leave in conditioner liquid

What Does Conditioner Do? Expert explains

If you have ever picked up a bottle of shampoo, you would notice the label suggests using a conditioner as well. Most people use conditioner without knowing what it actually does or how it works. 

So, what does conditioner do for your hair, and why is it an essential part of your daily routine? This comprehensive guide will unravel the mysteries of conditioner, delving into its functions, ingredients, and the transformative effects it can have on your hair. Join us on this journey to uncover the secrets of this transformative hair care product and how it can elevate your hair game to new heights.

What is conditioner?

Hair conditioner is a hair care cosmetic product used to improve the feel, texture, appearance and manageability of hair. It typically comes in a creamy or liquid form and contains a combination of ingredients, including moisturizers, oils, proteins, and vitamins. Its main purpose is to reduce friction between strands of hair to allow smoother brushing or combing, which might otherwise cause damage to the scalp.

Conditioner is usually used after the hair has been washed with shampoo. It is applied and worked into the hair and may either be rinsed out a short time later or left in.

What Does Conditioner Do? 

It moisturizes and hydrates the hair, combating dryness and leaving it softer and more flexible. By smoothing the hair’s cuticle, it reduces tangles and makes detangling easier, reducing the risk of hair breakage. 

“Conditioner helps to smooth the cuticles of your hair, which makes it look and feel softer and more manageable.” – According to Dr. Doris Day, board-certified dermatologist and author of “The Beauty Bible”. Actually, conditioner also enhances manageability, making hair easier to style while shielding it from environmental stressors like UV rays and heat styling. It can strengthen the hair shaft, add shine, reduce frizz, and even help balance the hair’s pH levels, contributing to overall hair health and appearance. Whether for daily use or occasional deep conditioning, conditioner plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy, vibrant, and manageable hair.

How to Use Conditioner properly

To get the most out of your conditioner, you need to know how to use it properly. Here are some tips:

  • Choose the Right Conditioner: There are different types of conditioners, such as moisturizing, volumizing, and color-safe. Choose one that suits your hair type and needs.
  • Apply to Wet Hair: Use conditioner after shampooing your hair while it’s still wet. Squeeze out excess water before applying.
  • Focus on Ends: Apply conditioner mainly to the ends of your hair, which are more prone to damage and dryness.
  • Leave it On: Let the conditioner sit on your hair for at least two minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse off all the conditioner from your hair to avoid buildup.

The general rule of thumb is to leave conditioner in your hair for 1-3 minutes. This is enough time for the conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft and work its magic. However, if you have very dry or damaged hair, you may want to leave the conditioner in for longer, up to 5 minutes.

How to choose conditioner for different hair types

Dry Hair

Conditioners for dry hair should be luxuriously moisturizing, enriched with ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil. These deeply hydrating components work in harmony to quench thirsty strands, leaving your hair irresistibly soft and incredibly manageable.

Oily Hair

For those with oily hair, opt for lightweight, non-greasy conditioners infused with ingredients like tea tree oil or witch hazel. These elements excel at banishing excess oil without the burden of heaviness, ensuring a fresh and weightless feel.

Fine Hair

 Fine hair benefits from conditioners that are both feather-light and volumizing, featuring ingredients such as keratin or biotin. These formulations provide a delightful boost of body and fullness to your delicate strands.

Thick Hair

Pamper your thick locks with moisturizing and detangling conditioners enriched with ingredients like almond oil or avocado oil. These nourishing elements effortlessly soften and untangle your lush tresses.

Curly Hair

Embrace your curls with moisturizing and detangling conditioners infused with the goodness of aloe vera or coconut oil. These ingredients offer much-needed hydration and definition to your curly locks, taming frizz and enhancing manageability.

Damaged Hair

Revive and fortify damaged hair with repairing and strengthening conditioners featuring ingredients like keratin or protein. These potent components work diligently to mend and strengthen your hair, promoting resilience and health.

