People with fine, flat hair should never use smoothing conditioners; these heavy products will make your hair hang even more flatly.
However, since wavy hair can still flatten out throughout the course of the day or in dry weather, you want to avoid moisturizing conditioners that will weigh down your hair. Look for products marketed specifically to wavy hair, rather than curly hair.
Look for conditioners labeled as “deep hydrating” or for curly hair specifically. You should also consider using a leave-in conditioning mask on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. These conditioners are meant to be left in your hair for 10-15 minutes, then washed out like regular conditioner. With regular use, you should see a significant change in the way your curls hold together rather than frizzing away. You should also purchase leave-in conditioner in spray form. You can spray this product onto your hair when it’s either dry or wet to keep it soft and hydrated.
Products with shea butter or various types of oils — from coconut oil to the more expensive Moroccan argan oil — are a good bet. Though this is unrelated to conditioners, you shouldn’t shampoo your hair regularly. Shampoo every 7-10 days — every 14 days at the minimum. [5] X Research source Over-shampooing will strip the hair of natural oils, causing even more dryness and counteracting the positive benefits of your conditioning routine.
It’s the water, not the conditioner, that washes the dye from your hair when you shower. However, color-safe conditioners seal hair cuticles, allowing your hair to hold onto the dye for a longer period of time. [7] X Research source Look for packaging that advertises products as “color safe,” “color extend,” “color care,” or “sulfate-free. ” Color-depositing conditioners actually deposits a small amount of color each time it’s applied in the shower, not only maintaining the richness of the original color, but also hiding the roots that emerge as your hair grows out for a period of time. Make sure to choose a shade of color-depositing conditioner that matches your dyed color.
Look for products styled as “volumizing,” “light,” “strengthening,” or “balancing. ”
In addition to your daily conditioner, you should also purchase a deep conditioning mask and use it at least once a week. Coconut oil is also an effective weekly treatment for extremely dry hair.
Relaxed conditioners can be found in the “African American” section of the beauty aisle or online. [8] X Research source When using leave-in masks, remember to let the product soak into your hair for at least 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out, or else it won’t have time to hydrate your hair effectively.
Look for lighter conditioners rather than high-moisturizing or oil-heavy ones that can contribute to the problem on your scalp. [9] X Research source Hair products with heavy fragrances often irritate the scalp, which leads to more itching, and more evidence of your dandruff on your clothes. Avoid heavily perfumed conditioners.
