Introduction
Washing, conditioning, combing, and styling are the very basics of 4C natural hair care. Mastering these steps will help you truly see the beauty of your natural curls. But sometimes, it feels like your efforts just aren’t quite enough. Even with a regular routine, you might still be suffering from things like dandruff, limp curls, frizziness, and hair that only stays moisturized for a few days before it feels like a Brillo pad. If this sounds like you, then it might be time to add a deep conditioner to your hair care routine. What is a deep conditioner? We’re glad you asked.
What is deep conditioner?
A deep conditioner is a type of thick conditioner that is created specifically to penetrate the deepest parts of your hair strands. When our hair is missing certain vitamins and minerals, deep conditioners are there to fill in the gaps. Deep conditioners can come in a variety of consistencies, types, and purposes, but the focus of any deep conditioner is to make your hair stronger, improve elasticity, enhance moisture retention, and make your hair look absolutely amazing!
How does deep conditioner work?
Conditioners are known for containing humectants and emollients. These elements are what cause your hair to feel soft and moisturized. Daily conditioners are specifically made to soften hair for a short time and don’t seep deeply into the hair strand. Whereas deep conditioners are significantly more concentrated with humectants and emollients, like hydrolyzed proteins, oils, and ceramides to name a few.
There are a few methods to apply deep conditioners that really depend on what your hair needs. Part of the fun in your natural hair journey is figuring out what works best for you and helps your hair to grow long, coily, and strong. So, here are a few suggested methods for applying deep conditioner:
- Method #1 – Wash your hair with a cleansing shampoo and then apply your deep conditioner. Rinse it out and style your hair.
- Method #2 – Wash your hair with a cleansing shampoo, apply your deep conditioner, sit under a steamer for 20 minutes or so, and the rinse out your hair with cold water.
- Method #3 – Pre-poo, wash hair with a moisturizing shampoo, apply your deep conditioner, and use a steamer. Then rinse out your hair.
Though there are many methods, these are some of the most popular ones. Feel free to experiment with different methods, deep conditioner brands, and water temperatures to see what works best for you.
Are there different types of conditioners?
Despite there being a plethora of brands out there that sell excellent deep conditioners, you’ll have to discern which type of conditioner you’ll even need. There are two types of conditioners and what you’ll need will depend on your hair care needs. So, before you jump in the car to get your conditioner, or make one from scratch at home, you’ll need to know if you’ll need a protein treatment or moisturizing deep conditioners.
Moisturizing deep conditioners are a type of conditioner that promotes moisturization. These conditioners are predominately made of water, possess moisture enhancing oils, and can be worn for longer periods of time. Moisturizing deep conditioners are usually the most popular of conditioners and can be used more often than its counterpart.
Protein deep conditioners, also known as protein treatments, are a type of deep conditioner that promotes strength, elasticity, and durability in your hair. Protein treatments typically contain hydrolyzed proteins and ceramides. These types of conditioners aren’t required to stay in your hair very long and should always be followed up with a conditioner. Though beneficial, protein treatments can be very drying so adding a conditioner will give your hair the nourishing balance it needs.
Why is deep conditioner important?
Deep conditioners are important because they’re easy to add to your routine, keeps your hair hydrated, and improve manageability. Not only that, but wash days and oils can’t reach the very depths of your hair like a deep conditioner can. Not to mention, there are some overall benefits to using a deep conditioner:
| · Adds much needed moisture | · Can prevent breakage |
| · Defines your curl pattern | · Improves elasticity of hair |
| · Prevents frizziness and split ends | · Aids in healing damaged hair |
Even if you love your natural hair, it’s good to assess whether you need to step up your hair care game. Here are a few signs that you might need a moisturizing deep conditioner:
- You suffer from brittle hair
- Your ends are usually dry
- You suffer from breakage
- You need more protection from environmental factors
Once you’ve decided on if you need a moisturizing conditioner, you may want to consider if your hair will need those bi-monthly, or quarterly, protein treatments. Here are a few signs that you might need a protein deep conditioner:
- Your hair is brittle
- Your curls are undefined and loose
- Your hair feels gummy
- Your hair easily receives moisture but has a hard time retaining it
Things to consider when buying deep conditioner
As you consider which deep conditioner you need, there are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do I need a moisturizing conditioner, protein conditioner, or both? If you’re suffering from a combination of the problems above, it might be a good call to get both types of conditioners. However, if you’re curious to see if your hair improves with both routines, then I recommend adding both.
- Do I need to add a steamer to my routine? Adding a steamer to your deep conditioning routine will cut down on your conditioning time. However, if you can’t afford a steamer, using a shower cap, bonnet, and scarf will also trap the head on your head very well.
- Will I want a short deep conditioning time or am I okay with a longer one? If you can’t deep condition your hair too long, then I recommend finding a conditioner that allows for 20 minutes or less. However, there are some conditioners that allow for 24-hour deep conditioning cycles.
- Is it better for me to make one or purchase one from the store? Getting a deep conditioner from the store has its benefits. You can support a brand that you trust, there are allotted times, and you can see reviews online of your conditioner of choice. On the other hand, making a deep conditioner has it’s benefits too. DIY deep conditioners allow you to control what your put in your hair, how much, and, at times, this option can be cheaper. But these types of conditioners tend to parish quickly, so be careful.
Tips for using deep conditioner on natural hair
- Never wear your deep conditioner longer than recommended. Whether its protein-based or moisturizing, you can overload, or dry out, your hair if you use it too long.
- Use your moisturizing conditioner once every one to two weeks for the best results
- Use your protein conditioner once every two to four months if needed
- Never apply your deep conditioner to your roots. Applying deep conditioner to roots can cause product build-up.