Tips for smooth hair with conditioner

  • Use a Leave-in Conditioner: If you have extremely dry or damaged hair, using a leave-in conditioner can provide extra moisture and protection throughout the day.
  • Don’t Overdo it: Using too much conditioner can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Follow the instructions on the bottle and adjust the amount based on your hair length and thickness.
  • Experiment with Different Brands: Not all conditioners are created equal, so it’s okay to try different brands until you find one that works best for you.
  • Avoid Heat Styling: Heat styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners can damage your hair and reduce the effectiveness of your conditioner. Use them sparingly or avoid them altogether.

FAQs

  1. Can I use conditioner without shampooing first? Yes, you can use a conditioner without shampooing your hair first. However, it may not be as effective in removing dirt and oil from your hair, so it’s best to use it after shampooing.
  2. How often should I use conditioner? It depends on your hair type and needs. If you have dry or damaged hair, using conditioner every time you wash your hair can help restore moisture and prevent breakage. If you have oily hair, you may only need to use it once or twice a week.
  3. Can I leave conditioner on for too long? Leaving the conditioner on for longer than the recommended time can cause buildup and make your hair look greasy. It’s best to follow the instructions on the bottle and rinse it off after a couple of minutes.
  4. Is it okay to use conditioner on scalp? While conditioner is designed to moisturize and detangle the ends of your hair, it’s not necessary to apply it to your scalp. In fact, using too much conditioner on your scalp can cause buildup and make your hair look greasy.
  5. Can men use conditioner? Yes, men can and should use conditioner as part of their hair care routine. It can help improve the texture and appearance of their hair, making it easier to manage and style.

Final Takeaway

Conditioner is an essential hair care product that helps to restore moisture, improve manageability, and reduce breakage and frizz. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can get the most out of your conditioner and maintain healthy-looking hair. So, next time you pick up a bottle of conditioner, you will know exactly what it does and how to use it effectively.

HOW TO CREATE TALLOW CANDELS WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Tallow, a natural byproduct of rendering animal fat, offers a clean, long-lasting burn and a unique aesthetic. By infusing these candles with your favorite essential oils, you can create personalized fragrances that promote relaxation, focus, or simply enhance your ambiance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps of creating your own tallow candles, from selecting the right materials to blending essential oils.

How to make tallow candles with essential oils

Candles have a unique way of transforming any space into a relaxing haven. Whether I’m preparing a meal, working at my computer, or indulging in a spa day at home, I love lighting a candle to set the mood.

There’s just something about the calming atmosphere candles create – they’re a staple in my home. And even during the seasons when I don’t burn them as often, they’re always handy in case of a power outage.

Living naturally often means letting go of your favorite commercial candles. But with this easy tallow candle recipe with essential oils, you can make your own toxin-free candles at home! It’s simpler than you think.

Ready to create your own chemical-free candles? Keep reading to learn how…

What are tallow candles?

Tallow candles are made from tallow, an age-old ingredient used in candle-making for thousands of years. Unlike modern commercial candles, which can release harmful toxins into the air, tallow candles provide a healthier, natural alternative.

Many people aren’t aware, but commercial candles often contain toxic chemicals that, when burned, release harmful fumes into the air, affecting the health of you and your family (source). To maintain a chemical-free home, I choose to use only pure, high-quality candles made from tallow—one of my favorite ingredients.

Tips in making tallow candles with essential oils

Making candles doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this simple recipe, you can easily create dozens of tallow candles in just a few minutes.

Here are some helpful tips for making the best tallow candles:

  • Scenting your candles: Adding fragrance is totally up to you. If you’re making candles purely for decoration or light, you may want to skip fragrances altogether. If you’d like to add a scent, be sure to use only pure, natural essential oils. I recommend essential oils from trusted brands like Plant Therapy for the best quality.
  • Lubricating your molds: Before pouring in the tallow, remember to lubricate the candle molds with an oil such as coconut or olive oil. This ensures the candles come out smoothly once they’re set.
  • Choosing the right wick: It’s important to choose the right wick for your candles. Look for organic cotton wicks that are coated with beeswax, if possible. Some commercial wicks contain chemicals, so be mindful of what you use. My personal favorite are beeswax-coated organic cotton wicks.
  • Extra candles for gifting: I always make a few extra candles to have on hand as last-minute gifts. They’re perfect for hostess gifts or adding to a holiday gift basket.

