1  Using a Conditioner to Co-Wash You may have heard that co-washing your curls with conditioner is the way to go, but Huffnagle, wants you to rethink that strategy. So, you’re ultimately deep conditioning on wet hair if you follow this method. Do you think this is a way of softening and preparing the hair for the actual washing and conditioning process or just a sneaky way of getting the consumer to use more product? I never wash hair before DT or PT. So, if you want to color your hair in a different way, but aren’t ready for such a vibrant shade, using a conditioner should be your answer. I'm transitioning and I usually treat my hair daily with a silicone containing moisturizer (Elasta QP Olive & Mango butter) and oil (usually coconut sometimes olive, argan or jojoba oil). Am I the only one that likes to do my deep treatments before I shampoo or co-wash? Whatever LI and styling product is in my hair from yesterday, whether I CO or WO washed yesterday, I spray water on to get hair wet and then apply my DT/PT. This will protect your hair a bit but there isn’t a way to truly safeguard your hair as the chlorine is very strong. For natural hair it will flatten the curl pattern and give you the most manageable shampoo ever, it will allow you to clear shed hair with out comb stress. Anytime my hair is not feeling or behaving as I would like, I analyze the issue, do a deep treatment of choice, and virtually every single time, my hair's condition is improved.As I have a lot of experience with deep conditioning, I agree with MPB that I have found that deep conditioning on dry hair, often overnight, is the best method for me. How about washing your hair right after a deep condition. Assess your hair on its level of product buildup and your need for a strong or moderate deep conditioning treatment. Also, there is a such thing as over-conditioning the hair that can result in mushy, weak hair that has a more fragile keratin coiling. Dry hair is also more prone to breakage, so treating it with a DIY deep conditioner will help prevent that, and … Now When dealing with curly or relaxed hair shampoo can be an enemy if not done properly. Junk Science: Opening the Hair's Cuticle for Better Deep Conditioning. So what about using coconut oil on dirty hair? Only time I DC before I shampoo is if I'm trying to get out some major tangles to aid in detangling! I do the same for my 3 yr old for the same reason and it seems to work as well. Many hair experts believe that you can protect your hair from everyday stressors with deep conditioning. I think these rules on when to do what to your hair and quite forgets the individual nature of curly hair and all hair for that matter. Honestly the best deep conditioner I’ve ever used in my whole life is the one that comes with the Revlon Frost and Glow Highlight Kit that I highlight my hair with. Last perm 8/07, big chop 5/08, several mini chops since. Knowing how to properly take care of your hair and keep it moisturized is more important than ever with winter coming up. Deep conditioning, in this regard, is a one way to help your hair replenish moisture and restore strength. In reference to the concept of DC on dry dirty hair for African American women. Saves me a lot of time in terms of actually doing my hair, and works well for me. So here are 3 ways I deep condition my curls: 1. If you’re still curious about how I deep condition my hair I’ve put together a video so you can see it step-by-step. Mixing your hair color with the conditioner has no negative effects on your hair. Will the coconut oil be able to penetrate my hair given the buildup of my daily products? If you get oily roots, simply rub the conditioner just into the tips of your hair. My DC helps me finger detangle my hair and shortens my wash day dramatically. As for relaxed hair you can benefit from this process too. Cottony/fluffy, medium/coarse, high density & porosity. If you have read a few of natural hair journals quite a few of the women when their hair got to be about BSL their ends went to breaking like crazy. Problem solved. I've been doing it for a month now and I love it. It is not soft to the touch, it becomes frizzy, and it tangles easily that you might consider just letting it turn into dreadlocks naturally. I actually deep condition my hair before I wash it (after misting it with water) and I never had a problem with it. It doesn’t take much to get the pastel shades you want instead of, say, a deep pink. Any damaged hair should also be trimmed before your color appointment to get rid of the split ends. There are a few ways you can heat up your deep conditioner. I shampoo and then DC. After the application, i was so tired, i took a nap. In addition to your regular conditioning routine, use a deep conditioner once a week. I love comments! You can think of deep conditioner as an amped up version of regular conditioner. After applying a deep conditioner, cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic bag and add low heat (wrap a warm, damp towel around your head.) “That’s why I prefer deep conditioning on dry hair, since it’s a no-compete zone, in terms of hydrators penetrating the cuticle,” says Dr. Gohara. But it would probably be better for your hair then not doing it. Hey Auntcurly! Coconut