Leave in or Rinse Out? Which Conditioner is Right for Your Hair?

When it comes to hair treatments the conditioner we choose can really impact not only how our hair holds a style but it’s overall health and appearance. Most people feel overwhelmed by the number of conditioners available. Do I leave in or rinse out? Which conditioner is right for my hair type? How long do I leave it in for? How much should I use? To help us crack the code on hair conditioners we connected with Maya Smith, International Master of Natural Curls and founder of The Doux®, a haircare line created specifically for naturally curly hair which includes The Fresh Rinse® conditioner.

Below are the most common questions about hair conditioners with awesome insights and tips from Maya, where she lends over 2 decades of hands-on experience as a stylist.

What are the benefits of a conditioner?

Conditioners help protects the hair from dryness and breakage by coating the hair shaft to help it retain moisture and softness. People tend to use it mainly for the added benefit of detangling hair, however, it’s important to choose a conditioner that won’t weigh your hair down.

What are the benefits of a rinse?

A rinse, unlike a conditioner, doesn’t coat the cuticle of the hair. A rinse has a much thinner consistency and is in actuality a detangler.

Do I use a leave-in conditioner or a conditioning rinse?

You can use both if your hair is dry, course, or color treated, however, fine hair or hair that tends to be porous should stick to conditioner only.

Should everyone with curly or kinky hair use a conditioner?

Yes. Conditioners help maintain the hair’s elasticity, or its ability to stretch and expand without breaking, which is essential for curly hair.

How long do I leave in a conditioning rinse?

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions start there. Every formula is different, so you want to be sure to use the product as directed to avoid under or over-conditioning. You can always leave it in a bit longer or switch to another conditioner specifically for the result you want to achieve.

What’s the best water temperature to use when rinsing it?

I prefer luke-warm to cool water because it helps the cuticle of the hair close during the rinse, which makes the hair shiny and sleek.

How much conditioner should be used for every inch of hair?

It depends on the density, or thickness of the hair. Again, follow the manufacturer’s directions on how much to apply. Many suggest the amount of a quarter however if hair is thinner or really thick you may need more or less.

What are some ingredients that can weigh hair down?

Oils and certain types of silicones can weigh hair down. However, some formulas include these ingredients intentionally, because of the smoothing effect that they create on the hair. This is why it’s important not to leave it in too long and to make sure to get it all out unless it’s a leave-in conditioner.

What ingredients should be avoided?

I’m not a fan of petroleum jelly or mineral oil. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding silicone, but what most people don’t know is that silicones get a really bad rap because they’re commonly associated with silicones found in products that aren’t made for your hair. Cosmetic-grade silicones like dimethicone actually create slip, protects the hair from breakage, and helps the hair shaft retain moisture during the styling process.

What about conditioners for color-treated hair?

Some ingredients can break down artificial pigment in the hair, causing it to fade, look dull, or turn brassy. Make sure that the label says that the product is color-safe. You certainly want to switch to products formulated for color-treated hair.

Can I dilute a regular conditioner with water and use it as a detangler?

You can, however, I recommend opting for a product that was intended to be a leave-in conditioner. This will help you avoid unnecessary build-up. Some people like to put a leave in conditioner mixed with water in a spray bottle and add it to their beach bag. After swimming they spray it in to make hair easier to comb through.

What are some mistakes people make when using a leave in or a rise out conditioner?

Over-conditioning is the most common mistake because too much coating on the hair can cause dryness, brittleness, and ultimately breakage. Make sure you’re not leaving a conditioner in longer than 3 minutes unless the manufacturer instructs you to do so.

The Doux’s Fresh Rinse Conditioner, sold at Target for $12.99, addresses the need for deep nourishment for wavy, curly or kinky hair without heaviness or build up. 

About Maya Smith:

 Maya Smith is an International Master Stylist and Founder of The Doux Salon and haircare line now available in Target. With over two decades of styling experience, Maya dedicated two decades to crack the code on curl care, maintenance, and expert styling. When it comes to caring for one’s natural hair and styling it, according to NaturallyCurly, Maya is among the best there is.

While still in high school, Maya got her hair cutting license and graduated from beauty school. Soon after graduating high school, Maya began following her passion and worked as an assistant for celebrity stylist Tracy Johnson. She learned from Johnson and progressed as a hair stylist for celebrities and entertainers. Years later the military wife would relocate to Germany, where Maya opened up her first salon The HoneyComb, a mecca for textured hair care for women from all over Europe, The UK, and as far as Africa. Maya’s unique system of textured hair styling sparked the development of The DOUX® haircare products, first launched overseas, and distributed throughout Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Currently, Maya leads a carefully selected team of stylists at The DOUX® Salon in Macon, Georgia and celebrated the arrival of The DOUX® in select Target stores nationwide. Maya Smith, wife, mom of 5 and savvy business woman is an example not just for women of color but for all women who believe their gifts can impact the world, striving for entrepreneurial endeavors with grace, ease and hustle.

