by
The Natural Haven
By Jc of The Natural Haven Bloom
Should you really leave conditioner in your hair?
This is a question that I have been asked several times. I must clarify first and say that when you wash your hair, you should rinse out all the conditioner thoroughly (for reasons known as potential itchiness, personal experience here, some science to follow). The question posed here is whether you can then use a little bit of conditioner afterwards as a moisturiser or on a daily basis. The answer to this question is yes you can use conditioner as a moisturiser but with caution.
So there are two main types of conditioner
1. Rinse out conditioners (heavier type that is used after shampooing to add softness – typical ingredients include fatty acids, surfactants and oils)
2. Leave in conditioners (much thinner and lighter, typically contain humectants such as glycerine to help moisturise hair )
Now, leave in conditioners are a no brainer, they are designed to be left in. The heavier rinse out conditioners are a little more tricky. They can be used but be aware
1. Using a silicone heavy conditioner (silicone in one of the first 5 ingredients) is not ideal unless you shampoo your hair. Co-washing your hair will simply not do.
2. Conditioners which contain protein (hydrolysed protein or amino acids) have been shown to cause irritation and itchiness in some people (contact urticaria is the medical term). (Allergy. 53(11):1078-1082, 1998).
3. Hair conditioner can contribute to build up. This was explained in a very intricate study (Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, pg 205-214,1989). The science behind this is that the hair conditioner has positive charges and the shampoo has negative charges. Depending on the amount and type of shampoo, the hair conditioner can either be removed or the shampoo can simply attach to the hair conditioner and cause build up. Naturally if you have been applying hair conditioner to your hair on a daily basis, then you will have much more of the positive charge.
So what precautions can you take if you want to use heavier conditioner as a daily moisturiser?
1. Don’t put the conditioner on your scalp, try as much as possible to target the ends of your hair (leave the scalp and the first 1-2 inches alone).
2. Read the ingredient list and if you are a no shampoo person, avoid silicones in the top 5 list of your conditioner. If you shampoo, then no worries here.
3. Pick a conditioner without proteins.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly on your wash day.
5. Use a conditioning shampoo on your wash day if you are not anti-poo.
What is your experience with leaving conditioner in hair? Have you got the itchies or have you had a pleasant experience?
102 Responses
When I had natural hair, this worked fine with no side effects. Now that my hair is relaxed, I think leaving in non- leave in conditioner dries out my hair even more.
I co-wash my curly hair every day and leave in a lot of heavy conditioner. I’ve never had any irritation or itching. I’ve also never had issues with build up. The only times I shampoo my hair is when I change to or from straight hair. I straighten my hair only about 6 times per year. I use to use only natural hair products, but now I use products like pantene and Aussie. Very cheap conditioners, and I’ve never had any issue. (My hair type is a 4A)
I will add that I’ve tried to do over night with wet conditioned hair, and I have had times when it can be itchy. But I always do my hair in the morning and let it dry throughout the day. There’s no problems unless you trying to lay on it. If you do it in the morning, by the end of the day it’s dry or mostly dry.
I used pantine, a store bought conditioner. Apprenly cheap conditioners tend to have more chemicals that are harmful to the scalp. I left the conditioner on my head overnight for two nights in a row! I was thinking I was doing good to my hair, but apparently not! I had a very itchy scalp and could barely sleep because of it! Never doing that again! Thanks for the article.
I use hair conditioner (not leave in) at least three times a week as a hair dressing and have had no problems with irritation of any sorts for sometime now. I wash my hair at least once a week, sometimes less.
I use Herbal Essence Honey I’m strong mixed with olive oil to moisturizer and it works wonders with my 4c hair. I can finger comb or even brush through my curls with little to no breakage. Also it gives me a great smell,sets my twist and braid outs,and makes my hair really soft.
Hi there. I need a quick anwers please. I hv been having bad irritating scalp afta leaving in my olive iol conditioner overnight,eva since then I hv been having terrible itching to the extent that I can not evn slp @ night. What can I do to stop the itchiness please
Have you used a good clarifying shampoo? Probably have residue on your scalp/an ingredient that is irritating your skin…probably not a good idea to leave in conditioner overnight…can do more harm than good by weakening your strands.
Yes I’m using olive oil products n hv neva encounter such difficulties before since jux recently. And I pretty sure is the conditioner I left in ova night
Hi…I had the same issue when I was over using conditioners and not using shampoo. Maybe you can try clarifying your hair and scalp,and read your ingredients list because as the article states there are some ingredients in conditioners that can cause scalp irritation if left in. When I had that problem with itchy scalp (which later led to a small nickle sized bald spot) I started using black soap as a hair and scalp cleanser, and I avoided conditioners and leave in’s with Rosemary oil. I also washed/ cleansed my scalp and hair more frequently.
