What are the benefits of deep conditioning?

Yes, regular conditioners work to soften hair, minimize frizz and smooth cuticles. But deep conditioning takes it a step further by helping to restore your strands’ natural oils. It also works to prevent split ends and breakage, improve texture and promote elasticity. If you use a deep conditioner consistently, it can lead to shinier, softer and stronger hair. All hair types can be deep conditioned but damaged, brittle and color-treated hair will benefit the most.

OK, and how exactly do I deep condition? 

Step 1: Identify your needs. Is your hair super dry? Is it lacking definition? If you’re looking to hydrate your hair, make sure the products you choose have ingredients like coconut oil, amino acids and certain silicones. If you want to bring your strands back to life, find products packed with protein. And if you’re looking for a bit of both, try alternating between hydrating and protein-filled deep conditioners.

Step 2: When choosing a product, be cognizant of your hair type. If you have fine hair, select a light formula that won’t weigh down your locks. For thicker hair, look for something that fights frizz. Make sure the ingredients target the concerns you identified.

Step 3: Once you find the right product, decide if you want to use it pre-poo (before shampooing) or clean your hair before applying the deep conditioner. Not sure? The pre-poo method helps jump-start the detangling process and works the treatment into dry hair; washing your hair first opens up the cuticles for better absorption. 

Step 4: After you’ve figured out which method to use, apply the deep conditioner from roots to tips. It’s important to focus on the ends, which are usually the driest. A wide-tooth comb is a great tool that can help you distribute the product evenly throughout your hair and get those pesky knots out quicker.

Step 5: Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap and wait 20 to 40 minutes (time will vary depending on the thickness and length of your hair). To enhance the benefits of the deep conditioner, warm your hair with a blow-dryer on the lowest heat setting to open up the cuticles.

Step 6: Finally, rinse with cold water to retain moisture and close the cuticles. Then wash your hair as usual. It’s suggested to deep condition hair regularly at least once or twice a week.

Here are five deep-conditioning hair mask recipes to make at home, because what’s more fun than playing scientist in your own kitchen?

1. Honey and Olive Oil
We already love using olive oil to bring moisture back to dry, brittle hair, and adding honey is a hydrating bonus. Combine ¼ cup honey with ¼ cup olive oil and whisk until smooth. (You can add more olive oil if you prefer a less sticky substance.)

After washing your hair with shampoo, apply the mixture to damp hair. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag. Leave it for 20 to 40 minutes. 

When time’s up, rinse and finish your hair washing routine. Use this deep conditioner once or twice a week, depending on your level of dryness.

2. Egg Yolk and Coconut Oil
If your hair needs some strength training, look no further than this combo. Dry, damaged and curly hair can use this mask to reduce protein loss, increase moisture and prevent breakage. 

Combine 1 egg yolk with 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil and whisk until smooth. (Add more of each ingredient depending on the length and thickness of your hair.) After shampooing, applying to damp hair, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

3. Avocado and Mayo 
The antioxidant vitamins C and E in this mixture work to keep hair shiny, soft and hydrated. Combine half an avocado with ¼ cup mayo and stir until smooth. You can also add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the smell of the mayo.

Massage the treatment onto dry hair and cover with a shower cap. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off and starting your wash routine. Use this deep conditioner once a week for softer hair.

4. Banana and Honey 
Banana’s potassium, vitamin C and biotin elements combined with honey (which promotes hair growth, volume and shine) make for a useful deep conditioner. Whether you want to prevent dandruff, moisturize your scalp, improve shine or all of the above, this mixture can help make hair soft, strong and thick.

Mash a ripe banana in a bowl, then stir in 1 tablespoon honey. (You may want to add more honey depending on your hair’s length, dryness or thickness.) Apply the mixture to damp or dry hair, then cover for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse out and wash hair as usual.

5. Greek Yogurt, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
No one likes frizz, and this combo puts flyaways to rest. While the apple cider vinegar works to stimulate hair growth, detangle hair and make it shiny, the Greek yogurt provides the protein your hair is craving.