oil or any other oil is fine to use on dry hair prior to washing or on its own. I do this not just for hydration but mainly to provide extra protection to my vulnerable relaxed ends. :goofy: I see Nat's point, but I wash every 3 days or so and don't use heavy products because they weigh my hair down (I have fine, porous hair- after several days my hair very obviously needs some attention so I never have days upon days of buildup to worry about). The benefits of a DC on dry dirty hair is amazing for both natural and relaxed hair. I actually think many black women are just afraid of hair feeling dry. Happy Reading!! - YouTube. Dry hair can be a pain sometimes. Tangle-free hair makes the deep conditioner easy to apply & comb through. Everyone has different hair needs. We usually recommend that women start with freshly washed hair, using a process of (1) shampoo, (2) rinse and (3) condition. I do it. Use a deep conditioning treatment. This is the only way I can keep my hair in good condition. It will help to manage the new growth so you can go longer between touch-ups, and if your not stingy and really lay it on heavy on the ends it will definitely help your ends stay together and keep you from needing so many trims. I've been doing this for ages too. It’s like forcing yourself into clothing that’s too small. I have to pre-poo/DT this way. Meaning with that thought the hair would not be able to receiive moisture benefits. I followed up with my regular ol' basic-bitch hair routine when I got out, which is a spray-on leave-in conditioner and an argan oil serum. I also can't stand hopping in and out of the shower. If you need more information, I would suggest asking your hair stylist. If you… ( I've found that cholesterol is a really good conditioner to start this process with, any 'ol cheap one will do, for real the cheaper the better. I wondered if it was a fluke, but after googling, i found some naturals already do this. Now when comes to DC on dry dirty if it is done without a dryer and you use you own body heat you will see all the dirt and junk release out of the hair as the hair feeds off of the conditioner. Beyond that, clean hair can make things more difficult for your hair colorist, especially when doing a paint-on technique like balayage. To reiterate, I believe the reason I don't suffer from overmoisturization of my hair from these twice-a-week deep conditioning sessions is 1) I switch them up (moisture one day, a clay mask or hot oil treatment the next time); and 2) I live in a dry climate. Mix it all well until you get a nicely blended mixture. It is not strange. You may be able to squeeze into it as it stretches to accommodate you. Forms a loose “S” very easily straightened, Forms a definite “S” shaped like a corkscrew, Very tight curl when stretched creates an “S”, Hair intentionally matted to form "ropes", Guides and resources for easy product selection, Learn how to read your hair product labels, Easy-to-make recipes for all your haircare needs, Our editors share their top hair and skincare products, Community member favorites make up this coveted list, Share your style and browse the style of others, Chat with curl friends about your favorite curly topics. If your deep conditioner doesn't work after 30 minutes, it's time to ditch it for one that's more effective. The fact is our hair is like a sponge. My question: Do you wet the hair to put the dt on? The reason why many African Americans use so much product is because our hair drinks it up or it evaporates and our hair is dry again in a few days. Jc, I am so looking forward to your updated "deep conditioning myths" article for Monday. If so, you will need to add conditioner and an oil to your hair before you get in the water. DIY banana conditioner: Ingredients: Ripe Banana- 1; Honey- 1 spoon; Extra- virgin olive oil- 3 spoons ; Yogurt- 1/4 cup; Method: Mash up the banana well and add the yogurt, olive oil, and honey into a bowl along with banana. If your hair is damaged, a regular protein treatment for a few weeks—we cannot sing the praises of Briogeo's Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask, $36, enough—prior to your hair appointment can help replace the strength in your hair. Am I doing it backwards in terms of benefit to the hair? Use heat or steam This is probably one of the few times that heat is good for your hair. There are good deep conditioners across the board, from drugstore brands to salon brands. I found it to be odd but hey whatever works. Leave in the DC for at least 20 minutes (we recommend 20-40.) On another note, my friend MUST dt after or else her hair doesn't act right. Ih find I can go longer not washing it and it stays hydrated longer so I dont need to use heat everyday. Thus...there must be a science to it, we should investigate further. Sleeping with deep conditioner on the hair puts you at risk of damage in the form of hygral fatigue, because there is too much moisture penetrating the hair shaft. Using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once every week or two weeks will help your hair maintain moisture. Once dry/styled, I can only use a miniscule amount of product on my hair. After your swim you should wash your hair with a moisturizing conditioner and if you can deep