Deep conditioner decoded: All your FAQS answered

Deep conditioner this, deep conditioner that… By now you’ve probably heard everyone and their mum talking about these treatments, leaving you wondering if you should be in on the hype, too.

For the uninitiated, the idea of deep condition hair products can seem like a whole new world, but if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, don’t you worry! The All Things Hair beauty editors are here, willing and able to help you along your journey of deep conditioning discovery.

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about deep hair conditioner uncovered

You asked: What is a deep conditioning treatment?

We say: Right, so first things first, let’s tackle the essential question on everyone’s lips – what is a deep conditioner? A deep conditioning treatment (AKA a hair mask) is essentially a richer, more concentrated alternative to your daily conditioner.

Generally, it’s advised that you use them once a week in place of your regular conditioner. Simply leave them on for period of time, before rinsing to allow them to get to work (this is usually around 3-5 minutes, depending on the product, so make sure to check the instructions on the bottle).

Unlike standard daily conditioners, a deep conditioner is packed with an ultra-intense dose of conditioning agents, which can help to improve the condition of dry and damaged tresses, making your mane appear shinier, healthier-looking and better protected against breakage – and who doesn’t want that?!

You asked: What are the benefits of using a deep conditioner?

We say: If your hair isn’t looking and feeling its best due to heat, colour, bleaching or styling damage, deep condition hair products are just what you need to get your locks back in tip-top shape.

But what if my hair is already in pretty good condition, we hear you ask? Well, in this instance, a deep conditioner acts as a buffer, promoting healthy-looking hair.

In other words, whether your strands are in good or poor condition and whatever your hair type, there’s a place in everyone’s routine for a weekly deep condition. Honestly, is there anything these miracle multi-taskers can’t do?

You asked: What’s the best deep condition product for my hair type?

We say: Whatever your hair type, whether it’s coloured, damaged, dry or frizzy, there’s a deep conditioner out there for you. Below, we break down our go-to recommendations based on your individual hair concerns.

Damaged
Poorly hair? Deep conditioner treatments like the reparative TRESemmé Biotin + Repair 7 Intensive Mask are a godsend. The Biotin & Pro-Bond Complex formula helps to restore bonds broken through colouring, straightening and blowdrying, leaving hair feeling stronger and more resilient.

Dry
Parched strands? If your locks are feeling drier than the Sahara right now thanks to the cold winter weather, the Love Beauty And Planet Hope & Repair 2 Minute Magic Masque will do just the trick. Infused with organic Coconut Oil, it’s exactly the moisture hit dry hair needs to feel conditioned and healthy again. Plus, it’s 100% vegan!

Frizzy hair

As you’ve probably guessed from the name, the key benefit of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Mask is that it’s infused with keratin, a wonder ingredient for frizz-laden locks thanks to its well-known frizz-fighting properties. It will moisturise the hair, smoothing down the cuticle and leaving your strands feeling soft and smooth.

Coloured
If you bleach or colour your hair regularly, you’ll know how annoying it is when your colour starts to fade and loses its vibrancy. Thankfully, though, there are also specialist deep condition hair masks that can help you maintain your hue and keep it looking fresh between salon trips, such as the TIGI Catwalk Fashionista Blonde Mask.

Specifically targeted for blondes, this violet-tinted mask helps to keep dyed and highlighted hair from yellowing, as well as nourishing and helping defend against damage. Looks like blondes do have more fun, after all!