Could leaving conditioner in overnight be damaging?

**Belledandy** · August 27th, 2009, 03:05 PM

When I used to leave conditioner on for long periods of time I only noticed a problem when I was using a protein-heavy conditioner. (The ends got scratchy and brittle) Using oils and leave in should be fine.

**JamieLeigh** · August 27th, 2009, 03:20 PM

You might have to take more time to make sure it's completely rinsed out, or you might end up with a greasy look to your hair. But I can't think of any damage that you might get from it.

**Komodia** · August 27th, 2009, 07:57 PM

in my experience some of them do damage hair.. as well as some "wash after 5 minutes" treatments.

**CavyQueen** · August 27th, 2009, 09:04 PM

Yes, it can be especially if it is a reconstructor with a large amount of proteins. Proteins, when used correctly, strenghten the hair. However, if used excessively, they can cause breakage and dry the hair out. Your best bet is to read the label to see if the conditioner contains many proteins. It it does, I don't recommend sleeping with it. If you want to use a conditioner overnight, choose one with only moisturizing properties. You can also oil overnight. I hope this helps.

**CaityBear** · August 27th, 2009, 10:30 PM

I doubt the conditioner is harmful.

I make my own leave-in conditioner with my regular conditioner and so I always have conditioner in my hair to some extent. No damage done so far at least.

**verene** · August 27th, 2009, 10:50 PM

If you do it frequently maybe, but I have left conditioner in from time to time for long stretches of time (12+ hours) with no damage. If anything it makes my hair extra soft.

**82exoticbeauty** · August 28th, 2009, 02:53 PM

Nope! I sometimes leave a leave in conditioner to my hair at night (only before bed) if I have been out outside where the sun is shining on my hair a bit longer! I only do that if I'm out very long outside and need a break for my hair at night! The conditioner won't damage the hair!

**ole gray mare** · August 28th, 2009, 03:08 PM

I would never have time to wash my hair in the morning, so I wash my hair and night and braid it. By the next morning, it's only a bit damp. And because it's been braided overnight while drying, it's quite soft. Just a thought. Even if your hair isn't very long, you could french braid it for overnight.

**Buddaphlyy** · August 28th, 2009, 04:06 PM

I've slept in conditioner countless times (I actually have to now as I'm missing my heat cap and it's the only way I can deep condition) and no harm every came to my hair.

If you're worried about too much moisture though, maybe try a light protein treatment once a month to keep things balanced.

**Sissy** · August 28th, 2009, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by CavyQueen

Yes, it can be especially if it is a reconstructor with a large amount of proteins. Proteins, when used correctly, strenghten the hair. However, if used excessively, they can cause breakage and dry the hair out. Your best bet is to read the label to see if the conditioner contains many proteins. It it does, I don't recommend sleeping with it. If you want to use a conditioner overnight, choose one with only moisturizing properties. You can also oil overnight. I hope this helps.

Yes, this is true. I was going to caution you against using protein conditioners for overnight treatments. There actually is a reason why some products say to leave in 5 minutes or so. Choose one that has no protein and you should be OK.