Is damaged hair dragging your spirits down? Unless you pamper your hair with the right products, it will be nightmarish for you! But conditioning can turn things around for your hair – yes, for sure. And there are two sides to the story – regular conditioning and deep conditioning. Do you need both or any one of them will work miracles for your hair? Let’s find out.
What is Deep Conditioning?
Deep conditioning sounds familiar to a lot of us. But does it really have an impact? What’s the right method? Can we do it at home or do we need to hit the salon? Which products suit which hair types? The questions can make be scalp scratching. So here are your answers.
We all go through our bad hair days due to bad weather, pollution, heat styling treatments and so on. And sometimes we just don’t know where to go with dull, dry and damaged hair that lacks lustre. Deep conditioning can help us out here.
Just like conditioners help soften hair and maintain its health, deep conditioning does it even better. Deep conditioning products go deep into the hair cuticle and enhance its texture and elasticity. Result? Shiny, smooth, damage-free hair.
Benefits of Deep Conditioning
1. Hydration
Our hair often loses its moisture and natural oils due to heat styling, chemical processes and so on. They need a kick of hydration to come back to life. A nourishing deep conditioner amps up the moisture content in hair and balances the scalp as well.
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2. Helps Repair and Strengthen Hair Cuticles
The cuticle, the hair's outer shield, plays a crucial role in protecting the delicate inner structure. Deep conditioners target damaged cuticles, filling gaps and sealing them to repair and smooth rough edges. This not only strengthens hair against future breakage but also locks in moisture and safeguards the inner hair structure.
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3. Improves Elasticity and Reduces Breakage
How do you prevent breakage? Deep conditioning makes hair more elastic and prevents breakage.
4. Adds Shine
One of the biggest benefits of deep conditioning is that it adds an impeccable shine to your hair. It helps smoothen the hair shaft.
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Do's of Deep Conditioning
- It’s a good idea to deep condition your hair regularly. It is only then that you can see the benefit of the process. If you deep condition your hair only occasionally you may see instant results, but the effect will not be long lasting. You may deep condition your hair twice or thrice a week for best results.
- If you want to give your hair that extra edge, you may steam your hair after deep conditioning. It allows deeper penetration of the deep conditioner into the hair. The product gets easily absorbed as well. But make sure you are not exposing your hair to too much heat.
- Every hair type needs a different type of product. It is important to look for a deep conditioner that suits your hair type. Look for the ingredients and match it with your hair concern and hair type to get the best results.
Don’ts of Deep Conditioning
- Thoroughly apply the deep conditioner through the hair strands and leave it on for a few minutes. But don’t leave it on for too long.
- Avoid over-conditioning your hair. It will weigh your hair down and result in product build up
Washing too often can strip your scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and more flakes. On the flip side, washing too little allows dandruff-causing buildup to sit on your scalp. The key is balance—wash 2-3 times a week with a shampoo for dandruff to maintain scalp health.
If you have an oily scalp, you may need to wash slightly more frequently but always make sure to follow up with a scalp-friendly conditioner to prevent excessive dryness.
What is Regular Conditioning?
Regular Conditioning is an essential step in your hair-care routine. It is typically used after shampooing to help detangle and smooth the hair, making it manageable and easier to style. Regular conditioners contain lightweight moisturizing agents that reduce static and add shine, but don't penetrate deeply into the hair shaft.
Benefits of Regular Conditioning
1. Provides Basic Hydration and Makes Hair Easier to Manage
Regular conditioners are formulated to deliver essential moisture to the outer layer of the hair. This hydration aids in smoothing the hair cuticle, which not only enhances shine but also reduces friction between hair strands. As a result, hair becomes more manageable, making styling easier and contributing to a polished, put-together look.
2. Reduces Tangling, Static, and Frizz
By smoothing the hair's outer surface, regular conditioners help minimize tangling and frizz. The anti-static properties of these products can prevent hair from flying away or clinging together, especially in dry or windy environments. This means fewer knots to brush out and a neater and tidier hairstyle throughout the day.
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3. Adds a Subtle Layer of Shine and Protection
Regular conditioners often contain light-reflecting ingredients that add a natural shine to the hair. This sheen not only enhances the hair's appearance but also creates a protective barrier against environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays. This protective layer helps maintain hair health in the long run, preventing damage and dryness.
Do's of Regular Conditioning
- Always rinse your hair with lukewarm water to allow cuticles to open up. This helps in proper absorption of the products in the hair. It’s a good idea to rinse away the conditioner with cold water. Why? It simply helps seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.
- Take a coin sized amount of conditioner and spread it evenly through the hair. You may massage your hair for a few minutes. Thoroughly rinse it off for smooth, soft, frizz-free hair.
Don’ts of Regular Conditioning
- Avoid applying the conditioner on the scalp. Apply it only through the roots of the length of the hair.
- Product build up may lead to itchiness and clogged pores. Need healthy hair? Keep your scalp clean.
Conclusion
The ultimate hair care duo – deep conditioning and regular conditioning – can be tailored to your hair’s unique needs and lifestyle. For daily maintenance, regular conditioning is the perfect solution. Deep conditioning on the other hand offers an intense rescue remedy for more pressing hair concerns. By adding both treatments in your hair care routine, you will achieve healthy, strong hair of your dreams.
*based on the lab test vs non conditioning shampoo
*based on consumer study, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:1 How often should I use deep conditioning treatments if my hair is both dry and chemically treated?
A. Use deep conditioning weekly to bi-weekly for dry, chemically treated hair. This frequency provides necessary repair without weighing hair down. Adjust to bi-weekly if hair feels heavy or over-moisturized.
Q:2 Can I use regular conditioner on days when I don't deep condition, or is it redundant?
A. Yes, use regular conditioner daily to maintain hydration and manageability between deep conditioning treatments. It helps keep your hair smooth and tangle-free, making styling easier.
Q:3 Are there any specific ingredients I should look for in a deep conditioner for severely damaged hair?
A. Look for ingredients like olive oil to repair, hydrate, and strengthen severely damaged hair. These components help restore elasticity and add a healthy shine to your hair.