The Mane Choice Multicultural Hair and Body Brand: Founder Courtney Adeleye

In the last five years, there has been a 30% upswing in the number of minority- and female-owned brands presenting lines to retailers. Power players from Walmart to Sephora are taking notice and clearing shelf space for the upstart companies. One of the trailblazers in this growing category is the multicultural hair & body care brand, The Mane Choice – who has secured exclusive launch deals with both Walmart and Target in the last year alone! The five-year-old brand that grew from a home-based hobby to a multimillion dollar corporation in just 2 years is growing at a blistering pace.

About the brand and founder:

  • The business was created by founder Courtney Adeleye, who began her journey by mixing products in her kitchen and documenting her progress on YouTube. As her viewers watched her hair grow from chin length all the way down to her hip, they yearned for her help with their own tresses.
  • Courtney began the business out of her kitchen and grew The Mane Choice from a home-based hobby to a multimillion-dollar business in just two years. Last year, the brand garnered over 6.5 million in sales.
  • In less than three years The Mane Choice has been picked up by major retailers including Sally Beauty Supply, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens, and CVS.
  • In 2017 Courtney debuted two exclusive product launches with Walmart and Target.
  • The Mane Choice has grown almost exclusively through word of mouth and social media. The brand has organically garnered 347K + Instagram followers and 362K + Facebook fans.
  • The Mane Choice made history in Target, being the first hair vitamin to be featured in the hair aisle (they’re usually reserved for the vitamin aisle).
  • The brand has already expanded abroad, with specific The Mane Choice e-commerce sites for Africa and Canada.

The DOUX Modern Hair Care System: Holiday Giveaway

Style + Life + Fashion would like to offer a product giveaway – THE DOUX Modern Hair Care System with an “Old School Edge.”

Giveaway Terms

1. Visit and “Like” Style+Life+Fashion Facebook Page, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram account @kwest1908

2. Email kim@stylelifefashion.com sharing your hair care regimen.

3. Share the giveaway on your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.)

Giveaway will end at midnight on Monday, December 11, 2017 Central Time. The winner will also be notified (via email) on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.

Products will be shipped directly to the giveaway winner from the manufacturer.  

THE STORY:

Get ready to “drop the mic” on the beauty aisles at Target stores this December. The Doux® (pronounced The Do) is a “new school” modern hair care system with an “old school edge.” With packaging that is bold and bright and product titles inspired by 90’s hip hop, The Doux is poised to kill it with those seeking a way to smoothing curly, kinky, and wavy hair into both, curly or straight styles.

Created by Maya Smith, a 25-year celebrity stylist and International Curl Master, The Doux was first launched in Europe in 2011 in response to her passion for helping people master the hair they were born with. STRAIGHT, NATURAL, CURLY, or RELAXED, according to The Doux, if you grew it, it’s ALL GOOD. “I was living in Germany at the time, had my own salon there and my specialty was helping clients to transition to a relaxer-free lifestyle. I’m obsessed with people maximizing the potential of the hair they were born with. Mastering curls is my passion and purpose,” explains Smith.

The people felt her passion through her products. The Doux blew up overseas so much so that it caught the attention of media in the USA. “Once we started getting press in the states the demand for The Doux was incredible. I had to return to the states and see this vision through,” Maya Smith explains. In 2014, Maya opened The DOUX Salon™ in Macon Georgia’s historic Downtown district and started selling her professional grade products at her salons and on-line.

Fast-forward three years and a lot of work and dedication, The Doux will arrive in Target stores, on Christmas Eve; no easy feat for an indie brand. “We are so excited to bring The Doux to the masses. It’s 20 years in the making. We listened to 20 years of feedback from actual clients from Minneapolis to Morocco. We listened to what people wanted, a salon grade, high quality product that delivered on its promises. Helping people to manage and maintain their natural hair and celebrate their own bold, unique style is what the last 25 years of my professional life has been about,” Maya Smith shares.

