Deep conditioning is one of the secrets to soft, well-moisturized, and healthy hair. As naturals, we're constantly looking for the best natural ways to keep our hair healthy. Buying products online or in physical stores can be pretty expensive and sometimes burn a hole through your pocket. However, if you're on a budget, there are better and cheaper alternatives to buying hair products, which is making your own DIY deep conditioner. With ingredients in your kitchen or garden, you can make your own deep conditioner in minutes! Wondering how to do that? I will be showing you 5 DIY deep conditioner recipes for achieving healthy natural hair. So, first, let's get into the basics of deep conditioning your natural hair.
What is a deep conditioner?
A deep conditioner is a conditioning product that contains certain ingredients that provide your hair with moisture and make it softer and manageable. On another hand, deep conditioners also help to repair and strengthen your hair. Usually, deep conditioners require heat for them to work well on your hair. Now, you may be wondering, "This seems like the job a regular conditioner would do. So, how exactly is a deep conditioner different from a regular conditioner?" While there are indeed similarities in the effects of both a regular conditioner and a deep conditioner, there are also key differences. Here are four major differences:
Differences between a deep conditioner and a regular conditioner
1. Effects
A regular conditioner can also be called a surface conditioner because it doesn't provide the deep penetration that results in long-lasting effects. The effects of a regular conditioner last for a few days. On the other hand, a deep conditioner deeply penetrates your hair and lasts a few days more than a regular conditioner would. Of course, you'd also notice the effect of a deep conditioner in your hair.
2. Timing
With a regular conditioner, you have to leave it in your hair (after shampooing) for between 5 - 7 minutes max before rinsing out. Deep conditioners, on the other hand, can be left in your hair as long as between 15 - 45 minutes in your hair. Of course, this depends on the product's instructions so I recommend that you read them carefully before use.
3. Consistency
Regular conditioners have a light running consistency while deep conditioners are thicker and some even have a paste-like appearance.
4. Heat application
After shampooing, you can apply your regular conditioner and rinse out after 5 - 7 minutes. However, with a deep conditioner, you'll need heat. You can apply heat by covering your hair with a shower cap, a towel and/or sitting underneath a hair dryer after applying the deep conditioner on your hair. The application of heat is what allows the deep conditioner to penetrate your hair shaft and work its magic.
Why is deep conditioning great for your natural hair?
Here are some benefits of deep conditioning your natural hair:
1. Deep conditioning prevents and repairs damaged hair
This is one of the core functions of a deep conditioner. They usually contain hydrolyzed proteins (hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed oat protein, etc) and sealing ingredients (shea butter, coconut oil, etc) which are essential in preventing hair breakage and also repairing damaged hair. Furthermore, the sealing ingredients make your hair easier to comb and style.
2. It keeps your hair hydrated
If your hair is dry or brittle, this is usually because it is not well hydrated. This can lead to split ends, hair thinning, or hair breakage. Deep conditioners also contain humectants (glycerin, honey, etc) which restores moisture into your hair shaft. This way, your hair stays moisturized for much longer, keeping it soft and preventing breakage. And if you have chemically treated or colored hair, a deep conditioner will help to keep your hair hydrated too.
3. It adds shine to your hair
Overtime, the use of products can lead to build-ups in your hair, causing your hair to look dull. A deep conditioner penetrates your hair shaft adds moisture, gets rid of the build-ups, and causes your hair to return to its natural shine.
4. Do you have colored hair? Deep condition!
While coloring your hair is a beautiful way to spruce up your hair color, the chemicals in most coloring products can cause your hair to weaken over time. This could lead to dryness, breakage, and even overall hair damage. To avoid this, it is recommended to deep condition at least once monthly.
How often should you deep condition your natural hair?
This depends on your hair type. For example, if you have dry or damaged hair, I recommend that you deep condition your hair once a week. However, if your hair is not in a bad state, you can deep condition it once every two weeks.
Note: Too much or too little conditioning can alter the protein and moisture balance of your hair.
5 DIY deep conditioner recipes you can try for your natural hair
1. The Aloe Vera DIY Deep Conditioner Recipe
Because of its healing and moisturizing properties, Aloe vera is a naturalista's favorite. It also helps to take dead skin cells off the scalp, thus, preventing dandruff. To make your Aloe Vera DIY deep conditioner, you'll need:
- Aloe Vera
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- A blender
- A shower cap
- Your spray bottle of water
How do you make this recipe?
