I’m always shocked when people tell me they don’t use conditioner. Hair is assaulted every day by things such as the weather, damage from heat-styling tools, as well as chemical procedures such as lightening and straightening. Unhealthy hair looks rough and brittle and doesn’t hold colour or style very well. So whatever your hair type, you’ll benefit from a conditioner. Here’s how to get maximum benefits from it.
Hair treatments shouldn’t be used as a cure. Don’t wait until your hair is dehydrated and split – condition as a preventative measure to help hair maintain its optimal level of moisture in the face of all the blow-drying and straightening you do.
No time to stand around for 20 minutes with a masque on your hair? No problem. “A leave-in treatment is the very best thing you can use on hair,” says Grant Withnell of Schwarzkopf. Use on towel-dried hair and don’t rinse. It’s not going to leave your hair greasy or flat and you can still use a styling product over the top.
Grant says there’s a limited amount of conditioner your hair can absorb so there’s no need to use great handfuls of it.
Only apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair unless your scalp is very dry.
If your hair is dry and coarse, try to deep condition at least once a week. For best results, work the products into towel-dried hair.
Use styling products that add nourishment. Hair oils are great for this and are becoming more affordable.
Always use a conditioner that’s suited to your hair type. If in doubt, ask your hairdresser to recommend one for you.
Massage conditioner in your hands first to warm up the formula and activate the beneficial ingredients.
To help the conditioner penetrate your hair, comb it through with a wide-tooth comb.
Always keep your shower temperature warm rather than hot. Using water that’s too hot will stimulate your sebaceous glands, creating issues for those with oily hair.
MY BEAUTY SECRETS
Netballer Anna Thompson (26) plays for the Canterbury Tactix and the Silver Ferns.
My beauty philosophy is… Everyone is beautiful in their own individual way, be thankful for that and embrace all of the qualities you have.
The skincare products I can’t live without are… Natio Eye Contour products and Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser. This is perfect for my skin type and as a bonus has an added SPF 15. Also Lucas Papaw Ointment.
My haircare secret is… A visit to my favourite hairdresser Karen Hansen every six weeks. Not only do I come out feeling completely revived but it’s a fantastic way to catch up on the latest news and gossip! My GHD Hair Straighteners can always create a bit of magic. In between visits to the hairdresser to keep my hair healthy I use De Lorenzo products.
The must-have products in my makeup bag are… I can’t go past my YSL Touche Éclat, it takes care of the under-eye area perfectly. Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint, L’Oréal Paris Mascara and Lucas Papaw Ointment.
My favourite beauty treat is… I have a sports massage once a week that keeps me ready and raring to go. I also love getting a pedicure – it’s a perfect way to catch up with the gal pals, too.
My biggest beauty sin is… I always have my toenails painted summer, winter, autumn or spring, but if I’m short on time and there are chips in the polish I’ll give them a quick once over to cover the cracks until there’s time to do them properly.
The best thing my mother taught me about beauty was… Wear sunblock and don’t forget to moisturise.
