Like most popular topics on the internet, there are a lot of myths and general misinformation about how to care for your hair. 

For instance, some people believe that deep conditioners are only necessary for people with coarse hair or overt issues like split ends, frizz, and breakage. 

But isn’t it true that all of us, no matter the texture of our locks, experience roughness, brittleness, and dull edges at some point or another? 

In this context, those people are right, which means we should all be deep conditioning from time to time so that we can reverse the damage and restore our hair’s natural vigor.

However, the next valid question that arises is: how often should you deep condition your hair? 

To answer that, we will have to first understand how deep conditioners work and whether overuse can have any side effects. We’ll also look at alternative (aka natural) techniques to indulge your hair in intense conditioning.

Table of Contents:

• How do deep conditioners work?
• How often should you deep condition your hair?
• What products can you use to naturally condition your hair?

How do deep conditioners work?

Sometimes, regular conditioners you use during every wash are not enough to fight the havoc wreaked by factors like pollution and free radicals. 

That’s when deep conditioning becomes necessary to restore your scalp’s depleted moisture and bring your hair back to life. 

Deep conditioners penetrate farther into the hair cuticle than regular conditioners, allowing them to supply you with proteins, vitamins, and nutrients along with much-needed moisture.

Here are some of the benefits of deep conditioners

• They can protect split ends from heat and further damage.
• They can restore heat-affected hair shafts and replenish nutrients and hydration.
• They can help prevent split ends and breakages while maintaining overall health.
• Conditioners rich in protein, water, and essential oils will moisturize your hair and prevent it from becoming too dry and brittle.
  
  
• They provide the nourishment your locks need to keep from snapping and breaking, which makes the scalp stronger and firmer.

The right amount of deep conditioning can make a massive difference to the appearance and health of the hair while curbing damage. 

However, there certainly is such a thing as too much conditioning that can cause product buildup and greasiness.

How often should you deep condition your hair?

The answer to this depends on various factors, such as your texture, how often you wash your hair, and the kind of products you use to treat it.

On a basic level, deep conditioning once a week is advisable as excess usage can turn your hair into a limp, greasy mess, whereas a deficit won’t do that much harm.

Those with oily scalp should make sure to limit their usage to once a week. However, if you have tight curls, you might need to condition twice a week because the sebum travels easier on straight hair or looser strands.

Planning to dye or bleach your hair? 

Don’t forget to deep-condition it in advance so you can prevent any damage and retain your vitality. The same goes for straightening or curling your hair and getting perms.

In general, deep conditioners are thicker, heavier, and more intensive than regular conditioners. Therefore, you should use one when your hair is in dire need of extra moisture or if you are exposed to heat, whether from the sun or too many styling treatments.

What products can you use to naturally condition your hair?

Not every hair type or texture can handle the weight of a deep conditioner. If you have ultrafine strands or are generally satisfied with the quality of your hair and hoping to maintain it, you can try alternatives like oils and leave-in masks that are lightweight and effective.

• The Onion Black Seed Hair Oil from WOW Skin Science is the ultimate solution for strong, silky hair that looks, feels, and behaves the way you want it to. While the onion and black seed blend to improve blood circulation and repair damaged hair, the combination of castor, almond, olive, and jojoba oils work to hydrate your strands from root to tip. Coconut oil works overnight to seal that moisture in, leaving you with shiny, voluminous locks in the morning.

• Deep conditioning masks like this Coconut Milk Hair Mask can reconstruct, smoothen, and repair your hair, especially if it’s been color-treated and feeling a little frizzy. Containing shea butter and coconut milk, the mask provides nourishing hydration to your roots and fights brittle ends. At the same time, the hydrolyzed wheat protein adds volume over time and makes your scalp stronger as well as healthier. Those with fine hair can use this once a week, but if your strands feel weak and lifeless, you can leave it in twice a week for deep hydration.

Not everyone can achieve soft, lustrous hair every day. Sometimes, we could all use more help than regular shampoos and conditioners can give us. 

That’s where deep conditioners play an important role in allowing the hair to reverse some of the damage it has experienced and feel more hydrated throughout. 

If your hair has been feeling extra-parched lately or your ends have become more brittle than ever, you would benefit from an overnight deep conditioner that really gets in there and supplies you with the nutrients you need.

If you don’t wish to expose your hair to additional dimethicones and are looking for natural alternatives to deep conditioners, you can browse our range of hair care products and select masks and oils rich in olive oil, shea butter, coconut, avocado, and honey.

Sources:

https://collectivacademy.com/benefits-deep-conditioning-treatments/

https://www.shear-genius-salon.com/fact-fiction-deep-conditioning-hair-masks-really-work/#:~:text=When%20regular%20conditioner%20isn't,masks%20fill%20in%20the%20void.&text=Well%2C%20unlike%20regular%20conditioners%2C%20deep,proteins%2C%20vitamins%2C%20and%20nutrients

https://www.prevention.com/beauty/g20492417/8-biggest-mistakes-youre-making-with-conditioner/

https://www.self.com/story/difference-between-regular-conditioner-deep-conditioner

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-deep-condition-hair#store-bought-products

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-condition-your-hair#how-often-to-condition