What Is Deep Conditioning?

by Anjelina Tongco

Anyone who’s been on a journey to better, smoother, silkier hair has, at one point, seen or read the words “deep conditioning.” What is it and how do you deep condition your hair? Let’s talk about that in this article. 


What is deep conditioning? 


The process of deep conditioning consists of applying a rich treatment to your hair, like a hair mask, and leaving it on for a certain amount of time. The product you put on your hair is meant to work its magic during the time it sits on your hair. 


Unlike using regular conditioner which you do regularly when you shower, deep conditioning is usually done with the help of a professional at a salon. Sure, you can do it at home on your own. However, if it’s the first time, you might want to get it done at the salon by a professional first. 


Deep conditioning isn’t the same as using a leave in conditioner either. A leave in conditioner’s result will usually only last a day or two. Deep conditioning lasts way longer. 


In a nutshell, deep conditioning is simply soaking your hair in a thick solution that contains moisturizing ingredients for your hair. 


Who Needs Deep Conditioning? 


Everyone with hair needs deep conditioning. The difference lies in how often we need to do it. For people with fine hair or those with hair that hasn’t gone through any chemical process like dyeing or perming, deep conditioning once to twice a month is fine. 


If your hair is textured, processed, or damaged, you might want to consider deep conditioning more frequently (3 to 4 times per month tops). Be wary about deep conditioning often, especially if you’re doing it yourself at home. This process can actually lead to product buildup in the scalp when not done right. 


How to do a deep conditioning session at home 


The first step to deep conditioning your hair at home is to find a treatment that works for you. Visit hairsense.ca for a wide range of products that you can use for your deep conditioning session. 


Once you’ve picked out your product of choice, continue with the following steps: 

  1. Wet your hair 
  2. Squeeze out a generous amount of product and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends but also lightly working your way throughout the entirety of you head. 
  3. Wrap your hair up in a plastic bag or a shower cap. 
  4. Wrap a warm towel around your head with the plastic bag/shower cap still on. This will open up your pores and allow the product to penetrate deeper. 
  5. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour (2 hours if deeply damaged or highly texturized). 
  6. Rinse