Nowadays, a lot of hair care products for various hair concerns have become available, which can lead you to an endless search for products that work well for your hair and keep it healthy. The numerous options and how to use them can lead to confusion and sometimes frustration.
One of the most common problems people face is how to properly use hair conditioner and hair oil. Both of them provide nourishment and moisturization to the hair, but questions about how to use them, which one to use first, and if you can put conditioner in oiled hair persist.
This article will guide you to the right answers to all these questions.
Should I Apply Conditioner to Oiled Hair?
Putting oil and conditioner on the hair is important because they contain different constituents that are equally needed for hair nourishment. Moreover, it is better to first do the oil treatment and then apply conditioner after washing the hair.
Oil should be applied before shampooing, and this step is a must for hair as oil acts as an emollient and provides moisturization. (1) Shampooing removes all the dirt and greasiness and clears scalp buildup.
Conditioner is applied after cleansing your hair with shampoo, which removes all the dirt and greasiness and clears scalp buildup. It decreases friction, detangles the hair, minimizes frizz, improves combability, (1) and reduces the drying effects of shampoo, giving the hair a fresh look.
However, applying conditioner to oiled hair will make the hair strands greasy and can make the hair look very, very thin.
So, if you want to give your hair a sleek appearance, then you can apply conditioner to oiled hair strands. However, after applying conditioner you need to wash your hair, except when using a leave-in conditioner.
Also, note that oiling your hair will make it greasy and will weigh it down. If you are planning to go out or style your hair after conditioning, refrain from oiling it.
Using a good conditioner that provides nourishment to your hair just like oil does is a good practice because the natural lipids in the hair are often rinsed away with the shampoo. If after conditioning, your hair is still dry and requires more moisture, you can apply a little bit of oil.
How to Apply Hair Oils and Conditioners
Here is the proper way to apply hair oils and conditioners to your hair and scalp.
Oil application
Oiling the hair is usually the last part of everyone’s hair care regimen, because oil forms a protective layer around the hair strands, making it difficult for any other product to be absorbed.
Oiling the hair is very important because it will seal in all the hydration and moisture and will keep your hair bouncy, healthy, and shiny. (1)
Usually, hair oil can be applied to the hair by gently massaging it into the scalp and leaving it on for a few hours or overnight.
Conditioner application
Conditioners, on the other hand, are applied to the strands and not massaged in the roots of the hair.
Conditioning your hair is always the second step after shampooing your hair properly.
Many women skip conditioner thinking that shampooing is enough for cleansing the hair. Although it is true that shampoos do cleanse the hair, it is also important to lock in the moisture and hydration in the hair strands and smoothen the hair, which is only possible by using a good conditioner.
Using a conditioner is extremely simple. All you have to do is apply it to your hair strands and make sure it is evenly distributed. You can use your fingers or a comb to brush through your hair.
It is very crucial that you let the conditioner stay on your hair for at least 2 minutes before rinsing it off.
Note: An important thing to note is that oil can also do the work of a conditioner because oiling is a natural way of conditioning, smoothening, and detangling the hair. The only problem with oil is that it is very heavy and can weigh your hair down. Oil also adds greasiness to the hair if you leave it on for a long time. (2)
Benefits of Hair Oils
Nourishing your hair is important, which you can do using hair oils. Hair oils can also detangle your hair and protect it from damage due to heat styling.
Moreover, they lubricate and moisturize dry hair. They keep your hair free from frizz, making your hair smooth. (2)
Here are the benefits of oiling your hair: (3)
- Oiling protects the hair from pollution damage and dirt.
- Oiling regularly keeps the hair moisturized.
- Oiling prevents dry and frizzy hair.
- Oiling protects the hair from chemical or heat damage that occurs due to hair treatments.
- Oiling is good for the exfoliation of the scalp and reduces hair loss.
- Hair oils have fatty acids that replace the natural lipids lost due to regular styling of the hair.
- Oiling promotes hair growth.
Benefits of Hair Conditioners
Hair conditioners are mixtures that are usually more viscous than other hair care products. They keep your hair healthy and moisturized.
Conditioning your hair regularly will keep them shiny and repair any damage. Conditioners tone your hair and, hence, prevent them from looking rough. They also detangle your hair, which is why it is easier to comb through conditioned hair. (4)
Here are the benefits of using hair conditioners: (5)
- Conditioning your hair will keep your hair soft and smooth.
- Conditioners give your hair bounce and volume.
- Conditioners help strengthen the hair.
- Conditioners protect the hair from greasiness and dust.
- Conditioning the hair makes it easier to manage.
- Conditioners detangle the hair so it doesn’t break when you comb or style it.
Tips When Applying Hair Oil After Conditioning
It is completely okay if you want to oil your hair after conditioning it, but you have to note that oiling your hair will make it greasy and weigh it down. If you are planning to go out or style your hair after conditioning, refrain from oiling it.
Using a good conditioner that provides nourishment to your hair just like oil is good because the natural lipids in the hair are often rinsed away with the shampoo. If after conditioning your hair is still dry and requires more moisture, you can apply a little bit of oil.
Most-Asked Questions About Hair Oils and Conditioners
What are the best oils for the hair?
The most commonly used hair oils include: (2)
Can I apply conditioner on oiled hair before shampooing?
Applying conditioner on oiled hair before shampoo is recommended because washing with shampoo will remove the greasiness caused by conditioner on oiled hair.
Applying a conditioner before you shampoo your hair is suitable for individuals whose hair is prone to oiliness. This is because it helps in thoroughly washing away the grease that builds up in the hair.
Moreover, conditioning before shampooing the hair is ideal if you have fine hair as it provides your hair with much-needed nourishment. Additionally, it allows the shampoo to be distributed evenly all over your hair.
However, you can apply light leave-in conditioner again after shampooing.
What can I use instead of conditioner?
You can use some home ingredients such as banana, yogurt, aloe vera, and coconut water.
What happens if I don’t wash my hair after applying conditioner?
Your hair could begin to feel coated, heavy, and sticky as a result of the ingredients not being washed off. If you do not want to wash off your conditioner, you can instead use a leave-in conditioner for this purpose.
What are leave-in conditioners?
Leave-in conditioners are a different type of conditioner and aren’t meant to be rinsed off. As the name suggests, they’re supposed to be left in your hair. Another notable difference is that they’re applied to dry hair and not to wet hair. (4)
Final Word
Every person must follow proper practices and a disciplined schedule for taking care of their hair. The best practice is to wash your hair with shampoo, condition it thoroughly, and then apply oil for nourishment.
If you find a hair care product that works well for you, you’re free to make it a part of your daily routine.