condition your hair. The next morning when its dry I section off my hair and apply the masque/deep conditioner. When i woke up i found that my hair was unbelievably soft and i had inadvertently deep conditioned my dirty hair. Knowing that deep treatments before formally washing the is neither good or bad makes me breath easy. Like I said before our hair is like a sponge it will release what it doesn't need to make room for what it does need. Thanks sagehen. My sentiments exactly. The curl pattern will open up as the hair shaft comes to its optimum conditioning level.). I apply it on wet hair after I have shampooed, conditioned & de-tangled and rinsed my hair. Heat can be in the form of a hooded dryer or deep conditioning cap. The trick is to find the right deep conditioner for your hair needs. Hair can only take in a few things and many of the surfactants are simply too large to go inside in the first place. There is no way you are going to get a good deep conditioning treatment for your hair if you don’t shop for the right product. However, I do like how the hair feels more after the co-wash vs the DC...so if the results seem better on dry hair, I'll just continue to do it that way. Co-washing, or conditioner washing, is a recommended cleansing alternative to harsh shampoos because it cleans hair while maintaining the natural oils that keep hair hydrated. No prob for my hair. I am referring to a regular water based hair conditioner in this post. And for all of my beginning natural heads if you start this process and continue as if it is the gospel it will rearrange you curl pattern over time. i also have tips for you. Your process would look like At the end of the week I "prepoo" with a generous amount of coconut oil either overnight or for a few hours (including 10 minutes with heat) before I shampoo. Aubrey Organics conditioners have instructions for deep conditioning on dry hair on the bottles and Shea Moisture's facebook page has instructions about how to use their Purification Masque in this way. It helps to keep your hair healthy and keep it from drying out, especially if you are dying it lighter. If this were not the case, many of us wouldn't need to moisturize so much. As a result, you can burn your scalp with the chemicals in the dye and end up with unpleasant sensations. The concept of 'drinking up' is totally wrong. The AO conditioners actually work better for me on dry hair. When you use a deep conditioner you are providing your hair with moisturising and nourishing ingredients that are combined to protect, restore and give life back to your hair whether it is healthy or damaged. Aubrey Organics conditioners have instructions for deep conditioning on dry hair on the bottles and Shea Moisture's facebook page has instructions about how to use their Purification Masque in this way. HOW TO DEEP CONDITION DRY NATURAL HAIR! Just go through the standard shampoo+conditioner washing routine and rinse your hair well. I do DC on dry/damp dirty hair for my youngest daughter who is 2 and very busy....so I do it mainly for time sake and it seems to work fine! Interesting question thoughcuriouskinks.blogspot.com. After a few minutes, it can be rinsed out. Sign up for our newsletter to get more tips and tricks. If you have fine hair, you probably have some issues with the idea of a deep conditioner. Try to avoid using any styling products, such as hair spray or hair … You can turn any conditioner into a deep conditioning treatment. So it could be that when the person applies the deep conditioner on "dirty" hair, that the hair is ready to take on the benefit because the products are no longer present on the hair. Participate in product testing surveys discussions etc. Although, there are many different ways to deep condition. I know that by taking this "easier route" for me, I am sticking to weekly DT or PT. To stop that result many of them started DC on dry dirty hair or simply stop shampooing and co-washed only. I usually apply coconut oil or Greek yoghurt and sit under the hair steamer for about 30min. After that I follow with washing with a clay based shampoo. So in your case I would say that you are fine. No I have to disagree with you. Ive been doing this for the last three years . I also have longish hair (15 in), so my ends are old and need as much help as they can get. It's a lot less fuss (and hygral fatigue!) When the deep conditioner is warmed up it penetrates the hair shaft better. Hmm true. Yes I think it is a co-wash of sorts. As it absorbs new product it releases what's old. Yes you can but you will be removing conditioner that stuck to the surface of the hair from the initial conditioning process. Deep conditioner helps hair retain the much-needed hair moisture, turning it into a healthy and new mane. Overtone Haircare’s Go Deep Treatment is the answer we’ve been looking for. Since my natural journey started last year, I have always been a proponent of deep conditioners of all types (moisture-based, protein-based, hot oil and ayurvedic). Then again, I wash my hair once a week, some times twice, so my hair never seriously gets dirty. Hi JC! I live in a semi-arid climate (Colorado), and I am at the point where I have started dry deep conditioning overnight twice a week, and my hair is so