HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW:  HAIR
Types of Conditioners

Conditioner products relax tangles, remove static electricity, add body and volume, and
moisturize.

There are 6 types:

1. Crème rinse: a combo of waxes, thickeners, and a chemical group called “quats.” It’s
supposed to be absorbed into the shaft, with any residue rinsed out. Can make hair feel
sticky if not completely rinsed out. Very little is needed; using a lot of crème rinse won’t
hasten the absorption rate. Gillette’s Tame, Breck’s Cream Rinse, and Sasson’s
Conditioning Finishing Rinse.

2. Instant conditioners act very much like crème rinses but have different ingredients:
waxes, oils, emulsifiers, hydrolyzed proteins, balsams with or without polymers. These
conditioners coat the shaft – they are not absorbed. People with oily hair should use
conditioners sparingly because their natural oils will be sufficient protection on the shaft.
The grocery shelves groan with instant conditioners.

3. Deep conditioners are products that are meant to be left on the hair for 30 mins, then
rinsed out. They have thick emulsifiers, waxes, and oils and are effective for dry and
damaged hair but have no benefit for normal or oily hair. They’re best when used a few
days prior to a new coloring. Although a deep conditioner will repair the shaft, it’s not
permanent and must be repeated. Jhirmack’s Nutri-Pak, Clairol Condition Beauty Pack
Treatment, Sasson’s Protein Pak.

4. Body builders are thin solutions of water and some kind of polymer, best suited for thin,
limp hair. They will make dry hair drier and oily hair oilier, and can make normal hair dull
and sticky. Styling gels and mousse are in these categories.

5. Hair repair are products meant to remain in the hair. They’re applied after the shampoo
and usually require several applications to fully repair the hair. L’Oreal’s The Hair Fixer,
Estee Lauder’s 7-day Hair Repair.

6. Herbal rinses must be used alone. All herbs effectiveness are totally lost when mixed in
a shampoo. For oily hair, chamomile, clover blossom, cornflower, and orange pekoe tea
will make hair bright and shiny. Fennel and nettle are good antidandruff herbs. Use them
this way:
1. Add one tablespoon of the herb in 8 oz. of boiling water for 30 mins.
2. Strain and cool.
3. Pour the water on the hair and massage it into the scalp.
4. Let it sit for 15 – 20 mins.
5. Thoroughly rinse our.
6. Dry gently.
7. Comb with a wide-toothed comb.