How to Deep Condition Hair with Regular Conditioner [Step by Step]

ByDr. Celestine (Certified Trichologist)

Hair conditioning is one topic that pops up frequently when we engage in conversations about hair. Regardless of hair types, people want to know the best method, product, and frequency for conditioning their hair.

Deep conditioning is a particularly interesting angle because it is a crucial part of every regimen for natural hair. Whether you have natural hair, chemically treated, curly or coily hair, you need to know how to deep condition your hair for the best results.

Let’s get into the differences between deep and regular conditioner, and how you can deep condition your hair with regular conditioner.

Difference between a Regular Conditioner and a Deep Conditioner

The first way to differentiate between a regular conditioner and a deep conditioner is to define them.

A regular conditioner, also called a daily conditioner, is a conditioner designed for daily hair maintenance and manageability. It is meant to be used after washing your hair with shampoo.

Regular conditioners have more effects on the surface because you apply them to your hair for only a short time (usually between 2 and 5 minutes) before washing off. 

Regular conditioners provide hydration to your hair’s outer layer and incorporate all its nutrients into it.

On the other hand, deep conditioners, like the name implies are meant to go deeper into your hair, last longer, and have more far-reaching effects.

Most deep conditioners are made to stay on your hair for between 15 and 30 minutes, although different products might have different timing, so always read the instructions on your product.

Deep conditioners appear thicker than regular conditioners because their production process takes into account the fact that they need to be stronger so that they can penetrate your hair strands.

Also, the results you get post deep conditioning are more far-reaching than a regular one. Also, deep conditioners can keep your soft and smooth for a longer time than its regular counterpart.

Here are 4 differences you can draw between regular conditioners and deep conditioners:

  • Deep conditioners are thick and have paste-like consistency, while regular conditioners are lighter and runnier
  • Deep conditioners penetrate your hair cuticle better while regular conditioner focuses on the surface.
  • Regular conditioners leave an effect and benefit on your hair that is fleeting, while deep conditioner’s effect results that last longer.
  • Regular conditioners are fine for daily usage, while you cannot use deep conditioners every day. I suggest that you deep condition your hair weekly.

Can you deep condition with regular conditioner?

Many people have asked questions when they find themselves in situations where there is no deep conditioner, but your hair needs deep conditioner.

All I have is a cup of regular conditioner, which I definitely don’t need right now, what do I do? Can I use a regular conditioner for deep conditioning?

The answer is a resounding YES!

People are often surprised when they hear that their regular conditioners can be used for deep conditioning, but it is a fact, and it does make sense.

Regular and deep conditioners share several ingredients in common, and where the regular conditioner lacks, you can simply add a few other products to make up for it.

See? With some DIY knowledge which we will share later, you can use several ingredients in your home to make the ultimate deep conditioner.

Is it better to deep condition on clean or dirty hair?

If we were to conduct a poll of the most-asked questions about hair conditioning, this one would make the list.

Let us solve the mystery behind this long-standing confusion, shall we?

There are two schools of thought in this practice, and I believe they both have their merits. While some persons opt to deep condition before washing their hair, others choose to wash and then deep condition.

Hair experts say there is nothing wrong with deep conditioning your dirty hair before washing, but they also opine that deep conditioning has double effects when you apply it after washing.

You should use them after cleansing your hair because the shampooing you do when washing has its benefit in the process.

For the best deep conditioning results, we suggest that you use shampoo first, then your deep conditioner, after which you can rinse out the deep conditioner, and go about your normal styling process.

However, bear in mind that products come with unique directions, so always know what method you should follow depending on your product. 

How to deep condition hair with regular conditioner?

Are you planning the next deep conditioning session and you’d like to try it out with a regular conditioner? As we stated before, it is possible, provided you have the right items.

Items required for deep conditioning with regular conditioner

Deep conditioning preparation

Get a small or medium-sized container, pump a small amount of regular conditioner into the container, add mayo, a portion of avocado, a few drops of honey, a teaspoon of raw Shea butter, Plain Greek Yoghurt, and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.

Mix them all into a smooth paste, and then move on to the application process.

Step by Step Deep Conditioning Process

  1. Shampoo your hair and rinse off the shampoo, then pat your hair dry with a clean towel.
  2. Part your hair and divide it into sections depending on how full or scanty your hair 
  3. Apply the deep conditioner all over your hair
  4. Focus on your ends as they need the natural oil provided by the deep conditioner. Focusing on your ends will restore prevent breakage and split ends. 
  5. Don’t apply too much of the product around your roots because your scalp produces a natural oil.
  6. After applying the conditioner, use a plastic bag or shower cap over the hair. You can also tie your head with a warm towel.
  7. Allow the deep conditioner to sit for 20 minutes at the least, or 40 minutes depending on the products you use. Avoid leaving the deep conditioner on your hair for too long, because it can lead to hygral fatigue (a situation where your hair feels weak, limp, and lifeless.
  8. Rinse your hair with cold water when the time elapses to close the hair cuticle. Always rinse your hair thoroughly to avoid leaving residues in your hair.
  9. Proceed to style your hair with styling products of your choice. 

After Care

Give your hair time to breathe while you enjoy the soft and bouncy results of your deep conditioning treatment. Enjoy the benefits of your deep conditioning while giving your hair a break.

Apply moisturizers to help you seal in the moisture until your next wash. You can use hair milk or water-based moisturizers. The best time to apply moisturizers is while the hair is wet to improve moisture retention.

Stay away from excessive heat and pressing combs that can hurt your hair.

Wear protective hairstyles and protect your hair with a satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase.

Final Comments:

Deep conditioning has lots of benefits for your hair, including softness, improved texture, moisture, protein, and protection against breakage. You can deep condition before washing your hair to give it life, but we suggest you condition after washing to leave a lasting effect.

Go on and experiment with your regular conditioner and make a deep conditioner that will nourish and revitalize your hair.

Celestine Gitau is a Certified Trichologist, Trichology tutor, Hair and scalp health enthusiast, and Blogger. She was Certified by the International Association of Trichologists(IAT). She has been extensively involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of hair loss on all hair types while majorly on afro ethnic hair. She has been actively involved in over 450 hair transplants and hundreds of other treatment therapies including PRP, supplementation, and stem cells over the past several years. As an enthusiastic blogger, she has written numerous articles on hair and scalp health in my quest to create awareness.