Just an observation, Just my opinion

[SueA2]

I've read several threads re. the use of conditioners. I've noticed that some ladies do weekly or more frequent deep conditions, for thirty minutes to an hour and sometimes more. Is this safe, especially for relaxed hair? I recognize that there are different hair types with different needs. However, I do not believe that it takes this much time for a protein or moisture based conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft. Most of the directions on these conditioners recommend far less time. In my opinion, this excessive use of conditioners will do more harm than good to our hair, which will break sooner or later.

Keep in mind, I don't have a problem with doing a DC treatment for twenty to thirty minutes once a month, as needed. I'm only concerned about weekly or more frequent usage.

 

[30something]

The women who do this have been doing it for sometime so they should know if its harmful for them or not.

You have to try things for your self, company usually aren't always right. Today I was cooking they said it should be done in 95 mins, sure as hell it wasn't no where done in 95 mins.

 

[wannabelong]

I've been on my hair journey for 2 years and I've been DC'ing every week anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. I've grown my hair from above ear length to almost APL. I don't think it's harmful to my hair. It's actually working for me. *shrug*

 

[Sosoothing]

DCing for 20 minutes to 1 hour has worked for me too. I don't usually use any heat because I am too restless to sit under a dryer. I do it up to 3 times a week if I have time.

 

[LushLox]

I deep condition twice weekly for a minimum of 30 minutes each time. It's done nothing but enhance my hair so I won't be stopping, some people do more some people do less. It's all about trial and error and working out whats best for you.

 

[likewtr4chklit]

I guess you have to do what works for you. Some people believe that constant moisture (24/7 baggying, daily washing) is the best for their hair, while others don't. Some love protein, some fear it. :shrug:

 

[Neith]

It doesn't hurt my hair.

The point where you are overdoing it can be different for everyone.

I DC twice a week (without heat). I have very coarse strands that do not readily accept moisture.

Would other people have problems with my high moisture, low protein regimen? Yes, for sure!

If you don't think it'd work for you, don't do it! It's all about learning about your own hair and doing what your own hair likes

 

[Toy]

I've been deep conditioning/conditioning wash 2x times a week for 30mins to an hour for about 4 years now and i have had nothing but good progress .

 

[Your Cheeziness]

I agree with everyone. I've read on a reputable blog that the chemistry of conditioners allow maximum benefit around the 25 minute mark. I DC between 15 minutes - all day just purely based on what I'm doing and if I feel like rinsing. There's been no harm either way. I only DC once a week. But I DEFINITELY wouldn't receive benefits listening to the directions on most bottles when they say "DC" takes only 5 minutes.

 

[Stepiphanie]

They are def beneficial to me. Even before joining the board regular dc's at home or at the salon were part of my routine. There are some people who may not need to dc as much, but I think for most once/wk is good.

 

[Leeda.the.Paladin]

One thing I have learned from being on hair boards is that some of the things that I never thought would work for me have made my hair into the best it's ever been. It's just trial and error. I personally don't know where my hair would be without frequent DCs

 

[LaidBak]

Dr. Ali Syed is the creator of the Avalon line of products. He wrote a paper on conditioning. The research supports 30 minute conditioning with heat. Beyond that its not productive.
Article is here: http://www.slideshare.net/dralisyed/the-right-way-to-condition-hair-presentation

His website is here: http://www.dralisyed.com/
I recommend everyone spend a little time on his website. Great info.

Weekly and sometimes twice weekly DCing was critical for turning my limp, breaking, dried up relaxed hair around. This month marks a year of steady DCing fro 30-60 minutes at a time. My hair is stronger and longer than its ever been.

 

[LadyLeoSmile]

I'm still coming into my hhj, but I have found that since I started DC'ing for longer than the 3-4 mins it says on the directions my hair has been much better. softer, healthier etc. I'm going to continue with this unless I see problems start to arise.

I agree with others, it just depends on the person and you should only do what works for you.

