A Curly Girl's: First Deep Conditioning

My inspiration

Ok.

I've been a bad girl.

In 2 years of being natural, I have not deep conditioned my hair.  I know its essential. I'm aware of the benefits.  But I just haven't been able to figure out how I wanted to do it.

For some reason it seemed like this long drawn out process that was difficult to do.

But for the first time in 2 years, I did it last night.

Unfortunately for my lazy nature, it was cake.  Too bad I didn't figure this out earlier.

My hair was in bad shape.  I just had it trimmed (which worked out lovely, might I say), but it just needed something else.  My ends were exceptionally knotty, I was shedding like crazy, and my hair just seemed dull, battered, and dry.

I've read tons of articles on DC'ing (deep conditioning), but always read them like I wasn't capable of replicating the process.  Well when I decided to try an awesome new conditioner I've been hearing about for awhile, I realized it was vital that I engage in this process.

Here's the scenario:

It was 9:30 pm. I had just gotten home from my private tutoring lesson (I was the tutor), and had already eaten dinner.  Earlier in the day, I made a quick rush to Rite Aid to grab a new product I'd just been eyeing: Yes to Carrots Mud Conditioner.  For $8.99, I can get a 16.9 oz bottle to use as a deep conditioner (I heard it was good for that. For regular daily conditioning, I use Herbal Essences Hello Hydration or Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine. Either or, depends on what's on sale and what I can get my hands on). I though that was an awesome deal for a conditioner full of pretty great ingredients, so I decided to indulge the PJ in me and try it out.

To deep condition, I mixed 1 tsp coconut oil, 1 tsp olive oil, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl until combined.  After that, I added about 1/3-1/2 cup of Yes to Carrots to my oil mixture; basically whatever amount looked like it would cover my whole head.  I took this mixture into the bathroom to be used directly following my shower.

I then proceeded to quickly make an ACV rinse with about 1 and a 1/2 cups of water and about 2 tbsps of ACV.  When I hopped in the shower, I washed my hair twice with Dr. Bronners (I love it. I use it as a shower gel, but also find that its great for clarifying, which I do once a month).  Then I used the ACV rinse to soften and re-moisturize my hair.  After a few cold water rinses, I gently pressed the water out my hair and jumped out the shower so I could apply my conditioner.

After using my hand to remove the steam from my mirror (lol), I washed my hands and applied my conditioner, section by section, being careful to pay attention to the ends and to not get too much product on my scalp. Then I took whatever was left and spread it from the middle of my hair to the ends, being careful not to smooth off the bulk of conditioner that was on my hair.

I used plastic wrap (I lacked extra shower caps) to keep conditioner from going everywhere, and to help the conditioner penetrate from the warmth of my scalp.  I put a scarf on my head and left it in overnight.

In the morning, I rinsed my hair with cool water, and gently pressed the water out my hair again.  It was very smooth and needed very little detangling. Afterwards, I put a little Herbal Essences Hello Hydration on my hair as a leave-in, and proceeded to section my hair in large twists (no styling, I had to go to work!).  I put a satin bonnet on my hair and went to work!

I'm excited to see how soft my hair is. I have a feeling that its going to be glorious.

I will update this blog when I see my results!