- Using a knife, peel the aloe vera skin to reveal its gel.
- Next, put this gel and two tablespoons of coconut oil in your blender and blend evenly.
- After this, sieve the mixture to get rid of any lumps.
- Your Aloe Vera deep conditioner is ready!
How do you use this recipe?
- Section your hair into small parts and spray water all over it
- Next, apply the aloe vera deep conditioner generously to your hair and put on your shower cap
- Allow the mixture to sit in your hair for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- After that, rinse your hair thoroughly
2. The Banana DIY Deep Conditioner Recipe
Picture Credit: Pixabay
Banana is one fruit that is beneficial to naturalistas because of its ability to heal damaged hair and scalp. It also moisturizes, eliminates dryness and itching, and gives your hair shine. Banana is rich in vitamins A, B, and C, and potassium which helps improve the overall health of your hair. To make your banana DIY conditioner, you will need:
- 2 - 3 overripe bananas (the amount of bananas is dependent on your hair length or volume)
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 - 2 tablespoons of honey
- A blender
- A shower cap
- Your spray bottle of water
How do you make this recipe?
- First of all, mash the bananas into a paste.
- Next, put the mashed bananas into the blender and add the honey and coconut oil.
- Blend until there are no lumps in the mixture.
- Your banana DIY deep conditioner is now ready to use!
How do you use this recipe?
- First of all, part your hair into sections and spray it with water
- Then, apply the banana deep conditioner from tips to roots and onto your scalp
- After that, cover your hair with your shower cap and allow it to sit between 30 minutes to an hour
- Rinse your hair.
3. The Greek Yoghurt DIY Deep Conditioner Recipe
Picture Credit: Pixabay
Our natural hair needs protein to help strengthen it, thereby preventing breakage. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and fatty acids that also help to prevent dryness and itching. Generally, Greek yogurt gives your hair a healthier look. To make your Greek yogurt DIY deep conditioner, you will need:
- 3 tablespoons of pure and plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Your spray bottle of water
How do you make this recipe?
- Mix the yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey thoroughly in a bowl.
- Your Greek yogurt DIY deep conditioner is ready!
How do you use this recipe?
- First of all, section your hair and spray water all over it.
- Next, apply the mix on your hair from roots to tips.
- Leave to sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
4. The Avocado DIY Deep Conditioner Recipe
Avocados are rich in natural oils and vitamins A, D, and E, among others. These are nourishing to your hair and scalp as they help keep them moisturized. Also, the avocado DIY deep conditioner will help prevent hair breakage and damage. Furthermore, it helps to eliminate frizz and strengthen your hair. To make your avocado DIY deep conditioner, you'll need:
- One overripe avocado
- A few drops of coconut oil (use your discretion)
- ¼ cup of honey
- A blender
- Shower cap
- Your spray bottle of water
How do you make this recipe?
- First of all, slice the avocado into small parts.
- Next, put the avocado slices into the blender, add the honey and coconut oil, and blend.
- Your avocado DIY deep conditioner is ready!
How do you use this recipe?
- First of all, part your hair into sections.
- Next, spray water over all the sections.
- Apply the avocado DIY deep conditioner thoroughly on your hair from roots to tips.
- Cover with your shower cap and leave to sit for between 45 minutes to one hour.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly
5. The Mayonnaise DIY Deep Conditioner Recipe
If you're looking for soft, moisturized, and well-defined curls in one, the mayonnaise deep conditioner is perfect for this. The only drawback is that you may not like the smell. Still, nothing beats using mayonnaise as a deep conditioner. To make the mayonnaise deep conditioner, you'll need:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 - 2 eggs
- ½ cup of olive oil
- Your spray bottle of water
- Shower cap
- Mixing bowl and spoon
How do you make this recipe?
- Mix the mayonnaise, olive oil, and egg yolk for about 30 minutes using your mixing bowl and spoon. Make sure you use the required measurement for the ingredients.
- As soon as you are done mixing them thoroughly, your mayonnaise DIY deep conditioner is ready!
How do you use this recipe?
- First of all, section your hair into smaller parts and spray water over it.
- Next, apply the mayonnaise deep conditioner on your hair thoroughly.
- Cover with your shower cap and leave to sit for 30 - 40 minutes.
- Finally, rinse out thoroughly with warm water.
With these recipes, you don't have to worry about going over your budget to keep your natural hair moisturized with a deep conditioner. Simply try one of these DIY recipes and let your hair thank you for it.