The Science Behind Deep Conditioning

 

 

Ever wondered exactly how deep conditioners work? It’s not a mystery. Deep conditioners are so effective because of their formulations – the ingredients that drive them. If you want to know the science behind deep conditioning, keep on reading. By the end, you’ll know why it works and what makes it so beneficial for the hair.

What is Deep Conditioner?

For those who don’t know, deep conditioner is a specialized hair conditioner formulated to give your hair deeper nourishment than your typical one can provide. It sits on the hair for a longer span of time than regular conditioner as well. Every deep conditioner differs from the next, and its effectiveness depends on its formula. 

Here are some of the main benefits of deep conditioner:

  • Better hydration.

  • Longer lasting moisture.

  • Protection against UV rays.

  • Color protection.

  • More shine.

  • Improved elasticity.

  • Enhanced strength.

Deep Conditioner Formulas Under the Microscope

Deep conditioners come in various formulas, but from a general standpoint, many of them come with some combination of the below ingredients:

  • Emollients - Ingredients that soften, smooth, and moisturize the hair (oils, butters, fatty alcohols, etc.)

  • Protectants - Ingredients that leave a film on the hair to protect it from the outside environment and stress from routine care and styling. Some protectants include (silicones, jojoba oil, argan oil, etc.)

  • Proteins - Our hair is made of protein, a substance that can wear away over time with styling, maintenance, and environmental influences. Some deep conditioners contain keratin, silk protein, and soy protein to strengthen the hair’s structure.

  • Humectants - Humectants are ingredients that pull moisture from the surrounding environment into our hair. Some well-known humectants include glycerin, aloe vera, propylene glycol, and honey.

  • Vitamins - Certain vitamins like vitamin C and B5 are fantastic for the hair. Deep conditioners with these vitamins promote hair growth, combat hair loss, nourish the hair follicles, and more.

How Deep Conditioners Work

Deep conditioners work in a very specific way. You apply the chosen deep conditioner to your hair after shampooing, wait for the time listed on the packaging, and then rinse thoroughly after that. During its processing time, the deep conditioner penetrates the hair shaft and changes the hair for the better from the inside.

Why Deep Conditioning is Necessary

You may use regular conditioner after shampooing. Could that be enough? Not exactly. 

We’ve found that now and again, you need a targeted hair treatment (in the form of deep conditioning) to promote hair health. When your hair is damaged after a hair color treatment, looks frizzier than usual, or is chronically dry, a deep conditioning treatment can help.  To prevent and treat these issues, we recommend deep conditioning anywhere from 1 to 8 times a month, depending on the condition of your hair. Read this article to find out the dos and don’ts of deep conditioning.

If you haven’t yet found a deep conditioner that works for your hair, check out Daily Dose Deep Conditioner. It’s got all the goodies your hair needs to make a visible turnaround, whether it’s dry, broken, dull, undefined, or otherwise in need. It’s also free of parabens, SLES and SLS sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors, and more. We hope you found all the information you were looking for.

 

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 NaturallyTextured.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.