 

[Minnie]

I've read several threads re. the use of conditioners. I've noticed that some ladies do weekly or more frequent deep conditions, for thirty minutes to an hour and sometimes more. Is this safe, especially for relaxed hair? I recognize that there are different hair types with different needs. However, I do not believe that it takes this much time for a protein or moisture based conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft. Most of the directions on these conditioners recommend far less time. In my opinion, this excessive use of conditioners will do more harm than good to our hair, which will break sooner or later.

Keep in mind, I don't have a problem with doing a DC treatment for twenty to thirty minutes once a month, as needed. I'm only concerned about weekly or more frequent usage.

Wow!! Girl you are sounding like one of my old stylist:hardslap: After stating the above bold remarks, how do you make such a broad and ridiculous statement? Most of the ladies here, including myself has learned what their hair need to be healthy from trial and error. What works for one may not work for another. I have learned how my hair responds to different product. And understand somewhat how to correct different things.

Before LCHF I went to the salon as much as twice a week, just for my hair to just break off. Withall the knolwlege from my stylists, I never made it to sl. Whereas I have went from bald to APL in 22mos.

Usually I do not respond to threads like these, but it would be shameful for someone to change a regi that works for them just because someone don't agree with them.

 

[Victorian]

Keep in mind, I don't have a problem with doing a DC treatment for twenty to thirty minutes once a month, as needed. I'm only concerned about weekly or more frequent usage.

Most deep conditioners that I've seen marketed as such suggest weekly usage, sometimes twice weekly. I've actually never seen one that only recommended once per month.

As with all things, it depends on your hair. If something isn't working for someone's hair, they will realize it soon enough. If it is, then they won't have any problems with it. Simple.

 

[goodmorningruby]

I think the consensus is that you need to do whatever is going to help you get your hair where you want it to be but do it safely. And that varies from person to person. Even if a conditioner "stops working" after x amount of time, if it's left on longer than after that time and it's not a deterrent to your hair goals, then you're going to be fine. Moderation is key with just about everything and extreme situations rarely conclude well, but I think individually if you're doing something in excess or insufficiently you will observe the consequences (itchy scalp, dryness, mushy hair, elasticity problems,etc). If you don't and it's working with you instead of against you, then stay with it. One person's excess is another person's scarcity. And vice versa.

 

[aribell]

I've also only seen good progress with DCing weekly for 30minutes--3 minutes would almost be a waste of time and conditioner.

Besides that, I can be skeptical when it comes to some manufactuer's directions. For instance, I've seen a protein dc say to apply generously, rinse, then apply again. Sounds like a way to get people to use up more, imo, instead of just having them leave the first application on longer.

 

[SueA2]

Points well taken! I am just concerned about what those frequent DC's would do to my weakened relaxed hair. Everyone's hair is different, some people do better with less or more. You have to know your own hair; what works for some or many doesn't work for all.

 

[Americka]

Points well taken! I am just concerned about what those frequent DC's would do to my weakened relaxed hair. Everyone's hair is different, some people do better with less or more. You have to know your own hair; what works for some or many doesn't work for all.

That's why it is important to maintain a protein/moisture balance. Too much moisture is exhibited by very mushy hair (and can be corrected by adding the correct amount of protein.) Actually, for those of us who use no-lye relaxers, the additional dcing might be beneficial since no-lye is a bit more drying to the hair shaft. As with anything, just don't go overboard.

 

[sharifeh]

Hey some people can have healthy hair without DCing at all. It all depends. I understand your concern. before LHCF, I was always told by stylists that my hair can't even be wet that often. So of course I was nervous when people told me they were relaxed and cowashing everyday. I was like omg. Are they serious? People say their hair thrives like this so if the shoe fits....

 

[sharifeh]

Points well taken! I am just concerned about what those frequent DC's would do to my weakened relaxed hair. Everyone's hair is different, some people do better with less or more. You have to know your own hair; what works for some or many doesn't work for all.

do you know what kind of relaxer you use?
Products with ceramides are supposed to be great for relaxed heads, especially those that use no-lye relaxers
You should try DCing once a week, you may be surprised.....

