How to Deep Condition Natural Hair in 4 Easy Steps

Deep conditioning is essential to sustaining healthy hair and protecting it from any future damage whether due to manipulations or hair structure. Well-conditioned hair is manageable, shiny, rich with moisture and healthy. Hair that is brittle, split on the ends, dry, and always tangling is indicative of hair that could use a round of deep conditioning.

Many methods can be used to deep condition natural hair. Experts recommend that you deep condition your hair every two shampoos, however, you may need to deep condition with every shampoo if your hair is chemically treated (i.e. hair dyes).

Deep Conditioning Your Natural Hair

Here are a few tips to help you deep condition your natural hair.

1. Choose a Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Select the shampoo that will not strip your hair of its natural structure, oils, and protein such as a sulfate-free shampoo. While sulfate-free shampoos may not generate that rich and powerful suds you are accustomed to experiencing, they are just as effective in cleaning your hair. You want the shampoo that will leave your natural hair oils in place to sustain moisture and promote hair growth.

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2. Choose the Right Conditioner

Pick a conditioner that is specifically for curly or natural hair textures. These conditioners will possess the necessary ingredients to condition natural hair. Unlike some conditioners that are unique to straight or fine hair that may not have enough moisture-rich properties, conditioners for curly hair will produce the results you are most desperately in search of securing including those necessary elements to increase softness and manageability.

3. Be Liberal in Application and Apply Heat

Saturate your hair with adequate conditioner and place a plastic cap on your hair for 15 to 30 minutes or as indicated by the manufacturer. If you have thick hair, you may need to section your hair into four to six parts to ensure adequate distribution of the conditioner. If it’s summertime, sit out on the back porch and enjoy the summer heat while your hair warms and reaps the benefits of the conditioner. Heat tends to stimulate the compounds of a good, deep conditioner. If you have a heating cap, this may be beneficial as well. Beware, don’t overheat as it can cause heat damage to your hair.

4. Rinse Your Hair with Cool Water

Finally, rinse your hair with cool water. Rinsing hair with cool water helps to seal the hair shaft. This action in turn also assists in trapping moisture in your hair strands. Take your time during this process. It can be difficult to rinse out the product, but once it is out, you will be pleased with the results. Hair will be left feeling soft and manageable.

Learn to Curl Your Hair Without Using Any Heat

Some naturalists apply conditioner to their hair and sleep in it overnight. In this instance, all you need is a plastic cap. The conditioner will warm up to match that of your body temperature and still do the trick.

There is a risk that you can overdo a good thing. Be careful not overly to condition your hair. To do so will lead to poor hair texture, limited to no volume, and unmanageable hair.