Deep conditioning and hair growth

tdillz

tdillz

Well-Known Member
Hi everyone. I just thought of something. I've been natural for almost 3 years and I haven't been able to retain length like I would have liked to. I feel like I have a pretty decent regimen but I always forgot one crucial step! I never really was big on deep conditioning! But the more I research and really think about it that my hair may have not been getting as much moisture as much as It should and that can take a toll on not being able to retain length. So I bought the the shea moisturize deep conditioning masque and I can't wait to try it this weekend. But my question is has anyone ever experienced this before, and has deep conditioning your hair helped retain length and/or help grow your hair? I want to see how much it will affect my hair growth this year! Wish me luck!
 
Deep conditioning made a big difference for me. In 2013 after I started going to the Domincans for a dc and rollerset I retained several inches. In 2014 I didn't go to the salon as often and I barely dc'd. I barely retained any growth, because my hair broke snd I needed a big trim.

This year I am making sure to dc after every wash. I am also getting better about moisturizing and sealing.
 
The lightbulb just went off for me. I compared my last year picture to the photo I took last week after a relaxer and my hair was the exact same length. I realized that I have not done a true deep conditioning in well over a year :nono:. When I look back at the times when my hair was maintaining length it was when I was deep conditioning every week. Back on track this week :)
 
I DC regularly at least once a week. I've always thought I was a slow grower and I am a new natural (May 2013). I started taking pictures each month on the same day so that I could track my growth and it turns out I am not a slow grower, I'm average. If I hadn't taken the pictures I would still believe I'm a slow grower because I'm a type 4-something and my hair shrinks like crazy. Take pictures to track your progress. You might be pleasantly surprised.
 
I have always deep conditioned and felt like it makes a huge difference.

Over the years I find that the method and products for deep conditioning are equally importance as consistency. For example, last year I would deep condition on dry hair, then shampoo and condition rinse. I also use a conditioner that really wasn't absorbing into my hair. My hair was not as healthy as it could have been.

After finding out that I am more on the low porosity end of the spectrum, I deep condition for 30 mins with heat after I shampoo. I also try to be consistent with the type of deep conditioners I use. If a deep conditioner doesn't work, I don't force myself to use it. I also only use conditioners meant for deep conditioning as I find that I retain more moisture. It's not the end all be all, but it definitely is important.
 
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DCing is an essential component of my journey with duration being a key element - in order for my hair to receive optimal benefit, I must DC for an extended period of time. For me, anything other than body heat has proven to be a non-factor and unnecessary.
 
I MUST DC. Pretty much every time shampoo touches my hair a DC must follow. I can get away with a mid-week, diluted shampoo wash without it. But a true, washday MUST include a DC.

I also need regular protein (i.e. once a week). I need hard protein once a month.

If I do the two above things, I retain length.
 
I have always deep conditioned with each wash but it wasn't until I started using protein deep conditioners of all kinds that my hair started to retain length. I am a bit different in that I do not ever use heat, using protein for 5 minutes in the shower has worked for me. I seriously just have to stay away from moisturizing DC's only. My regimen is protein, protein, protein 3 times a month and 1 moisturizing DC. Rinse and repeat. I mostly use mild proteins like Aphogee 2 minute keratin reconstructor or Joico K Pak. Then I use a stronger protein like Nutress Treatment for Extremely Damaged hair once a month followed by Neutrogena Triple Moisture treatment in the tub. I also use that by itself once a month.

OP you may want to see if your hair prefers protein to moisture as that could be the cause for the stagnant stage of your hair.
 
IDareT'sHair said:
For Me - Deep Conditioning is Essential. And with Heat. Dryer, Steamer or Heat Cap.
Click to expand...

:yep::yep::yep: Deep conditioning to maintain moisture and protein balance is a priority of mine. I've been using my heat cap for the last two months, and I do see a difference from when I DCed with just my body heat. I have not used my steamer in a while, but the quality of the conditioning is much better than body heat only IMO.
 
IDareT'sHair said:
PJaye

How long are your "Extended Deep Conditioning" Sessions?
Click to expand...

IDareT'sHair

Depending upon the conditioner, it can range anywhere from a few hours to the following day. For me, the benefits seem to last longer using this method as opposed to DCing for 20 minutes to an hour with heat/steam. Besides, DCs cost a lot of money and I want to squeeze every ounce of goodness out of them before I rinse.:lol:
 
PJaye said:
IDareT'sHair Depending upon the conditioner, it can range anywhere from a few hours to the following day. For me, the benefits seem to last longer using this method as opposed to DCing for 20 minutes to an hour with heat/steam. Besides, DCs cost a lot of money and I want to squeeze every ounce of goodness out of them before I rinse.:lol:
Click to expand...
Consigning this. Deep conditioning has made a world of difference for my hair. I don't measure like I should but I feel like I'm retaining and my moisture levels are through the roof. My curls look better as well. I also steam for 40min and leave the conditioner on for the rest of the day - night and rinse and braid in the morning. Deep conditioners are expensive and I need the most out of every use.

