Emerson Salon – Capitol Hill Seattle

Most people don’t realize the essential role deep conditioning (not just daily) can play in the overall health and manageability of their hair. Here are some quick points on the reasons it can be so important.

• If your hair is naturally wavy or curly it can have a tendency to be lacking in moisture which can lead to breakage or frizz. A deep conditioner if used properly can impart lasting moisture that will calm the hair and make it easier to style whether going curly or straight.
• If you have chemically processed or over processed hair a deep conditioner can lower the chances of added breakage and split ends as well as help the life of your color.
• In the winter time we shock our hair with dry inside heat or outside frigid cold. Some of us even do a lot of winter outdoor sports and that alone can dry the hair out. Added moisture can act as a barrier to environmental damage and leaves the hair less vulnerable.
• Deep conditioning can also impart shine depending on its ingredients. Anything with avocado oil, natural silicones or plant extracts are usually best. The higher the quality of ingredients the better. Kevin Murphy’s Born.Again. is great!

When using a deep conditioner always shampoo first, then towel dry so the excess water doesn’t dilute the power of the conditioning properties. Start at the ends and work your way up to 1″ away from the root as the hair shaft at that location is still hardening. Comb through. You may use a cap or put the hair up in a towel and wait for 10-20 minutes. The warmth aids to drive in the moisture. Rinse thoroughly and style as usual.

Some deep conditioners carry a higher protein load so make sure not to use them more than once or twice a week. It is possible to over keratinize the hair which ironically can cause hardening of the cuticle and will lead to breakage and brittle hair.
If used correctly, these deep conditioners can turn bad hair days into good ones!