I have been natural for about 2 years this month and I went through a phase of all natural must haves. Being a new college student and living in my country that was almost always impossible.I did learn to compromise when it came to all natural products and that includes my conditioners. I co-wash most of the time and wash with a shampoo whenever i feel my hair needs it, which is about 1 in every 20 washes. I also wash my hair every day or every 2-3 days, if i am not wearing a protective style or a ‘defined’ style like a twist out. One thing I do as well is use my conditioner as my styler. I am not all that great with my hair and I have dry hair, so using products to style my hair, I usually do something wrong. So co-wash my hair and leave my ‘non-leave-in’ conditioner in my hair, style it and i’m good to go for the rest of the day or two days. This worked after my big chop, when my hair reached shoulder blade length and now when i’m back to neck length hair. I’v never experienced any flakes or excessive dryness with my method and will continue it until I have found a better way that I can manage myself.
This article is very informative, BUT this does not apply to my hair. I researched prior to my BC, and knew right away that I wanted to use the curly girl method. I cowashed my hair twice each day, and always had conditioner in my hair. Conditioner became my styler, and I did this for that first 13 months, I then dig away with the WNG’s by switching to weekly cowashes until I reached 19 months. I no longer follow the curly girl method 100% as I now cowash with a deep conditioner every two weeks however the one thing that has remained the same for me is that after every wash, I finalize my sectioned hair with conditioner, not leave in but a conditioner. My hair has flourished and not suffered from doing this. I am currently 21 months and my hair is right at 12 inches.
I washed my hair then put conditioner in it and left it. Is that okay? And how long should I leave it in if I’m using it as a leave in conditioner?
I cannot use any hair products that contain alcohol, because it dries my scalp and the itchiness drives me crazy. For about two years, I’ve been using organic hair products. I wash my hair frequently (because I work out during the week) with no problems.
So I think that women should do what feels go to their hair.
I have keratin,and suppose to wash my hair with sulfate free,shampoo and cond.but I have a lot of split ends,I was reading that aphogee was good,should I tried this products?
I love Aphogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructing Treatment and then follow that with the Balancing Moisturizer and seal with olive oil and coconut oil.
When I had a relaxer I would go to the beauty shop, get my hair done, and leave it like it was for two weeks. I apply the same method to my now natural hair. I don’t wash my hair but twice a month. When it’s too “icky” feeling I co-wash. So in my opinion, do NOT go without washing your hair, but don’t wash it everyday or every other day as it strips your natural moisture TOO much.
I wash my hair with Creme of Nature and co-wash with As I am Coconut Co-Wash.
I use Ausie 3 minute miracle for ten minutes in the shower. I have noticed rinsing with cold water has made a difference….I wrap my hair in a t-shirt while i brush my teeth and apply makeup to soak up excess water. then I apply Organic Coconut Milk Conditioner to hair. About a quarter amout and never touch roots. I then use a lil bit of cantu curling cream/butter. Just a lil. My hair is curly and if I use anything else it will weigh down or harden curls. Then when my hair dries I tossel with Coconut Milk Oil for sheen and smell 🙂 I get many compliments on my hair and Im going to continue to grow it out. This is just a few things I have noticed help….Oh and I do brush/comb my hair in shower which is suppose to be a big NONO so dont follow instep.
http://www.thenaturalhavenbloom.com/2009/08/should-you-really-leave-conditioner-in.html
Hmm….. i wonder where you got this information from…
That was posted in 2009 ^^^^ So yeah..
it’s the same writer
Not sure what your point was??????
i leave my condish in sometimes, depending on what style i’m doin. if i do finger coils then i leave it in. i’ve had no issues but i will say that i tend to have to wash my hair after about 4 or 5 days because of itchiness. i think it’s about finding balance and listening to both your hair and scalp. both will tell you when you need to reintroduce shampoo.
after a few cowashes, about 3 or 4, my hair starts feeling dry and producty, so that’s my cue to use shampoo on the next wash to start fresh. it takes experimentation to find that coveted balance.
This article had some good points; however, I agree with the comments that state basically “whatever works for your hair”. I appreciate the many articles promoting healthy hair growth BUT I am careful not to obsess over everything I read. I use a combination of co-washes and shampoo; it works for my hair and scalp.
I’ve uses Nexxus. And it is SUCK! my hair is hard since the first time i used it…which was past few days. Now, my hair is so damn hard. Like im applying on a gel. When i comb my hair, there’s something sticky…like glue stixking on my haircomb. What the fuck?
It may be a protein conditioner–they’re meant to make your hair hard as it is strengthening the hair. The harder it gets, the more damaged your hair is.