I also think that Shea moisture deep conditioner is cruddy. I used it on and off for well over a year.
 
PJaye said:
Depending upon the conditioner, it can range anywhere from a few hours to the following day. For me, the benefits seem to last longer using this method as opposed to DCing for 20 minutes to an hour with heat/steam. Besides, DCs cost a lot of money and I want to squeeze every ounce of goodness out of them before I rinse.:lol:
Click to expand...

PJaye

This is true.:drunk:
 
I deep condition with every single wash (or co-wash). For me it's essential in my hair care regimen and when I slack my hair suffers. It's one of my biggest MUST DO's for my hair.
 
Deep conditioning is essential for the health of my hair. I alternate protein and moisturizing conditioners. I can tell the difference when I don't DC especially in the winter. It is essential to length retention as well.
 
Anaisin said:
Yes, I never deep conditioned before, thought it was an unnecessary step. Now I know it's essential to health & retention. Just a heads up that dc you bought is crappy, for my hair at least
Click to expand...

I'm gonna try it first and if I don't like I will return it lol
 
Prettymetty said:
Deep conditioning made a big difference for me. In 2013 after I started going to the Domincans for a dc and rollerset I retained several inches. In 2014 I didn't go to the salon as often and I barely dc'd. I barely retained any growth, because my hair broke snd I needed a big trim. This year I am making sure to dc after every wash. I am also getting better about moisturizing and sealing.
Click to expand...

I can't wait to see if my hair takes off bc I've been neglecting to deep condition for so long! I'll keep y'all posted!
 
QueenAmaka said:
The lightbulb just went off for me. I compared my last year picture to the photo I took last week after a relaxer and my hair was the exact same length. I realized that I have not done a true deep conditioning in well over a year :nono:. When I look back at the times when my hair was maintaining length it was when I was deep conditioning every week. Back on track this week :)
Click to expand...

We got this!!!! I want to see comparison pics!
 
Nope, I never deep condition and my hair is retaining just dandy.

I find low manipulation helps with retention. Growth is not a problem as long as your health is up to par.
 
I don't DC...not in the traditional sense, I guess. I simply leave my condish in (I don't ever rinse it out) and the penetrating ingredients penetrate slower than they would if heat were applied, but they do just the same.

I do this because sometimes DCs state to leave it in for a few minutes, sometimes stating the same amount of time for a heatless application as a heated one and it shouldn't be, because a heatless application should be a lot slower. So sometimes the penetrating ingredients in a product takes longer to penetrate than the indicated time, sometimes a product marketed as a DC has 0 penetrating ingredients, and a lot of times leave-ins/condishes not marked as DCs do include some. Basically I find that companies often market things in whatever way they see fit and I find it hard to trust their intentions, so I always ignore the front of the bottle and just focus on the back. If a product has ingredients that penetrate, I leave them in so they can take their time to do so. I also find applying product, sitting around and then removing it is a waste of money and time.

Hair is now BSL-MBL, I'm 2 months shy of 3 years since last relaxer (wooh!) :drunk:
 
Amarilles said:
I don't DC...not in the traditional sense, I guess. I simply leave my condish in (I don't ever rinse it out) and the penetrating ingredients penetrate slower than they would if heat were applied, but they do just the same.

I do this because sometimes DCs state to leave it in for a few minutes, sometimes stating the same amount of time for a heatless application as a heated one and it shouldn't be, because a heatless application should be a lot slower. So sometimes the penetrating ingredients in a product takes longer to penetrate than the indicated time, sometimes a product marketed as a DC has 0 penetrating ingredients, and a lot of times leave-ins/condishes not marked as DCs do include some. Basically I find that companies often market things in whatever way they see fit and I find it hard to trust their intentions, so I always ignore the front of the bottle and just focus on the back. If a product has ingredients that penetrate, I leave them in so they can take their time to do so. I also find applying product, sitting around and then removing it is a waste of money and time.

Hair is now BSL-MBL, I'm 2 months shy of 3 years since last relaxer (wooh!) :drunk:
Click to expand...

I do something similar. I use a DC that can double as a leave in. I apply after washing my hair, steam with it in, then style. My hair looks good and I'm using (and buying) less product.

The only thing I rinse out is my protein DC and I rarely need it anymore.
 
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