What is deep conditioning and do i really need to be doing it?
At the start of my journey, someone mentioned Deep Conditioning, and lost me. I didn't have a clue!
If this is you, don't worry, you are definitely not alone!
So what is it?
A deep conditioner is basically a hair treatment. Think of it like a face mask, but for your hair. A deep conditioner is specially formulated for its purpose. You can also make some great ones at home. The aim is to get moisture into the hair shafts not just coating it on the hair.
But what benefits does it have?
While there are treatments which specifically aim at problems such as colour treated, protein and more, a deep conditioner has 4 main benefits:
- Add shine: Moisture can be stripped from our from everyday things such as products, the weather and daily styling. Deep conditioners smooth the hairs shaft restoring its shine.
- Damage Prevention: Adding moisture, improving texture. Deep conditioners can help improve split ends and damage caused by chemicals (colour, perming, chemically straightening etc), Heat exposure (curling tongs/straighteners, the sun) and more.
- Elasticity: Dry hair can break off/snap. By deep conditioning regularly you can strengthen your hair, restoring its bounce and life.
- Moisture: The key to all of this is moisture moisture moisture! Healthy hair is moisturised.
But do i really need to be doing it? Is using normal conditioner not enough?
Yes. Where an ordinary conditioner will leave hair feeling soft after using, it doesn't penetrate the hair shaft the way a deep conditioner does. Unlike a regular conditioner, these are designed to be left on for 5-40 mins, giving them time to work. A normal conditioner will not penetrate the hair.
If you are transitioning, have coloured hair, or hair is unhealthy in general, then deep conditioning is what is going to restore your hairs health. Getting this into my routine helped turn my hair around.
If you have healthy hair, deep conditioning will help keep it that way.
Ok, but how do i do it?
Step one: Shampoo hair. Use a clarifying shampoo to make sure that you remove any build up.
Step two: Apply deep conditioner. It is best to do this in sections if you can, and always on soaking hair. Be careful you don't over apply. A good deep conditioner doesn't require you to use the whole tub. As long as all your hair is covered in the product. One sachet is enough to cover my thick hair, so when using a tub remember this.
Step three: Leave on for the stated time. Some say 10 mins which is perfect for you finishing your shower, while other recommend longer. There is no need to leave it on longer than an hour, it won't carry on working past this point.
Step four: Rinse off with cool water. This will lock the moisture in and close the hair follicles.
Please note: Some people choose to also use conditioner before deep conditioning (and rising it off first) and some choose to do this after rinsing the deep conditioner off. It is a preference so find what works best for you.
How often do i need to do it?
Some choose to it weekly, whereas some every other week. Again it comes down to preference and the state of your hair. If your hair is colour treated, you are transitioning or is it heat damaged then i would say weekly. Deep conditioning is always recommended after cleansing with shampoo, because shampoo strips hair leaving it dry. By deep conditioning after this you can restore some of this moisture.
But some of them are expensive..
You don't need to break the bank for a deep conditioner. Not all of them cost money, and you can always make your own.
Make my own?
That's right. Get yourself a base oil (Coconut, Avocado and Olive oil are faves) then there are so many household food items you can add.
-Banana: This helps reduce frizz and dryness and can leave hair soft and shiny
- Eggs: A good source of protein, eggs contain vitamins A+E as well as biotin all which can help with growth
- Avocado: Magnesium in avocado oil can help seal the cuticle. Avocado is full of vitamins like iron
Honey: Honey is a Humecant which means it pulls in moisture keeping hair hydrated
Aloe Vera: Aloe helps calm and soothe the scalp.
and so many more.
Check out my video here where i created a mask using Coconut oil, Apple cider vinegar, Banana and Honey:
How do i get the most out of it?
- Read the labels, Check for oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil and Olive oil. These are best for penetrating the hair shaft.
- Focus on your ends as these are the most damaged usually.
- Use heat: A shower cap/plastic bag, using steam from the shower, or a heated cap. Heat helps open the hair follicles, allowing the mask to do its thing. Keeping hair covered, your heads heat works with the treatment.
- Rinse with cold water, not hot. Cold water closes the hair follicles and locks the moisture in.
Check out my post on the dos and don'ts of deep conditioning for more:
What are your faves:
Curls Blueberry Bliss:
Mixed Chicks:
Shea Moisture JBCO and Shea Moisuture Raw Shea butter:
Palmers coconut protein mask:
Join me on instagram for more and to keep up with tutorials on how i deep condition and what i am using.
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