I always leave my conditioner in. It’s a protein conditioner without sulfates. It leaves my hair very soft and healthy looking. My hair loves it. Sometimes I use Mega-Tek and I just leave that in as well. My hair loves that also. When I use conditioners with sulfates (when I’m out of Mega-Tek or protein shampoo) my hair really looks good, but it get really hard and then if I touch or move my hair, flakes fall onto my shoulder and clothes. Conditioners with sulfates also make my hair very hard and straw-like. Protein conditioners leave my hair looking very natural. Now if I could just get some body into my hair. It’s always been very dull and stiff unless I flat-iron it 🙁
I, too leave my rinse out conditioner in my hair and use it as a daily styling aid. I’ve actually been doing this for over 10 years with Dove and my 3C bra strap hair looks amazing. Leave in conditioners just aren’t thick enough for my long, curly hair; well at least I have yet to find one. Also, rinse out conditioners comes in large bottles so they last me longer. I moisturize my scalp with extra virgin olive oil.
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Correction on this article: The original article did not state ‘ silicone creates moisture proof buildup on your strands’. This statement is not true.
Silicones are simply harder to wash off hair, but hair can and does get moisture even with silicone present (e.g if you wet your hair it will still get wet). The point is that shampoo has surfactants that will clean silicone residue on hair and this is why if you are using a silicone product especially a styling serum then using shampoo is necessary to remove silicone.
Jc, Sorry about this addition. Taking it out now.
Not all silicones are the same, some are soluble and others are non-soluble. Soluble cones will wash out with water the other kind will need a sulfate. Again not all sulfates are the same either. I really wish this site would do an article and define all the cones once and for all. I have waist long 4b hair and I get lots of questions about what i use and I tell people I use Vitale Tangle Phree shampoo because it detangles my hair without the need for any other product. its ph balanced and does not strip oils but it has cones and sulfates. I’ve tried the no- poo, co-wash and cleansing conditioners but always had to follow up with another or 2 conditioners to detangle and my hair lacked shine, etc.
The things you mention here definitely vary from head to head as people say, but they’re good things to look out for. A real *danger* of using wash out conditioners as leave-ins is that they may be FDA approved to come into limited contact with skin then washed away (mostly) but may have ingredients that are not made to stay in contact with the skin for extended periods of time. It’s good to know what’s in your conditioner if you plan to leave it in!
I tend to leave conditioner in my hair from time to time because of being afraid of not having enough moisture in my hair. Sometimes coconut oil isn’t enough to keep my hair soft. I guess it really depends on what kind of conditioner you use. Like the Shea moisture deep treatment masque I leave in my, but only a little. By the next couple of days my hair is still soft. 🙂
The last time I washed my hair, I used Tresemme Naturals as a leave in afterwards, and I really really love the way my hair feels, even a week later! My hair’s middle or crown section tends to have the coarsest strands, and the lowest porosity, which makes it extremely dry and difficult to moisturize, and also prone to tangling, matting, and locing. That section is soft, pliable, and perfectly moisturized right now. I haven’t added anything to my hair other than a mild spritzing with Shea Moisture Shine and Control Mist, and my hair feels incredible. I haven’t got any itchy scalp, my hair isn’t tangled or matted anywhere, and separates smoothly and without any trouble. I tend to avoid silicones, even though I used to use them as a child, as I have a sensitive scalp and sensitive skin as well, and products that contain silicones also tend to contain other chemicals and fragrances which irritate my skin. I do have a few products that contain silicone though, and both are majority otherwise natural ingredients which is lovely for me. I don’t think silicones are evil or anything, I’m just careful about which products I use, and rather than looking for “silicone free” I simply always make sure to read ingredient lists carefully. If I can’t pronounce more than 10% of the ingredients, then it’s not a product I’m likely to buy.
Hi ladies!!
I began my transition in Nov 2012 and I did my big chop in May 2012. I am really struggling with dryness!! Like it is a major problem. I have roughly 3c-4a(ish) hair and of course whenever my hair is dripping wet in the shower it is WONDERFUL but as the day goes by it just dries completely up. I rinse my hair in the morning or night or i will just spray water on it then I will apply Shea Moisture Curl Defining Creme then I will seal with EVOO or Soy oil. I haven’t exactly done a “protective” style but I have been wearing a turban for the past few days. I’ve been giving my regimen at least a month so I can observe a differece but it just not seem to be doing the trick. I don’t use any type of heat whatsoever, I don’t use a shampoo and I seal and I know following someone else’s regimen wont fix my issue but if someone could please give me some ideas on what to do to combat dryness. PLEASE HELP
Regimen Products:
As I Am Coconut Co-wash Cleanser
Yes to Carrots Leave-in
Shea Moisture Curl Defining Creme
Soy Oil
EVOO
Hi Elyse,
I did a post recently about how moisturizing starts on wash day. You might find it helpful and even if it isn’t perfect for you, it might help point you in a direction to find the answers you are seeking!
http://hairscapades.com/2012/08/21/moisturized-hair-it-starts-on-wash-day/
HTH!!
