We’re always being told to look after our hair with treatments, products, and regular haircuts, but is there such a thing as over-conditioning our hair? In short, the answer is yes. Using too much conditioner or conditioning your hair too often can cause limp hair that’s difficult to style.
What is Classed as ‘Over-Conditioning’?
You can over-condition your hair by doing any of the following:
- Not rinsing your conditioner out properly
- Leaving conditioner or conditioning products on for too long
- Using too much conditioner product
- Conditioning your hair too often
- Using the wrong conditioner for your hair type
- Overusing moisturizing hair treatments besides your conditioner
Why Should I Use Conditioner?
The purpose of conditioner is to provide both protection and moisture to your hair. Conditioners are designed to nourish, hydrate, and strengthen the hair shaft. This is done by coating the hair in a protective seal which prevents the hair from becoming damaged and also adds a smooth, shiny finish.
How Do I Know If I Have Over-Conditioned?
Those of you with dry or thick hair may think you’re unable to over-condition your hair, but this is false. The product can build up on practically any hair type, especially if you’re over conditioning. You will notice your hair is over-conditioned as the texture will change, and it will appear limp, flat, greasy and overly soft. It will also be challenging to manage or style due to this.
How To Tackle Over-Conditioned Hair:
If you have over-conditioned your hair, the best way to deal with this is by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. We’re especially fond of Ouai Detox Shampoo (Click Here) and Amika Reset Scalp Clarifying Gel Shampoo (Click Here). These work really well to remove any product build-up and make your hair instantly more manageable. You should also consider trying a protein treatment, like our favorite from Aphogee (Click Here), if your hair is feeling unusually soft and limp. Protein treatments work by strengthening each hair strand, bringing texture back to your tresses.