Deep hair conditioning may sound like something similar to what standard hair conditioners do but it goes a step beyond that. Sure, the main benefits are the same as the goal is to repair, nourish, and moisturize our hair, but deep hair conditioning achieves that in a much different way than standard conditioners.
What does deep conditioning do to your hair and what are its benefits?
Simply put, deep conditioning is a process during which a special deep conditioner is allowed to not only coat our hair briefly and moisturize its surface but also to penetrate the cuticles and help the hair from within. Deep conditioning treatments are often called “masks” as they aren’t rinsed away after 2-5 minutes like standard rinse-out conditioners but they are left under a cap for up to 20, 30 or even 40 minutes.
The purpose of deep hair conditioning is to give your hair the maximum amount of nourishment, moisture, and structural repair it might need. These treatments are fantastic for people with extra dry and damaged hair due to bleaching and/or color treatments but they are also helpful to all other types of hair.
What are the main types of deep conditioning?
There are two basic types of deep hair conditioners:
- protein-based deep conditioner masks that aim to strengthen the hair, prevent breakage, and improve elasticity ;
- moisturizing deep conditioner masks that bring as much moisture as possible to dried hair.
How to use deep conditioner?
Different deep conditioners have different specifications. For example, some are better used with heat while others – not necessarily. However, all types of deep conditioner masks are meant to be applied after shampooing and rinsing your hair, they should be left on for about half an hour, and they should be covered with a plastic cap in the meantime. You can use a wide-tooth comb to ensure that the mask is evenly spread out and after the waiting period is over, you should rinse your hair thoroughly.
How often should you deep condition?
This depends mostly on the condition of the hair. If it’s especially damaged and dry you can deep condition it as often as twice a week. For natural and healthy hair – you can do it about once per month.
If your hair is in a good condition but you want to make sure it stays this way because it’s about to exposed to extra damage from stylings, swimming pools, sunlight, cold weather, or anything similar, you can deep condition it twice a month or once per week.
