Choosing the Right Conditioner
The outer layer of hair called the cuticle is somewhat like fish scales made of hard keratin. The cuticle is held together by disulfide bonds plus small amino acids. In healthy shiny hair, the outer layer of scales lies flat which allows for combs and brushes to smoothly glide through it. Hair with a damaged cuticle appears dry, drab, split, brittle, or frizzy.
Quality conditioners add amino acids, peptides, and pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5) into the cuticle to help glue the scales tightly to the hair shaft. If the cuticle stays open, it can start a tear in the hair shaft which leads to breakage of the shaft. This is why it is important to use a conditioner separately.
Conditioners that strengthen the hair have a low pH of about 4.0 to 4.7. The hair proteins remain hard and strong at a low pH. Some conditioners contain a small amount of fat to give the hair a better shine. The best products are sold in successful hair salons. These salons need happy, repeat customers and usually do not advertise their products. The longer you leave the conditioner on your hair, the better it works. Some manufacturers recommend leaving conditioner on the hair for only a few seconds, but longer is generally better (one to two minutes).
Quality conditioners add amino acids, peptides, and pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5) into the cuticle to help glue the scales tightly to the hair shaft. If the cuticle stays open, it can start a tear in the hair shaft which leads to breakage of the shaft. This is why it is important to use a conditioner separately.
Conditioners that strengthen the hair have a low pH of about 4.0 to 4.7. The hair proteins remain hard and strong at a low pH. Some conditioners contain a small amount of fat to give the hair a better shine. The best products are sold in successful hair salons. These salons need happy, repeat customers and usually do not advertise their products. The longer you leave the conditioner on your hair, the better it works. Some manufacturers recommend leaving conditioner on the hair for only a few seconds, but longer is generally better (one to two minutes).
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