Looking for a way to solve all your hair problems? I have two words for you; deep conditioning.
Seriously, whether your strands are suffering from:
- Frizz
- Dehydration
- Colour damage
Or anything in between, a deep conditioning treatment will be your saviour.
There are lots of ways to use deep conditioning for hair to solve your hair problems. And lots of deep conditioning hair mask recipes or DIY treatments.
But before we dive into the "how" let's talk about what it is and why a deep conditioning treatment is a little different from the standard lather, rinse, repeat.
What is deep conditioning?
Deep conditioning hair treatment involves coating your hair in a thick layer of a therapeutic formula, usually a conditioner or treatment.
You can use heat and steam to help the treatment penetrate the hair further.
More on that below.
Read also: The Best Hair Extensions For Fine Hair
What are the benefits of deep conditioner?
It strengthens, repairs and moisturises your hair.
If done weekly, deep conditioning of hair will make a massive difference, not just to the health but also the appearance of your locks.
And;
The best part of this simple solution is you don't need to spend big bucks on salon treatments;
You can DIY a range of deep conditioning treatments at home!
So;
Let's talk about how to use a deep conditioner:
How to deep condition your hair
When choosing the right deep conditioning treatment for your hair there are a few things you need to consider.
In this section I'll highlight the main considerations to guide you in making the right choice for you.
Which products should I use to deep condition my hair?
The right deep conditioning products for you depend entirely on your hair type and individual needs.
I.e. do you have dry hair, brittle hair, long hair, and so on...
Deep conditioning for natural hair is different from bleached hair.
Just as deep conditioning for curly hair is different to straight hair.
And,
One thing you should consider when choosing deep conditioning treatments is:
The texture of your hair.
If you have thicker hair, you can use a heavier formula.
Whereas if your strands are fine, opt for a more lightweight product.
Either way:
Hydration is the main purpose of deep conditioning, and there are a lot of products or DIY deep conditioning hair mask recipes you can whip up to achieve this.
We'll look at some examples below.
But.
Please don't rush ahead.
It's important that you read the whole article.
Because you'll need the knowledge when applying the deep conditioning recipes we provide at the bottom.
Do I need to wash my hair before deep conditioning?
Yes, you should wash your hair as usual before you deep condition it.
And...
You should make sure your scalp and strands are oil and dirt free and use a natural shampoo without essential oils.
How do I use deep conditioner?
Once you have thoroughly shampooed your hair:
Take a small amount of your chosen product and apply it directly to the hair shaft.
Focus mainly on the mid-lengths and ends and try to avoid the roots.
How long do I need to leave deep conditioner in for?
This depends on your chosen product.
But:
Most deep conditioners require between 15-30 minutes to absorb into the hair fully.
And...
In some instances you might opt to leave in your deep conditioning overnight.
This depends entirely on the aim of the treatment and your hair type.
For beginners:
It's best to start with the recommended 15-30 minute treatments.
How to use heat when deep conditioning?
Heat can help deep conditioning products penetrate the hair further.
It can also speed up the process if you're in a hurry.
You can do this by:
Wrapping your hair in plastic or microfibre cloth and blow drying it on a medium setting.
Don't blow dry directly on your hair:
This can cause severe drying and overheating of your hair.
Which can lead to breakage.
How to rinse deep conditioner?
Once the product has fully absorbed and set into your strands, it's time to rinse.
Here's what to do:
Cool water will help seal your hair cuticles and minimize frizz, so it is best to rinse the deep conditioner thoroughly using cool water.
Then;
Ensure all the product is washed out, and wrap your hair in an old T-shirt to dry.
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3 DIY Deep Conditioning at home recipes
By now you're probably itching for a some recipes.
And as promised:
Here are our 3 favourite recipes suitable for different hair types and goals:
1. Deep conditioner for dry hair
This super-hydrating treatment is made of honey and coconut oil, and will save your thirsty strands.
Simply combine:
- 1x cup of warm coconut oil
- 1x cup of honey
Mix well and apply generously.
Leave for at least 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
(Who said a deep conditioning treatment has to be expensive?)
2. Deep conditioner for silky strands
Beat your frizz with this deep conditioning hair mask DIY-recipe made with banana and yogurt.
Combine:
- 1x mashed up banana
- 2-3x tablespoons of plain yogurt
- 1x tablespoon of honey
Apply to damp hair and leave for 30 minutes to achieve frizz-free locks.
Rinse thoroughly.
Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
And my favourite recipe:
3. Deep conditioner for strong hair
Pack your hair with protein with this egg and olive oil deep conditioner.
Combine:
- 1x egg
- 2-3x tablespoons of olive oil
- 2x tablespoons of water
Mix well.
Apply for an hour and rinse thoroughly.
Try any of our three recipes and leave a comment with your thoughts at the bottom!
