A beauty expert has stated that many women make at least one of the five most common mistakes when washing their hair, including using too little or too much hair care products, not applying the products correctly, and using the wrong type of conditioner.
Martina Kralikova explained that making mistakes with conditioner can ruin your hair, while applying it correctly will make your strands look healthier than ever. Here are the key mistakes she warned against, according to the British newspaper Mirror:
**Applying Conditioner to the Wrong Area**
It may seem obvious to some people, but you should never apply conditioner to your hair roots, as this can make your hair greasy and very flat. Instead, apply the product only from the mid-lengths to the ends, which are older and thus the driest part of your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it with cold water.
**Using the Wrong Product**
Martina states that there is an endless list of conditioners available on the market, but choosing the wrong type for your hair can harm its health. Lightweight conditioners work best with fine hair, whereas a deep moisturizing mask can weigh down thicker hair—although it is full of natural oils that can be important for other hair types.
**Using the Wrong Amount**
We all know that it's important to use conditioner to maintain our hair's health, but overusing it can also be detrimental. Martina says that excessive use of conditioner will "cause product buildup," which in turn will make your hair look greasy. The amount you will need depends on your hair type and length.
**Not Waiting Long Enough**
According to Martina, conditioner should not be rinsed out immediately; instead, it should be left on the hair for at least a few minutes to allow it to penetrate. On the other hand, deep conditioning masks should be left on for between 10 and 30 minutes, ideally with a shower cap to keep the hair in place.
**Leaving Conditioner Residue in the Hair**
Leaving some conditioner in the hair can lead to "greasy and dirty-looking" strands, so make sure to properly rinse out all the product when washing it out.
