The Science of Deep Conditioning

 

Ever wondered why hair care experts are so fired up about deep conditioning? It’s because of the laundry list of benefits they hold for literally every hair type. From frizz reduction to growth stimulation and everything in between, your deep conditioner does some serious heavy lifting in the hair care department.

But how exactly do these hair products work? In this article, we’ll dive into the science of deep conditioning. Let’s get into it!   

What is Deep Conditioner?

Deep conditioners, also called hair masks, are like regular conditioners but way more intensive. They don’t merely sit on top of the hair – they go deeper, bypassing the hair’s outer layers and depositing hair-loving ingredients into the hair’s cortex.

The Science Behind Deep Conditioning: Ingredients with Low Molecular Weight

The reason why deep conditioner is able to go so “deep” is that it typically contains ingredients that have a low molecular weight. Such ingredients have smaller molecules that penetrate the hair shaft more readily. Some of them include:

  • Hydrolyzed proteins

  • Certain oils

  • Amino acids

So, when you decide to use deep conditioner, you’re pampering your hair with a treatment capable of transforming it from beneath the surface.

Note: Deep conditioner needs to be left on the hair for much longer than your typical rinse-out conditioner. It takes time for the goodies in the hair mask to penetrate the hair and do their thing.

How Hair Masks Restore Your Hair’s Health

Hair masks are fully capable of turning even the most compromised hair into a luscious, healthy mane. Here are some of the most common ways these products promote hair restoration:

  • They moisturize your hair so that it doesn’t dry out as quickly or become brittle.

  • They hydrate the hair to boost elasticity and decrease dryness, roughness, and split ends (among other things).

  • They provide the nutrients your hair needs to thrive, including protein, biotin, antioxidants, and more.

  • Those containing protein and/or bond builders fill in weak points along your hair strands to make your hair stronger and more resilient.

  • They smooth the topmost portion of your hair strands – the cuticle – making for easier detangling sessions and a million-watt shine.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Deep Conditioning Sessions

No matter how awesome your deep conditioner is, you may not get the results you want if you don’t use it properly. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your deep conditioning sessions:

  1. Always start with freshly washed hair. The shampoo will remove any residue that could hinder the conditioner from properly penetrating the hair.

  2. Apply your deep conditioner liberally, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. These are the parts of your hair that could use the most love.

  3. Leave the deep conditioner on for the amount of time indicated on the packaging. If you have low-porosity hair, put on a conditioning cap or sit under a hooded hair dryer for up to 30 minutes. Doing so will coax your hair cuticles open and help with product absorption.

  4. Be thorough when rinsing the deep conditioner out of your hair. Leaving deep conditioner residue behind can quickly lead to stubborn, frustrating buildup.

So, there you have it – the science behind deep conditioning. If you haven’t yet found a deep conditioner that blows you away, we recommend checking out Daily Dose Deep Conditioner. It’s a super-rich, hydrating, and protective hair mask that leaves your hair soft, weightless, and a whole lot healthier. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair.

 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15+ years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of CurlAdvice.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.