How to Apply Deep Conditioner to Natural Hair

Combing through conditioned hair helps detangle it.

Whether you have naturally straight, curly, long or short hair, a deep conditioner can instantly improve the condition of it. Hair can be damaged due to many factors, such as heat styling, lack of sleep and nutrients, and by using the wrong hair products. To get the most out of your deep conditioner, choose one that is geared toward your type of hair; if you have dry hair, choose a moisturizing formula; if your hair is brittle, choose a strengthening deep conditioner. Regardless of which deep conditioner you use, proper application is essential to get the best results.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Towels
• Wide-tooth comb
• Plastic cap
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Wash your hair with a shampoo for your hair type. Pat your hair with a towel to remove the excess moisture.

2. Apply deep conditioner to your hair. Use enough conditioner, so all your strands are saturated. Massage the conditioner into your tresses from the roots to the tips. Focus especially on the ends of your hair. As an alternative, run a wide-tooth comb through your hair to fully distribute the deep conditioner.

3. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and allow the conditioner enough time to penetrate your hair. Follow time instructions on the packaging of your deep conditioner; some brands require you to leave the conditioner on your hair for a longer time than others.

4. Apply heat to the conditioner to get an extra deep conditioning. Many products recommend this if your hair is severely damaged. Aim warm air from a blow dryer directly onto your conditioned hair. As an alternative, wrap a towel over the plastic cap.

5. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and make your final rinse a cold one to seal the hair cuticles and promote shine.

6. Pat your hair dry with a towel and style your hair as normal. Depending on the condition of your hair, give yourself a deep conditioning treatment once a week, bi-weekly or once a month.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read and follow the instructions on your deep conditioner bottle before applying it to your hair.

• Apply deep conditioner when you have at least one hour to yourself, because most formulas needs time to work.