Deep Conditioning - The Ultimate Guide

To maintain a healthy, luscious, moisturized head of textured hair, there are a few small steps to take. Deep conditioning is probably the most important yet, most underestimated step in one’s healthy hair care regimen. But guess what? Today, that’s all going to change! Here, we will not only help breakdown the parts of a deep conditioning treatment, but by the end of this article, you will know the reason WHY you are incorporating a deep conditioning treatment into your regimen, and WHAT the benefits actually entail.

Why Deep Condition?

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First of all, this a good question. Moisture is something that our bodies literally cannot live without. Our hair is no different. Moisturizing and sealing is one way we can help infuse moisture into our thirsty strands and lock it there. Unfortunately, moisturizing and sealing can only do so much. Deep conditioning our hair is going a step further to ensure that moisture is infused deep within the hair shaft, not just on the surface; attacking the very core of dry, brittle hair.

Moisture or Protein?

There are two types of breakage causes: Moisture deficient or protein deficient. Here’s how to differentiate between the two:

If your hair needs more moisture (moisture deficient):

·         Hair tends to snap or break easily under light tension. (combing, brushing, light styling, etc)
·         Broken hairs are always in the comb/brush after styling
·         Hair feels dry/brittle to the touch
·         Hair lack movement; is dry/stiff

If this describes your hair, chances are your hair is thirsty! Try this ingredient combo in a medium sized mixing bowl:

·         3 to 4 big tbsp of your favorite moisturizing “rinse-out” conditioner. (this will be your base)
·         2 tsp honey (a natural humectant that attracts moisture from the environment into the hair shaft.)
·         2 tsp olive oil (known as nature’s “beauty gold!” Softens textured hair, eliminates frizz and adds shine)
·         2 tsp castor oil (Is an excellent emollient and humectant for skin and hair, packed with vitamin E for max healthy hair growth)

Apply this to damp hair. Leave on for 30 minutes under hooded dryer or 1 hour without heat. Rinse. Shampoo, condition, or co-wash as normal. 

If your hair needs more protein (protein deficient):

·         Hair feels mushy/too soft to touch when wet
·         Hair lacks structure
·         Too much elasticity when wet
·         If pulled when wet, hair can stretch well past its actual length, then breaks

If this describes your hair you need a protein deep conditioner stat! Try this ingredient combo in a medium sized mixing bowl:

·         3 to 4 tbsp of mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, or mashed (smooth) avocado. (This is your protein base. Will provide hair with much needed structure)

·         1 egg (light protein)
·         ½ cup of coconut cream (light protein)
·         2 tsp honey
·         2 tsp olive oil
·         2 tsp castor oil

Apply this to damp hair. Leave on for 30 minutes under hooded dryer or 1 hour without heat. Rinse. Shampoo, condition, or co-wash as normal.

Adjust the ingredient amount based on your hair length/density. If you’re not into mixing your own ingredients at home, here are some store-bought deep conditioner faves that will do the trick instead:

For MoistureCrème of Nature Nourishing & Strengthening Deep Conditioner
Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque


For Protein
ORS Hair Mayonnaise
Giovanni 2Chic Avocado & Olive Oil Ultra-Moist Conditioner

Try to deep condition your hair AT LEAST once a month; once a week for optimal results. Don’t know when you’ll need what? That’s fine! Try alternating between 1 protein conditioner and 1 moisturizing conditioner every wash day. This way, your hair’s moisture and protein stays balanced, leaving you with incredible results!

Happy Hair Growing!

What are some of your favorite deep conditioners? If you’re an at-home mixtress: What ingredients do you like to mix for your deep conditioner?

-The Black Hair Guru