Photo from curlylifeau on Instagram
Rinsing conditioner well is often instructed on most conditioner bottles. Even though this is generally how most conditioners are used best, some girls choose to leave some residue behind in order to act as a leave-in and help give some lasting slip. This has become a common trend among Youtubers in particular (nothing at all against them!). Although this is a great idea in theory, it won’t work with all conditioners or hair types.
Why it’s not the best idea: butters and oils
Most conditioners designed for curly hair are thick and contain heavy butters and oils. These are great for actively penetrating the hair shaft and effectively nourishing from the outside in. After sitting in the hair for some time, it is important that these are washed out because of their heaviness. Don’t be scared or put off by them being heavy and thick. Like I said, this is a sign of a great conditioner. Oils like avocado and coconut and butters like shea are great at ensuring your hair is thoroughly moisturised. Most conditioners designed for curly hair will contain a mixture of multiple butters and oils in order to ensure maximum effectiveness. If not thoroughly rinsed (like the bottle suggests), residue can cause your hair to fall flat and limp and become excessively oily. If you’re struggling to obtain volume, this might be why.
What to do instead
If you want to leave some residue of your curly hair conditioner behind, it’s best to check the instructions first. In saying this, if your hair responds well to thick butters, then this might be a good option for you. If you want lasting slip and softness, it’s best to opt for a leave-in product.
→ Take a look at some great conditioners I recommend here.
→ Take a look at my favourite leave-in conditioner here.
