Conditioning and Strengthening, is it one and the same???

There is a great misunderstanding in the natural world about what conditioning and strengthening the hair really means. Many people believe they mean the same thing. AAH, WRONG ANSWER! They are both very different and I'm going to tell you why...

Hair Conditioning
I have said on numerous occasions that hair needs moisture, especially our delicate curls. Conditioning is the way moisture is put into the hair and should be a very important part of your healthy hair regimen.

Rinse out Conditioners-There is so many you have to choose from when it comes to the type of conditioner to use and rinse out after shampooing your hair. Make sure you read labels to determine what is right for your hair type. It's wise to leave the conditioner in your a hair for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and add the moisture. Putting a plastic cap on your head and leaving the conditioner on the hair for up to 30 minutes, making it a deep conditioner, is a excellent way to get the moisture sealed into your hair.

Leave in Conditioners-In addition to using a rinse out conditioner, I recommend using a leave in conditioner before styling your hair, for added moisture. Leave in conditioners allow the hair to soak up moisture on a continuous basis and should be used daily.


Hair Strengthening
When strengthening the hair, you are really creating healthy hair. Using strengthening products will help to nourish hair roots, prevent breakage and hair loss, and will improve circulation. Remember these products only work temporarily, so you have to use it regularly to maintain the hair strength.

Products-You'll find a lot of strengthening products in the form of creams, oils and some specifically formulated for curls. One of the best ways for hair strengthening is by deep conditioning, which will also moisturize. Putting a plastic cap on your head and letting the conditioner sit for up to 30 minutes either under a hooded dryer or not will put lost proteins back into your hair. I really recommend trying to do a deep conditioner at least every 2 weeks, but if you just don't have time then you may opt for strengthening shampoos and conditioners. Try using a strengthening conditioner in place of your normal conditioner and you will see a difference. If you just want to add a little strength as a finishing touch, find either a cream or a spray that is designed to strengthen wet or dry hair. 



Spiral Solutions Strength and Shine Leave-In Protein Spray



Diet-What you eat plays a great role in the strengthening of your hair. Just like your body, your hair needs a balanced, nutritious diet to stay healthy. You need a rainbow of fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, whole grains for minerals, nuts and seeds for minerals and vitamins, and lean protein for iron.

The strength of your curls comes mostly from within and depends on a your diet and overall health. Your curls also need a lot of conditioning to maintain moisture and help tame frizz. So, LOVE YOUR HAIR by eating right, using a leave in conditioner daily and deep conditioning regularly.