Shelli
Hey there! Hopefully this advice would help. Your hair may just be highly porous; moisterizing once or twice a day may just be the norm for you. Also, do you deep condition? Doing so weekly or monthly will probably help as far as rejuvenating your hair. Try the baggy method (sleeping overnight or chilling in the house with a plastic cap with oil/water mix) to see if that helps. Lastly, it may just be a case where your current products aren’t working. Shea Moisture does great for some; for me it doesn’t. Mix and match products or natural oils occasionally to see if you find a match. It may take a while, but when you find something good, hold on to it!
I’m coming at this as a lay person but reading your post, a number of things hit me.
You do a lot of washing/rinsing – do you have hard water?
Your curl cream probably doesn’t have moisturising properties or isn’t offering enough moisture for your hair. You need to add a moisturiser whether a water based spritz and some kind of hair cream/creamy product or a leave in. You seal but you are not moisturising with anything to seal in.
Does your hair like EVOO?
I may be mistaken but isn’t the soy oil going to act like a protein? Protein and moisture need to be balanced. You may have too much protein on your hair. Maybe look into some other oils to seal with. Maybe you need something light like jojoba or heavier like castor.
You don’t use shampoo but you use a curl cream, oil and co wash often. You may have build up and need to introduce clarifying to your routine either in the form of shampoo or a mud wash.
You don’t protective style – winter is around the corner, pick something even buns and try it out. Hair that is loose in the elements can dry out compared to hair that is well moisturised and placed in a protective style. (I know some people wear their hair loose without PSing ever just fine.)
What is your turban lined with and how do you wear your hair? If the lining isn’t satin or silk, it will dry your hair out.
Internal – how’s your diet? Do you get enough water? Take any hair related vitamins?
Your regimen will not work and is not working because the key combatant of dryness is moisture which you’re currently lacking. You need to find what works and then look at your regimen again. It could be creamy moisturiser is needed or a spray/spritz, leave ins and butters or a heavier/penetrating sealant.
Good luck!
Thank you ladies for your input!
After typing my comment I realized I left a few things out considering I was in the middle of class lol.
@Vonnie I do deep condition with Aubrey Organics I cant remember exactly which one but for dry hair. I let that sit for about 30 minutes and I even tried what the bottle suggested and that was to apply to dry hair and let sit for appx 30 minutes. The results weren’t exactly what I was looking for granted I did it maybe three times so over a span of three weeks. I am realllllly trying to be patient with my hair but as many times as I have been tweaking my regimen, I expect to at least see some sort of change.
Thank You for your help though! I appreciate it, I will keep trekking on!
@ Zanthe I definitely do add moisture before adding any type of butter or oil. I rinse my hair with water or I may spritz it then I will apply Trader Joes Tingling Conditioner which is all natural and to my knowledge it has protein in it but im not positive at the moment. I then seal with an oil, usually EVOO. The soy oil is a new addition to my regimen and last night I thought about the protein overload so I left it out.
I use a cleansing conditioner so it does have cleaning agents in it so it figured it would be ok and I use sulfate-free shampoo maybe once a month. Im the type of person that reads anything on everything so I know whats going in or on my hair before I buy it. I have a satin pillow case, scarves, the whole nine. A few days ago I thought about jojoba and castor oils as replacements but another issue I run into is time. Unfortunately my time is scarce so I need a regimen that is minimal. I was thinking of trying Karen’s Body Beautiful and Oyin. Hopefully something will make me happy because it is pretty discouraging and I know it takes a while but my goodness it’s been a little while.
Thanks Again!
Okay.
Question – what is moisturising in your spritz apart from water? I don’t think this is enough moisture for your hair. Most people who have not got on with the simple and few product regimens use butters or commercial moisturisers whether BSS or natural e.g Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream or even a creamy leave in product like Oyin hair dew. If I tried to survive on a water spritz, adding some conditioner which included protein (gulps) and then sealant, my hair would be straw like too.
To retain moisture have you tried the LOC method of moisturising? It means you add your liquid which would be a spritz, then your sealing oil and then a creamy product e.g Qhemet, Oyin dew etc etc. I do this and find that moisture lasts a bit longer.
Have you clarified your hair, you may have build up – you didn’t mention whether you did this or didn’t ever do it?
