The Dos and Don’ts of Deep Conditioning

 

We all want to achieve our hair health goals, and deep conditioning is often a massive part of that. But your hard work could be in vain if you misuse your deep conditioner. There’s a right and a wrong way to use the product, and this article will help to illuminate both. By the end, you’ll be in a much better position to reap all the benefits your deep conditioner promises. 

Dos of Deep Conditioning

Some may think that slapping some deep conditioner on their hair is enough to reap the product’s benefits. That’s not the case. Deep conditioner is to be used in a particular way; keep the following dos in mind for the best results.

  • Do select a deep conditioner based on your specific hair issues. Deep conditioners come in many varieties, including moisturizing, repairing, strengthening, etc. Each type of deep conditioner contains a different profile of ingredients. Choose one that will most benefit you.

  • Do apply the deep conditioner liberally on your ends and mid-lengths, avoiding your roots and scalp. Deep conditioner is most beneficial for the oldest parts of your hair and can weigh down your roots and irritate your scalp if your application is off. Section your hair before application if you have long or thick hair to make things painless.

  • Do use your deep conditioner regularly. One deep conditioning session isn’t going to transform damaged, crispy strands into a soft, luscious mane. You’ll need to use the product over time to see substantial results. Read about how often to use a deep conditioner in this article.

  • Do give the deep conditioner some time to work. Deep conditioner doesn’t work right away. It needs time to penetrate your hair cuticles and work its magic. Depending on your specific deep conditioner, you’ll wait anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes or more. Read the instructions on the packaging for a more exact time recommendation.

  • Do detangle your hair while the deep conditioner is working. The moisturizing ingredients in deep conditioners tend to make your hair slippery. Take advantage of this by detangling your hair with your fingers or a wide tooth comb. You’ll find that those knots and tangles are much easier to get through.

Don’ts of Deep Conditioning

In addition to the above dos, remember the following don’ts to reduce the chances of a mishap and ensure you get the results you’re after.

  • Don’t leave your deep conditioner in for too long. Doing so can lead to product buildup, protein overload, moisture overload, scalp irritation, and more. Stick to the recommendation on the product packaging.

  • Don’t rinse your hair with hot water. Hot water can quickly dry your hair out and undo some of the deep conditioner’s effects.

  • Don’t apply your deep conditioner to dirty hair. Deep conditioner should always be used on clean hair. Otherwise, the excess oils, dirt, and buildup may act as a barrier, reducing the effectiveness of your deep conditioning session. Always shampoo or clarify your hair before deep conditioning.

  • Don’t apply your regular conditioner before your deep conditioner. Whenever you’ll be deep conditioning, your deep conditioner should replace your regular conditioner. Applying the regular conditioner before the deep conditioner can hamper your results due to the protective barrier than regular conditioners leave behind.

So, there you have it - the most important dos and don’ts of deep conditioning. After deep conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner to lock in all the goodness. Daily Dose is a nutrient-packed leave-in that can transform your hair’s appearance, texture, and behavior in just one use. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair!

 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.