Can You Put Lotion in Your Hair

Can you put lotion in your hair

There are numerous options for hair care products to put in your hair. Of course, we know about the basic shampoo and conditioner, but what about lotion? Let’s find out whether you can put lotion in your hair and just what exactly can happen if you do.

Can You Put Lotion in Your Hair?

The answer is yes, you can! Though it’s best to keep in mind that putting lotion in one’s hair is best reserved as a last-minute resort. Lotion can be used as a good alternative for conditioner, especially in emergency situations.

However, it is important to note that using lotion consistently on the hair and scalp may not be beneficial for all hair types and the specific type of lotion you use can make a significant difference.

Lotion vs. Hair Lotion

If you’re not aware, please know that there is actually such a thing as hair lotion, which is specifically designed for use on the scalp. It is often confused with generic styling cream, hair lotion is generally slightly lighter in order to allow for hair to sit in the mixture for days and also hold specific, often vintage, hairstyles together.

Hair lotion is different from lotion which in most cases is used to describe or used interchangeably with body lotion.

Lotion vs. Conditioner

While applying lotion on the hair can be effective, provided it is the right kind of lotion, it might not be suitable for every hair type. Specifically, thin hair with low volume may not do very well with lotion because it can weigh the hair down. Overall, lotion can be used on the go to tame and moisturize the hair and in emergencies, you can also use it in the shower. Both lotion and hair conditioner contain ingredients that are targeted towards moisture.

Such ingredients include shea butter, glycerin, and lactic acid, which do infuse moisture. Both lotion and conditioner should be used in sparring amounts, but the key difference comes down to pH levels. In particular, hand lotions and gentle facial lotions can be used on the hair. However, it is always best to consult a professional stylist, doctor, or simply be vigilant about the ingredient list, before using.

What Will Happen if You Put Lotion in Your Hair?

Using lotion in your hair can either be very beneficial or a bad mistake. It mostly depends on the type of ingredients in the lotion and the amount you use. Too much lotion and the hair can become greasy and crunchy. If this is the case, it is mostly because the lotion contains drying chemicals. However, when used correctly, with a light lotion either for conditioner, hair repair, or styling, hair can come out feeling renewed.

 Can You Put Lotion in Your Hair for Dandruff?

Yes, you can. Lotion can help relieve the dryness, itchiness, and discomfort of dandruff. Dandruff is a common problem among both men and women. The skin on the scalp becomes dry and irritated, causing flaking and itchiness, so, there are various options for moisturizing the scalp. 

However, do not use thick and heavily scented lotions, as they contain chemicals that can cause premature aging and essentially bleach the hair. Ingredients play a key role in deciding which lotions to use on your hair. In particular, lotions that contain dry alcohols or mineral oils can cause brittleness in the hair and breakage.

In fact, it is best to use facial lotions or hand creams. Shea butter and vegetable-based lotions are also good for rehydrating the hair and scalp. Shea butter has historically been applied to decrease dandruff in the hair and scalp for centuries. Other vegetable-based lotions and/or lotions with natural ingredients are filled with significant benefits and can be used as well. In addition, such lotions are much gentler on the hair and scalp.

Can You Put Lotion in Your Hair for Dry Scalp?

Incidentally, just as lotion can be used to decrease dandruff, it can also help with dry scalp. However, using lotion, at least traditional lotion, should be a last resort because not all lotions will be beneficial. Some lotions can be too light to be effective or too heavy and in turn too oily on the scalp. In other words, moisturizer cannot guarantee full recovery for a dry scalp.

Although there are many other hair treatments meant for dry scalp conditions, specific lotions can be used in small doses. Ideally, a facial moisturizer can be used on the ends, which will temporarily soothe the scalp.

Can You Put Baby Lotion in Your Hair?

We’ve so far discussed the importance and need for lotions to be gentle and the importance of natural ingredients in lotions, another great option may be to apply baby lotion. The scalp is one of the most sensitive areas of the body. Baby lotion’s inherent gentle formula can help to combat scalp or hair dryness, as well as frizziness.

How to Properly Apply Lotion to Hair 

If using lotion on the hair is necessary, it is important to know the appropriate way to apply it. This will help you to avoid creating more problems instead of solutions. No matter the type of lotion, only a very small amount should be used. The amount should be roughly the size of a pea and carefully applied in dabbing motions on the dehydrated area. Each of the affected spots on the scalp receives its own pea-sized quantity of lotion. If leaving it overnight, a shower and/or sleeping cap could prevent any staining or dispersion of the product.

It’s important to keep the lotion within the dry area. After the lotion has been applied, gently rub it in circular motions and then put on the cap and let it sit overnight. In the morning, you can rinse the lotion out of your hair in the same routine in which you use shampoo and conditioner. Afterward, if the scalp is still somewhat dry, you can try applying a little bit more the next time.

Can You Style Your Hair with Lotion?

Lotion is not just have used for dandruff and dry scalp, but can also be used for last-minute styling. Don’t have your normal styling cream? No worries, because light facial lotion can come in really handy. Not only can it tame frizz, but it can also be used to slick back ponytails, smooth out the bumpy strands in your half-up style, mold vintage-themed hairstyles, and take care of baby hairs and flyaways.

Can You Put Body Lotion in Your Hair?

Body lotion is obviously great for the skin on the body. However, body lotions are not the best products to use on the hair and scalp. Because of synthetic and fragrance chemicals in the lotions, body lotion is essentially ineffective for the roots of the hair. Unless you are using small sparing amounts to lightly fragrance the hair in a pinch, the only thing using body lotion on the hair and scalp will do is cause greasiness.

Additionally, regularly applying body lotion as close to the temple area can potentially cause hair to fall out along the hairline. Such instances of regular application are usually used in shaving and makeup treatments, so be careful to avoid using in a daily regime, or you’ll be eradicating more hair than you actually want.

Conclusion

So it’s clear that you can use lotion in the moment if absolutely needed. However, it is also important to understand how the different types of lotions can differentially impact the hair and scalp, as well as how your hair type is affected.

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