much easier to maintain daily. than the shampoo-deep condition-rinse off process. This is called hygral fatigue. I understand the dirty hair part so I wash t shirt dry air dry and then deep condition. My hair felt normal, with a dab of dryness. I can't stand hopping in and out of the shower, and honestly I notice no difference when doing my DT after I wash my hair. I just did a henna treatment on dirty hair and I have to say I loved it. “If your hair is freshly washed you’ll have more flyaways, so it’s a bit harder to get the new or baby hairs down and colored,” says Fe. But as she gets older and more tolerable of getting her hair done, I'll begin to make the transition to DC after cleansing. Add heat to this and all the benefits of your mask will be enhanced. I used to have to re-moisturize up to twice a day with various creams and oils, and now I don't have to moisturize between hair washing sessions at all. It looks like you're new here. Yes you can but you will be removing conditioner that stuck to the surface of the hair from the initial conditioning process. Here, we detail 10 things you may not know about your conditioner. Hair can get dried out and damaged from the use of heat styling tools, dyes, chemical straighteners, and exposure to the sun. This DIY conditioner is a deep conditioner for hair and will make the hair very smooth and silky. You get your hair dyed an amazing color, you show it off on social media, then before you know it, the bright color begins to disappear and you find yourself having to call your hairdresser all over again. No, deep conditioners and hair masks aren’t the same things, although both provide your strands with an extra boost of hydration. My hair is lo-po and I only wash once a week, so I might have some buildup and have the issue with penetration. I must use the good stuff and then shampoo and rinse out, style. The best part about them is, today’s deep conditioner … Everyone will have to experiment and find what's best for them, given their hair type, environment, porosity and hair length.Thanks, Jc! I normally put my DT on dry hair in the evening, leave it on overnight and then shampoo and use a rinse out the next morning. We have to pay close attention to getting a proper rinse especially when comes to the ends to make sure all the shampoo is out of the hair. I think I have always wondered why do it on dry hair? The Aubrey line of conditioners frequently recommend using on dry hair for 15 minutes as a way of deep conditioning. I said all that to point this out, part of the problem came from not realizing that the hair is longer and it requires a longer rinse on the ends, because the ends is the most abused area of the hair and in order to see growth you have to take of the ends. There is a theory I learned on yt that dry hair absorbs the products when it is dry because the hair is not absorbed with water from the wash there is more room in the strand for the product hence a better condition. I feel like there has to be more to this. I would think that it is just as similar too when someone moisturises day to 2-3 hair when it's obvious the hair gets dirtier with each passing day. And after the shampoo when the second conditioner is applied you will be able to feel your hair take in the conditioner and it work instantly. The way clay shampoos clean is not researched but as far as I know, they do not contain surfactants so the chances of raising the cuticle is small to none. Also, my hair feels better when I deep condition overnight on dry, dirty hair. I actually loovveee deep conditioning on dry hair. My clean hair hates oils and too much moisturizing product. | My Routine! Don't put it on high, low will be good enough. Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Okay, since time is becoming an issue for me(and I hate the in and out of the shower routine), I need to start doing this. Some women deep condition their dry hair and then shampoo (more about that later). All comments are moderated so they will only appear on the blog once I approve them. Whenever you wash your hair the last time before dying (preferably 2-3 days before the coloring session), don’t use any leave-in conditioners. Then grab a hairdryer and put some heat on the bag. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons! Because even instructions on conditioner bottles recommends shampooing first so that the conditioner ca do its job. So in a nut shell DC in on dry dirty has benefits beyond our imaginations, so don't knock until you've tried it. You are only wetting your hair once instead of twice. All you have to do is put the conditioner in your hair as usual but instead of rinsing it out, get out of the shower and put a plastic bag around your head so that your hair is inside of it. You will need to condition your hair again in order to smooth the cuticle. Because I have been natural for a couple of years and usually I go through a wash, deep condition or hot oil treatment then wash off routine. You will need to condition your hair again in order to smooth the cuticle. Weekly Deep Condition. In simple, the whole hair cleansing process is simplified by the DC. Alternatively, you can look for a cholesterol cap or just blow hot hair of your dryer all over your shower cap.