Now that fall is here and harsh winter winds are literally looming in the distance, it’s so important to either develop or maintain a healthy moisturizing routine for your hair by reassessing your techniques. One of the most important components of a natural hair regimen is regular deep conditioning. In the fall/winter months, utilizing deep conditioners that are moisturizing for the hair will prove to be of unique importance, as the conditions of the season cause the hair to be drier and therefore frizzier if not properly cared for.
There are some excellent deep conditioners on the market, but sometimes a good ‘ol homemade deep conditioner does your strands some good! Plus it’s nice to utilize what’s already at your fingertips.
When applying a deep conditioner, always start on hair that has already been freshly washed and conditioned. Apply your deep conditioner from roots to tips, utilizing a smoothing motion to ensure thorough application. When finished, put on a shower cap and either sit underneath the dryer or a heating cap for 15-30 minutes. (Heat allows the mixture to penetrate the hair shaft and will yield much more favorable results than hair that is left exposed.) It is advised not to leave a deep conditioner on longer than an hour, as this often results in hair that is overly moisturized and ultimately more fragile than strong. Lastly, rinse with cool water to close the hair’s cuticle.
For any recipe, you will need one or more of each of the following products: switch it up and see what your hair likes the most!
BASE:
You can use virtually any conditioner as a base but note that the creamier, the better! Often, naturals choose to use mayonnaise because it has an oil base and yields beautiful shine.
LIQUIDS: Moisturize the hair
Aloe Vera Juice: Not only does aloe vera moisturize and help your hair grow, but it also delivers amazing shine by locking oil into the hair shaft.
Glycerin: This ingredient moisturizes by binding water together and works well with other ingredients to heighten your hair’s moisture level.
Water: Well, we couldn’t leave this staple off the list!
OILS: Lock moisture into the hair
Argan Oil: This “liquid gold” makes your hair softer, silkier, and shinier.
Avocado Oil: Perfect for rescuing dry, damaged hair, or remedying an itchy scalp.
Coconut Oil: This oil is great for locking in moisture because it is not easily broken down or evaporated; plus it keeps your hair strong and soft and aids in preventing hair loss.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Who doesn’t love this staple? It locks in moisture and heals dry and itchy scalp, resulting in shiny, beautiful hair.
Jojoba Oil: This oil is similar to the oil that your own scalp produces (sebum), and therefore is well absorbed by your strands.
SEALANTS: Close the hair shaft to keep the oil and moisture inside
Shea Butter: This is probably the most used sealant of all and for good reason: it protects the hair against harsh weather and heat, softens the hair, and soothes an irritated scalp.
In this video, Mini Marley uses the following products for her deep conditioner recipe: Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare Hair Mask, Mayonnaise, Coconut oil, Egg, & Honey.
What do you use for your DIY Deep Conditioners? Let us know!
I am new to your site and would like to get some information on saving my hair. It for some reason, as I’m getting older is starting to break off pretty bad and it’s starting to look as if small plugs are coming out, sort of resembling alopecia. I have scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist so see if it fact is alopecia, any suggestions? Note: I went natural for over a year but broke down earlier this year and placed a home kit relaxer in, big mistake. I will say it was the argon Indian oil kind. I am a braid wearer and have been accustomed to singles or kinky twists but now I’m leary of doing so because this may be contributing to these issues, I have a fair grade of hair and in my day, had hair slightly longer than shoulder length but now it’s barely reaching the shoulders with my sides being the longest.
For the condition of your hair that you are describing, I believe a dermatologist’s opinion is your best option. Whether you choose to be relaxed or natural, it is best to choose a regimen that fits your hair’s needs and remain consistent with it. Protective styling (mostly box braids and Senegalese twists) is my method of choice, but I know this doesn’t work for everyone. Some naturals choose regimens that are dependent upon stretched styling, or primarily wash and go’s. It sounds like your hair is due for a much needed break from over manipulation.
Hi I am new to your site. I am an afro-american with thin hair. My scalp lacks moisture and my hair lacks shine. Every time I oil my hair, it absorbs very quickly. I need some advice.
Hello Myrtle,
Do not depend on oils to moisturize your hair, as an oil is a sealant not a moisturizer. When you effectively moisturize your hair, oil can be used to seal the moisture in but not to moisturize it. The most effective moisturizer is water or alternatively you need to use a water based product.
This are hair masks that are used before shampooing and their role is to nourish and repair your hair. For good moisturizing effect you should use conditioners that are used after shampooing and are rinsed at the end just by water. they are water based emulsions of beneficial natural oils. This helps moisturize the hair and keep it moisturized during the day. You have many natural homemade options but they require preparation.
I’m new to the website and truly must say it’s an awesome resource! I just wanted to share with everyone my deep conditioner recipe: 1 ripe avocado, cup of Mayo, a half cup of coconut milk, 2 Tbsp of honey. Whip all together. I leave in my hair for 20 minutes.
Thank you so much for sharing! That recipe sounds amazing!
What do you mean when you say you’ll need one of each? And how do i apply each of them to my hair? All at once? One each day?
Is it ok to use a deep conditioner cream after shampooing with a shampoo moisturizer and then conditioning with out using a deep conditioner?
Jon,
Are you asking if it’s okay not to use a deep conditioner? If so, the answer is yes, but I recommend deep conditioning at least twice a month to re-moisturize and strengthen your hair. You can also deep condition directly after shampooing. I do, however, believe that cleansing/shampooing, conditioning, and then deep conditioning is best.
yes not use a deep conditioner but a deep conditioner cream after just conditioning? and cleansing/shampooing, conditioning, and then deep conditioning after each other in that same order in fine?
I’ve personally never used a “deep conditioner cream.” I follow the standard shampoo, condition, then deep condition method. Hope this helps!
Ok Thank you, do you have a e-mail I can ask other questions ? and at times whenever I pick my hair I lose hair from my afro?? trying to prevent just want keep it growing and round to mj large
i need some help. The top of my hair is very oily but the bottoms are so dry what do I do. It’s very fine hair that’s medium length.
Thank you for this article. I really like how you broke down the components of a deep conditioner so that we can select our favourite ingredients accordingly. I would just like to know what the relative portionings are (I,e, 3 parts base to 2 parts liquid to 1 part oil to 1 part sealant).
My second question: can you heat mayonnaise in the hair without incident? I have low porosity hair, so I need to apply heat to my deep conditioning regime, or it won’t be very effective. If you are aware of other heat friendly ingredients for DIY conditioners, that would love to hear of them.
Thank you for your attention to my queries.
Stacey
I am new to this site and had questions about the mixing portions for the conditioners as well.
This article was so helpful! It’s so uplifting to see these beautiful black women embrace their natural hair. Last year I did the big chop and got rid of all my damaged and relaxed hair and now my hair is growing nicely in it’s natural state! I have already been using some of these ingredients in my deep conditioning and I’ve seen great results. I’ll be sure to add to rest to my regime. Remember all hair is good hair you just have to take care of it! 🙂
-Lauray Co. Clothing
https://www.etsy.com/people/LaurayCo
How long is the shelf life for the conditioner once you make it?
This is so awesome and so helpful, especially for those who love DIYs and knowing what ingredients are in their beauty and skincare. Keep up the great work!