Combine ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. (You can also add an essential oil to make the mask smell nice.) Apply to damp hair, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.

Anything else I should know?

You can store a DIY mixture in the fridge for two or three days. Longer than that, you risk bacteria growth. And if you have a store-bought deep conditioner you love, why not enhance it with some of the ingredients mentioned above?

Whatever you decide, deep conditioning can lead to much healthier locks (and way more effective self-care days).
 
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You know you don't have to wait to see me for a scalp massage, right.  Massaging your scalp not only feels great, it also gets the blood flowing which helps keep your scalp healthy and stimulates hair growth. 

This article tells how do give yourself a head massage. ​

How to massage your scalp

Here on Hair Romance, I show lots of tips for different products and styling your hair, but there’s a fundamental technique I want to show you. It’s my number one tip for growing a beautiful healthy hair and also for using products like hair oil more effectively.

I’m talking about giving yourself a head massage.
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Not only does it encourage blood-flow to your scalp and hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth, it also helps with follicle health, sebaceous oil production and healthier hair. It also feels great and helps you relax and destress – and who doesn’t need that?

Your head is the easiest part of your body for you to massage yourself so there are no excuses. Alternatively, this is something that you can do with a friend or your kids and it’s a great way to connect with your partner.
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But whether you’re doing this alone or with someone else, head massages should be a part of your daily hair routine. I like to massage my scalp at the end of the day, so it doubles up as a bit of stress relief too.

Working with oil or without, divide you head roughly into quarters and gently massage each section. You can massage your scalp either with one hand or both. Then finally finish by massaging the base of your neck.

If you’re finding your hair gets tangled as you massage, don’t try and drag your fingers through your hair. You’re likely to cause breakage and knots – and ultimately undo all the relaxing feels from the massage too! Working in small sections in key.

Gently extract your fingers from your hair and go in again fingertips first. Of course, head massages are likely to mess up any styling you have, which is why I like to do this at the end of the day.

Head massages with hair oils

If you are using hair oil, remember you only need a couple of drops for your whole head. One of the most common mistakes people make with products like oils is to use too much. This will make your hair look and feel oily and limp.

I recommend using Darshana hair oil. The important thing to remember is hair oil is more a ‘scalp oil’, and is full of nutrients that are good for your scalp rather than your hair.

So with a couple of drops on the ends of your fingers, massage the oil into your scalp in small circular motions. At the end of each of the four sections of your head, gently run your fingers through the mid-lengths of your hair to distribute some of the oil.
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I know we don’t have much free time, but you can even do this while you’re watching TV or as you are settling into bed. Even if you’ve only got a minute to spare, just take as much time as you can.
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Can it cause hair loss and how?

Although seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp does not tend to cause hair loss, the American Hair Loss Association note that it can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs as a result of a particular yeast on the skin. The sebaceous glands produce a type of oil called sebum, which the yeast thrives on.

Several factors may give rise to an overgrowth of this yeast, such as excess sebum on the scalp. The result is inflammation, which manifests as flaking, itching, and some redness on the skin.

Hair loss is not common in seborrheic dermatitis. If it does occur, it is likely from scratching and rubbing the scalp, as it can be very itchy.

In very rare cases, inflammation may also affect the hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss. In these situations, the hair loss is not permanent and will eventually grow back if the person takes steps to control the inflammation.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis

Researchers are still unsure as to the full underlying cause of seborrheic dermatitis, as well as why some people tend it have it while others do not. Some experts believe that it may be due to changes in hormone levels.

Researchers have also identified a potential link between seborrheic dermatitis and health conditions including Parkinson's disease and HIV.

Certain factors can trigger a flare-up. These include:

• sun
• heat
• aggressive topical therapy

Seborrheic dermatitis is not infectious, so people cannot catch it from another person.

Is hair loss permanent?
Any hair loss that occurs as a result of seborrheic dermatitis is usually reversible.

Typically, the hair will grow back once a person has received treatment for the inflammation that triggered the hair loss and stopped scratching or rubbing the scalp.

