How to Deep Condition Hair for Moisturized, Healthy Strands

If your hair is feeling frizzy, dry, or brittle, investing in a deep conditioner or hair mask will do wonders. Don’t know how to deep condition hair? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Using a deep conditioner is different than using a regular conditioner—while you use a regular conditioner every wash, deep conditioners are used more infrequently (more on this later). “A deep conditioner is a heavier moisturizer targeted to repair damage and not meant to be used every day,” says celebrity hairstylist and Los Angeles salon owner Sophie Rose Gutterman.

Incorporating a deep conditioner into your hair will add moisture and protect your strands. To learn more about the seriously moisturizing product, how to deep condition hair, how often to use it, and more, Gutterman and celebrity hairstylist and Dippity-Do curly hair expert Suzette Boozer weighed in with all their expert tips. Happy, healthy hair ahead.

The best deep conditioners for hair, at a glance

What is deep conditioner for hair?

Deep conditioner is pretty much just what it sounds like—conditioner, but more. “Deep conditioner is a rich, concentrated treatment that penetrates deeper into the hair shaft than regular conditioner,” says Boozer. “It helps repair, strengthen, moisturize, and protect hair, especially when it’s been damaged by heat, chemicals, or environmental stress.” These affect your hair’s health, causing frizz, split ends, and more. Incorporating this hair treatment will help restore elasticity, nip frizzy hair in the bud, and much more.

But why do you need to use a deep conditioning treatment? What sets it apart from your bottle of regular conditioner? Try incorporating it into your hair care routine if you want to target certain issues (whereas a regular conditioner focuses on nourishing the hair overall). It’s important “to deep condition your hair to keep it healthy, especially after using heat, receiving color or chemical services, and being in the sun all day,” says Gutterman.

In addition, “deep conditioning addresses specific hair concerns like dryness, breakage, dullness, and damage,” says Boozer. Plus, your deep conditioner can be used preventatively, before any issues crop up: “It helps prevent future problems by keeping your hair healthy, shiny, and strong,” she adds. “It’s like giving your hair a workout and a spa day in one—it helps build strength, repair bonds, and protect the hair from further stress.”

Keep an eye out for ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or other natural oils in your deep conditioner, which will seriously nourish strands.

15 Best Deep Conditioners We Tested for Hydration and RepairGallery15 SlidesBy Jamie WilsonView Slideshow

How do you deep condition hair at home?

Want to tackle your hair’s dryness, but don’t know where to start? Look no further. If you’re ready to learn how to deeply condition your hair like a pro, follow along this step-by-step guide to kick dry, damaged, dull hair to the curb.

To get started, take care of the tangles throughout your hair strands. “Start by sectioning your hair into four or more parts,” says Boozer. “Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle each section, and clip them aside.”

Then, it’s deep conditioner time. Apply “generously to each section from roots to ends,” says Boozer. Her pro tip? Bring out the shower cap. “For better results, cover your hair with a plastic cap to trap natural heat, or use a steam cap or hooded dryer to amplify the treatment. Curly hair especially benefits from the added moisture and definition.”

Like with regular conditioner, you’ll likely be applying deep conditioner in the shower or bath, which is effective “because the steam from the water will open the hair cuticle, allowing the product to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft,” says Gutterman.

Is it better to apply deep conditioner on wet or dry hair?

You can do either, but just make sure to check the directions on the label. It will explain whether it has been formulated to be used on dry or wet hair. However, “most of the time, you apply it to clean, damp (wet) hair,” says Boozer. “Water helps the product spread evenly and allows the ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.”

How long should you leave deep conditioner on your hair?

“I like to deep condition my hair overnight and rinse out in the morning,” says Gutterman. However, it all depends on the level of damage in your hair and the product itself, so make sure you always read the directions. “Most deep conditioners work within 10 to 30 minutes, but some treatments are designed to be left on overnight,” says Boozer. “If the directions don’t warn against it, leaving it on a bit longer usually won’t hurt—just don’t overdo it with protein-based formulas.” If you do want to leave a deep conditioning mask on overnight every so often, it’s likely fine, says Gutterman.

Overusing (whether that’s using them too many times per week or leaving them on your strands too long) protein-rich conditioners can actually make your tresses more brittle, rather than the opposite effect of delivering moisture. Plus, “If you’re using something that has a lot of protein and that’s not the type of hydration you need, it could cause buildup on your hair,” adds Gutterman. She recommends asking your hairstylist for a personalized recommendation if you’re trying to repair the hair from specific damage.

Should you use deep conditioner before or after shampoo?

Not to sound like a broken record, but this is another one where the experts recommend following the product instructions. “Most deep conditioners are used after shampooing, when the hair is clean and better able to absorb the treatment,” says Boozer. That being said, Gutterman recommends either, depending on what’s convenient and her hair’s needs. Plus, make sure to note that “some treatments—like protein masks, hot oil treatments, or pH-balancing formulas—are used before shampoo to avoid weighing the hair down or to prepare it for color or chemical services,” explains Boozer.

Courtesy of brand

Pantene Miracle Rescue Deep Repair Conditioner

$13

Amazon

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Shea Moisture Deep Moisturizing Conditioner

$11

Target

How often should you deep condition your hair?

Rather than focusing on your hair type, it depends more so on what treatments you use and what kind of hairstyles you’re creating. “If you aren’t using heat or chemicals on your hair, you can deep condition once a month,” says Gutterman, and Boozer adds that you can use it up to twice a month. However, if you have dry, color-treated, or damaged hair, or if you’re heat styling every day (think using a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron), “I would recommend doing a deep conditioner once a week as well as using leave-in conditioner with heat protection,” says Gutterman.

Courtesy of brand

Dippity-Do Girls with Curls Leave-In Detangling Conditioner

Walmart

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The Potion Studio Rose Bomb Leave-In Conditioning Spray

$32

Nordstrom

Though both experts say everyone can benefit from using a deep conditioner, textured hair especially enjoys it, as it can be drier and more prone to breakage. Gutterman notes that finding the right product and understanding your hair’s specific needs are important. “Even if your hair feels healthy, deep conditioning helps protect it and prevent future issues,” Boozer adds.

10 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Curly Hair, From Waves to 4C CoilsBy Malia GriggsView SlideshowIs it possible to use deep conditioner on your hair too often?

Yes. Again, take caution with protein treatments—these should “only be used when needed, not as a regular routine. Too much protein can make the hair feel dry or brittle or lead to breakage,” Boozer says. “Even moisture treatments, if overdone, can make hair limp or too soft. Listen to your hair and adjust based on how it feels and responds.”

However, using too much deep conditioner won’t be necessarily bad for your hair—rather, it will be wasting product, notes Gutterman. If you do use too much deep conditioner and are experience buildup or residue on your strands, she says you can simply use a clarifying shampoo to help.

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