How to Successfully Use A Conditioner As a Styler

Too often we hear folks telling us to not do this and not do that and often it is never harmful to your hair. Despite that, some curly girl know-it-alls who have only their hair in mind still feel the need to judge. Well, no judgment here. Know that it is ok to follow the rules but sometimes the rules just do not apply to your curls. Mth333 has already figured that out but despite her new way of dealing with her hair, she’s had some hiccups and asked for help in Curly Q&A.

Question

[I am] using conditioner as styler. My hairdresser taught me to leave my conditioner and smooth my hair with it (use it as styler”>, but I noticed that I started scratching my scalp a lot. Why? I use deva curl conditioner.

Answer

Using a conditioner (such as a leave-in conditioner or a daily conditioner”> as a styler is used by many curlies. My sister and daughter do it all the time. The conditioner does define my curls better than any styler and keeps them moisturized after I’ve sealed with an oil. I add gel to give me second and third day hair, as it keeps my curls from frizzing. The key to this method working is application and conditioner. Here are some tips that may help you with your itchy scalp.

You may need one cleansing conditioner and one leave-in conditioner

The ingredient list with the DevaCurl line is awesome but that does not mean it will work for everyone’s hair. We are all unique with special needs for our hair and scalp, and while all DevaCurl conditioners are for cleansing and conditioning they can be applied to stay in after cleansing and rinsing. Maybe you need a different conditioner to stay in after cleansing since something in the DevaCurl conditioner may be affecting your scalp. Now, the conditioner you choose to use in leave-in conditioner does not need to be a traditional leave-in conditioner, but it should have different ingredients from the DevaCurl to try and narrow down what’s bothering your scalp.

Try not to put it on your scalp

If you love this conditioner and it works for you other than the itchy scalp then do not apply it to your scalp. Hair conditioners can contribute to buildup so steer clear of your. You may be creating buildup on your scalp when you apply it, so make sure to leave 1-2 in. of space from the scalp.

Trial and error will be your guide

It took years for me to find out which rinse-out conditioners work wonders for me. I‘ve tried a few and ended up loving SheaMoisture. First, I was using the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner and loved it until they created the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner. I’ve been using that ever since and love it as my leave-in. I do not keep it off my scalp because I haven’t had any issues with it making my scalp itch. On second and third day hair I merely spritz my hair with my distilled water and lavender oil mix and fluff and I have been leaving a daily conditioner in my hair for over two years with no issues to date and have even controlled a nasty dandruff problem using this method too.

Using a rinse out conditioner as a leave-in depends on the type of conditioner (I would advise a botanical one”> and your scalp and hair preference. If these tips help with our itchy scalp, then you are well onto your way to healthy and happy hair.

Do you use a rinse-out or leave-in conditioner as your styler and if so which ones?