When it comes to hair care, there are a lot of conflicting opinions on the “right way” to do things. One of the most common debates is whether or not deep conditioner should be applied before or after regular conditioner.
Some people swear by one method or the other, while others don’t think there’s much of a difference. So, what’s the truth?
The answer is…it depends. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and the best choice for you will depend on your hair type, the condition of your hair, and your personal preferences.
In this article, we’ll explore the basics of deep conditioning, the purpose of regular conditioner, the benefits of using deep conditioner, and the pros and cons of each application method. By the end, you should have a better understanding of which approach is right for you.
The Basics: What Is Deep Conditioning and How Does It Work?
Deep conditioning is a hair treatment that is designed to penetrate deep into the hair shaft to provide intense moisture and nourishment.
Unlike regular conditioner, which is typically used after shampooing to detangle, soften, and smooth the hair, deep conditioner is a more intensive treatment that is usually left on for a longer period of time (usually between 10-30 minutes) to allow the ingredients to work their magic.
Deep conditioners contain a variety of ingredients to help restore and repair damaged or dry hair, including proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and natural oils.
These ingredients work together to strengthen the hair, improve elasticity, add shine, and reduce breakage. Some deep conditioners are also formulated to target specific hair concerns, such as color-treated hair, curly hair, or frizzy hair.
The Purpose of Regular Conditioner: Is It Enough for Your Hair?
Regular conditioner, on the other hand, is designed to be used on a daily basis to keep hair moisturized, soft, and manageable. It works by coating the hair shaft with a protective layer that helps to smooth the cuticle and prevent damage from styling and environmental factors.
While regular conditioner is great for everyday use, it may not be enough to address more serious hair concerns, such as dryness, damage, or breakage. That’s where deep conditioner comes in. By providing a more concentrated dose of nourishing ingredients, deep conditioner can help to repair and strengthen hair that has been damaged by heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors.
| Regular Conditioner | Deep Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Everyday use | Intensive treatment |
| Coats hair shaft for protection | Penetrates deep into hair shaft |
| Softens, detangles, and smoothes hair | Repairs and strengthens damaged hair |
| Available in a wide range of formulas for different hair types and concerns | Targeted formulas for specific hair concerns |
| Used after shampooing | Typically left on for 10-30 minutes |
The Benefits of Using Deep Conditioner: Why It’s Worth the Extra Step
So, why bother with deep conditioner at all? Aren’t regular conditioners good enough? While regular conditioner is certainly an important part of any hair care routine, there are several benefits to using deep conditioner as well.
First, deep conditioner can help to repair and strengthen damaged or weakened hair. If your hair is prone to breakage, split ends, or dryness, deep conditioner can help to reverse some of this damage and improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
Second, deep conditioner can help to moisturize dry hair and restore shine and softness. If you have naturally dry hair or if your hair has become dry due to color treatments or other factors, deep conditioner can provide a much-needed boost of moisture to help keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Finally, deep conditioner can help to improve the overall texture and manageability of your hair. By strengthening and moisturizing your hair, deep conditioner can help to reduce frizz, improve curl definition, and make it easier to style your hair in the way you want.
The Order of Operations: Pros and Cons of Applying Deep Conditioner First
Now that we’ve covered the basics of deep conditioning, let’s talk about the pros and cons of applying deep conditioner first in your hair care routine.
The main advantage of applying deep conditioner first is that it allows the ingredients to penetrate your hair more deeply. By removing any buildup or residue that might be on your hair from styling products, regular conditioner, or other factors, you create a clean slate for the deep conditioner to work its magic.
Another advantage of applying deep conditioner first is that it can help to reduce frizz and improve curl definition. By smoothing the hair cuticle and providing a layer of protection, deep conditioner can help to keep your curls looking soft, shiny, and defined.
However, there are also some potential downsides to applying deep conditioner first. For one thing, it can be time-consuming to apply the deep conditioner, wait for it to work, rinse it out, and then apply regular conditioner. This might not be practical if you’re in a hurry or if you have a busy schedule.
Another potential downside is that applying deep conditioner first can make your hair feel heavy or greasy. If you have fine or thin hair, or if you’re prone to oily hair, this might not be the best approach for you.
The Order of Operations: Pros and Cons of Applying Regular Conditioner First
On the other hand, applying regular conditioner first has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
One of the main benefits of applying regular conditioner first is that it can help to detangle your hair and make it easier to work with. If you have long hair or if your hair tends to tangle easily, this can be a big help in making your hair care routine more manageable.
Another advantage of applying regular conditioner first is that it can help to protect your hair from damage during the deep conditioning process. By coating the hair shaft with a protective layer, regular conditioner can help to prevent the deep conditioner from causing any additional damage.
However, there are also some potential downsides to applying regular conditioner first. For one thing, it can make it harder for the deep conditioner to penetrate your hair. If you have thick or coarse hair, or if your hair is particularly damaged, you might not get the full benefits of the deep conditioner if you apply regular conditioner first.
Another potential downside is that applying regular conditioner first can dilute the effects of the deep conditioner. If your main goal is to repair and strengthen your hair, you might not want to dilute the deep conditioner with a layer of regular conditioner first.
The Verdict: What Do Hair Experts Recommend for Optimal Results?
So, which approach is best? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach for you will depend on your hair type, the condition of your hair, and your personal preferences.
That being said, some hair experts recommend a compromise approach that combines the benefits of both methods. To do this, you would start by applying regular conditioner to your hair and letting it sit for a few minutes to detangle and protect your hair. Then, you would rinse out the regular conditioner and apply the deep conditioner, allowing it to sit for the recommended amount of time before rinsing it out.
This approach allows you to get the benefits of both regular and deep conditioner without any of the potential downsides. It’s also a more practical approach for many people, since it doesn’t require a lot of extra time or effort.
