Deep Conditioning
My journey into natural hair began over three years ago. I hesitated in taking the plunge because I used heat styling almost every single day and getting relaxers regularly as a child and up into my teenage years. I worried about how I would style my hair knowing it wouldn’t be straight – I cringed as a child wearing an Afro or anything similar. Straight was the style I wanted and pretty much achieved it, but at the price of damaging my hair. Looking back on it now, I laugh about how silly I was being almost.
Yes, I was a child who didn’t care about the health of my hair, but I wish I could go back and realize that my hair was perfect. I would NEVERRR go back to weekly straightening or worse – a relaxer. Natural hair, in its truest form, is beautiful, unique, and perfectly crafted for each woman and man who embraces it- I wish I could’ve grasped this concept earlier in my life. I’m so glad I did
Living in Michigan, you would think the cold weather and brutal winds would’ve forced me into creating one, but nope! I usually tend to wear sew-in and wigs during the colder months, so my hair can fit under a hat – a very serious matter when you are freezing! Now it’s time I create that regimen and start caring for my hair in a more careful way by giving it more moisture, even more, protective styling to retain length, and handling it with great care because of the weather.
Natural Hair Changes
I never noticed how much deep conditioning makes a difference on natural strands until I started:
- Deep conditioning weekly.
- Using heat.
I have seen a HUGE difference since beginning to deep condition regularly. My curls pop more than they ever have. These photos below are not the best, but how much this step does impact natural hair.
Deep conditioning is the first staple in helping me retain strong strands for this regimen. This natural hair care step helps to add an extra layer of moisture or protein, depending on the type of deep conditioner used, to help strands remain strong for the protective styling ahead.
When I first started as a natural, I rarely deep conditioned my hair, but now I cannot stop! I deep condition once a week, and like I mentioned earlier have seen a huge improvement with my hair’s moisture levels, how much my curls pop, strength and shine of my hair.
(There is a graphic below from Naturally Curly to help understand more of the Do’s and Don’t’s of Deep Conditioning.)
**This is NOT a sponsored post. All of the products mentioned below were purchased by me!**
What Kind of Deep Conditioners Do You Use?
I have tried a lot of brands, but right now I have three staple deep conditioners, and they are all BOMB. I believe my hair mostly needs moisture, so I tend to lean more towards that type of conditioner and only protein conditioners about once a month.
Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
This deep conditioner is BOTH moisture and protein, but it’s sooo good! With the quality ingredients, it leaves my hair moisturized, soft, and refreshed from the tingling sensation with the Babassu oil.
TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask
I’ve used this deep conditioner once, and I was amazed! I always heard great feedback about this brand, and I was not disappointed with the results. With raw honey, jojoba and olive oil, this product left my hair feeling like the packaging said it would – like an instant makeover.
Jamaican Mango & Lime Pure Naturals Coconut Milk Honey Moisture Masque
This masque incorporates coconut milk and honey, which is a great ingredient for moisture; it provides intense moisture and strengthens hair.
Heating Source
For heat, I use a Thermal Hot Heads conditioning cap to help produce heat to penetrate hair strands. The cap is easy to use and heats up in the microwave. I heat it, accordingly to the directions given, for the maximum heat. I’ve been using this cap since September, and I couldn’t be more happy with it. It does it’s job, but does require more than the first initial round of heating.
For More Deep Conditioning Information
- The Step You’re Probably Missing from Your Winter Routine, Naturally Curly
- How NOT to do Heated Deep Conditioning, Naturally Curly
- Five Benefits of Deep Conditioning Natural Hair, Mielle Organics
Are you a natural? How do you prep your hair for the winter months, and what do you use? Would you like to know more about my natural hair journey?
Let me know in the comments below.
xo,
Naturally Curly’s graphic on The Do’s and Don’t’s of Deep Conditioning. (Click picture for the full article!)
Mel Chanté says
Love this! The graphic at the end is very helpful. Definitely going to use these tips. My hair could always use more TLC. Thanks!
Jailyn says
Yes, especially with these colder months coming.
Thank you, Mel, for reading!
Krissy says
Great tips and I love your blog! Keep it up girl!
Jailyn says
Thank you so much, Krissy!!!
Katisha says
YES! Deep conditioning and pre-pooing did wonders for my hair, especially after I learned I have low porosity hair and don’t need protein.
Love your infographic! I’m definitely pinning that to my natural hair board. 🙂
Jailyn says
I really don’t pre-poo as often as I should – I need to get into that more.
Thank you for reading, Katisha!
Ashley Rae says
Going natural was the best thing I could have ever done for myself! I enjoy experimenting with shampoos and conditioners to see how your hair reacts to it. I’ve been natural since 2010.
Jailyn says
That’s great, Ashley. Conditioners and stylers are by far my favorite products to buy.
Thank you for reading!
Jailyn says
No problem!! Thank you for reading.
Kenyari says
Very helpful! Thanks for posting!