When there is significant or scarring hair loss, it may not be due to the seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can co-exist with other scalp conditions, many of which — such as androgenic alopecia — can cause hair loss.

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself without treatment. In adults, it tends to be a chronic condition. This means that people may have flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis throughout their life.

However, there are certain treatments that can help reduce symptoms during a flare-up. The sections below discuss the treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis.

Treatment

Although treatment will not completely cure seborrheic dermatitis, it can help alleviate some of the symptoms.

People may be able to treat mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis using natural home remedies, such as aloe vera and tea tree oil. However, these options should not replace conventional treatments, many of which are over available over the counter.

A person who experiences frequent or severe flare-ups may require prescription treatments from their doctor.

Natural treatments

One older study from 1999 used a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effects of aloe vera on seborrheic dermatitis.

Over the course of 4–6 weeks, 44 adults with seborrheic dermatitis applied one of two treatments to their scalp twice per day. One group applied an aloe vera ointment, while the other applied a placebo.

Those applying the aloe vera ointment reported a 62% improvement in symptoms, whereas those in the placebo group reported a 25% improvement. The researchers concluded that aloe vera extract is successful in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

The following natural treatments may also help alleviate dandruff and other symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis:

• tea tree oil
• folate
• vitamin B-6

Over-the-counter treatments

The following over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help alleviate seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups as well as keep the condition under control. Some of the treatments outlined below are suitable for infants, while others are suitable for adolescents and adults.

For infants

People can buy baby shampoos formulated to treat scalp conditions in infants. These may contain mineral oil.

To treat seborrheic dermatitis in infants, the American Academy of Dermatology suggest:

• using baby shampoo on the scalp daily
• gently brushing away scaly skin as it becomes softer
• applying OTC seborrheic dermatitis medication to the scalp

For adolescents and adults

Certain shampoos contain specific formulas to help treat seborrheic dermatitis in adolescents and adults. These include shampoos for treating dandruff, as well as shampoos containing the following ingredients:

• selenium sulfide
• pyrithione zinc
• salicylic acid
• sulfur
• coal tar

People can also buy OTC shampoos containing a class of antifungal drug called azoles. One example of this is ketoconazole (Nizoral). A person should ask their pharmacist for advice on how and when to use the shampoo.

In some cases, a pharmacist may advise a person to alternate between the treatment shampoo and their regular shampoo. People may eventually be able to reduce their use of the treatment shampoo to once or twice per week.

Prescription medications

Some people may experience severe or frequent flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis that do not respond to OTC treatments.

In such cases, a person should see their doctor or dermatologist. They may recommend a corticosteroid solution to help reduce scalp inflammation or a stronger, prescription-strength shampoo.
 
Recovery time

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself by the time they are 6–12 months old. In some cases, the condition may return in puberty. This may be due to hormonal changes.

Some adults may also find that their seborrheic dermatitis clears up without treatment. However, most adults with the condition will experience flare-ups for many years. Using preventive treatments such as antidandruff shampoos can help prevent and treat flare-ups.

Summary

In very rare and severe cases, seborrheic dermatitis may result in some hair loss. This tends to be reversible.

However, hair loss is not common in seborrheic dermatitis. If there is significant hair loss, it may be due to another cause that might require medical treatment.

There are many effective treatment options that can relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and treat the inflammation it causes.

Using OTC antidandruff or medicated shampoos can help treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. People with severe or persistent seborrheic dermatitis should see their doctor to discuss other treatment options.
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What it is: The physical damage we personally inflict on our hair every day.
How it happens: When hair is wet – its most fragile state – every pass of your fingers, comb, or brush can cause breakage and damage to the hydrogen bonds that comprise each strand. In the dry-hair phase, strands become brittle, so that tugging, teasing, pulling, ponytailing, and extension-wearing only adds to the broken bonds.
​The clues: The ends of your hair are uneven and sparse.

