How To Properly Deep Condition Your Hair

Deep conditioning is an important part of a healthy hair regimen. It can help eliminate frizz, hydrate dry hair, strengthen hair. Overall deep conditioning your hair can give it a second life. If it’s done the right way.

Before I started my hair journey there were many times I would go to the salon and my hairstylist would tell me my relaxed hair felt dry. This was puzzling to me. I couldn't understand why my hair felt dry. I was moisturizing my relaxed hair and even deep conditioning so my hair shouldn’t be feeling dry.

Related post: The Basics For Moisturizing Your Hair

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After going through this cycle several times I told my stylist I was deep conditioning. She was also puzzled so she asked me what conditioner I was using and how I was using it. I then told the stylist the conditioner I was using, how I applied it to my relaxed hair, that I'd leave it on for about five minutes and then rinse it out. After hearing this she gasped and said: "that's not how you deep condition your hair."

Read more: Hair Tip: Don't Skip The Deep Conditioner

It’s been a while so I can’t remember all of the specific details, but I do remember that I was using a rinse-out conditioner and leaving it on my hair for about a max of five minutes while I showered. If I had done my research or talked to my stylist about it, I would have come to realize what I was doing wasn’t really deep conditioning my hair. Here’s what I should have been doing instead:

1. Use the correct conditioner

This is probably the most important step of deep conditioning. What I didn’t realize is that not all conditioners are deep conditioners. Deep conditioners and hair masques have ingredients that penetrate your hair shaft versus sitting on top of your hair like rinse out conditioners.

So when looking for a deep conditioner it should

• Say it’s a deep conditioner or hair masque
• Have instructions to leave on your hair for 15 minutes or more, though there may be some exceptions
• Address your hair type (e.g. fine, chemically-treated) or hair issue (e.g. high porosity, dry)

I’ve found that I need to alternate between protein and moisture-based deep conditioners so my hair keeps a proper moisture and protein balance. Some of my current favorite deep conditioners are the

• TGIN Miracle RepaiRX Deep Hydrating Mask
• Carol's Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask

If you’re looking for a deep conditioner check out my list of 7 hair masks for dry hair.

 

2. Do it regularly

Regular varies person-to-person. Some other hair care bloggers I follow only deep condition once a month, others every other week. I deep condition once a week, every time I wash my hair. And when I regularly deep condition my hair I notice a big difference in how soft and manageable it feels.

When I apply the deep conditioner I like to work in sections and start applying it to the oldest and driest part of my hair first which is my ends. I also make sure to avoid applying it to my scalp because so I don’t cause any irritation. If you’re still curious about how I deep condition my hair I’ve put together a video so you can see it step-by-step.

3. Use heat or steam

This is probably one of the few times that heat is good for your hair. When the deep conditioner is warmed up it penetrates the hair shaft better.

There are a few ways you can heat up your deep conditioner

• Place the conditioner tub in hot water and wear a plastic cap for about 20 minutes
• Wear a heating cap like the Hot Head Microwavable Deep Conditioning Cap or sit under a hooded dryer for about 20 minutes

Another way to help the deep conditioner penetrate your hair shaft is to steam your hair. Using steam helps the hair cuticle to lift which is what allows for the greater penetration of the deep conditioner. This is great for those with low porosity hair. To steam your hair you can either purchase a steamer or do a DIY with wet towels, shower caps, and a hooded dryer.

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4. Cool and rinse

If you use heat or steamed your hair it’s a good idea to let it cool before you start rinsing it, I like to let my hair cool for at least 10 minutes.

After letting my hair cool I rinse it with cool or cold water because it seals the cuticles. This gives my hair a smoother and shinier look.

Share in the comments how often you deep condition your hair and your fav deep conditioner.

This post was updated 11.2.2020

Original post 6.24.2014