Dear Audrey,
I have really fine hair that is color treated. Conditioners make my hair go limp and flat but if I don’t use them my hair gets really dry. What can I do to balance this out?
Great question, and yes, we hear this, see this, and feel this all the time.
Let’s first talk pH
Lifestyle, sweat, even shampoo can throw off your hair’s healthy pH balance. Hair color, and especially lighteners, drastically shift the pH to open the cuticle and ensure that the product penetrates the hair shaft. To undo this process requires a conditioning product with an acidic (lower) pH to close down the cuticle. This smoothes it down so it can reflect more light (shine) and provides moisture, oils, and nutrients back into the hair that has been stripped away from cleansing, the environment, and processing.
Secondly, application:
A great rule of thumb is cleansing at the scalp and condition from the ends. This way, you balance out the oiler scalp area and dryer, more porous ends.
We’ve curated a list of fine hair-friendly products for your specific needs and concerns that will help you restore your faith in conditioner:
Thinning (and Color Safe)
BioRepair-8 Conditioner from ColorProof is a skincare inspired formula that works from the follicle to the tips of your hair to promote new healthy growth. It also provides UV and heat protection plus it adds volume and repairs existing hair from the inside out.
Color Safe
Enjoy Volumizing Conditioner is a great all around rinse-out conditioner that provides moisture, fullness, and shine.
AntiAging
Alterna Caviar Bodybuilding Volume Conditioner with rich caviar extract and seasilk. This body building formula gives weightless moisture, vitality, and shine.
KMS Add Volume Leave-In Conditioner provides volume and weightless nourishment.
Skip the in-shower rinse and try a styling product with conditioning benefits:
Dressy Mist from Shuga provides nourishing proteins, antioxidant vitamins, and a natural thickener to give you a lift with just the right amount of hold.
Alterna Bamboo Volume 48 Hour Sustainable Volume Spray is another great alternative and works wonders with thermal styling. It gives support, lift and fullness with omega vitamins, vitamin C and bamboo extracts for strength.
Got Curls?
You will love Je Veux Glaze Styling Lotion. It gives just the right amount of definition and support while increasing volume and adding nourishment.
Happy conditioning!
Have a beauty-related question? We'd love to hear it, and so would our readers. Email your questions to Westside Beauty Supply.
We’d love to help.
If you don't have a stylist or esthetician you work with, give us a call and we'll set up an appointment to help you with your skin-care or hair-care products. We have several make-up artists that are happy to help you find new colors and techniques that make you feel beautiful. Letting us know when you are coming in will ensure we can give you all our attention. This is a free service, and there is no obligation to buy our products.
