Deep conditioning should be as critical to your life as watching Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder and Empire… combined. Yes ladies, it’s THAT NECESSARY! A deep treatment, especially for curly, natural hair is essential if you want to have healthy hair. Not only does deep conditioning install moisture, improve elasticity and make your hair manageable for styling, it also provides key vitamins and nutrients to sustain your hair until your next wash day. Choosing a deep conditioner that works for your hair is essential.
For me, I deep condition under my steamer after every wash, which is usually once every 2 weeks. The results leave my hair feeling softer with more moisture and less frizz when my hair is styled. A win-win!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD DEEP CONDITIONER
First you must decided if your hair needs increased strength or moisture – the goal is to be balanced.
My Deep Conditioners!
• Protein. This is the most important ingredient if your hair is in need of structure. Use ONLY if your hair is limp or lifeless. Protein is a nutrient that your body is made up of and needs multiple times a day. Protein will help your hair grow as well as build, strengthen and repair keratin.
• Mositure. Your hair is moisturized if water remains in your hair after it is dried. To achieve this pick a deep conditioner that has ingredients that will hydrate your hair. Use moisturizing conditioners ONLY if your hair is breaking or has color.
• Emollients and Humectants. Your moisturizing and/or protein deep conditioner should contain lubricants that will help coat the hair for added slip and help to seal the cuticle which in turn will help prevent your hair from losing moisture and help alleviate frizz.
• Penetrating. A good moisturizing and/or protein deep conditioner should “go deep” into the hair shaft and stay there (see section below for more).
INGREDIENTS THAT “GO DEEP”
Here are some ingredients you should look for in your deep conditioner that will penetrate the hair shaft because of their small molecular weight…
• Hydrolyzed Protein (for strength)
• Water
• Gylcerin (for moisture)
• Olive Oil (extra virgin)
• Argan Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Castor Oil
INGREDIENTS WITH SEALING PROPERTIES
Here are some emollients and humectants that will stay on top of the hair to seal in moisture because of their high molecular weight…
• Shea Butter
• Vitamin B5 (panthenol)
• Mango Butter
• Fatty alcohols (ex: lauryl, cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, lanolin, isocetyl and isostearyl act as softeners for your hair)
• Aloe Vera
TIPS FOR DEEP CONDITIONING:
1. Deep condition after every shampoo.
2. Add heat with a steamer or hooded dryer for at least 30 minutes to open your hair shaft to penetrate and increase absorption rate (time depends on hair porosity).
3. Rinse with cool water to close the cuticle and prep for styling.
SOUND OFF: How do you deep condition? What are some of your favorite products? Comment below…..
GKhair deep condtioner hair mask makes the best in my opinion. A completed damage reconstructor. It penetrates the hair shaft and repair from the inside out. Strengthens each hair strand against chemical services, heat styling and other environmental effects. Just love it. <3