Dry lifeless hair is usually a consequence of environmental exposure, the use of hot hair dryers and irons. Moisturizing balms help neutralize this effect and restore beauty and smoothness to the hair. We will talk about how to choose this product and use it correctly in this article.
Description of composition
The ingredients of the composition of the moisturizing balm can be conditionally divided into 2 types - those that wash off the remnants of shampoo (that is, surfactants are surfactants, they are contained in a smaller amount), as well as components that provide direct moisture to the hair. Among them, the most common are the following.
- Hydrolyzed keratin, the use of which allows you to fill the voids in the structure of the hair. Keratin is the substance that hair cells are made of. With insufficient moisture, keratin literally “leaves” the hair, leaving “holes”. This makes them dry and brittle. The hydrolyzed keratin formula solves this problem.
- Base oil (jojoba, olive, organ and other oils of plant origin) also works to restore the structure of the hair, nourishes, creates a protective coating on the surface of the hair.
- Lanolin - A substance that moisturizes hair from the inside helps fight split ends and dry ends.
- Vitamins (the most popular are vitamins A, E, B, PP) help to accelerate the regeneration processes, improve the condition of the hair.
- Plant extracts (more often than others, in the composition you can find extract of chamomile, willow bark, birch, etc.)
In order for these beneficial substances to penetrate the hair, silicone is added to the balms. This ingredient reveals flakes, lifts them. The use of silicone is a necessary measure, therefore, if possible, it is necessary to reduce the negative effect of silicone on hair, provided that its effect is maintained.
For this, higher-quality moisturizing compositions use volatile silicones.
If the balm contains hydrophilic and lipophilic silicones, the product helps fill the voids in the hair structure and is suitable for very dry and damaged strands. The only thing to remember when using these balms is do not allow them to get on the scalp.
Once every 1.5-2 weeks, it is recommended to use a deep cleansing shampoo or scrub for the scalp.
Featured Products
Depending on the principle of action, the following types of moisturizing hair balms can be distinguished.
- Rinse conditioner. Its purpose is to wash off the remnants of the funds used before it, smooth out the hair, ensure their easy combing, silkiness.
- Conditioner balm. This tool closes the scales of the hair, thereby preserving moisture and nutrients inside the hair shaft. In addition, the tool protects the strands from the negative impact of the external environment, prevents their tangling. There are indelible two-phase products - they are applied to the hair in a small amount and only on the tips. The hair should be wet. Rinse off such a composition is not necessary.
- Cream Balm. The tool can be called "first aid" for dry damaged curls. It penetrates the structure of the hair, moisturizes it and closes the hair scales, as if sealing the useful components inside the hair. In addition, a thin protective film is formed on the outside of the latter, which reduces the negative impact of the environment.
If we talk about the compositions, then we can separately distinguish organic balms. Among their ingredients are no chemical components, a high content of natural oils, phytocomponents, vitamins and minerals.
Speaking about specific brands, moisturizing Sea-buckthorn balm for dry damaged tips from the Natura Siberica brand. Pronounced hydration of the hair is achieved due to the presence of argan, sea buckthorn and flax in the oils. And saturation of hair with minerals and vitamins becomes possible thanks to plant extracts of snow cladonia and roses.
In addition to moisturizing, the product demonstrates the protection of the hair from the outside - it seals the tips and forms a protective layer on the surface of the hair. Ideal for hair overdried as a result of using hair dryers, irons, frequent dyeing.
Democratic in value and worthy in quality can be called Revivor balm from the Belita manufacturer from Belarus. The tool moisturizes the locks, provides their easy combing, prevents the manifestation of static electricity.
Is popular Liquid Silk Balm from Gliss Kur. The product contains plant extracts and liquid keratins, which provides a powerful moisturizing effect. According to reviews of some users, the tool is suitable for restoring and moisturizing even heavily damaged strands.
If you are looking for an effective organic hair moisturizing balm, you should take a closer look to Planeta Organica products. The balm is called “Restorative” and contains lavender oil, phytoextracts of oregano, marjoram, mallow and rosemary. He saves overdried curls, restoring their shine and bestowing volume. According to some users, this tool copes with dryness better than more expensive moisturizing masks.
Another balm that does not contain chemical ingredients is presented in the Baikal Herbals line. It contains only organic oils and extracts of Siberian herbs.Users note the effectiveness of the product - weakened hair breaks less, becomes smoother, more vibrant, and does not get tangled. The tool has a fairly thick consistency, which provides a more gentle consumption.
