How to Deep-Condition Hair for Moisturized, Healthy Strands

Keep an eye out for ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or other natural oils in your deep conditioner, which will seriously nourish strands.

How do you deep-condition hair at home?

Want to tackle your hair’s dryness, but don’t know where to start? Look no further. If you’re ready to learn how to deeply condition your hair like a pro, follow along this step-by-step guide to kick dry, damaged, dull hair to the curb.

To get started, take care of the tangles throughout your hair strands. “Start by sectioning your hair into four or more parts,” says Boozer. “Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle each section, and clip them aside.”

Then, it’s deep-conditioner time. Apply “generously to each section from roots to ends,” says Boozer. Her pro tip? Bring out the shower cap. “For better results, cover your hair with a plastic cap to trap natural heat, or use a steam cap or hooded dryer to amplify the treatment. Curly hair especially benefits from the added moisture and definition.”

Like with regular conditioner, you’ll likely be applying deep conditioner in the shower or bath, which is effective “because the steam from the water will open the hair cuticle, allowing the product to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft,” says Gutterman.

Is it better to apply deep conditioner on wet or dry hair?

You can do either, but just make sure to check the directions on the label. It will explain whether the product has been formulated to be used on dry or wet hair. However, “most of the time, you apply it to clean, damp (wet) hair,” says Boozer. “Water helps the product spread evenly and allows the ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.”

How long should you leave deep conditioner on your hair?

“I like to deep-condition my hair overnight and rinse out in the morning,” says Gutterman. However, it all depends on the level of damage in your hair and the product itself, so make sure you always read the directions. “Most deep conditioners work within 10 to 30 minutes, but some treatments are designed to be left on overnight,” says Boozer. “If the directions don’t warn against it, leaving it on a bit longer usually won’t hurt—just don’t overdo it with protein-based formulas.” If you do want to leave a deep-conditioning mask on overnight every so often, it’s likely fine, says Gutterman.