Protein removal is a good idea for now. I’d also drop the Trader Joes if it contains protein.
Products——-
I don’t find any DC majorly conditioning. My favourite despite the odd smell was Qhemet Biologics Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee. Aubrey’s Honeysuckle was ineffective plus zero slip.
I have used both Oyin and Karen’s. Of Oyin I’d say that the Hair Dew sealed in is very moisturising as is their hair spray but I prefer Frank Juice for the smell.
Of Karen’s, I’d say Creamylicious is very softening. I also like her Ultimate Conditioner despite hating her Lucscious DC. The Butter Love is a great sealant but it would probably be too heavy for you, both Creamylicious and the butter need to be used very sparingly. Butter Love is akin to the old hair grease. I have the hair nectar but I don’t love leave-ins that are glycerin based and thin anyway, it seems average. I much prefer Oyin’s hair dew. One oil I like is Hairveda Cocasta Shikaikai oil.
I’d look into getting some decent products for moisturising, cut trader joes and clarify then moisturise with a proper moisturiser and seal with an oil even just EVOO if that’s all you can get. Banish protein until you get moisture under control.
You may want to search articles by Audrey Sivasothy who wrote The Science of Black Hair Care. There are some interesting ones about regimen building and moisture/protein balancing. Sometimes we cannot see hatchet on earth we are doing that isn’t working then another source offers us clarity and possible solutions.
Hope you find out what your hair needs soon.
I have 4c armpit length hair…transitioned from my relaxer in 2008 and chopped off the relaxer in 2009…up until last year I had issues with dryness. Severe issues. I would try changing your products to see if that does the trick. I was being super careful with my hair and deep conditioning weekly yet still had breakage and extra dry (almost straw like) hair. I use the curls line shampoo and the shea moisture detangler…These 2 things are like magic on my hair…the detangler + the shea moisture smoothie keep my hair fairly moisturized for a few days if my hair is loose and a full week if my hair is in a bun.
Good luck!
Well, when I use conditioner it’s always mixed with olive and coconut oils, so for me it’s been a pleasant experience. Also I don’t apply it to my hair every day – twice a week TOPS!
The conditioner + oil mixture I use is mainly for detangling purposes, and once I applied it to my hair after a thorough washing then blow-dried it out. Afterwards, my hair was really soft, smelled oddly enough like cookies (or cake I’m not sure lol) and my hair didn’t feel like hot dry grass when I was finished.
I LOVE Oyin Handmade’s Honey Hemp Conditioner because not only can you condition your hair with it but you can use it as a leave in as well. I also use it for my co-washes. I tried it as a leave in for the first time last week when I took my twists down it was so soft and fluffy. I used it again the other night and I got the same results. This product really helps to simplify my regimen. I use the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo, Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner (to condition or leave-in), Oyin’s Burnt Sugar Pomade or my Whipped Shea Butter mix for styiling and Castor Oil.
I’m probably going to make someone angry by this statement but I feel my experience is valid and might help someone else. I’m a little tired of some naturals advocating letting too much time go by without shampooing and claiming co-washing as truth. That does not work for everyone.
Number one, would you put lotion on your skin and never wash it – then call it clean? Number two, so what if your hair feels and looks stripped after a shampoo, your hair is clean! It’s supposed to feel clean. I think people should stop obsessing over that. As the week goes by products and your hair’s own natural oils build up, your hair most likely will stop looking “stripped” anyway.
Sulfate-free shampoo rids the scalp of sweat, uric acid, bacteria and pollutants. I tried the going a month without shampoo and only co-washing with silicone-free paraben-free conditioner. My hair smelled and felt too greasy. My scalp itched and I saw something I had never seen in my five years of being a loose natural – dandruff flakes – sort of big ones. Ewwwww! If shampooing more often means having shorter hair (which I don’t agree that it does) but my scalp and hair are clean and not shampooing or doing co-washes exclusively possibly puts me at risk for having a dirty scalp ridden with bacteria, I’ll take the shorter hair.
Agreed! I HAVE to wash my hair, I tried cowashing and my scalp was not having it. lol! I use a sulfate-free, natural shampoo by Carols Daughter and dilute it with water, I also prepoo with Vatika Oil, and after shampooing my hair and scalp are clean without being stripped.
A healthy and clean scalp must be top priority in order to have healthy hair.
+1!
My scalp is similar to yours, so I get your point, but you got a little extra with it.
If people with dry scalps find that scrubbing with conditioner works for them then leave it at different strokes. No need to basically say they’re disgusting.
The rest of my skin is super dry and a dermatologist advised me to bathe with Cetaphil, which I feel is equivalent to co-washing the scalp. It’s not a completely out there practice.
