Deep Conditioning - Products, Techniques, Tips & Tricks!

A little while back a friend of mine asked on my facebook page for some product recommendations.
 

 

I know that I am beginning to reach many individuals who are new to this hair journey thing and don't know where to start re products, so I thought that instead of answering her directly, I would do a short series dedicated to that purpose.

Now, I know that products work differently for each individual, so rather than "recommend" products, I will go ahead and tell you about some of my personal faves in each category.

Deep conditioning, in my book, is perhaps the most critical part of a hair journey so of course, that is what I'll start the series off with. So without further adieu, here are some of my all time favorite deep conditioners. 

Moisturizing Deep Conditioners

1. Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose. Read more here. This is great for conditioning your hair prior to shampooing. Add a few natural oils to this conditioner and you'll have a winner.
   

   
2. Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner - Provides moisture, promotes elasticity, smoothes cuticles. A good deep conditioner which can also be used as an instant conditioner, a leave-in and a moisturizer. Previously reviewed here.
   

   
3. L'Oreal Power Moisture - Moisture Rush Mask - definitely a fave of mine in recent months. This conditioning is lacking nothing. No need to add water, oils or other conditioners to this mix, it's good to go straight out the jar. Read up some more on this product.
   

   

Worthy mentions: Aussie 3 Minute Moist, Queen Helene Cholesterol Cream & Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner.

 

DIY Option - A mixture of an overripe banana, honey, extra virgin olive oil and warm water will leave your hair hydrated, soft and shiny!

 

 

 

Strengthening Deep Treatments

1. ORS Replenishing Conditioner - This is a long time love that I recently reconnected with, and still enjoy. This is also a conditioner that works very well without any adjustments to the formula.
   

   
2. Profectiv Mega Growth Anti-breakage Strengthening Deep Conditioner - Definitely lives up to it's claim of strengthening hair. It also leaves my hair soft and manageable. Read this for more.
   

   
3. Organics Hair Mayonnaise - Also a conditioner I've used for many years, this conditioner does a great job at repairing and strengthening the hair.
   

   

   
   

Worthy mentions: Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor, Henna.

 

DIY option - Mix up a bowl of 1 overripe avocado, greek yogurt (or mayo! yes the one you spread on your sandwiches), extra virgin coconut oil + warm water, or simply add an egg to your favorite moisturizing DC and your hair will be rejuvenated and ready for the week ahead.

 

 

5 Tips for Deep Conditioning

1. Deep condition every wash day. Figure out what your hair needs that wash day, be it moisture or protein and execute a deep treatment to satisfy your hair's needs. Not sure what your hair needs on a particular wash day? Do a strand test!
2. Always deep condition with heat. This opens up the cuticles and allows the product to penetrate the shaft, getting to where it's needed most.
3. Deep condition on dry, rather than wet hair for maximum product absorption of the product into the strands.
4. Do not OD on either a moisture- or a protein-based conditioning treatment. Aim for balanced hair. Learn about achieving balanced hair.
5. Add essential oils for increased benefits to your hair and scalp & add water, oils, edibles or other conditioners to those that don't work well to make them more suitable for your hair needs.

Bonus Tip: Never deep condition with an instant conditioner!

 

 

Technique

 

• Apply product in sections to ensure all your hair is reached. Check out a visual by Kendra of Glamtwinz.

 

 

 

• Deep condition overnight for the ultimate in soft hair. Use a strengthening product (overnight) for the best of both worlds.

 

 

How do you Getcho hair life (Tamar's voice) via deep conditioning?
Share your favorite product, technique or tip!