How To Deep Condition Natural Hair in 5 Easy Steps

Why is it Important to Deep Condition Hair?

Deep conditioning addresses the basic needs of natural hair by keeping the hair moisturized and strong. Unlike straight hair, natural hair has a more intricate pattern of curls or coils, making it more prone to dryness and breakage. But you may be wondering, what is deep conditioning? A good deep conditioning treatment can provide intensive hydration, replenish lost moisture, and help restore elasticity and strength. It can improve the overall appearance and manageability of your natural hair and help prevent common issues such as split ends, breakage, and frizz.

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How to Deep Condition Natural Hair

If you’re new to deep conditioning, the good news is, it’s easy to add to your routine. Below, we’re breaking down each step of the deep conditioning process, from selecting the right product for your hair type to applying it effectively.

1. Choose the right deep conditioner

When finding the best deep conditioner for natural hair, there are two common types to consider: moisturizing and protein-based.

Moisturizing deep conditioners

Moisturizing deep conditioners provide additional moisture to your natural hair to help bring back bouncy, luscious curls. This type of deep conditioner can be particularly great for textures with tighter coils, which tend to get drier. This includes those with 4C hair.

When searching for the best moisturizing deep conditioner for natural hair, look for nourishing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, oils, aloe vera, and honey to help attract and retain moisture. We love the Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask, which revives dull curls and coils while fighting frizz. Matrix A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask is another great option. Infused with manuka honey extract, it’s deeply hydrating and helps preserve curls.

If shine is a concern, try the L'Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Mask. This moisturizing deep conditioner treatment leaves hair looking two times shinier. Last but not least, Biolage Professional Ultra Hydra Source Conditioning Balm is one of our favorites for color-treated hair. The conditioning balm instantly renews moisture for healthy-looking hair.

Protein-based deep conditioners

If your hair is brittle or damaged, a protein-based conditioner can help strengthen and rebuild it. When looking for the best protein deep conditioner for natural hair, search for ingredients like amino acids, hydrolyzed wheat protein, keratin, and silk protein.

The Redken Extreme Conditioner is a great deep conditioning treatment for all distressed hair types. It detangles hair while preventing breakage and seals the cuticle for a stronger finish. We also love Biolage Professional’s Strength Recovery Deep Treatment Pack, which leaves hair feeling intensely conditioned with 73% less breakage after one use.*

For those struggling with split ends, we recommend the Kérastase Masque Filler Réparateur Anti-Breakage Repairing Hair Mask. The mask adds hydration, removes damaging calcium buildup, and improves the appearance of split ends.

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2. Prepare your hair

Before applying any deep conditioner, properly cleanse the hair with a moisturizing and clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup or flakes. Cleansing your hair first allows for better absorption of the deep conditioner.

Apply the shampoo and massage it onto your scalp. Brown says to make sure you “get a good lather going.” Then, rinse your hair until the water runs clear and suds-free. Squeeze the excess water from your strands, leaving you with damp curls or coils that are ready for conditioning. “Your strands may not be able to absorb all the benefits a conditioner has to offer if the cuticle is full of water,” Brown tells us.

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3. Apply the deep conditioner

It’s time to deep condition. Section your hair to begin the process, allowing for an even application of the deep conditioner. Apply the deep conditioner of your choice thoroughly, focusing “on the mid-shaft, ends, and any other visible areas of breakage,” as Brown advises.

Once you finish applying it, you’ll want to detangle your hair. Use a detangling tool, such as a detangling brush or a wide-tooth comb, with enough space between the teeth to avoid snags.

When detangling, Brown suggests you “work your way [up] from the ends of the hair to the mid shaft, then through the roots.” She notes, “This helps to guarantee even distribution of the conditioner and ensure every strand is reached.” If you have a lot of hair, you may also want to work in sections, using hair clips to move the already detangled sections as you go.

4. Let the deep conditioner work

Now, it's time to relax and let the deep conditioner do its job. Although you can let the conditioner process on its own, using heat while deep conditioning can help the product better penetrate your hair strands.

There are multiple ways to use heat while deep conditioning, including a hooded dryer, heat cap, steamer, or warm towel. A warm towel is a budget-friendly option, as it shouldn’t require anything you don’t already own. Simply take a fresh towel from the dryer (while it's warm) and wrap it around your hair.

Your deep conditioner should include instructions on how long to leave the treatment on your hair. On average, it’s usually between 5-15 minutes, but this varies from product to product. Follow the instructions on the packaging of your chosen formula for the best results.

While you wait to rinse out the deep conditioner, leave your hair alone. Treat this like a spa moment! Listen to relaxing music, read a book, or watch your favorite show.

5. Rinse and style

Once you’ve waited the appropriate amount of time, you’re ready to rinse. Use cool water to wash out the product. Brown explains, “The cool water helps to close the cuticle.” Rinse until the water runs clear to ensure all of the product is washed out.

And that’s it! You can move right along to styling. You’ll want to prep with a leave-in conditioner (Brown loves Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk) and oils to seal in the moisture from your deep conditioner. Then, style your hair in your favorite natural hairstyle, like a wash-and-go, braid-out, twist-out, bantu knots, puff, or any other look you love. Since your hair is properly cleansed, detangled, and moisturized, styling should be a breeze.

Dos and Don'ts of Deep Conditioning Natural Hair

Understanding the dos and don’ts of deep conditioning can help you maximize the effectiveness of your treatment and avoid damaging your hair. Here’s what to keep in mind for healthier-looking curls and coils.

Dos:

• Deep condition regularly: You might be curious about how often you should deep condition your hair. Try deep conditioning your hair at least once a week to keep your curls moisturized and bouncy.
• Use heat: Wear a heat cap or sit under a dryer (or use the towel trick we mentioned above) during deep conditioning, so the product can better absorb into your hair strands.
• Focus on your ends: ”Give your ends some extra love when applying your deep conditioner. The oldest and most fragile parts of your hair need the most care.
• Rinse thoroughly: After deep conditioning, thoroughly rinse out all of the product. You'll want to avoid having product buildup on your strands when you go to apply your styling products.

Don'ts:

• Over condition: More is not always better. Avoid leaving the deep conditioner in your hair for too long, as it can lead to product buildup and weigh down your curls.
• Apply conditioner to your scalp: When applying deep conditioner, focus on the hair strands rather than the scalp to avoid buildup.
• Skip the instructions: Each deep conditioner has instructions, including how long to keep the treatment on your hair. Follow the product's instructions for the best results.
• Overuse protein: Though a protein treatment helps strengthen the hair, you want to use it sparingly. Find the perfect balance between protein and moisture treatments to prevent your hair from feeling brittle.

Next Up: LCO vs. LOC Method: The Complete Natural Hair Moisturizing Guide

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Header photo credit (left to right): @mizani and @dezarai.stylist