Hints & Tips

Correct Conditioning

There are three main types of conditioners/treatments: protective conditioners, corrective conditioners/treatments and scalp treatments...

A protective conditioner should be used every time you shampoo to protect your hair when wet. This is when it is most fragile
Protective conditioners detangle the hair, close the cuticle and return it to an acidic state. This makes the hair look smooth and shiny and feel soft and strokeable
Protective conditioners can also be applied before sun bathing and left in the hair, but if possible wear a hat too as the sun can do a lot of damage
Always apply a protective conditioner after sun bathing
Only wash again if the shampoo didn’t really lather up the first time

A corrective conditioner/treatment should be used on normal hair on a weekly basis and is generally left on the hair for between 5 and 15 minutes
If the hair is severely damaged or porous then treatments may be required more frequently
On chemically treated hair, corrective treatments are vitally important to maintain condition

For both types of conditioner the following tips apply:

Use a 10p size of conditioner, rub your hands together again and then apply from the front to the back to create a slippery effect
In slow, circular movements, with a bit more pressure than before, massage the scalp
Rinse the hair until the water runs clean and the hair squeaks (the squeak means that the shampoo and conditioner have been removed). A final rinse in luke warm water will seal the cuticles and leave the hair looking shiny
Wrap your hair gently in a towel (not in a turban style) and gently pat (rubbing causes knots)
Finally, using a wide-toothed comb, start combing from the bottom and work your way up to the roots.

Scalp treatments are used in conjunction with the appropriate shampoo and left in the hair so that the active ingredients can work
To treat dandruff you should use specially formulated products for two to three weeks and then begin using the shampoo and conditioner for your hair type again. Only return to the dandruff treatments if and when the problem reoccurs
To treat greasy scalps use specially formulated products only when necessary. When applying a shampoo or treatment do not over massage and always use cool water. Over-active sebaceous glands tend to be caused by diet, over stimulation of the scalp and hormones (especially in adolescents)