What is the difference between balm and hair conditioner
Balm and conditioner are products that perform certain functions for the care of curls. Some mistakenly believe that there is no fundamental difference between them and that they are interchangeable. But it is not so. The difference between the two products is not only in the name, but also in the purpose, composition, price. When choosing a conditioner and balm, it is important to carefully study the composition, which should contain nourishing, natural ingredients. They have a beneficial effect on the structure of the hair and scalp, make the hair smooth and shiny.
Peculiarities
All care products should contain such regenerating and nourishing components as proteins, plant extracts and vitamins. There should be no detergents in the composition, since in this case the conditioner or balm claims to be a detergent. It is important to remember that balm, rinse, conditioner are not the same thing, there is a significant difference between them.
The balm has the most healing properties, since it contains the maximum amount of useful additives. The properties of this tool are aimed at restoring the structure of curls, leveling their surface, strengthening and protecting against negative factors. In addition, it has a positive effect on the scalp, moisturizes it.This product is more oily in composition, so it is ideal for application to dry and damaged hair.
Conditioners and conditioners are similar. They help dry faster. If you regularly use these products, you will probably notice how much easier it is to comb the strands.
Rinses and conditioners are used mainly in the care of unruly hair and prone to rapid pollution. They are perfect for owners of curly, thin hair, which are often confused and electrified.
What should be included
Quality products cost a lot of money. They are combined into so-called "professional lines" and are sold in specialized stores or beauty salons. But experts advise not to believe advertising one hundred percent: no matter how effective and expensive the chosen hair care product is, remember that it leaves a protective and nourishing film on the surface for no more than four hours. Thus, balms and conditioners save from the effects of external factors only for a while.
The following components will help restore the beauty of hair:
- Proteins, collagens and plant extracts responsible for hydration.
- Keratin able to restore the damaged surface of the hair.
- organic acids are aimed at gluing exfoliated keratin scales on the surface.
- Substances like dimethicone and cyclomethicone envelop each hair with a protective sheath, due to which they create an additional effect of shiny and healthy curls.
- Panthenol provides hydration and elasticity.
If you want to strengthen your hair from the inside, in this case, a balanced diet, a proper lifestyle and taking a vitamin-mineral complex will be effective:
- Vitamin A - promotes the growth of curls.
- B vitamins - positively affect their structure and growth.
- Vitamin H - strengthens the hair follicle and helps to preserve the natural color.
- Vitamin F - Provides shine and hydration.
- Important trace elements: iodine, zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron - nourish and protect.
It is good if the balm and conditioner contain all of the above vitamins.
Differences
In order to choose the right hair care products for individual needs, you should figure out how the balm differs from hair conditioner and rinse. The line for the care of curls is represented by the following modern products: shampoo, balm, conditioner, hair mask and spray. This is a complete list of products that can be used to improve the condition of curls, keep them clean, give them a healthy and well-groomed appearance, and also protect them from aggressive environmental influences.
Restorative, nutritious, natural products that are applied to curls after shampooing in order to saturate them with useful substances - balms. Their main goal is to make hair healthier, give it shine and strength. Secondary goals are to give the strands softness, the ability to achieve easy combing after shampooing, protect the strands from UV rays, nourish and moisturize the scalp.
Trichologists advise choosing a product based on the type of hair.
Balms often contain natural oils, minerals, herbal extracts, vitamins and proteins.After exposure to the shampoo, the components of the balm have a restorative effect on the curls. They penetrate deep into their structure, restore the hair, glue the scales that have opened from exposure to water, give shine and strength without weighing them down. Also, the balm has a beneficial effect on the scalp and bulbs, moisturizing, nourishing and stimulating the growth of hair. But there are products that are best not applied to the skin, so it is important to read the instructions before use.
Balms can be conditionally divided into several types: clean, conditioner, tint and conditioner. This tool is useful to use, it has a beneficial effect on the scalp and hair structure. With it, you can adjust the alkaline balance, stimulate growth, moisturize and nourish the roots and curls with the necessary elements.
Balm conditioner is a complex remedy. It gives smoothness to the hair, washes away the aggressive elements of the shampoo, smoothes the gaps in the hair structure, and also adds shine. The product combines restorative and cosmetic functions.
A tint balm is a special product designed to gently change the color of curls. It will give them softness and smoothness, but its main function is to color the hair for a short period of time. How long the pigment will last depends on the characteristics of the curls and the frequency of washing them. Coloring elements are applied to the surface of the rods, so they are easily washed off.
Balm-conditioner weighs down curls the most, so you should not use it often. It has an antistatic effect, smoothing and protective. Combines the functions of a balm and conditioner. The substance should not be applied to the scalp and hair roots.Hair conditioners are superficial care products, unlike balms. Their main task is to protect the strands from harmful influences. They protect the curls from the effects of shampoo, tap water, and then cover the hair with a special film that protects against further environmental influences. This film will give the hair more volume and make it a little heavier.
It is better not to apply such preparations to the hair roots and skin, since the strands visually “stick” to the head, the hairstyle will not seem voluminous. Conditioners smooth out the scales that have risen during washing, sealing them.
In addition to the protective functions, the conditioner has other tasks: it helps the curls dry faster, adds shine to the hair and has antistatic properties. Curls become soft, flowing and easy to comb. These products are divided into lines for the care of different types of hair. They can be divided according to the method of use: conditioner-rinser and express conditioner. The rinse is left on the hair for a while and washed off after use.
Express does not require rinsing, applied to both dry and wet curls. It smoothes well and instantly restores strands. This is a handy tool that is suitable for daily use. Conditioners can be in the form of a spray, emulsion or foam, depending on the intended use.
How to use correctly
When choosing a balm and conditioner, you should focus on the type of hair. Means it is desirable to use one line and from one manufacturer. The exception is the owners of oily scalp and dry curls. In such cases, the shampoo is selected according to the type of skin, and the care product - according to the type of hair.The preparations are applied to the hair after cleansing the curls with shampoo.
Some products should be applied only to the strands (for example, conditioner), and balms - to the hair and scalp.
Balms are applied from the roots to the ends, and conditioners, on the contrary, are applied from the ends to the head. How to use the last resort correctly - in the video guide below.
It's also best to avoid 2-in-1 products such as "shampoo-conditioner" - they won't give a restorative effect. Such curl care products are not intended for daily use, except for conditioners that are applied to dry hair. Nutritious balms and rinses, with frequent use, can overload the curls, making them look unkempt. If you regularly use such products, but without fanaticism, your hair will become beautiful and healthy.