What is the purpose of leave-in conditioner?

[nijilah]

I was just wondering because I apply oil to the hair, shea butter mixture to the ends, and then sometimes seal it with vaseline. But when I first started my long hair journey, I ALWAYS used a leave-in because the people on the board said so, but why?

What are some good leave-in conditions for a thick-headed natural 3C?

What should one look for in a good leave-in conditioner?

 

[HollyGolightly]

I always use a leave in conditioner, but I don't know what the purpose is either.

 

[soulchild]

Protectant,detangler,managability, moisture, appearance.. That's what I can think of right now. The specific purpose would depend on which leave-in. And I like creamier leave-ins because when I use the liquid (like infusium) I feel like it's not really doing anything and I end up using extra styling products.

 

[SVT]

I use leave-ins to keep my hair soft and detangled. Leave-ins also weigh my hair down which helps me get more definition.

If I used nothing, my hair would become too hard as it air dried. If I used plain water then applied some oil over that, my hair would be too greasy.

Perhaps if I didn't wear my hair "out" but instead wore it in braids or other protective styles, I wouldn't have a need for using as much goop as I do.

 

[Blacktresses]

African American hair or any type of curly hair need moisture. Along with water a conditioner also has an added benefit of other ingredients which may include

All proteins are strengthening proteins to some degree but here are the
more specific characteristics of these proteins--

Collagen Protein--known for increasing elasticity in the hair

Silk Protein--known for softening the hair

Wheat Protein--a moisturizing and strengthening protein. known for increasing the hair's ability to maintain & receive moisture also.

Keratin Protein--responsible for keeping the hair strong and pliable. This is the strongest of the(hair product) proteins and is actually the one that hair is made from. This one re-structures hair that has been damaged or broken down by chemicals. It helps to replace the amino acid cysteine which is the main one lost during chemical processing. This is the heavy duty protein. If you see the following as an ingredient

*Keratin protein--this will re-structure and strengthen the hair cuticle (the outer layer only & the most important layer)

*Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein or Keratin Amino Acids--this means that the Keratin molecules have been broken down and are small enough to go beyond the cuticle and penetrate the hair shaft. It will strengthen all 3 layers of the hair. That is why the term "deep conditioning" technically only refers to this kind of treatment using penetrating proteins.

*Hydrolyzed Human Hair Keratin--This is an exact match for the keratin your hair has (or has lot due to chemical processing). This is the highest quality and most potent keratin that can be used in hair products.

The above is just some of the proteins that may be in a conditioner. You have to find a conditioner that agrees with your hair. There are users on the board by the name of hairlove, Brown Relaxed Hair,Peachtree, Leejure. You may want to talk to them about the products they use on on their hair. I hope this points you in the right direction. Hope this helps.

 

[Kaela]

I use a leave-in conditioner for the same reasons that SVT does. I find that, primarily with air dried hair, that it keeps it soft and avoids that crunchy feeling when used along with a light oil. If I use just the leave in by itself, or just oil by itself, it is hard to detangle, and dries without sheen.

 

[buffalosoldier]

Im a thick 3c as well (texturised)and I use a leave in for more moisture/protection basically. rusk smoother is really good as is paul mitchell the conditioner. right now I'm using Identity hydrated regular condtioner as a leave in and I like it.(buy one get one free Sav-on $5.99!!)then I slather oil over it. Like someone else just read the ingredients.

 

[Allandra]

What is the purpose of a leave-in conditioner?
It helps with detangling my hair. It provides my hair with moisture.

 

[cary]

I use a leave-in to detangle, moisturize and soften my hair. Biolage Daily Leave-In Tonic does it all.

 

[inthepink]

I also use it to detangle and moisturize. I feel like it's just a conditioner that I can leave in my hair. My preferred brand right now is Pantene Conditioning Spray with Proclaim 7 oil added.

 

[Isis]

I love my Nexxus Headress Leave-in. Sometimes I'll alternate with my Biolage Leave-in Tonic. Both detangles my hair beautifully (hardly any shedding), moisturizes and makes my hair smell good.

 

[diamond_nh]

I use a leave-in mainly to help detangle my hair, provide moisture and depending on which one maybe a little shine. Currently I am using Headress and Infusium. I love the headress because it is a cream and it is great at detangling. I have Parnevu's leave-in for dry hair but I won't be repurchasing.

Even though I am in love with my Headress, I am wondering what other creamy leave-ins do any of you use?

 

[Tracy]

I use Salerm 21. It's a creamy leave in and unlike many cream leave ins doesn't weigh my hair down and detangles like nobody's business. I use it for moisture, shine, detangling and most of all PROTECTION.

Leave Ins provide a layer of protection against any manual or environmental damage the hair is subjected to between washes. I think of it as insurance....

 

[Ipanema]

I've been spraying diluted Razac Leave-In conditioner on my braids, but I'm not sure if it's doing anything special. It smells great, though, and it's not greasy or sticky.

 

[diamond_nh]

Thanks