Why Using a Proper Conditioner Protects the Hair
Hair has “plaques” which are like petals on a flower. When the hair is hydrated and covered with sebum, the plaques lay flat and smooth. If the sebum is removed by harsh shampoos or not replaced by a conditioner after shampooing, these plaques open up like a Christmas tree. When that happens, the hair tends to matt, dulls in color, dehydrates, and no longer protects skin properly.
This is one of the reasons why conditioners should always be used after shampooing. You wouldn’t just shampoo and not condition you own hair, would you? Applying a good hydrating conditioner and using correct grooming techniques will help maintain a healthy beautiful hair shaft.
How the Hair Shaft Is Built
Each hair has a protective outer layer called the cuticle, made of overlapping scales (the “plaques” described above). Underneath is the cortex, which gives the hair its strength, elasticity and color. When the cuticle lies flat and is coated in sebum, it reflects light, holds moisture in the cortex, and lets strands slide past each other.
Signs the Hair Cuticle Is Damaged
- The coat looks dull or faded, even right after a bath
- Hair feels rough, dry or straw-like
- Tangles and mats form quickly, even with regular brushing
- Static and flyaways after drying
- Ends break or split, and the coat will not grow to its normal length
How the Right Conditioner Repairs and Protects Hair
- Replaces the sebum removed during shampooing so the cuticle can lie flat
- Hydrates the cortex so hair stays elastic instead of brittle
- Adds slip so strands do not catch on each other and mat
- Restores shine and natural color
Using Conditioner Correctly
- Condition after every shampoo, without exception.
- Dilute concentrated Iv San Bernard conditioners about 1 part product to 3 parts water.
- Work it through the coat down to the skin.
- Leave it on for about 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Match the conditioner to the coat. See when to use a conditioner.
Explore our conditioners, masks and PEKs and the coat restoration collection. Related reading: clipper-free dematting and why replace the sebum layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog’s coat look dull after a bath?
A dull coat after bathing usually means the shampoo removed the sebum and the hair cuticle has opened up. Conditioning after every shampoo helps the cuticle lie flat and restores shine.
Does conditioner help prevent matting?
Yes. Conditioner smooths the hair cuticle and adds slip so strands slide past each other instead of catching and forming mats.
Do dogs really need conditioner?
Yes. Even gentle shampoos remove natural oils. A hydrating conditioner replaces them so the hair stays healthy and continues to protect the skin.