Now that you’ve got my top tips, keep reading for step-by-step instructions to make your own tallow candles!

How to make tallow candles with essential oils

Making tallow candles with essential oils is one of my favorite activities. Not only do they help create a peaceful environment, but making them is also a fun and easy craft that you can complete in just an afternoon. Here’s how you can make your own:

INGREDIENTS:

  • Grass-fed beef tallow (from leaf fat; soft tallow from trim fat won’t be hard enough)
  • Essential oils (60 drops per cup of tallow)
  • Coconut oil or olive oil (to help with pouring consistency)
  • Wicks (cotton wicks are a great choice)
  • Glass jar or candle mold (for shaping your candles)

GLASS JAR CANDLE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Melt the tallow: Gently heat the pure tallow in a saucepan until it turns into a liquid. Be sure to do this on low heat to avoid burning it.
  • Cool the tallow: Allow the melted tallow to cool down a bit, but don’t let it solidify yet.
  • Add essential oils: Once the tallow has cooled slightly, add 60 drops of essential oils per cup of tallow. Stir well to ensure the oils are fully mixed in.
  • Prepare the wick: Secure the wick by placing a clothespin on the top of the glass jar, letting the wick hang down into the center of the jar.
  • Pour the tallow mixture: Carefully pour the tallow mixture into the glass jar, making sure not to disturb the wick. Leave some space at the top of the jar.
  • Let it cool: Allow the candle to set and cool at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
  • Trim the wick: Once the candle has fully solidified, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the tallow.
  • Light and enjoy: Your candle is now ready to be lit and enjoyed!

PILLAR JAR CANDLE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Lubricate the mold: Use coconut or olive oil to lightly lubricate the inside of the candle mold. This will help you remove the candle once it’s solidified.
  • Thread the wick: String the wick through the center of the candle mold, leaving extra length to trim later. Use a clothespin to hold the wick upright at the top of the mold.
  • Leave space at the tip: When pouring the tallow, leave some space at the tip of the mold to allow room for any expansion.
  • Pour the tallow mixture: Pour the liquid tallow into the mold, filling it up to your desired height.
  • Let it set: Allow the candle to cool and solidify at room temperature.
  • Remove the candle: Once the candle is completely solid, carefully remove it from the mold. Trim the wick to your desired length.
  • Light and enjoy: Your pillar candle is ready to be lit and will provide a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.

What supplies do you need for candle making?

Surprisingly enough, making your own tallow candles doesn’t require a lot of equipment. When using tallow, you can easily melt it on your stove and start crafting right away. Here’s a quick list of the supplies you’ll need:

SUPPLIES FOR TALLOW CANDLES

  • Glass jars (Make sure they are thick, like mason jars, to prevent the glass from shattering due to heat)
  • Natural wick (Cotton or beeswax-coated wicks are great)
  • Essential oils (Choose your favorite natural oils to scent the candle)
  • Clothespin (To hold the wick in place while the candle sets)
  • Candle mold (If you’re making pillar candles, here’s a great option for that)

MELTING THE TALLOW

The most time-consuming part of the entire candle-making process is melting the tallow. You’ll want to heat it gently on the stove over low heat, as it can take some time to fully melt, depending on the amount you’re using. But don’t worry — once it’s melted, the rest of the process is quick and easy!

Keep reading to learn more about the step-by-step process for melting tallow and making your own candles!

How long does it take to melt tallow?

