How and Why You Should Use Hair Conditioner

We're exposed to a wide variety of chemicals, toxins and other airborne particles as we go about our daily lives. Fortunately, with strong immune systems, our bodies filter out toxins and stay healthy. Our hair, given its anatomy and structure, is more vulnerable to environmental stress. Add in that people love to color, curl, straighten, blow dry and use other grooming techniques--many of which can be harsh on our delicate locks--it’s no wonder our hair can easily become dry, dull and split-ended.

This is where a top-notch hair conditioner comes into play—a simple and effective beauty product to reduce the harsh effects that styling, climate and environment have on your hair’s look and health. We see advertisements for many hair conditioners. It's almost too easy to become paralyzed by choice, but no matter what your budget, lifestyle, or unique hair care needs are, it's best to select a high-quality conditioning product made with safe and natural ingredients that enhance your hair's natural beauty without exposing it to harmful, synthetic chemicals.

How Hair Conditioner Works and Which One Is Best

Hair is made primarily of a special protein called keratin, also found in your nails and the outer layers of your skin. At the root of each strand of hair is a hair follicle, which is supplied by tiny blood vessels that allow our hair to grow at a rate of about ½ inch per month. Our visible hair is made of dead cells, which means our hair has no way to maintain its strength and sheen on its own.

Hair conditioner is a specially formulated lotion that moisturizes and reinforces our fragile hair strands. While most commercial conditioning products contain synthetic ingredients, the best hair conditioners are naturally formulated with pure ingredients that are safer and more effective. Moroccan oil--also known as argan oil--is one of the best natural products for your hair.

Derived from the argan tree native to Morocco, argan oil penetrates your hair shafts, revitalizing and fortifying the keratin proteins without making your hair look or feel greasy. The lightweight oil works well on all hair types, adds shine, removes frizz, and allows for easier styling. Hair regularly treated with products infused with argan oil have a softer, healthier look and feel, primarily due to the oil's naturally high concentration of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and antioxidants. Combined in a hair conditioning product made with other natural and healthy ingredients--aloe vera and essential oils of rosemary, sage and thyme--the benefits of argan oil are evident. Many hair stylists and beauty experts recommend hair conditioning products containing Moroccan oil for people with color-treated hair, as it safely moisturizes locks without dulling highlights and color.

It's worth noting that Moroccan oil has been used for millenniums and offers a wide variety of other health benefits. This versatile oil has been shown to:

• Moisturize your scalp and skin Minimize appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Treat and prevent acne and other skin problems
• Reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars
• Soften and strengthen nails, cuticles and dry hands

Get the Most Out of Your Hair Conditioner

Always look for products made with natural ingredients like argan oil that cleans your hair without leaving it dry or coated with synthetic residue. Before using conditioner, wash your hair with a quality shampoo. Thoroughly rinse and towel dry. This prevents any excess water from blocking the conditioning ability to penetrate the hair shafts. Using a quarter-sized amount (depending on the length of your hair), rub the conditioner into your hair. Leave in for two minutes (the longer you leave the product on, the deeper the conditioner will penetrate your hair shafts). Rinse thoroughly with warm water. To help lock in restorative ingredients, finish with a brief cold water rinse to shrink pores and lock in moisture.

For an added healthy hair boost between washings, try pure argan essential oil for daily use. Rub a few drops in your palms and run your hands through your hair. Protects hair against heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and curlers.

Lastly, in addition to regularly using hair conditioner, other ways we can maximize the health of our hair include: Avoid over-washing your hair to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils Brush your hair at least twice a day Avoid extremely hot temperatures in the shower and with a blow dryer.