Deep Conditioning: How to Feed Your Hair

Shortly after submitting my post on curly hair, a fellow blogger confided to MBB about her hair frustrations:

[Your] post is right on time as my hair is driving me nuts. I used to have straight hair (even though my both parents have curly hair), then a few years ago my genes finally decided that I should have curly hair. And right now.. I have both. The most annoying combination: the layers on the surface are straight, and the hairs underneath are curly!!! So I just straighten it all which is really damaging. I want my curls back!- Cosmetics Aware

I replied to CA’s comment that I also suffer from combination curly hair. For years, I had blown dry and straightened all my hair in response to this disharmony with my locks. The result, blow fried, extremely parched, dry, frizzy hair! I was so upset about it this year, I searched and scoured the library and Internet until I found Massey’s book, Naturally Curly.com, and the rest is history.

My first recommendation for women who are wanting to repair and heal their damaged or dead hair is to deep condition or “feed” your hair. The method is fairly straightforward, there are some small differences depending on who you are talking to, but I will do my best to describe and get you started.

What you will need:

Time — About an hour. I usually deep condition in the late evening when I don’t have to be anywhere anytime soon.

A Deep Conditioner — I really believe that you should invest in a high-quality NaturallyCurly.com recommended deep conditioner. There are several to choose from. I personally love DevaCurl’s One Condition, and have also recently tried a deep conditioner from Mixed Chicks, which I also really loved. Drug Store Brands like Aussies 3 Minute Miracle, Suave’s Humectant Conditioner and Curl Line Conditioners come with good recommendations as well.  Another fabulous deep conditioner is Jessicurl’s Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment. 

Plastic Cap — 25 cent cheapo plastic shower cap

Heating Unit — Hot Water Bottle, Heating Pad, Blow Dryer Cap, or a Micro Heat Wrap

How to Deep Condition your hair:

1. If you wish, you can wash your hair first. I simply rinse it out well 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. This is the only time I ever use a comb or brush on my wet conditioned hair. Otherwise, only use your fingers.

3. Place the shower cap over hair, and then put the heating device on your head for a full 20 minutes. You need to 20 minutes to allow the hair cuticle to open fully, and let the conditioner completely permeate and feed your hair. After 20+ minutes or longer, (you could leave the conditioner on at this point, even all night after heating), 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.

I suggest deep conditioning weekly. Sunday evenings are a great time for me. By doing this, your hair will will become healthier and shinier. It will regain its softness. Moisture-robbed hair is more subject to breakage and unmanageability.

For other great hair tips and products, check out the Naturally Curly website.

Remember to love and feed your hair!