Agree!
I cowash once a week and shampoo 1-2x per month (whenever I feel my hair needs it.) However, on a daily or every other day basis, I spritz my hair with water, apply a leave-in conditioner and extra virgin olive oil to seal. I have combo 3c/4a hair, and this regiment has most definitely been beneficial to my hair. My hair has thrived and is well moisturized, shiny, healthy, and, I might add, not smelly.
I say to each her own; whatever works keep doing it.
I wash my hair everyday and I use a dual shampoo conditioner and everyone at school can’t stop touching my hair why not try that
I shampoo with Shea Moisture’s shampoo. Before that it was Giovanni. I have also tried co-washing and it just felt like build up on my hair. The whole “stripped” hair feeling isn’t a turn off and since I dilute the product before I apply it to my scalp I actually don’t find my hair stripped after washing. IMO co-washing is overhyped. ::shrugs::
I agree with Nikki. To, niksmit, when I wrote, “Ew!” I was referring to my dandruff flakes, not anyone else’s. My point is that There are women that have posted here and other blogs who are newly natural and stated that they listened to people’s advice on co-washing exclusively and ended up having to go to the dermatologist because of all the scalp issues they were having. There are other people who only co-wash and haven’t had any issues and their hair is thriving. Of course, different strokes for different strokes. My point is that while some people say, “This works for me. Do what’s best for you. I personally prefer . . . ” We all know there are plenty of other folks with gorgeous hair that wow new naturals with their length then state implicitly do this and not that. “Only co-wash. Don’t shampoo if you want length and moisturized hair.” That’s presumptive. Btw, I use Cetaphil as well on my skin and you’re right, it’s a great product.
how often did you comb your hair? im curious because I notticed i only flaked when I dont comb my hair, now I comb my hair out everyday with water running down it and that helps getting all the fuzz and extra stuff my oils attract, I havent ever seen flakes since i started doing this
I can tell you that co-pooing is for those who frequently want to wash their hair for whatever reason. For instance, I co-poo my hair every other day (sometimes everyday)and shampoo once per week for the cleansing. Co-pooing to me (my opinion) is not a substitue for shampooing your hair/scalp. It’s in addition to it. Shampooing does strip the essential moisture from your hair in the process of the cleanse (it does what it’s supposed to do). Co-pooing are for people like me who live in FL in sticky, humid climate almost year round who feel the need to wash/co-wash frequently without totally overdoing it by using shampoo which can be a little harsh to natural hair and/or relaxed hair.
Agreed. I shampoo and condition my hair weekly. I do feel like there are times when the first day or two it is not a moisturized as I would like to feel, but the irritation and buildup I get on my scalp when I co-wash for too long is pretty annoying.
Yes, totally agree! I went to the doctor for some rash I kept getting around my nose, well more like a fungus! He then looked at my scalp and found the culprit! Long story short, he basically said that we wash our face and our bodies daily, same goes for the scalp! Bottom line…But as always, to each their own…or is it to each his own?
This is definitely one of those trail and error things. I can go longer periods of time and not wash my hair but my 12 year old has to get her hair washed at least every two weeks if not more often. You have to find what works best for you. For instance my older daughter, 20 year old, likes using a conditioner that she adds tea tree oil to. I tried that and hated it. I could not comb though my hair and it was so dry. Trail and error.
I also use AO Honeysuckle rose as a leave in like Shelli but I also leave the glycogen protein balance in my hair for days on in (also by AO) and there are no ill effects.
Again, I think that with all advice you need to take it with a grain of salt………..especially when you know your own hair. What works for some (leaving in conditioner for ex:) may not work for another. I’ve used all types of conditioner in my hair with no ill effects. Specifically I like Teri LaFlesh’s explanation and research on leaving conditioner in your hair. Some of those rinse out conditioners have very similar properties as leave ins.
What i love about being natural is you can make your OWN rules. 🙂
I first heard about leaving conditioner in from Teri La Flesh.
I must say it works for me who has kinky hair and my daughter who has kinky curly hair.
I like Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and it works well. I don’t put it on my scalp so that avoids it being itchy.
Remember the instructions will only ever say what THEY want but being natural is doing what your HAIR wants,as long as you use common sense they is nothing wrong with it as it saves money.
i use her method too! it’s awesome! my hair’s never been healthier. but i wash my hair so frequently that i’m sure the buildup is a nonissue. i also use shampoo once every week or two weeks. Her method is such a godsend because it allows for so much flexibility.
I use Teri Laflesh’s tightly curly method, too. It works for me, it’s cheap, it’s simple – I love it. It’s flexible and you can shampoo with regularity.
