 | Kim McIntosh, a former graduate of Xenon Int'l. School of Hair Design serves as the school’s Director and is a shareholder in the business. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructor's license in Kansas and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair and managed some of the most prominent salons in the Wichita area. As an educator, her primary goal has been to provide the beauty industry with successful licensed professionals. Having served in the past as Second Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the National Cosmetology Association of Kansas, Kim is currently a Director on the national board for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. You may contact Kim at (316) 943-5516. |
Beauty & Fashion
2004-02-01 16:25:00
Is there a solution for heavy conditioners?
Kim McIntosh
Question: I have used conditioners but they all seem to weigh my hair down. Is there a solution?Answer: Yes. First let me address the problem by mentioning a few reasons that your hair may be feel weighted down.• You may use the conditioner too often. The hair can become over conditioned. Only use a conditioning product when it's needed. If you're using a conditioner for ease in combing through your hair after shampooing, you may need a detangling product. • The molecular weight of the product may be too high. High molecular weighted products can coat the hair and cause over protection. • You may be using the wrong type of conditioner. It should make sense that fine, limp hair will require a different product than thick, coarse hair. A professional stylist can assist you in this choice by identifying your hair type.• You may be using too much of the product. The amount of conditioner used, should only equal the amount, which is required to condition the hair. Start with a dollop no bigger than a pea in the palm of your hand. Work through the hair using the fingers to detangle as you go. If you feel that you need more of the product to lightly saturate the hair, add another pea-sized dollop. Soon, you will be able to judge the amount needed for your particular hair. This will also save you money!Conditioners generally fall into 4 categories: Reconstructors- make the hair stronger by reconstructing the individual hair from the inside layer to the outermost layer. Rinses and Acidifiers- close and seal the cuticle (the outermost layer) in order to maintain the moisture within the hair and to protect it from damaging external elements. Moisturizers- balance the moisture content in the cortex (middle layer) of hair. Thermal protectors- prevent heat damage before it starts. Generally, polymeric products have high molecular weights. Look for products that contain hydrolyzed human hair keratin protein. These products work best, because they generally have low molecular weights. This provides for a superior product that does not weigh the hair down.