 

[sheba1]

Teri grew hip length hair leaving her hair coated in conditioner all the time: http://www.tightlycurly.com

Her method has done a world of good for my retention. I've been natural for 15 years and my hair has never been this length in my whole life

 

[vkb247]

Points well taken! I am just concerned about what those frequent DC's would do to my weakened relaxed hair. Everyone's hair is different, some people do better with less or more. You have to know your own hair; what works for some or many doesn't work for all.

Not only do different hair types require different treatment, the same head of hair needs different things at different time. I have gone from dcing for a whole week, moisturizing with conditioner, treatments 1-2x a week to never dcing ever. I only use henna and plenty of oils now.

Sounds to me that you need some protein treatments for strength. Those are dc's too. Doesn't have to be just moisture. Then when your hair gets stronger you might need more moisture, etc.

 

[SueA2]

I relax my hair with Phytospecific Index 1. I'm still working on the moisture/protein balance thing. Question, If I am balanced, wont the amount of time DCing affect this balance? I guess, I'll just have to figure out how much time I need to DC in order to maintain this balance.

 

[Lola Laughs]

Sounds to me that you need some protein treatments for strength. Those are dc's too. Doesn't have to be just moisture. Then when your hair gets stronger you might need more moisture, etc.

Sorry to highjack for a sec---speaking of not following the directions on the bottle-has anyone ever DC'd with Aphogee 2 min? Good/bad results?

 

[Dommo]

I believe that keeping a DC on for too long is not a good idea. I don't see a problem with the amount of times a week one chooses to DC though; It's more about the length of time the DC is left in. I think thats why some people always have these setbacks and problems and don't know why. Leaving a DC on for 20 min is more than enough. This is just my opinion anyway.

I even did a test once with my relaxed texture human hair extensions (top quality). I dc'd one piece for the usual 20 min and dc'd the other for hours and the one that i left the dc on for too long was a mess once dried. The other was so soft and bouncy.

 

[The Princess]

I DC every week and I feel it work wonders for my hair. Its part of my regiment. When Im lazy or in depressed mode, I might skip a week or two and when I do, I feel a difference.

I DC with heat for 30 minutes and let it sit without heat for another 30 to a hour, or until I rinse it out.

It don't hurt my hair at all. (Im relaxed too)

 

[LushLox]

I believe that keeping a DC on for too long is not a good idea. I don't see a problem with the amount of times a week one chooses to DC though; It's more about the length of time the DC is left in. I think thats why some people always have these setbacks and problems and don't know why. Leaving a DC on for 20 min is more than enough. This is just my opinion anyway.

I even did a test once with my relaxed texture human hair extensions (top quality). I dc'd one piece for the usual 20 min and dc'd the other for hours and the one that i left the dc on for too long was a mess once dried. The other was so soft and bouncy.

Yes but you see, you've established that DC'ing for a long time is not good for you but it is proven to be extremely beneficial for many women here. Some folks have not had the experience that you did, so should they stop what works for them? That would be slightly short sighted to me.

What's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander.

The only type of conditioner that I wouldn't keep on for a very prolonged period is a protein treatment, but that's just me - others might have different experiences.

 

[The Princess]

Sorry to highjack for a sec---speaking of not following the directions on the bottle-has anyone ever DC'd with Aphogee 2 min? Good/bad results?

I done it a couple of times. I mixed it with one of my DC and DC as usual. Nothing bad happen, it gave me the extra protein boost that I needed for my hair at the time.

I also co wash with it, and didn't notice anything.

I really felt a differnce when I wash my hair and then FU with it. It does wonders in those 5 minutes. (Sometimes the directions is best).

I only use it when needed. I haven't used it in awhile though. When you need a quick protein boost, this is it.

 

[Aniyasmommy]

What I have learned from this site is you do what works for your hair. Some ppl like to only relax the new growth and some ppl can relax the entire length of their hair with no problems or damage. Sure it says only relax the new growth but some ppl know what works best for their hair. When I was a lurker I used to do and buy everything I saw on this board and now I cut out the nonsense and just stick to what works for me instead of running after the new product fads.I only deep condition once a month with an ORS pak and I dont leave it on for 45-1 hour I leave it on for about 5 minutes with no heat and my hair is still heavily conditioned. I may do a cowash twice a month . It's working for my hair for the time being.