This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details..
Deep conditioning is essential for all hair types, and it helps achieve so many hair goals. Not only does deep conditioning keep the hair moisturized, it also makes hair softer, more manageable, and shinier. And yet, so many people skip this part of wash day! In this post, I’ll share how to deep condition your hair like a pro so you won’t be one of those people missing all those great benefits. And guess what? It’s only 5 simple steps!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Choose the correct conditioner.
The first step to deep conditioning is choosing the correct conditioner. A deep conditioner is more than just a regular conditioner or co-wash, so look for a product that says deep conditioner, deep conditioning treatment, or hair mask/masque. These products are the ones us naturals can use for deep treatments. Another thing to look for on labels is the directions. Try to find a products that recommends leaving on for 10 minutes or more. Next, make sure the product has ingredients that will penetrate your hair, or more simply put, ingredients your hair likes. For me, that includes things like aloe leaf, shea butter, and coconut. If a product has these ingredients, I know my hair will soak it up! The last step to choosing the correct deep conditioner is making sure that it addresses what your hair needs, mainly moisture or protein. Moisturizing deep conditioners are for when your hair is dry, and protein deep conditioners help strengthen the hair and prevent breakage. I personally like to use protein once a month or if using heat or dye on my hair. But, you know your hair, so it’s up to you!
Deep condition EVERY wash day.
Deep conditioning for hair health is a commitment because it needs to be done EVERY wash day. So, if you are shampooing your hair (which should be happening every 1-2 weeks), you need to follow-up with a deep conditioning treatment to add that moisture back into your hair. Basically, devote the time every wash day to deep condition. Your hair will thanks you!
Apply the product correctly.
This is one of the most important steps of deep conditioning because if you don’t apply it correctly, you could be doing more harm than good. First, apply the deep conditioner while still in the shower. The heat and steam helps keep the hair cuticles open so that the product can actually get into your hair. Next, apply the deep conditioner in sections, especially if your hair is thick. We don’t want any missed strands or any tangles in the process, okay? So next, you must apply the products from ends to roots (not focusing on the scalp), making sure that every strand is covered. And the last step to applying the product is to detangle as you go. For some people, that includes combs or brushes, but you can also finger detangle. You may need to twist up your hair to keep it detangled, or mini buns could work for you. Basically, just make sure your hair is saturated and detangled. On to the next step!
Use heat or steam.
This is the time consuming part of deep conditioning because you have to leave the product on your hair. Now, I’m not going to tell you how long to leave it on because I don’t know what your hair needs. Maybe you only need 10 minutes or maybe you need 45. Even for me, it changes depending on how my hair feels. But one thing to remember is to deep condition with heat. If I’m only deep conditioning for 10 to 15 minutes, I just put on a shower cap and leave the treatment in while I shave and take the rest of my shower. But, if I need to deep condition for a long time, I use a heat cap outside of the shower, like this one. But there are also ones that you can heat in the microwave, like this one. The main point is to make sure that heat is part of the regimen.
Rinse out all of the deep conditioner.
I know some people disagree with this step, but I rinse out ALL of my deep conditioner. And if you are using quality styling products, you should rinse it all out, too. Also, because leave-in conditioner is best applied in the shower, I rinse out my deep conditioner in the shower with warm water to keep my cuticles open. But if you are not on the train of applying your leave-in in the shower yet (Sis, what are you waiting for?), then feel free to rinse with cool water and close up the cuticles. Then, explain to me how you expect your styling products to penetrate the hair shaft if you closed up the cuticles? Anyway, don’t get me started! Rinse out all of the deep conditioning treatment.
And…you’re done! You have officially learned how to deep condition your hair like a pro in just 5 easy steps! Can you believe how simple that is! If you have anymore deep conditioning tips to share, leave a comment below. Happy wash day!
I precisely desired to say thanks again. I’m not certain the things I could possibly have carried out in the absence of the creative concepts discussed by you concerning my area of interest. Entirely was a daunting concern for me, but coming across a expert avenue you handled it forced me to cry for contentment. I’m grateful for the assistance and as well , expect you comprehend what a powerful job that you are carrying out educating many people by way of a web site. I am certain you’ve never come across all of us.