Tallow is the hard fat found around the organs of animals, and it has countless uses, making it one of my favorite ingredients for a natural living lifestyle. Beyond making candles, you can use tallow in cooking, such as for frying or baking pie crusts, or even for crafting projects like the homemade candles featured in this article.

If you want to make your own tallow, it’s easy to render it using just a crock pot! Rendering tallow at home typically takes several hours, depending on how much you’re melting. For example, it takes about 5-6 hours to fully melt around 4 quarts of tallow. This method is simple and efficient, and it ensures you’re getting pure, high-quality tallow for all your DIY projects.

How much tallow should you melt?

When it comes to rendering tallow, I like to melt as much as I can — or as much as my crock pot will hold. That way, I can make my candles in batches and have some extra tallow for other projects or even gifts.

Tallow is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to use it beyond making candles. Here are a few ideas for utilizing your tallow:

  • Make skincare products: Tallow is fantastic for creating nourishing lotions, balms, and soaps. (Check out this complete guide to tallow skincare for more details.)
  • Season your cast iron skillets: Use tallow to season your cast iron cookware, giving it a non-stick surface and helping it last longer.
  • Cook with it: Tallow has a high smoke point, making it great for frying, sautéing, or baking.
  • Condition leather: Tallow works wonders as a leather conditioner, keeping your leather goods supple and protected.

Honestly, if I had to choose one thing to take with me to a deserted island, tallow would definitely be on the list. It’s just that useful!

What are the best essential oils to add in a tallow candle?

One of the things I truly love about candles is how the right scent can completely transform the atmosphere of a room. Here are a few of my favorite scents for my homemade candles:

  • Lavender: A calming and soothing fragrance, perfect for relaxation.
  • Chamomile: A gentle, floral aroma that creates a peaceful, comforting environment.
  • Frankincense: A rich, resinous scent that adds depth and warmth, ideal for meditation or grounding.
  • Vetiver: Earthy and grounding, this scent is great for creating a serene and tranquil space.
  • Tranquil Synergy: A calming blend of essential oils that promotes relaxation and peace.
  • Relax Synergy: A comforting mix that soothes the mind and body, perfect for unwinding.

It’s also crucial to highlight the importance of using pure essential oils. Personally, I only use Plant Therapy essential oils in my home. They are known for their high-quality oils, sourced from the best plants. When it comes to candles, you want to ensure you’re using oils that are free from toxic chemicals, as many commercial oils can contain harmful substances. By choosing pure oils, you’ll get the best scent possible and avoid introducing any harmful chemicals into your home. This will not only improve the scent of your candles but also make your environment healthier and safer.

How long do tallow candles last?

The longevity of your homemade tallow candles depends on factors like the amount of tallow used, the wick type, and the candle size. To ensure your candles last as long as possible, here are a few tips:

  • Candle Size: Choose a larger container for your candles to increase their burn time. A bigger candle will take longer to fully melt, meaning it will last for several uses.
  • Wick Type: Opt for the right wick for your candle’s size. A wick that’s too small may burn too quickly, while a wick that’s too large may cause the candle to burn too fast and unevenly. Proper wick selection ensures an even, long-lasting burn.

By making sure your candle is sized appropriately and using the right wick, you can enjoy your homemade tallow candles for many months to come.

How to store tallow candles properly?

To ensure your tallow candles last as long as possible, store them in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. A basement is an ideal location due to its consistent, cool temperature. If you don’t have a basement, a low shelf in your closet works well too.

Proper storage will help preserve the quality of the tallow and the essential oils, allowing your candles to last for several years. Just make sure they are kept in a stable, cool environment to prevent any melting or degradation over time.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making your own tallow candles with essential oils is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to enjoy a natural, toxin-free alternative to commercial candles. Not only do they provide a clean, long-lasting burn, but you can also customize the scent to suit your mood or needs. Whether you’re looking to add a relaxing fragrance to your home, create a unique gift, or have a backup for power outages, homemade tallow candles are an excellent addition to your home. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can enjoy a sustainable, personal touch to your candle collection.