Is Conditioning Good for Your Scalp?

 

Regular conditioning can transform the unhealthiest head of hair into a gorgeous mane worthy of stares. Most of us know this, and that’s why conditioner is a staple in countless hair product stashes. But could it also be good for your scalp? That’s the question we’ll answer in this article. Let’s get right into it!

The Average Conditioner is Not Good for Your Scalp

In general, conditioner is meant for the hair—not the scalp. It is intended to increase the hair’s manageability, ease detangling, smooth frizz, and inject moisture.

The average conditioner contains ingredients like oils, butters, emollients, and silicones. Though these ingredients make hair care and styling easier, they can throw your scalp for a loop.

Your hair is composed of several layers of protein, and your scalp is living tissue. They have different needs and react differently to any given ingredient.

For this reason, you should not use a conditioner on your scalp.

What Happens if You Use Conditioner on Your Scalp?

Wondering about the risks of using conditioner on your scalp? Here are a few common issues people run into:

  • Greasiness. Your scalp has sebaceous glands that secrete natural oils to moisturize your scalp. When you add a heavy moisturizing product on top of that, the result may be greasiness.

  • Buildup. The silicones and protectants in conditioners can easily build up on the scalp, leading to unsightly flaking and a coated feeling. They can also clog your scalp pores and lead to even more severe issues.

  • Irritation. Many conditioners come with a laundry list of ingredients, some of which may not agree with your scalp’s sensitivities. As a result, your scalp may become irritated, showing signs like redness, itching, flaking, dandruff, and oiliness.

Not All Conditioners are Created Equal

There’s one thing you should remember - some conditioners are formulated for both the hair and scalp. They are exceptions - most conditioners are unsuitable for the scalp. Scalp conditioners will be clearly labeled.

How to Use Conditioner for the Best Results

To get the most out of your conditioner, apply it to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair after your shampoo session. Be sure to avoid your roots and scalp. Pay special attention to your ends, as they are the most damage-prone. If the conditioner isn’t formulated for scalp care, avoid your scalp. For more information on this process, read this deep conditioning guide.

Scalp Care Tips to Keep in Mind

You may not be happy to hear that you shouldn’t use conditioner on your scalp. But don’t worry. There are effective scalp care practices you can add to your regimen. If your scalp needs some TLC, try the tips below:

  • Thoroughly cleanse your scalp with your fingers (not nails) to remove buildup and irritants.

  • Massage your scalp to increase blood circulation and loosen any buildup.

  • Choose your hair products wisely, avoiding those that contain harmful synthetic ingredients.

  • Cover your scalp whenever you’ll be spending lots of time in the sun.

  • Oil your scalp regularly for some added moisture and protection from the elements.

So, there you have it - it’s best not to use conditioner on your scalp unless the usage instructions specifically tell you to do so. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and if you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to check out Daily Dose Deep Conditioner and Leave-in Conditioner. They are natural, expertly formulated, and suitable for all hair types. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair.

 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15+ years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of CurlAdvice.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.