If you’re looking to infuse some serious moisture into your hair care routine, then a good deep conditioning treatment is what you need. It provides the hair with exactly what it needs to create the most defined curls and promote maximum health. It’s best to deep condition regularly or as your hair needs it. For some its once a week and for others once a month is enough. Its main purpose is to condition your hair stands to prevent breakage and repair any damage. But the best way to maximize the benefits of your deep conditioner is to add heat to your treatment.
Why should I use heat?
When you apply a deep conditioner without heat it can only do but some much for your strands. Naturally, hair cuticles are closed, meaning the treatment is only working on the surface of the hair shaft. When you apply mild heat, your hair cuticle opens allowing the deep conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft and provide nourishment from the inside out. This results in healthier, happier, more moisturized curls.
What types of heat can I use?
There are many types of heat you can use that won’t damage your hair. Many naturals love using steamers. They create moist heat, packing more moisture into your strands. The down side is that they are usually expensive and a clothing steamer is not a safe alternative as the temperature is too hot for hair. A great and much more affordable product is the Hot Head. It’s a microwavable heat cap filled with flax seeds. There is no cord or plug, allowing you to multitask while you deep condition. Its gentle heat opens the hair cuticle, allowing the treatment to penetrate the hair, enhancing your hair mask, deep conditioners and hot oil treatments.
How long should I deep condition for?
When deep conditioning without heat you might need to leave it in for an hour, sometimes two. But when you use heat that time gets cut in half. If your chosen product doesn’t give you a time, leave the deep conditioner in for 15- 30 minutes to get the full effects. Don’t overdo it. Even though the heat you are applying is mild, prolonged exposure could cause damage.
Great Article. I just got a perm and I try not to use heat on my hair. It is hard because it is cut so short. I do however try and massage and take care of my edges. I use Edge Rx by vitastrand.com. I found it at a salon, and it grew my edges back fast! Thanks for all the tips. This is a great blog.
Good article and than you for the information.