Is There Such a Thing as Over-Conditioning Hair?

Conditioning too much can leave your hair limp and difficult to style. It’s important to understand how and why over-conditioning occurs in order to maximise the benefits without ruining hair texture.

What's conditioner used for, and how does it work?

Conditioners are used for two main purposes: to moisturise the hair and to protect the hair. Such products hydrate, nourish, and strengthen the shaft whilst coating the cuticle in a protective seal. This extra layer helps protect your hair from damage and lends a glossy finish.

What's over-conditioning?

Each time you use conditioner, you're coating your hair in a new layer of product. If you over-condition your hair, each the cuticle will be heavily coated, making it impossible for other products, such as serums and oils, to penetrate and work effectively.

Over-conditioning can occur in several ways:

• Using too much conditioner.

• Leaving conditioner on too long

• Not rinsing conditioner thoroughly.

• Conditioning too often.

• Using the wrong conditioner for your hair type

• Using moisturising treatments or styling products in addition to a conditioner.

How can I tell if I'm over-conditioning my hair?

If you have thick and dry hair, over-conditioning may seem impossible. However, product build-up is possible on any hair type. You'll notice your hair becoming unmanageable, soft, limp, or flat. Any sort of updo will be impossible, as your hair has no natural grip.

Over-conditioning thin, fine hair weighs it down and makes it look oily and perhaps stringy. It's probably easier to see signs of over-conditioning on this hair type.

My hair is over-conditioned. What can I do?

The best way to tackle over-conditioned hair is to use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build-up. Christophe Robin Clarifying Shampoo is perfect at reviving over-conditioned hair and making it more manageable.

You can also try a clarifying scrub such as Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub. Exfoliating your scalp once a week will help prevent product build-up that blocks follicles and leads to itchiness and a greasy feeling.

If your hair has become soft and limp due to over-conditioning, consider a protein treatment. Proteins help to strengthen and stiffen each hair strand to add texture back into the hair. We recommend evo mane attention protein treatment 150ml.

How can I prevent over-conditioning?

To prevent over-conditioning, it's important to use the right amount of conditioner and rinse it out thoroughly. Building a clarifying shampoo or scalp scrub into your regular routine will also help to stop product build-up. Conditioning is a crucial step to achieving healthy, beautiful hair, regardless of your hair types. However, conditioning is also a step that has to be carefully monitored and managed for best results. If you see signs of over-conditioned hair, it's important to remove the gunk to retain gorgeous locks.