Deep Conditioning: Choosing the Right Deep Conditioner for Type 4 Hair

You've heard people say “Oh! I used that conditioner and it just fried my hair...” or “That conditioner made it crunchy,” and the like… 

One reason for this, amongst other possible reasons, could be the wrong deep conditioner choice.  As we know, deep conditioning is an essential part of type 4 hair care. 

In this article, we'll spill the tea, everything you need to know about deep conditioning for type 4 hair. 

What is Deep Conditioning?

Deep conditioning is the process of nourishing and moisturizing your hair more with the help of a deep conditioner.

What is a Deep Conditioner?

A deep conditioner is usually a mask or treatment that contains essential nutrients to help restore damaged hair, add moisture and promote hair growth.

Types of Deep Conditioners for Deep Conditioning

You can't just slap on any deep conditioner on your hair.  Deep conditioners serve different purposes; knowing how they function makes all the difference in the results. 

Usually, people classify deep conditioners into two types: moisture and protein deep conditioners.  But in this article, we'll group deep conditioners into 3 based on their function

1. Moisturizing deep conditioner

The main function of this deep conditioner is to supply the hair with moisture.  You might wonder,

How would I know my hair needs a moisturizing deep conditioner?

Take a good look at your hair, is it frizzy? dry? brittle? Does your hair look thirsty every time you look at it? 

If the answer is yes, then a moisturizing mask might be a great place to start; your hair might just be in need of a little or a lot of moisture. 

Does this mean, moisturizing deep conditioners are made for only dry, brittle hair? Not at all. As we know, moisture is beneficial for all hair types, so a moisturising mask is suitable for every hair type.

But you need to choose the right deep conditioner. 

How do you know a moisturizing deep conditioner?

To choose a good moisturizing conditioner or any product, you must read the ingredient list on the bottle. 

Look out for ingredients that are known as humectants; these ingredients can attract water molecules from the environment and add moisture to the hair. Ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, flaxseed, seaweed, vitamins, and fatty alcohols are effective moisturising agents. 

Depending on your preference and what works for your hair, feel free to choose any effective deep conditioner.

Next up, reconstructing deep conditioners.

2. Reconstructive deep conditioners

As the name suggests, the main function of this deep conditioner is to repair, build up or fix damaged hair.

How would I know my hair needs a reconstructive deep conditioner? 

How would you answer these questions: Is your hair damaged from being chemically treated? Exhausted from constant use of heat tools? Limp? Breaking excessively? Losing elasticity? Dull and thin? 

Did you answer yes? Then you should pull up a reconstructive deep conditioner.

Take note that if you have low porosity hair, your hair might not do well with protein conditioners. High porosity hair, are more protein conditioner afinitive.  

So in the case of low porosity hair, you might want to tilt more towards a moisturising conditioner and supplement with products that have reconstructive properties.

How do I know a reconstructive deep conditioner?

Usually, reconstructive deep conditioners contain proteins. Proteins are major components of the hair; they give the hair its characteristics. 

Look out for ingredients like collagen, silky proteins, hydrolysed proteins, soy, amino acids, etc. These are typically components of reconstructive deep conditioners. 

The final type of deep conditioner is the nourishing deep conditioner.

3. Nourishing deep conditioners

The main function of this deep conditioner is to nurture and maintain your hair. They replenish your hair with oils, help your cuticles seal in moisture and maintain your hair.

How would I know you need a nourishing deep conditioner?

Is your hair losing its elasticity and shine? Perhaps your hair is losing its definition or sealing abilities, then you need to whip out a nourishing deep conditioner.

How do I know a nourishing deep conditioner? 

Conditioners with oils, butters and humectants are good for nourishing. So look out for almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, etc. Shea butter, mango butter, and cocoa butter are great for nourishing your hair. 

Some products can combine any of these three deep conditioner types to give your hair the best experience.  Don't be surprised when you see deep conditioners that contain both nourishing and replenishing ingredients or moisturizing and nourishing conditioners. These ingredients can be mixed for great results.

On your part, do well to choose the right conditioner for your hair type or concern.

Looking for deep conditioner options? Check out these deep conditioners.

Benefits of Deep Conditioning Type 4 Hair

From the type of deep conditioners, you can see the benefits of using the right deep conditioner on your hair.  But let's go over some more benefits: 

1. Regular, consistent deep conditioning replenishes your hair. 
2. Deep conditioning improves your hair elasticity and other hair properties.
3. Deep conditioning masks give hope for chemically damaged hair.  We mean complete hair healing with the right mask. 
4. No more dull, dry, brittle hair. Deep conditioning restores the shine of your natural hair. 

So, we've talked about deep conditioner types and their benefits. But how often should we use them?

How Often Should Deep Conditioning Be Done?

As often as your hair requires it.  Some ladies use a deep conditioner whenever they wash their hair. So, weekly, biweekly or even once a month. The frequency depends on your personal hair routine and hair need. 

No matter how often you use your deep conditioner, you need to make sure it is doing its job.  Take your time to examine if the product works for your hair.

Do a bit of “hair reflection” with these questions:

• Does my hair feel nourished and moisturized after I use the product?
• Does this product penetrate my hair shaft or sits on top of my head? 
• Has this deep conditioner improved my hair?

In the quest for what works and what doesn't, some naturals prefer making their deep conditioner.  Cue in the DIY queens

Let's talk a little about homemade deep conditioners, aka DIY masks.

Should You Use a DIY Mask on Type 4B/4C Hair? 

Honestly, it depends on how it works for your hair. Some ladies use only DIY masks, and they have luscious locs. Other ladies try DIYs, and it just sits on top of their heads, not doing so much.

Tip: With raw products, the molecules are too big to actually penetrate the hair shaft, so it requires more time and precision so you don't end up picking out food particles from your hair.

That being said, DIY masks are a good option if you have the time to create them. Check out Joslyn's homemade deep conditioner mask recipe.

How to Use a Deep Conditioner on Type 4B/4C Hair?

We can't say this is an ultimate guide to deep conditioning if we don't tell you how to use it.

Items you need to deep condition

1. Your favorite deep conditioner 
2. A detangler, a wide-tooth comb or your fingers 
3. Shower cap or plastic bag 
4. Hooded dryer(if you have one)

Step 1: Apply your deep conditioner to freshly washed hair. You can work in sections, if that's comfortable for you.

Step 2: As you apply, gently run your fingers through each section. This is for even distribution. You can use your detangler or wide-tooth comb as well.

Step 3: Once your hair is all covered. Wear the shower cap or plastic bag and keep your hair covered with the hooded dryer for 10- 15 minutes. Without the hooded dryer, you can keep your conditioner on for about 30 minutes Or for as long as the product instructions say. 

The most important thing is to add heat. Heat helps to open up your cuticles and allow the product to penetrate to perform its magic. 

Step 4: After the time elapses, wash off the conditioner. Many naturals believe that rinsing out the conditioner with cold water is helpful to seal moisture, as cold water closes the cuticle. Then go ahead to add your moisturizer.

If your conditioner is doing the right job, you will notice that after washing it off, your hair feels softer and shinier. 

Your coils and curls are defined and tangle-free. It becomes easy to manage, as well, amongst other things.  Now, if your deep conditioner isn't giving you any of these results and more, you need to check it.

Wrapping up

It's been a long talk about deep conditioners and mastering them for type 4 hair care. 

One thing to keep in mind is that a great product is good for the hair, but consistency is even better. 

So, stick to a good hair care routine, use the right deep conditioner according to your hair needs and watch your hair do its magic. 

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