KEMA Column
"I'm using a good treatment, but my hair doesn't feel as different as I expected." Have you ever felt this way? You might wonder if you should switch to something more expensive, or if the product just doesn't suit your hair. Before you worry, there is one thing I want you to reconsider: the "way you use it."
Although treatment might seem like a simple process of applying and rinsing, there are actually five small steps involved: "draining excess water before application," "amount," "how you work it in," "waiting time," and "rinsing." Each step is simple, but getting them right can change the way even the same treatment feels when your hair is finished. These are all things you can try from your bath tonight, so please be sure to read until the end.
What you will learn in this article
- The difference between rinses, conditioners, and treatments
- 5 steps to bring out the full power of your treatment
- How to choose a KEMA treatment that fits your hair type
- Common bad habits and frequently asked questions
Table of Contents
- A quick breakdown: The differences between rinses, conditioners, and treatments
- Step 1: Thoroughly drain water before applying
- Step 2: Use the "product label" as a guide for amount
- Step 3: Work it in from the ends
- Step 4: Longer is not always better for waiting time
- Step 5: Rinse until the slipperiness is gone
- Black or White: Which one should you choose?
- For daily finishing care – KEMA-tin
- Common bad habits
- Frequently asked questions :
A quick breakdown: The differences between rinses, conditioners, and treatments
Before we talk about how to use them, let's clarify the differences between the three, as they are often confused. Simply put, the difference lies in "where they act on the hair."
| Type | Primary Role | Where it acts |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse/Conditioner | Smooths the surface of the hair and improves manageability | Mainly the hair surface |
| Treatment/Hair Mask | Delivers moisture and repair ingredients into the hair | From inside to the surface of the hair |
※Terminology and product design vary by manufacturer. "Hair masks" and "hair packs" are generally terms used for treatments intended for more intensive care.
When using both a treatment and a conditioner, the general order is "Shampoo → Treatment → Conditioner." Think of it as filling the inside first, then smoothing and sealing the surface. However, please follow any specific instructions provided by the product.
Step 1: Thoroughly drain water before applying
Now for the main point. The first step happens "before" you even take the treatment in your hands. Your hair is saturated with water immediately after rinsing out shampoo. If you apply treatment while it's this wet, the product gets diluted and will slide off rather than staying on your hair. It’s a waste of a good treatment.
After rinsing out your shampoo, sandwich your hair between both hands and gently squeeze out the water from top to bottom. Avoid twisting or wringing your hair like a rag, as this causes damage. If you have time, blotting your hair with a towel before application makes the product blend in even better.
Step 2: Use the "product label" as a guide for amount
Treatments are not more effective the more you apply. Too much causes heaviness and stickiness, while too little leads to uneven results.
First, check the recommended amount on the package. Use that as a baseline, and adjust according to the length, volume, and level of damage of your hair. Your goal is for the product to reach every strand evenly, leaving your hair feeling smooth when you run your fingers through it. If you have particularly damaged ends, it is also recommended to apply a little extra to those areas.
Step 3: Work it in from the ends
There is also a trick to the order of application. After spreading the treatment on your palms, start by applying it to the ends, where damage is most accumulated, and move toward the mid-lengths. Do not apply to the roots or scalp. The roots consist of healthy, newly grown hair that doesn't need as much treatment, and applying it there can lead to stickiness and reduced volume.
1Spread over your entire palm
Spread it well between both hands before applying to your hair to ensure it doesn't clump in one spot.
2Work in by "squeezing" from the ends toward the middle
Cup your hair in your palms and gently squeeze to work the product in. This ensures better coverage than just smoothing it over the surface.
3Comb through starting from the ends with a wide-toothed comb
Combing distributes the product evenly across every strand. Wet hair is delicate, so start by gently detangling from the ends.
Step 4: Longer is not always better for waiting time
Every treatment is designed with an optimal "waiting time." If you rinse it off immediately, there isn't enough time for it to absorb. However, that doesn't mean leaving it on for 30 or 60 minutes increases the effect. It is best to follow the time written on the product. For example, KEMA's Crema Treatment Black is designed to sit for about 5 minutes.
A tip while you wait
While you wait, wrapping your hair in a towel soaked in warm water and wrung out, or wearing a shower cap, keeps the hair warm and damp, which helps the treatment absorb better. Waiting while you soak in the tub is also a great method.
Incidentally, the "moist heat care" KEMA recommends for salons comes from the same idea of using heat and moisture to your advantage. At home, you can easily incorporate this concept with just a steamed towel.
