A treatment is vital to any healthy hair regimen, regardless of hair type. Whether you are recovering from damage, trying to grow your length or want your hair to be the healthiest it can be, taking care and time to treat the hair pays off tenfold. But between deep conditioners, protein treatments, and even Olaplex – it can get a bit overwhelming and confusing. I’m here to try to clear that up a bit for you.
Deep Conditioners
The benefits deep conditioners have on the hair are nearly endless. From adding moisture to dry hair, improving texture, fighting frizz, and reducing split ends and breakage, the list can go on. This kind of treatment is ideal for any hair type, as there are so many out there now to cater to different hair sensitivities, porosities, and curl types.
Deep Conditioners are richer and thicker than rinse-out conditioners. I believe everyone should use a deep conditioner treatment to keep their hair healthy at least one time a week. If your hair is super fine or gets weighed down very easily, every other week might be okay. Personally, my super high, high porosity, frizz-prone hair likes them every time I wash, which is about twice per week. My all-time favorite is Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask. This silicone-free jar of magic is the perfect balance of both strength and moisture, and every time I use it, I notice more shine, and my hair feels more hydrated.
Image Source: @thirteenlune
I also believe my hair is shedding a lot less since using it consistently. An awesome protein-free deep conditioner is SASHAPURE Restorative Conditioning Masque. The Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask is another good one, and SheaMoisture has a ton of affordable deep conditioning treatment options as well. Deep conditioners are, on average, meant to be left on the hair anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes. Some people like to leave them on a little longer, and if you truly are short on time, even 10-15 minutes would bring some benefit.
To further enhance deep conditioning benefits, adding heat will allow the nutrients inside to penetrate the hair shaft to nourish hair from the inside out. An awesome and easy way to add heat that I and many other curlies like to use is the Thermal Hair Care Sweets Hot Head.
Protein Treatments
Protein treatments are less frequent than deep conditioning treatments. Most non-protein-sensitive curlies can get away with doing them every month to six weeks. If your hair is truly damaged, twice a month may even be good to start. If your hair is protein-sensitive, skip these entirely.
Protein treatments can help restore most damaged hair to a healthier condition while minimizing breakage, strengthening the hair strands, and enhancing the curl pattern. Please keep in mind that protein treatment is a treatment and not a miracle, and there are super extreme cases that are past the point of repair and must be cut off. If you use any chemical service (color, relaxer, etc.) on your hair, protein treatments are essential to protect its integrity.
Image Source: @itsdavianaa
Just be sure not to do them too soon after, or the color can fade quicker (check with your professional stylist). A true, hard protein treatment requires heat to help the treatment absorb into the hair strands. True protein treatments will make the hair stiff when done properly – this is normal. But because of this, they MUST be followed up with a super moisturizing conditioner. My favorite hard protein treatments are the Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment and Ma Browns Protein Steam Treatment Rinse.
Check out our guide if you’re unsure which protein treatment your hair needs.
Bond Builder
Olaplex is getting so much well-deserved recognition with curlies lately. Olaplex No. 1 and 2 are done in the salon, and since I’m not familiar with them, I will leave it be. Olaplex No. 3 is the at-home version and one I’ve been using regularly. I spoke to the people at Olaplex, and they did tell me people will see benefits using No. 3 even if they did not get No. 1 and 2 done in a salon, but ideally getting the salon treatment done first would be good.
Olaplex is NOT a moisturizing deep conditioner or a protein treatment. Olaplex does contain some protein, but not enough to be considered a hard protein treatment. It is a bond builder meant to “relink the broken disulfide bonds caused by chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage to the hair.”, according to the brand’s site, olaplex.com. The main goal of Olaplex No. 3 is to strengthen the structure of the hair and improve the overall look and feel. Olaplex No. 3 is meant to be left on for 10 minutes, but the longer, the better. Once the hair is dry, Olaplex no longer works, so adding heat to the product is unnecessary.
Olaplex No 3 is applied to damp hair BEFORE cleansing and conditioning, almost like a “pre-poo.” You should use your favorite shampoo or co-wash and conditioner after using Olaplex. Many curlies notice increased curl definition, shine, and softness once they do an Olaplex treatment. For my personal results and how I like to use it, check out my review here.
Image Source: @dianemary126
Like anything else, starting your natural curly journey or trying new things is truly about trial and error. What I love, you may hate, and vice versa. No two heads of hair are alike, even if curl patterns may look similar, and not everything works for everyone, so please keep that in mind.
I am not, nor have I ever claimed to be a professional hair stylist. I talk about what I learned by researching, reading, and talking to other curlies and industry professionals. Please always remember to be kind.