The Doux also redesigned its packaging, with the intention to disrupt the category. It’s bold with bright colors, which is the opposite of the more subdued look you see on the shelves currently. “I’m a fan of 90’s rap so I wanted to incorporate lyrics and titles in the packaging,” adds Smith. With titles such as Bonita Afro Balm, Mousse Def, Sucka Free, Fresh Rinse, and The Light, The Doux will most definitely catch the eyes of Millennials and Gen X’ers alike.

ORS Black Olive Oil Repair 7 – Healthy Hair

Regardless of hair type or texture, all women will experience a form of hair damage at some point in life. Often times, it’s a result of poor thermal and daily styling routines all for the desire to remain on hair trend while managing busy lifestyles.

For DIY home stylists, maintaining vibrant and healthy hair is often a challenge. With the introduction of Black Olive Oil Repair 7™, ORS is meeting the need for healthy hair head-on with a full maintenance line designed to moisturizer, strengthen and protect hair from future damage. This premium product line features Sulfate Free Shampoo; Rinse Out Conditioner; Leave-In Conditioner; Leave-In Treatment; and Oil Elixir–all formulated to address 7 signs of hair damage.

49118472

“We aim to meet the needs of the ever evolving home stylist with quality hair solutions that address real hair issues,” said Candace Cage, Senior Brand Manager, Namaste Laboratories, makers of ORS brand products. “The Black Olive Oil Repair 7 system revitalizes damaged hair leaving it stronger, healthier and ready for versatile styling.”

Rich in Vitamin E, anti-oxidants and Omega 3, the black olive hydrates, nourishes and protects the hair. The Repair 7 benefits include thermal protection, shine, frizz control, anti-breakage, strength, reconstruction and volume which leaves hair shiny, strong and beautiful.

49118469

ORS™ Black Olive Oil Repair 7 ™ is now available at select Target stores, on Target.com and Amazon.com.

Product Range & Key Benefits

Sulfate Free Shampoo (12.5 oz.) SRP $7.99

Thoroughly cleanses hair leaving hair feeling moisturized all while preparing hair for conditioning treatments.

Rinse Out Conditioner (12.5 oz.) SRP $8.99

Penetrates and rebuilds hair damaged by thermal styling improving overall hair health, shine and elasticity.

Leave-In Conditioner (8.5 oz.) SRP $8.99

Two phase conditioning spray that improves hair strength protects against thermal damage and adds shine and moisture. Great for use before blow drying.

Leave-In Treatment (4.5 oz.) SRP $10.99

This miracle leave-in treatment, instantly addresses the 7 signs of damage. Perfect for use after conditioning to help protect hair from environment and thermal appliances.

Oil Elixir (4.5 oz.) SRP $10.99

Highly potent oil elixir that transforms dry, damaged hair back to vibrant health. Hair instantly looks glossier, shinier and silkier.

ABOUT ORS

ORS™ (formerly Organic Root Stimulator™) is a leader in the ethnic hair care market. Trusted, true and the “original,” our hallmark is exceptional quality, performance and integrity – qualities which we employ to develop and deliver the best products for relaxed and natural hair.

Our Mission:

To meet the unmet needs of the health-conscious, style-seeking, multicultural consumer with new and natural solutions for hair, skin and body.
To be based on a philosophy of quality, performance and integrity.
To use only the highest quality of natural ingredients in our products that will be of the highest benefit to the consumers.
To extend the power of the brand to help uplift communities and support forward thinking.

Ubiquitous Hair and Health Trade Show 2015

http---cdn.evbuc.com-images-13626983-97135204895-1-original

The second annual Ubiquitous Hair and Health Trade Show, (UHHTS) Where Relaxed Meets Natural Hair, will take place in Washington, DC on August 22nd (11am-7pm) and August 23 (11am-6pm) at the Washington, DC Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001. The first and only show that speaks directly to the Relaxed and Natural Woman’s wants and needs, the Ubiquitous Woman. The trade show will consist of two days of entertainment, hair, health, beauty and lifestyle brands to inspire African American Wom​e​n.

The main stage will showcase powerhouse women to inspire and entertain:  The talent rooster includes Grammy Nominated R&B Artist, LEDISI, International R&B Singer and Author, Chanté Moore, Celebrity Hair Stylist and Star of WeTv’s LA Hair, Kim Kimble, Co-Pastor Mia Wright, of Fountain of Praise, Houston, TX, Maurette-Brown Clark, Stellar Award Winner & Gospel Recording Artist. The recipient of the 2016 Ubiquitous Woman of the Year Award is given to a woman that has made significant contribution to her community and leaves an imprint everywhere she goes. Come see who she is!