Any conditioner from the herbal essence line when left in my hair will cause my scalp to itch like crazy! Is it just me? When used as a regular rinse out conditioner it works fine without the itchies. However, the tressame naturals conditioners, the aubrey organic conditioners, trader joe’s conditioner and the giovanni conditioners all worked fine without any scalp irritations when left in and I’ve used them all for a few months. The tressame naturals conditioners are currently my favorite since starting the curly girl method back in April.
Whenever I leave in rinse-out conditioners in my hair my scalp always starts itching. But it wasn’t until I tried the HH Hello Hydration that MASSIVELY huge flakes occurred. It was absolutely disgusting. I had to wash my hair about 3-4 times just to get out all of the dandruff. Then (because I was tired of my head being bent over the sink) I had to go through each section of my hair with a fine tooth comb to get all the flakes out that were stuck to my actual hair strands.
Anyway…the point I wanted to make is that you aren’t alone when it comes to scalp irritations
I’ve been doing a revised Curly Girl Method and it’s been working with my wash and go’s. Thankfully, the above warnings about the conditioners don’t apply for me since I use those with more natural ingredients.
I love how Hello Hydration makes my curls look but it also makes my scalp itch like crazy so I had to give it up. 🙁
I wash my hair weekly and rinse out my Hello Hydration conditionner. Then I detangle and moisturize my hair with the Aubrey Organics White Camelia conditionner and leave it in. Not only does it make my hair uber soft but it also smells good. I just make sure not to apply the condish on my scalp b/c that could lead to itchiness.
I personally find that my hair responds to conditionners better than leave-ins.
I’ve used Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose and SheaMoistures Deep treatment mask as a leave-in. I never had an issue with them. Are the rules different for all natural/organic products? Or if you have low-porosity type hair?
Noo…. I so don’t agree with this article, It’s gonna be too much confusing for newbies ?
Exactly.
I think the article is informative. I think the problem for newbies is having to decipher the factual information from the misinformation that is of often spread within the natural hair community.
Yep I am confused and a newbie plus I live in Australia where it is hard -where I live anyway- to find products for curly hair that don’t cost the earth. We can’t get a lot of curly products mentioned online. I find it funny that the Aussie line of products is not even available here.
I leave in DevaCurl’s Heaven in Hair every day (Along w/some of their styling aids). They promote it as their deep moiturizing treatment, but my hair soaks up this heavy conditioner for my daily wash and gos. Occasionally my scalp does get itchy, but I find that’s when I’m due for a wash. I do wash with their sulfate free NoPoo twice a wk and those nights I sleep in Heaven in Hair to replenish the moisture. So far I have more defined curls and much less frizz.
I notice a lot of conditioners add sodium hydroxide (lye) as an ingredient; so it may be a good idea not to leave it in or even use these conditioners for that matter.
^Sodium hydroxide is used to normalize the Ph in the product. Not enough to cause concerns. Honest.
Yep. Yay Science!
I used regular conditioner for WnGs intermittently for years. Then, I started using conditioners formulated as leave-ins. Over the last several months, I started using Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose as a leave-in for braid-outs and it has worked amazing for me!! My hair is moisturized and it gives me a light, firm hold! Aubrey HSR is protein and silicone free and I use DevaCare No Poo to wash and I’ve never had any problems with build up or an itchy scalp. I never had problems in the past with silicone containing conditioners, but I would usually shampoo once every 4 weeks with a sulfated shampoo or DevaCare No Poo.
Shelli
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I think I’ll try Aubrey HSR to twist my hair … Thanks for the tip 🙂
P.S. Love your blog/hair!
Your
Hair
Is
Absolutely
GORGEOUS!!!!
Awww, thank you Claudette and DaynaJoe!! 🙂
Shelli
Leaving conditioner on has one of two effects for my 4b hair:
1. It becomes crunchy and dry.
2. It becomes mushy and weak, too elasticated and then comes the breakage.
I realise this method can be wonderful for curly heads and even good for people with kinky hair types but my hair just doesn’t seem to benefit from this. Then again it is always arid and doesn’t get anything out of steaming or DCs. I skip DCing for more than 15 mins, an hour or heat makes no difference.
When your hair becomes crunchy and dry is when it needs more moisture and when it goes on the other end and becomes mushy and weak is when more protein is needed for your hair. You have to find the proper balance for your hair, because either one or the other extreme is not good, you are then going to lose hair.
Yes and that is how non leave in conditioners affect my hair when they are left in, that is why I NEVER leave them in.
I really dislike leaving conditioner in my hair(that is not meant to be left in). It makes my hair frizzy. So I usually just wash it all out. Then I will go in with a leave-in conditioner.
