Hair Masks Do's & Don'ts
I get questions all the time about my hair. What products I use, how I have kept it healthy, what was my transition process, how do I have so much patience? I have always been very self-conscious because I would get made fun of for my hair. People assumed that I was mixed because I have always had long hair, and I would get bullied about it every single day. When I started blogging, I never thought I would talk about my hair since I feel the most insecure about it and it brings up those really bad memories. You would think I would feel more insecure when wearing a two-piece bathing suit on Instagram or wearing a body con dress than I do about my hair. But for me, I got picked on due to my hair and not knowing what a weave was or not having a relaxer until I was 12. So instead of opening up about my curly hair journey I decided to start with what I think has been the most instrumental part to achieving healthy, curly hair - and that’s deep conditioning.
Deep conditioning is treating your hair to extra moisture or protein that will help restore and heal the damage in your hair. Please note I am not a cosmetologist, so I can only tell you what has worked for me when trying to restore and repair my curls. I was never a big chop kinda girl because I am way to attached to my hair. So for me, I had to repair my hair from the relaxer I had as well as hydrate my hair in order for my curls to come in healthy. Deep conditioning became, and is, part of my weekly hair routine I call “Masking Mondays.” So every Monday I take the time to do a hair mask and face mask. It’s a fabulous time. Over the last few years I have learned a few Do's and Don'ts to deep conditioning that I think are super important to share.
1. Deep condition weekly. If you have naturally curly hair, wash days are long days. Take the day to give your hair a little extra love and moisture and deep condition weekly. I mentioned above that I love pairing a hair mask with a face mask to be a little more productive. But do it every week to keep your hair healthy consistently.
2. Don't over-do it. Please don't wear a hair mask for longer than 30 min, por favor. I have read tons of articles and asked a few stylists about deep conditioning. Most people agree that after 30 min it’s not really doing anything additional to your hair so stop sleeping in it and messing up your pillows or scarfs. Wash days are long enough so keep some time to yourself and only do 30 min.
3. Do add heat. Use a bonnet dryer, hair heat cap, or put the product in a hot bowl of water before applying and then add a shower cap. There's something scientific about the heat and how it penetrates the hair cuticles better if you follow this process, so just do it and don't ask questions *wink*.
4. Alternate between protein and moisture. There is such a thing as too much protein, so please alternate between the two. I didn't know what this meant before I started the transition process, but I learned the hard way that too much protein can be bad for you – so do a little research to understand the difference between the two. The key is to figure out what works for your hair, which may take some trial and error, but will be best in the long run.
6. Apply your deep conditioner to your ends first. Your ends are the oldest, most damaged part of your hair and need a little more love and attention. So start with your ends and work your way up.
7. Figure out what works for you. Just because I have listed my favorite deep conditioners and hair treatments below doesn't mean that you are going to love them. Even though they are amazing, and I really think you will also enjoy them. Try what you like, read the benefits and the ingredients, and see what will work for you and your hair. Everyone’s hair is different and requires different treatment.
8. You need to cut it. This isn't a deep condition Do or Don't, but please cut off those damaged straight ends. Getting rid of damaged hair, no matter how much we may not want to lose the length, will help your hair grow better when we all want healthy curls.
Favorite Deep Conditioners:
1. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair
2. TGIN Rose Water Hydrating Hair Mask
3. Not Your Mother's Match Green Tea & Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Butter Masque
4. Lush Repair Hair Treatment - Damaged
5. Macadamia Nourishing Repair Masque
Shop My Favorite Deep Conditioners & Hair Masks