As a hot new addition in 2015, the show introduces the Ubiquitous MAN CAVE, An Experience Lounge, developed “Exclusively for Men.”  Hosted by the gorgeous songstress Chanté Moore, Author of “Will I Marry Me? Guests engage in pool, play, and relaxation on their own terms in the Man Cave.

The Exhibit Hall and Show Official Partners will boast some of the leading-edge brands in hair, health, beauty and lifestyle industries. Show Official Sponsors include Milani, ORS (formerly Organic Root Stimulator), WeTV, Luster Products, Crème of Nature, Hype Hair and Juicy Magazines, WHUR 96.3 Radio and DC Metro. The UHHTSencourages attendees to Keep DC Clean and take the Metrorail to the show. (Mt. Vernon / 7th Street & DC Convention Center Station)

 MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Ubiquitous Hair & Health Trade Show held on August 22 and August 23, 2015 at the Washington, DC Convention Center. For more information, call 888-519-7711 or visit www.ubiqutousshairandhealthtradeshow.com. Connect and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter /UbiquitousTrade. #UBITRADE2015

 ABOUT THE UBIQUITOUS HAIR & HEALTH TRADE SHOW (UHHTS)

Produced by GBL Sales, Inc., a U.S. Marketing & Sales HBA Corporation. UHHTS is the brainchild of Germaine Bold-Leftridge, President & Founder of both properties (GBL Sales, Inc. & UHHTS). Ubiquitous Hair & Health Trade Show, Where Relaxed Meets Natural, is the first and only show that speaks directly to the Relaxed and Natural Woman’s wants and needs, the UbiquitousWoman. The event will consist of two days of entertainment, hair, health, beauty and lifestyle brands to inspire African American Women.

Motions Hair – Treat & Repair {Color Care} Products

Motions has launched a new collection of hair care products.  The brand focused on healthy color treated hair with a set of cleansers and conditioners.  For an intense treatment, ladies can also purchase the deep conditioning masque for all hair types.

FullSizeRender (26)
Treat and Repair Color Care

From my experience with Motions Treat & Repair products, the shampoo helps to retain moisture without completely drying out my hair.  The conditioner works wonders (after washing) making my hair much softer than before.  I also want to share that both products smell great throughout my wash and a few days afterwards.  It was clear that a professional product was used on my tresses.

IMG_2665
Wearing a turban to protect my tresses

That’s a tip we can’t forget; there’s a lot of hair products out there but are they professional or salon quality?  Trust me ladies, that makes a difference in the health, styling, and growth of your hair.  Although it’s easy to grab a $3 dollar masque while picking up medicine, love your hair and help it to look it’s best.

Motions products can be purchased at your local beauty supply store.

[youtube height=”480″ width=”853″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF59em6Xd6U[/youtube]

sponsored post

Healthy Hair Affair 2012

For those that love all things concerning hair and politics, we have a treat for you!  The Congressional Black Caucus and Annual Legislative Conference is scheduled for dates September 23 – 26, 2012 in Washington D.C.  There will be a variety of galas, receptions, and even a panel discussion held by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce.

 

But along with so many political, social and economic focused events, Lyssa Hargrove and Shawne Morgan are also hosting The Healthy Hair Affair (meetup) event on September 22, 2012.   During The Healthy Hair Affair participants will address the politics behind hair, what is “good hair” versus “bad hair”, how can we make healthy hair decisions, and encourage women of color to “embrace” their hair.

Most importantly, the event is geared towards ALL hair types (whether you are relaxed or natural.)  There will also be door prizes, vendors, a photo booth, and CELEBRITY GUEST!

 

 ABOUT THE HOST:

 

 

Lyssa Hargrove is a former Hill staffer who has navigated the CBC ALC event on several occasions and has planned educational workshops for her boss, Congressman Charles Rangel of New York City. She is familiar with the planning and coordination of the entire CBC ALC weekend. In addition to being a wife, mother, daughter of a NYC hairstylist, & professional, Lyssa is a regular blogger for multiple blogs, and also a lover of all things hair.

 

 

Shawne Morgan is a wife, mother, attorney & owner of It’s Yours! Hair Company selling premium human hair worldwide for over 11 years. She has styled natural hair for over 15 years and has conducted styling and business workshops across the country. Shawne was also a contestant on the CBS show, Amazing Race – Season 16. She’s passionate about empowering and assisting women in discovering those things that truly make them happy.

 

JOIN THE FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES: HEALTHY HAIR AFFAIR

 

LOCATION:  

Historic Atlas Theater

In the H Street Corridor

Washington D.C.