It’s amusing that many naturalists believe all their hair needs is shampoo and “hair cream.” When you ask an average woman about her hair washday, she may be puzzled, questioning the significance of a washday. In natural hair maintenance, we go beyond shampooing and combing; there’s more to it.
One essential aspect of our hair care routine is deep conditioning. We cannot overlook the importance of deep conditioning. Deep conditioning is a hair care treatment that involves using a nourishing product on the hair to provide the hair with intense moisture, repair damage, and improve the overall look and health of the hair. Deep conditioning is like giving your hair a boost of nourishment. It is an effective way of helping your hair look and feel its best.
Deep conditioning goes beyond regular conditioning. It helps to address specific hair issues like dryness, brittleness, and some other hair damage. It is like giving your hair a superhero treatment. Going beyond the normal, and doing extra. It sure pays to go extra.
Let us delve into the advantages of deep conditioning.
Benefits of Deep Conditioning
1. Intense Moisturizing
Having and keeping moisture in our hair is very important for its overall health. We often find that our hair tends to dry out very fast, even after applying our leave-in conditioners. In such cases, a deep conditioner will do the trick. Deep conditioners are specially formulated with ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft, providing moisture and nutrients deeply. Does your hair often feel too dry and brittle? Is it unhealthy? Incorporate deep conditioning into your hair care routine.
2. Improves Shine and Luster
A deep conditioner will surely help smoothen your hair cuticle, thereby promoting hair shine, and giving it that very healthy look that you desire.
3. Prevents hair breakage
Hair breakage is a common concern for natural hair queens, and deep conditioning can be just what you need to combat it. By strengthening the hair shaft, deep conditioning helps to reduce hair breakage significantly. (We can learn more about preventing hair breakage in previous articles).
4. Repairs damage
Deep conditioning treatments should be taken very seriously for individuals with chemically damaged or heat-damaged hair. Deep conditioners contain ingredients that penetrate the hair shaft and help address such damage. A regular shampoo and hair moisturizer may not be able to do all of these.
5. Color Retention
Hair coloring is a chemical process that can alter your hair strand´s structure and make it prone to dryness and damage. Deep conditioning treatments can help to lock in the color, and also keep your hair looking healthy.
Types of Deep Conditioners
There are so many deep conditioners out there that going to the mall to get one for yourself may confuse you. You will find many of them from different brands and manufacturers, with attractive colors, shapes, and designs.
You need to know the different types of deep conditioners to ease your decision-making process. I’ll show you some of the main types of deep conditioners we have:
1. Moisturizing deep conditioners
A moisturizing deep conditioner is formulated to hydrate and add moisture to your hair. If your hair is very prone to dryness, this is the right type of deep conditioner for you. Moisturizing deep conditioners contains ingredients like glycerine, aloe vera, and hyaluronic.
2. Protein-based deep conditioners
This deep conditioner helps to strengthen and repair damaged hair. A protein-based deep conditioner contains ingredients such as keratin, collagen, or amino acids.
Note that a protein-based deep conditioner should not be over-used, as too much protein in your hair leads to stiffness and breakage. There should be a balance between proteins and moisture.
3. Curl enhancing deep conditioners
If you have natural curls or waves, this type of deep conditioner can help enhance and define your curls, keeping them bouncy and frizz free.
4. Volumizing deep conditioners
This type of deep conditioner helps to add body to hair, giving it a fuller look. If you have fine hair, this is the right deep conditioner. It contains lightweight ingredients that won’t weigh down your hair.
5. Clarifying deep conditioner
This is perfect for removing product buildup and excess oils from your hair and scalp. It contains ingredients like tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar.
Tips for Choosing the Right Deep Conditioner for Your Hair
We all have different hair characteristics. From our hair texture to hair type, to volume, color, density, etc. To get the right deep conditioner, you have to consider your specific hair needs.
Here´s a simple guide to help you choose the right deep conditioner:
1. Fine hair
If you have fine hair, look for volumizing and protein-based deep conditioners. This will not weigh down your hair, giving it a fuller look.
2. Thick hair
Opt for moisturizing and hydrating deep conditioners
3. Damaged hair
Use protein-based deep conditioners to repair your hair.
4. Dry hair
Use a moisturizing deep conditioner for dry hair. This will help keep your hair hydrated.
How to Apply a Deep Conditioner
Now that you know the right type of deep conditioner to purchase, let´s discuss the right application method. Follow the process below to apply your deep conditioner:
1. Shampoo your hair first
Applying deep conditioners to dirty hair is a total waste of time. The dirt on the hair will prevent the deep conditioner from penetrating the strands. You have to get rid of any dirt so that your hair can absorb all of the goodness.
2. Apply the deep conditioner evenly
After your hair is cleaned, go right ahead to apply your deep conditioner. Use a wide-toothed comb to enable even application and focus on your hair ends. The ends of your hair are the most fragile, and you want to take proper care of them.
3. Apply heat
You should apply some heat to your hair whenever you apply a deep conditioner. It does the extra magic. You can apply heat by putting on a shower cap, using the hair dryer, or wearing a heat cap.
4. Rinse Properly
A deep conditioner is different from a leave-in conditioner. And so, it should not be left to remain in your hair for too long. Rinse it out, using cold water to seal in the moisture.
5. Consistency is Key
Make it a regular thing to always deep condition your hair. Deep conditioning should not be done every day or every other day, but it should be done when the need arises (ideally on every washday).
We have a lot of deep conditioners out there that you can try. I´ll recommend that you try out some amazing deep conditioners like Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep conditioning mask, Mielle babassu and mint deep conditioner, KYSO deep conditioner, TGIN honey miracle hair mask, etc.
You can also choose to try out a few DIYs. Just do what works for you. Deep conditioning is like a mini spa day for your hair. Adding deep conditioning to your hair care routine gives your hair all the love it deserves. Have you been deep conditioning your hair before now? You´re doing very well. And if not, you should start now.