If you need not only to fill your hair with moisture, but also to give them a luxurious look in a short time, you should pay attention to cream cream Master Herb brand from TianDe. According to users, after applying the cream-balm, the condition of the curls improves so much that it seems as if an expensive salon procedure of lamination was made.
In many ways, this is the merit of the plant complex as part of the product. Among the active ingredients in it are thyme, rosemary, alfalfa, ginseng.
A pronounced moisturizing effect is demonstrated by professional balms. They can be purchased in specialized stores for hairdressers or beauty salons. Consider the most popular of them.
- Matrix Oil Wonders Oil Conditioner. The tool is especially useful for very dry hair, since most of the composition is argan oil. It does not contain silicones, actively moisturizes the locks, makes them smooth and shiny. It is sold in a tube, which provides a more economical consumption of the product.
- Estel Haute Couture. It has a pronounced moisturizing effect, helps fill the hollow sections of the hair, which makes the hair more healthy and strong. Facilitates combing, provides protection against UV rays. This balm is recommended for colored strands, as it prevents the pigment from being washed out of the hair, moisturizes bleached hair well (as you know, fair hair is most prone to dryness due to its hollow structure).
How to choose?
Choose a moisturizer in accordance with the type of hair. At the same time, the opinion that oily hair does not need hydration is erroneous. They also lose moisture and they need to be replenished, it’s better to refuse some of the ingredients in the balm for this type of scalp.
Pay attention to the composition - the more organic components it contains, the better. Ideally, it should be herbal extracts, natural oils, vitamins and minerals, but silicones, alcohol and parabens are not the best care for dry hair. They further draw moisture from the hair shaft.
The structure of the balm should be viscous, uniform. The balm should not be too liquid. A sharp chemical smell is a reason to refuse to buy, as well as too strong, albeit a pleasant aroma. Most likely, the composition of the product contains many fragrances and fragrances. Ideally, the balm should have a mild and natural (plant) smell.
When choosing even an organic balm, you should remember that any component may cause an allergic reaction. That is, even the most natural and safe composition can be dangerous in case of individual intolerance to one or another component.
When reading the composition, it should be remembered that in the first place are those ingredients whose concentration is maximum in the balm. The farther the component is from the beginning of the composition list, the lower its content in the product. Choose those products in which the main care components (oils, keratin, plant extracts) are located at the beginning or middle of the list of ingredients.
If your hairstyle is well-groomed and not badly damaged, a conditioner balm is suitable for it. It will help smooth hair, make it easier to comb. If you need a more moisturizing effect, choose a conditioner balm that provides a deeper penetration of active substances. This tool can also be recommended to those who often use a hairdryer, curling irons, tongs. Finally, for very dry hair, a cream-balm is recommended (some manufacturers call such a balm-mask).
To get the best effect, it is advisable to use the entire care series - mask, shampoo, balm.Moreover, it is recommended to choose the means of one manufacturer and a series.
How to use?
At first glance, using a moisturizing balm is nothing complicated. However, even high-quality products may not benefit the health of the hair if used improperly.
The balm is applied to shampoo washed with wet locks. At the same time, they should be slightly squeezed out and blotted with a towel.
Otherwise, the balm simply drains through the hair, not having time to get inside.
The tool is applied with a slight indent from the roots. The distribution of balsam on the scalp is unacceptable. From this, the locks may look greasy, styling will not hold volume. Finally, balm can cause blockages in the pores of the scalp. For this zone, special masks should be selected.
It is not necessary to maintain the balm on the hair longer than the time specified by the manufacturer. This will not provide better absorption of nutrients into the hair structure (they have already penetrated there for the period indicated on the product label).
Reviews
Positive feedback is received Estel balms. Despite the higher cost compared to many products from the mass market, these compositions quickly restore even severely damaged and overdried hair.
If we talk about more affordable products, we can highlight a series of clean line balms. Even experts note the "correctness" of the brand product formula. The content of permitted inorganic ingredients is within normal limits, the content of natural ingredients is high. If we talk about the specific balm of this manufacturer, then buyers give high marks Birch balsam based on birch sap.
Belorussian balm Revivor is also steadily becoming a leader, gaining a large number of positive reviews from customers. Most of them note an amazing combination of price and quality of the product. 450 ml jars last for a long time, while the product moisturizes the strands, significantly improves their condition, and facilitates combing.
About why balm is needed and how to use it, see the next video.