Saturday, November 1, 2008

The Mechanics of Deep Conditioning

How to Deep Condition Your Hair:

1. Either shampoo or rinse your hair first and gently squeeze out the excess water.
2. Generously apply your deep conditioner to damp hair, and focus on the ends. Work through with your fingers, or use a wide toothed comb to work through your hair.
3. Place the shower cap over hair, and then put the heating device of choice on your head for a full 20 minutes. You need 20 minutes to allow the hair cuticle to open fully, and let the conditioner completely infuse and feed your hair. After 20+ minutes or longer, take off your cap and let your hair cool for at least 5 minutes. This allows your hair shaft to close again.
4. Rinse hair with warm water until about 80% of the conditioner is rinsed out.
5. Do a final rinse with the coldest water you can stand. This is important to seal your hair shaft and get all the benefits of your deep conditioning treatment.
6. Apply a leave-on conditioner and allow your hair to air dry.
7. Do not wash your hair the next day. Give your hair a break after a deep conditioning for at least 24 hours. Let the treatment do its job without interruption!

I suggest deep conditioning weekly. By doing this, your hair will become healthier and shinier. It will regain its softness. Moisture-robbed hair is more subject to breakage and unmanageability.


What you will need:
Time — About an hour.
A Deep Conditioner — I really believe that you should invest in a high-quality deep conditioner. There are several to choose from. Look for natural oils, humectants like honey or glycerin, softening proteins like collagen, silk, or wheat.
Wide Tooth Comb
Plastic Cap — or an old Wal-mart bag if you’re in a pinch
Heating Unit — Dome dryer, Hot, moist towel, Blow Dryer Cap, or a Micro Heat Cap.