturated, and then leave it on for the suggested time. If you don’t leave it on long enough, it won’t cleanse your hair and you can get buildup.”
