Backfill question: what is the difference between a balm and a hair conditioner

If you are an adept at proper hair care, then you probably follow the rules: first shampoo, and then conditioner or hair rinse, and once a week a mask. But many people think about the difference between a balm and a hair conditioner. Let’s try to figure it out with the help of our experts.

Balm and hair conditioner – is it the same thing or not?

The question that worries those who use balm or hair conditioner after shampoo is not at all idle – what is the difference between these two products. They seem to be similar, they make combing equally easy, but they are called differently. In terms of functionality, the products are generally the same. So it makes no sense to look for a balm or a conditioner for yourself, the main thing is to pay attention to the composition and purpose of the product (moisturizing, nourishing, smoothing, etc.).

However, compilers of cosmetic dictionaries still find some conditional differences.

Hair balm, also known as a conditioner, is a remedy for improving the condition and structure of hair. Its tasks include:

  • restore elasticity;

  • give hair shine;

  • remove static electricity.

The product contains nutritional and antistatic additives, special film-forming components.

The air conditioner does the same. But, according to some experts, the difference between a balm and a hair conditioner is that the former is in contact with the hair for a longer time and has a more pronounced effect on the hair. Balms are produced in the form of masks, emulsions, fluids, oils.

And their main difference from air conditioners is that they contain active ingredients in a higher concentration.

The main ingredients of balms and conditioners:

  • ceramides;

  • oil;

  • proteins;

  • amino acids;

  • plant extracts;

  • peptides;

  • vitamins.

However, these differences are rather theoretical. However, balms, unlike conditioners, can be washed off and indelible. And if everything is clear with washable ones, then indelible ones can be applied to both wet and dry hair and, accordingly, are not washed off. They are recommended to be used for complex intensive hair care if they:

  • hard;

  • dry;

  • injured (thermal damage);

  • curly (they are always porous and dry);

  • painted (damaged and with voids).

The task of such a balm is to fill the voids, soften the hair, make the strands soft and manageable. With our test, try to understand what extra care your curls need.

What is the difference between balm and hair conditioner

The answer to the question of how the balm differs from the conditioner and conditioner, we have already given above. It makes no sense to rack your brains, it’s the same thing except for the words on the label. There are no significant differences between these tools. They are both rich in nourishing and moisturizing ingredients, and the tasks before them are the same.

Then the question arises, which is better, conditioner or hair balm, and what are they for? The most important thing is that the product matches the needs of your hair. But let’s try to find the nuances.

Task

The task of the balm is to saturate the hair with nourishing ingredients and at the same time help in solving a number of related tasks (moisturizing, smoothing, etc.)

The #1 challenge for hair conditioner, according to our expert dermatologist Maria Nevskaya, – remove static electricity and facilitate combing.

Effect

The effect of the use of these cosmetics is visually the same. Hair looks shiny, even, smooth and does not split.

Scope

Both products are used for hair care after shampoo. They are distributed along the entire length of the strands, left for 1-2 minutes and then washed off. With the exception of leave-in balms, which often protect against high temperatures during drying and styling. We have a separate article about them.

Frequency of use

Balm or conditioner is used after each shampoo. Can the balm and conditioner be used at the same time? Rather not worth it. Just do not forget, based on the condition of the hair, to apply one of these products after shampooing.

Balm and conditioner: which is better to choose and can it be used at the same time?

It makes no sense to limit the search to a balm or conditioner. It all depends on the purpose of care and the effectiveness of a particular product, pay attention to the type of hair and the functionality of the product, no matter how it is called.

However, experts note that balms are more often used to care for weakened, damaged, dry hair. Perhaps we expect more intensive and thorough care from a product with this name. In addition, the cosmetic form of the balm can be different – emulsion, mask, fluid. These balms not only make the hair easier to comb and soft, but can also strengthen the roots and add elasticity to the hair.

Conditioners are associated with faster care. Their main task is to neutralize static electricity (conditioner molecules have a positive charge, hair is negative), this helps to connect the cuticle scales and smooth the hair, making it more manageable and shiny.

