Budget-Friendly Haircare Part 3: How to Hack Conditioners

 Part 1 was about how to tailor shampoos to your needs and respect any budget with style. We can do that with conditioners too. You are not limited to the product as it comes in the bottle. What!? Too boring. Switch on the creativity!

Here are some of the things we can do at the time you use the product - add to a single use only:

1) Make a conditioner richer/improve conditioning and detangling. Add a small drop of Avocado, Jojoba, Coconut, Sweet almond, Grapeseed oil - or your favorite oil. [Tiny drops unless you use lots of conditioner, or your hair really soaks up oils]. If you don't buy hair oils, but you have some vegetable oil or soy oil - those are fine too. Hair can be picky about oils, some experimenting is necessary. Bonus: Include something from Step #3 or #4 as well.

2) Make a conditioner lighter. Shake up a small amount of conditioner with water in a squeeze-top container before applying. Then wash out the container well.

3) Increase hydration: Add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon (about 1 ml) Honey, Glycerin, or Sugar, dissolved in 1 teaspoon water (5ml) to your conditioner.

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4) Commercial additives that can do almost anything: There are quite a few of these available! HairLabs is designed to be added to an entire bottle of their brand of shampoo or conditioner. But you can also add a drop or 2 or 3 to a single use for a "bespoke" product. 

HairLab Shine Boost: (Hydroxypropyltrimonium lemon protein) - Shine, hydration.

HairLab Scalp Reset: (Glycerin, Mannitol, Algae extract - for scalp health and hydration) 

HairLab Moisture Boost: (Glycerin, Panthenol - for hydration)

HairLab Anti-Frizz: (Hydroxypropyltrimonium Rice Protein) - Shine, hydration.

HairLab Curl Define: (Polyquaternium-11, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract [Flax Extract], Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Extract). This reduces frizz and defines curls.

Aminotouch Natural Pure Protein Treatment: (Hydrolyzed Collagen and Keratin). Small to medium, bond-stabilizing proteins!

Pantene Pro-V “Hydrate” Mix-In: (Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol, Histidine/amino acid) - also Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, a conditioner based on protein and silicone. Detangling and hydrating power!

Pantene Pro-V “Shine” Mix-In: (Hydrolyzed Silk, Panthenol) - also Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, a conditioner based on protein and silicone. Detangling and hydrating power!

Pantene “Curl Booster” shot: (Glutamic acid/ amino acid, Hydrolyzed keratin, Panthenol, Histidine/amino acid, Shea butter) - also Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, a conditioner based on protein and silicone. Detangling and hydrating power!

😎 This mix-and-use isn't such a hassle. I heard you thinking that.

Keep a little (unbreakable) saucer or measuring cup conveniently near the shower. Right where you need it to mix this up before getting in the shower. Rinse the cup when you're done and it's ready for next time.

5) Bond-Repair for Damaged Hair: For sure! Add Sugar, Honey or Glycerin to your SHAMPOO or CONDITIONER. See #3. You can add more if that works. Experimenting is necessary. Also - see this post for a Bond-Repair rinse to use before shampooing or after. Many of the additives (above) contain proteins or humectants that also help with Bond-Repair.

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