Using a deep conditioner treatment has become a staple for my natural hair care. Whether you are looking to moisturize, add protein or protect your hair, in general, the right deep conditioning treatment can do the trick. The best part about deep conditioning your hair is the variety of choices you have available. You can go to the store and pick up a deep conditioner or go right to your kitchen and whip up a batch of everyday food you eat.
In the beginning, it may take a little trial and error to find the right deep conditioner for your hair; the trick is not to give up and try different products, mixing your own and alternating between treatments.
How to see results
Your hair does need constant care, and it needs to be on a regular basis to maintain its health. Once you start your deep conditioning treatments, you need to keep a regular schedule every four days, once a week or twice a month create a plan to suit your hair needs. The schedule is not set in stone mind that every hair is different and need their specific care so schedule your deep conditioner when your hair needs it. When you deep condition your hair one of the best thing you can do for it is to start the ends. For most people we tend to work from top to bottom, that is the way you have been doing your hair for years now right? Think of when you are detangling along your hair; you start at the bottom to get rid of knots and tangles. That is because your ends are the oldest part of your hair, they get tangled because they are dry and prone to splitting and breakage. By adding your deep conditioner at the ends first, you are allowing more time for the treatment to soak in, moisturize and strengthen those fragile ends. After you a few weeks of treatments you will notice a difference in how healthy your ends look and less shedding when combing out your hair. Deep conditioning your hair should be done in less than two hours for regular deep conditioning. The exceptions, of course, is treatments such as henna that require 6 or more hours to attach to the hair strands. If you have low porosity hair, apply indirect heat like warming up your deep conditioner or using a steamer. If your deep conditioner is not providing moisture or the protein, your hair needs it is time to move on. Hair that is properly deep condition on a regular schedule is less prone to breakage, so you retain the length that you grow. Your hair becomes more manageable and less frizzy, only soft, beautiful hair.
HEAT IT UP and add A STEAMER
We talked about adding heat to improve our deep conditioner; it is important to know why we are adding that heat. One of the most efficient ways to improve your deep conditioning treatment is to use a heat cap or hair dryer to add indirect heat to your hair. Warming the conditioner up allows better absorption to the hair, all the moisture and protein can soak in the hair shaft and stay there. Heat up your deep conditioners and see the difference once you rinse your hair out.
Another alternative is to Use a Steamer along with your Deep Conditioner. If you don't know what a steamer is or how to use one as a natural, it's about time that you know. The day I purchase a steamer is a day my hair finally started seeing results, it retains moisture, was easy to manage, plus I was keeping my length. Using a steamer is not just adding another step to your deep conditioner, it is a necessary step to add and lock in moisture. Your conditioner gets heated up plus the steam gently lifts your cuticles and allow much better penetration of moisture or protein in each hair strand. Adding a Step like Steaming the hair while deep conditioning improves elasticity along with moisture retention. There are many different steamers on the market; I purchase my steamer "Secura S-192 Hair and Facial Steamer" from Amazon. If you are low on cash, don't worry you can steam your hair at home with items you already have. Grab a towel and wet it in water, warm it in the microwave for just a few minutes. Now cover your hair with a plastic cap or bag and wrap the towel around the head for as long as it stays hot. Afterward, allow the deep conditioner to soak in for about 30 to 45 minutes then rinse out your hair.
Deep conditioning is not just about one treatment it is adding treatment for moisture, and protein in the hair. You get the best results out of your protein treatment once you find the balance your hair needs. You will now have a proper moisture and protein balance in your hair. Deep conditioners with fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, and Cetearyl, plus emollient butter and oils, humectants like glycerin and aloe vera, and ceramides are perfect for adding moisture to your strands. When your hair needs a good protein treatment score for hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids, keratin, and henna. Mixing a batch of deep conditioner is great but remember to make enough for just one use. On some occasions, I will make a batch for two usages so that I will store the rest in my fridge for the next week. Allowing any DIY mix with ingredients like honey, eggs, avocado to seat for too long can go bad if stored for three or more weeks. Store bought products are formulated with a particular concentration of antimicrobial and preservatives, but your home treatment usually is not so will not last long. Avoid mold and bacterial growth in your conditioning mix by mixing a batch for one to two weeks. Using oils like vitamin E can help to preserve your treatment, but that last for just a few days, about a weeks time as we mention. Do your research to find out about the right ingredients that are beneficial to your hair when you buy a deep conditioner. Some of the best deep conditioners first ingredients is usually water, after that, I would say go down to the next six ingredients on the list. The higher the ingredients on the list more percentage is pack in the treatment. One of my favorite deep conditioning treatment is from by EDEN BodyWorks "Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner ", it $8.49 Beauty Club Card $8.29 at sallybeauty. I add my favorite oils and honey sometimes, and it does a fabulous job at hydrating my hair. It is all about finding what works for your hair, not what the marketing companies are telling you to purchase.
A healthy balance of moisture and protein treatment at least twice a month will help you grow soft, strong, nourished hair all the while minimizing breakage for you to retain length.
