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Deep conditioning with a regular conditioner instead of a hair mask can be an affordable and easy way to add a good dose of moisture to your hair. While hair masks are typically designed to provide more intensive treatment to the hair, regular conditioners can also give hair a good amount of hydration when used correctly. This is especially helpful for those with fine and medium hair types, but anyone can try it for more moisturized hair.

Since regular conditioners are typically more affordable than hair masks (and likely more readily available in your shower!), they are a good budget-friendly option for those looking to improve their hair's health and appearance. Even though hair masks tend to penetrate more deeply and give hair more repairing power, regular conditioners are great in a pinch for some deeper hydration.

So how do you use a regular conditioner as a deep conditioner?

Regular Conditioner vs. Deep Conditioner

First, a primer on conditioners and deep conditioners. Regular conditioners are meant for daily use to provide basic conditioning to the hair, while deep conditioners are meant for weekly or bi-weekly use to provide more intensive nourishment and moisture to the hair. If you have dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, a deep conditioner can be a great addition to your hair care routine to help restore your hair's health and vitality. Here are some fuller explanations of the differences between them:

 

Regular Conditioner:

A regular conditioner is designed to provide basic conditioning to the hair. It typically contains ingredients like silicones, oils, and proteins that coat the hair shaft to smooth and detangle the hair, add shine, and reduce frizz. It is intended for use after shampooing to restore moisture to the hair and improve manageability. Regular conditioners are usually used for a few minutes and then rinsed out.

 

Deep Conditioner:

A deep conditioner, also known as a hair mask, is a more intense treatment that provides extra nourishment and moisture to the hair. It contains a higher concentration of conditioning ingredients like oils, butters, and proteins that penetrate deeper into the hair shaft to repair damage, strengthen the hair, and provide long-lasting moisture. Deep conditioners are typically left on the hair for a longer period of time, usually 15-30 minutes or more, to allow the ingredients to penetrate deeply into the hair.

 

How to Deep Condition with Regular Conditioner

1. Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove any buildup or dirt from your hair.
2. Squeeze out the excess water from your hair and apply a generous amount of regular conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends and any areas that are particularly dry or damaged.
3. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to distribute the conditioner evenly throughout your hair.
4. Clip your hair up and cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap. This will create a warm environment and help the conditioner penetrate deeply into your hair.
5. Leave the conditioner on for at least 10-15 minutes, or longer if desired.
6. Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly with cool water. Cool water can help seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture.
7. Style your hair as usual.

 

How Long to Leave Conditioner For Deep Conditioning

The amount of time to leave a conditioner for deep conditioning can vary depending on the product and the level of damage or dryness in your hair. Generally, a deep conditioner should be left on the hair for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft and provide maximum nourishment and hydration.

 The Davines Nounou Conditioner is good for deep conditioning fine or medium hair types

However, some hair types and conditions may require a longer treatment time. For example, if your hair is very dry or damaged, you may want to leave the conditioner on for up to 30 minutes or longer. On the other hand, if you have fine or thin hair, leaving the conditioner on for too long can weigh down your hair and make it look flat.

 

Can I Use Regular Conditioner As A Deep Conditioner For Curly Or Type 4 Hair?

Yes, those with curly or type 4 hair can deep condition with a regular conditioner, but it may not be as effective as using a deep conditioner or hair mask.

 

Curly and type 4 hair types tend to be drier and more prone to damage than straight or wavy hair, so they often require more intense hydration and nourishment. While a regular conditioner can provide some conditioning benefits, it may not be enough to fully penetrate and moisturize the hair shaft for those with curly or type 4 hair.

 

To achieve the best results for curly or type 4 hair, it's recommended to use a deep conditioner or hair mask at least once a week. This will help provide the necessary moisture and nourishment to keep the hair healthy, strong, and well-maintained. Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil can also help to further hydrate and nourish the hair between deep conditioning treatments.

 

How Often to Deep Condition Hair

Deep conditioning with a regular conditioner or using a regular hair mask can be done once a week, but it's not recommended to do it every day. Deep conditioning your hair too frequently can cause buildup and weigh down your hair.

 

Deep Conditioning Overnight

Avoid deep conditioning your hair overnight. Leaving a deep conditioner on for too long can make the hair limp and soft. Your hair can even suffer breakage if a hair mask or deep conditioner is left on too long. Always rinse out your hair mask before going to bed and ideally within 10-30 minutes of applying it to your hair as this is the recommended time for most hair masks. This is enough time for the nutrients in the hair mask or conditioner to penetrate your hair.


If you are looking for a more intense deep conditioning treatment, you can try using a hair steamer or a warm towel to help the conditioner penetrate deeper into the hair. This can be done for up to 30 minutes, but it's still important to follow the instructions on the product label and not leave the conditioner on for too long.

How to Deep Condition with Regular Conditioner Conclusion

Deep conditioning with a regular conditioner is easy and affordable, but it's also an ideal way to give your hair more moisture if you have fine or medium hair that is easily weighed down by traditional hair masks. If you have thick or coarse hair, or your hair is simple extremely dry and suffering from damage, a hair mask may be the best way to go to fully repair your hair.