Liquid crystals: what they are and how to use them on hair
Do you love having your hair always in order, straight, disciplined and styled? So today we will reveal to you a precious ally that you will no longer be able to do without: liquid crystals. You will be able to say goodbye to frizz forever and feel free to create any hairstyle, with the certainty of having healthy, shiny hair ... fabulous!
Want an idea? Here's how to make natural waves on your hair the easy way. Watch the tutorial in this video.
What are liquid crystals?
If we wanted to give a scientific explanation to the term liquid crystals, we would say that they are an intermediate state of matter between that of a crystalline solid and that of a liquid.
Liquid crystals for cosmetic use, on the other hand, have an oily texture that is deposited on the hair fibers, improving their appearance. In essence, liquid crystals, unlike other products, do not enter the hair structure, but remain on the surface. to polish and smooth the fibers.
Liquid crystals had literally depopulated a few years ago, only to disappear from the landscape of hair products as they were full of silcones and other unnatural ingredients. To date, given the growing interest in formulations silicon free, liquid crystals are back on the market with a completely renewed formula. Those on sale now are made with natural and, in some cases, even organic ingredients.
Their role? As the word "crystals" suggests, these post-shampoo products make your hair shine: let's not talk about glitter or other magical effects, let's see how they work.
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How do liquid crystals work on hair?
Whether you have straight, wavy or curly hair, you can decide to use liquid crystals to combat the frizz effect and prolong the styling done perhaps by the hairdresser. If you decide to dedicate yourself to styling your hair directly at home, liquid crystals will be for you. it helps so that the hair does not become unmanageable in the event of rain, wind or humidity.
The action of liquid crystals on the hair is primarily disciplining and therefore conditioning and beautifying: thanks to their ability to deposit over the entire length of the hair shaft, they are able to eliminate frizz, seal split ends, make hair shiny and strong ... photo shoot proof!
Liquid crystals: how to apply them on hair
To understand how to apply liquid crystals on hair, you have to follow the rule less is more, or proceed by applying very small quantities at a time.
The liquid crystals on the market are sold with dispensers able to release drops of product, 3 or 4 drops will suffice if you have medium / short hair; for long hair, we advise you not to go beyond 6 drops.
Furthermore, since liquid crystals appear as an oily fluid, consider that the ideal is to apply the product on the lengths and ends, avoiding the roots unless they are excessively dry and in need of hydration.
The best time to apply liquid crystals is just before drying with the hair dryer, when the hair is still wet, but pat dry with a towel to remove excess water.
If you have very dry hair, once you have finished styling, you can add a few more drops on the lengths and ends. Remember to dilute the product between your fingers before applying it and make movements from top to bottom.
One of the risks for those who use liquid crystals is to find their hair greasy if they overdo the quantities and having to resort to shampoo again within a day due to very heavy hair.
How to choose liquid crystals for hair
There are a number of characteristics to consider when choosing the best liquid crystal suitable for your hair type. Make sure they do not contain silicones, rather opt for flaxseed, wheat germ, vegetable oils and panthenol. In general, remember that oils being very nourishing, are suitable for dry or very frizzy hair as happens with curly hair; among those mentioned, flax seeds are the most suitable for those with normal hair of medium-fine thickness.
Another factor to be evaluated is the presence or absence of perfume: there are those who prefer an intense odor to continue to feel for hours after application and those who prefer subtle fragrances that disappear after a while. Liquid crystals in general, it is rare that they have a very strong scent, it is easier for them to have a light and volatile scent.
Finally, consider that by relying on quality products, you will have better results. There are so many products on the market, the choice must fall on the one that meets your personal taste.
Liquid Crystals and Hair Straighteners: Do They Get Along?
If you are wondering if it is possible to use liquid crystals before using the straightener or the curling iron, the answer is: no!
The liquid crystals, as we said, must be applied to damp hair before drying with the hair dryer and then possibly add some drops when the crease is completed. finish the straightening and then spread the product from the lengths to the ends. In this way you will also be able to make your hair super shiny and remove the dry effect that some plates leave.
The reason why we advise you not to apply liquid crystals on the hair before the straightener or the curling iron, is that the hair would be damp and in contact with the strong heat it would be as if you were frying them and instead of protecting them, they would be exposed more to risk. of damage.
Our advice: in the days following the styling, you can renew the shine of the hair by applying a drop of liquid crystals.
History of liquid crystals
For the more curious, we want to dedicate a few lines to talk about the scientific history of liquid crystals. They were discovered in 1888 in Austria, attracting attention for their liquid-crystalline properties.
In practice, these substances do not pass directly from the liquid to the solid state, but under particular conditions they are able to organize themselves into intermediate phases (mesophases) which have characteristics of both the crystalline solid state and the liquid one. From this characteristic derives the term with which these compounds are indicated: liquid crystals.
The existence of these mesophases, precisely intermediate phases, is due to a certain organization that the molecules can assume by passing from the ordered crystalline arrangement of the solid state to the random arrangement of the liquid state.
If we refer to liquid crystals not used in cosmetics, we must emphasize that they are used to build everyday objects such as LCD displays.
