Basically, a deep conditioning treatment involves the application of a deep conditioner into your tresses and then the application of heat for the product to penetrate into the shaft of each hair strand. Hairstylists usually use it for the treatment including the repair of damaged hair caused by several factors, such as the abuse of hair products and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Indeed, you will benefit more from a single deep conditioning treatment at your favorite salon than you can from a few weeks’ worth of conditioning with an over-the-counter conditioner.
Benefits of Deep Conditioning
Your hairstylist will readily discuss the benefits of deep conditioning not because of his additional income but, more importantly, because of the benefits that a valuable client will enjoy after the treatment. These benefits include:
- Shinier hair. This is because the deep (i.e., thicker) conditioner effectively penetrates the hair shaft than your typical over-the-counter conditioner. Your hair’s natural shine is restored, which also means your hair appears healthier.
- Healthier scalp. Over time, your scalp becomes dry because of the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, and debris on its surface – and with dry scalp comes flakes, itchy sensations, and small breaks from frequent scratching. Your deep conditioning treatment will restore the healthy moisture levels in your scalp so you can enjoy healthier hair, too.
- Stronger hair. A deep conditioner can restore the strength of weakened and damaged tresses, which results in the treatment and prevention of split-ends and breakage.
- Healthier hair. You can prevent dull, frizzy and lifeless tresses caused by chemical treatments on your hair with the application of a deep conditioner. Your hair’s color will also be enhanced (i.e., increased vibrancy) since the hair acquires a more radiant shine, too.
The bottom line: A deep conditioning treatment, when performed properly and regularly, will boost the overall health of your hair and scalp as well as enhance its radiant appearance, soft quality, and bouncy appearance (i.e., body). Every single cent paid for it will be well worth the price for these reasons!
Types of Deep Conditioners
Your hairstylist will likely use the two types of hair conditioners for best results especially in terms of balance. First, protein-based deep conditioners are formulated for strengthening the strands, improving their elasticity, and enhancing their appearance, such in a radiant shine and added body. Your damaged hair will require more of these protein treatments until it is fully repaired.
Second, moisturizing deep conditioners are formulated to add and keep moisture in your tresses and, in the process, soften your hair with regular and proper application. Your stylist will apply this type of deep conditioner after your protein treatment such that the latter will be applied in the first week and the former in the second week. Otherwise, your hair will feel hard to touch without the moisturizing deep conditioner sealed into the strands with heat.
Things to Know
The deep conditioning treatments, also known as hair masks, should be applied two to three times a week at home in case you have dry or damaged hair. You will enjoy better results, however, with in-salon treatments because of the world-class quality of the products used in comparison with at-home, over-the-counter products. You should see immediate results with a single in-salon treatment than with several do-it-yourself home treatments.
You may have to undergo more treatments as well, for example, when you have damaged hair from too many chemicals applied on the strands over several years. In the winter when the air is drier, you should discuss the frequency of deep conditioning treatments with your hairstylist.
Aside from the deep conditioners, your hairdresser will also use added hair boosters that contain collagen, protein, and moisture. These products significantly, if not completely, eliminate fuzz and frizzy while also adding radiant shine, healthy body, and bouncy quality to your hair. You will even love the great smells from these products, a plus in comparison with the olden days when salon chemicals left smelly residues despite repeated washing.
You may or may not choose to add other hair care treatments on top of the deep conditioning treatment, depending on your time and budget. Regardless of your choice, you should be well aware that hair treatments should only be performed by certified salon professionals to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.
While most of the chemicals used in hair treatments in salons are relatively safe, many should be handled with the proper safety gear and training to avoid skin and scalp burns, damaged hair, and even temporary blindness. You should always ask the salon for the training and certification of the hairstylists assigned to your appointment, even when you have been a valued client for several years especially when it is a new hairstylist. Your health, both of your mind and body, may well be at stake as you don’t want to be burdened with the negative results of a routine procedure including a deep conditioning treatment.