Conditioners are a pretty important part og any hair routine–they soften your strands, smooth the cuticles, and make your hair easier to manage. However, if you’ve ever shopped for conditioners, then you know there are quite a few different types; the two most popular ones being leave-in conditioners and regular conditioners. But what is the difference between the two?
If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between leave-in conditioners and regular conditioners, or you’re considering using one to replace the other, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the main difference between leave-in conditioners and regular conditioners. Are they the same? Do you need both? Keep scrolling for all the answers you need.
What Is A Rinse-Out Conditioner?
A conditioner or rinse-out conditioner is designed to combat some of the negative effects of shampoo on the hair. After using shampoo, the PH of the hair changes and the cuticles become more lifted. The conditioner works to smooth down the cuticle and neutralise the negative charges left over by the shampoo while delivering instant hydration. To ensure optimal results, conditioners are often formulated with rich ingredients that give them a thick consistency, requiring you to rinse them off after application.
What Is A Leave-In Conditioner?
Leave-in conditioners work similarly to regular conditioners, offering hydration and smoothing the cuticles. However, leave-ins are designed to provide continuous moisture and hydration, so they contain lightweight ingredients that can easily be left on the hair without needing to be rinsed off. Think of leave-in conditioners as a pre-styling moisturiser that you use after shampoo and conditioner to make the hair soft, hydrated, and easy to manage long after you've hopped out of the shower.
What Is The Difference Between A Regular Conditioner And A Leave-In Conditioner?
The most obvious difference between conditioner and leave-in conditioner is how they are used. Leave-in Conditioners are left on the hair and applied as needed and pretty frequently, while conditioners are used only after shampoo and rinsed out after a few minutes.
Additionally, leave-in conditioners are lightweight and contain ingredients that deliver long-lasting hydration while also taming frizz. Meanwhile, conditioners have a thicker consistency and offer immediate hydration.
Can I Use My Normal Conditioner As A Leave-In Conditioner?
We do not recommend using regular conditioner as a leave-in unless the product is a multi-use formula designed to be left on the hair. Most normal conditioners are formulated with heavy ingredients that can easily weigh down your hair, so leaving them on your hair can result in build-up and an itchy scalp.
When Should You Use A Leave-In Conditioner?
A leave-in conditioner is best used after shampooing and conditioning your hair, but you can also use it whenever your hair needs an extra boost of moisture and hydration. Ideally, you should apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair 1-2 times a week, as it is a great moisturiser that can help refresh your curls.
When Should You Use A Regular Conditioner?
The best time to use a rinse-out or regular conditioner is immediately after shampooing. Wash your hair with our Hydration Shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Then, follow up with a nourishing conditioner, such as our Moisture-Rich Conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.
Do You Need Both?
Not everyone needs to use a leave-in conditioner and regular conditioner in one routine, but if you have curly hair, you should definitely use both. Curly hair is prone to dryness, frizz, tangles, and breakage, so it needs all the moisture and cuticle smoothing it can get. The rinse-out conditioner will give you instant hydration in the shower, while the leave-in will keep your curls hydrated and frizz-free for the whole day.
How To Use Leave-In Conditioner And Regular Conditioner For Curly Hair
To keep your curls healthy and provide optimal hydration, let's dive into how to incorporate a leave-in conditioner and regular conditioner into your routine.
- Start by shampooing your hair with our Hydration Shampoo, then rinse properly.
- Apply our Moisture Rich Conditioner evenly on your hair, working a generous amount in from the ends to your roots.
- Allow the conditioner to sit on your hair for approximately three minutes, then detangle it carefully. This is the best time to detangle your curly hair as it is soft, hydrated and easy to manage.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly after detangling and pat it dry with a microfiber towel.
- Once you are out of the shower, apply a generous amount of our Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner and distribute it evenly from ends to roots.
- Lightly finger detangle your hair and proceed to styling with our Stylers bundle.
- After styling your hair, finish your routine with a little bit of our Hair & Scalp Oil to seal all that hydration and nourishment into your curls.
So there you have it, curlfriends, the full breakdown on leave-ins and regular conditioners. Both are amazing for the hair, especially for curly hair, and they work hand in hand. One delivers instant results, and the other offers more long-term benefits to keep your curls popping, but your hair will flourish with both.