Not complaining on the info or articles, but am I the only one who notices that almost everything that is listed as a must for natural hair is then listed as a potential danger? Water is the purest form of moisture; then you hear of hydral fatigue (constant wetting and drying of hair). Protective styling, then is it right for you or not? Conditioners and promotion of co-washing, NOW leaving in conditioners can be potentially harmful.
If you are a newbie or attempting to get solid information, it can drive you crazy (it doesn’t to me, but I’m sure it can confuse some). It’s almost like that old saying, if you knew EVERYTHING that was in your food, you would starve. Let’s just leave it at the old adage what works for some MAY NOT work for all. But some of the posts can be downright conflicting.
Ok, opinion-sharing over……
Hi
You’re not the only one. The thing is if we knew how toxic everything was we wouldn’t move. Sad to say, I’m just going with what makes my hair feel/look good.
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Yes! I can definitely see how all of this information can be overwhelming for some. But I think the main key is moderation along with research and exercising common sense. It’s a mindset, things do not have to be so complicated. My humble opinion.
that’s my take as well!
I agree
Obviously this isn’t true for everyone because everyone’s hair is different.
I cowash only and if I am twisting my hair right after I don’t rinse out all of my conditioner. Also, before I untwist them in the morning I moisturize with my conditioner. Leave in conditioner is glorified water to me so I use a heavy conditioner. My hair is super dry and sucks up anything I put on it so I never have an issue with buildup even when I place it on my scalp. The only time my head itches is when I straighten it for some reason so no itches 🙂
Well said
I agree! I always leave in my heavy conditioner. And it’s a Protein conditioner. I don’t have the itchies and my hair feels very soft and looks alive! My hair is normally super-DRY so it loves the conditioner. I tried the “Leave-Ins” and all they do is well – nothing. A waste of money. Both my shampoo and conditioners are free from all sulfates and cones and mostly protein. After washing I either use coconut oil or argan oil (sometimes both) for moisture. My hair loves them. Everyone’s hair is different.
This is my primary go-to hair style.. I rinse, condition, and de-tangle my hair every morning with Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner. The difference is that my curls dry with more definition, I even vary the amount of product used depending on how much volume I want. I do not get the itchies from build up. On a positive note over time I reap the benefits of deep conditioning so on the rare occasion that I straighten my hair it is much softer than it was before I started doing this.
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Love your hair!
Gorgeous!
Thanks
This is my primary go-to hair style.. I rinse, condition, and de-tangle my hair every morning with Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner. The difference is that my curls dry with more definition. I do not get the itchies from build up. On a positive note over time I reap the benefits of deep conditioning so on the rare occasion that I straighten my hair it is much softer than it was before I started doing this. I included a link to my fb page in case anyone wanted to see my hair type.
Does anyone know if Terresentials remove Silicones? My hair is too thick and curly, so I have to use a silicone based conditioner in order to detangle it. I had to leave the curly girl method alone, too much buildup. But I use Terresentials not shampoo. I wash every two weeks now.
Just read the instructions that comes with the terressentials. From what I do remember they give you specific instructions as to how to remove whatever buildup you may have from your hair. In fact to be on the safe side go on their website and it should let you know. I remember that when I did my hair, i had to leave it in for a while and whatever buildup was on my hair, it left my hair feeling gooey and waxy, so the terressentials was gradually removing whatever it was, then after a while I had no problems.
With Teressentials you’re supposed to do an initial detox and then not use any commercial products except for theirs or natural homemade products. The website literally says in bold ” Do not use any other shampoos, conditioners or styling products as they are not compatible with the mud cleanser and will add plastics back to your hair, taking you right back where you started.” I found that to be too demanding which is why I never bought it. You may just want to keep it around as a clarifier and find a gentle shampoo to use.
What if you are using the Curly Girl Method? Does this apply since you are washing your hair so often?
If you’re doing the curly girl method you shouldn’t be using a condition with silicone period. If you are, switch to tresemme naturals or something like that.
I’ve been using Herbal Essences Totally Twisted as a leave-in conditioner, and have seen a huge improvement in texture and moisture retention. No itchy scalp for me! The curl activating formula has worked wonders as well. My curls are always intact (and not frizzy!) at the end of the day 🙂
I have to agree Lauren. I use the HE Herbal Hydration as a leave in tho (blue bottle) and my hair loves it! But, as they said, i put it on my ends, not my scalp n i’ve had no problems, n I use shampoo…
Co-sign…HE TT worked much better for me as a leave-in than as a co-wash conditioner.
I used to make a leave-in consisting of HE HH plus some other ingredients (water, olive oil, a drop of honey, some others I forgot). Best leave-in ever…in fact I should try it again with AVJ and sunflower oil instead of water and olive oil.