Without conditioner or conditioner, hair often feels rough, electrified, and difficult to style. Since the balm and conditioner overlap in many ways, it makes no sense to use both products. Any rinse aid will do, choose the one you feel most comfortable using.

Review of the best conditioners and balms

We offer a rating of the best, according to the editors of Healthy-Food, products for use after shampoo.

Conditioner for hair shine Dercos Nutrients Vitamin, Vichy

Formulated with aloe vera and energizing acai berries, it gives hair a boost of vitamins and hydration, filling it with vitality and shine.

Balm “Luxury 6 oils. Glossy shine” for hair lacking shine, L’Oréal Paris

The formula of the balm contains an elixir of 6 precious micro-oils of rare colors, supplemented with French rose extract. This active complex nourishes the hair along the entire length, transforming it, smoothing it and giving it a delightful glossy shine. After using the balm, a veil of delicate and sophisticated floral aroma remains. The creamy texture spreads easily through the hair, gently envelops and rinses off well without weighing it down.

Botanic Therapy Argan Oil & Cranberry Radiance Balm Conditioner, Garnier

The balm conditioner contains argan oil for softness and shine, and cranberry for radiant color. Judging by user reviews, the product not only retains color, but also nourishes and protects curls along the entire length.

Balm “Rose and geranium. Radiance Elixir” for colored and dull hair with rose petal extract, Botanicals Fresh Care, L’Oréal Paris

The balm is enriched with geranium flower oil, rose petal extract, coconut and soybean oils. Restores shine to hair, making it smoother, more manageable and easy to comb.

Express conditioner “Double elixir. Color Expert” for colored or highlighted hair, L’Oréal Paris

Protective conditioner for colored or highlighted hair with linseed oil and intensive Shine Care Serum provides color radiance, enhances shine, instantly gives hair smoothness and a well-groomed look without weighing it down. Shake the bottle well before use. Spray all over damp or dry hair to soften dry ends and make combing easier. The product is suitable for daily use.

Firming conditioner Fructis Goji. Lasting color, Garnier

Formulated specifically for color-treated or highlighted hair, this balm conditioner actively restores it and helps maintain color vibrancy and shine. Goji berry extract strengthens and nourishes hair. Polyphenols protect against free radicals. Hair after dyeing remains bright and radiant for up to 10 weeks. The active fruit concentrate makes hair stronger, denser and shinier day after day.

Laminating balm “Color Expert” for colored or highlighted hair Elseve, L’Oréal Paris

It has an effect similar to the lamination procedure in a beauty salon. But the balm is still a home care product, not a professional one. Nevertheless, the effect of laminating strands occurs due to the action of a special elixir based on red peony. The tool works in three directions:

  1. retains color for a long time, prevents washing out;

  2. fills the hair with incredible shine, gives the color a large palette of overflows;

  3. restores and nourishes the hair, fills it with vitality, makes it elastic and silky.

The lamination effect preserves the brightness of the color of dyed hair for up to 10 weeks.

Conditioner to maintain the color of dyed hair with sunflower oil Sunflower Color Preserving Conditioner, Kiehl’s

The conditioner, enriched with sunflower oil, intensively nourishes the hair, protects it from fading, prevents dryness and dullness.

Summary results

How does hair balm work?

The action of a hair balm can be compared to a moisturizing facial after washing. Thoroughly cleansed with shampoo and tap water, strands often lose their softness and seem lifeless. Balm is an additional nutrition and hydration for hair after cleansing, as well as smoothing, increasing volume, maintaining color, etc. Be sure to use such a product after each shampoo. Read more about the effect of balms here.

What is the difference between hair balm and conditioner?

There is no fundamental difference between them. Choose a product that, paired with a shampoo, will give your hair exactly the care it needs. Focus on functionality.

How often should I use a balm or hair conditioner?

Every time after shampooing. To facilitate combing, to give hair softness and shine, nourish them with useful ingredients.

Leave a Reply