What it is: Brittleness, dehydration, breakage, and fading caused by UV sun exposure, pollution, and even pool/ocean water.
How it happens: In the same way that unprotected skin is susceptible to damage from the harsh rays of the sun or pollution particles, vulnerable hair is equally at risk and loses its protective proteins.
The clues: Environmental damage is felt before it’s actually visible to the eye. Strands will feel brittle, dull, and prone to dehydration and breakage. As you run fingers through hair, you’ll notice roughness and snagging.

What it is: Damage to the structure of the hair caused by aggressive salon services, like high-lift blonding, frequent color changes, straightening, and waves.
How it happens: Chemicals deplete and strip hair of its natural protection without replenishing those critical properties that deliver softness and shine.
The clues: You’ve been to the salon for a chemical service, and now your hair feels fragile and susceptible to breakage when wet; and it’s parched, frizzy, and rough when dry.

What it is: In a nutshell, thermal means heat…and along with it, damage caused by high-temperature/too-frequent exposure to blow-dryers, curling and flat-irons, and wands.
How it happens: In the same way you burn your finger if you keep it too close to the candle flame, hair is highly susceptible to the havoc of heat.
The clues: Hair feels crispy…it bends like paper rather than cloth; breaking rather than flowing. And split ends begin to form, traveling right up the hair shaft (and leading you to a serious haircut).

​You might think that blow drying your hair is adding another unnecessary grooming step to your already overwhelming routine, but think again. The truth is that blow drying your hair, although it might add a couple minutes to your routine, can solve so many of your styling woes and make you realize just how much potential your hair actually has. Here’s what a good blow dry does for your hair and your confidence.

1. It forces you to streamline your grooming routine
When you first start using a blow dryer, it can feel a little daunting, but once you get the hang of it and love the results, you will want to budget a little extra time in the morning to do it. Adding another step to an already rushed morning routine might be difficult in the beginning, but it will be worth the extra hassle. It’ll also force you to perfect a morning grooming routine. Pretty soon you’ll have your timing down pat and will be able to fit it all in before you walk out the door in the morning. Plus, you also have the added option of blow drying your hair in the evening and not interrupting your morning routine.
 
2. It lays the groundwork for styling
Grooming guru Eric Neher tells Birchbox that not only is blow drying your hair a great way to de-frizz, but it lays the groundwork for using pomade and hair paste, as these products will only adhere to and shape your hair if it’s completely dry. A quick towel dry is not going to cut it. Think about it this way: If you’re a man who’s into styling his hair with product, using a blow dryer can help you cut down time in your grooming routine. Blow drying your hair can take less than a minute, whereas air drying it can take significantly longer.
 
3. It gives you the hair you’ve always wanted
Gentleman, there’s a reason why the women’s hair care industry does so well, why blow outs can cost upward of $50, and why dry bar’s are popping up all over the place: Most women don’t like their natural hair and are willing to put in the extra time (and money) to do something about it.

GQ writer Stephen J. Praetorius explored his skepticism about adding a blow dryer to his hair grooming routine after so many years of air drying his locks. Praetorius believed that there was no way a blow dryer could give him perfectly coiffed locks or fight the genetic card he was dealt, and that it would be too overwhelming and more trouble than it’s worth. He found out that he was oh-so-wrong. He found that after about a three-minute learning curve his hair started to look the way he’d always hoped it would — full, but not frizzy, and neat looking but not overly meticulous. Additionally, he found that his pomades held better.

Conclusion: Even the nicest hair needs a little bit of help. All of those red carpet styles you see on men? No one just looks that good naturally. Welcome to the laboring world of beauty.

4. It straightens your hair
Do you have curly hair but have always wanted straight hair? Well, a lot of those sleek, straight looks you covet require a blow dryer. To straighten your hair, Neher suggests that you start off by working a conditioning prep through damp hair right after the shower to ensure smooth results. Next, part your hair where you want it, grabbing a small round brush, and begin blow drying. Be sure to make long strokes while following the brush closely with the blow dryer, going until it’s fully dry from root to tip. Once it’s dry, use a pomade and just a little hair spray as well. Style with your hands.

5. It increases your confidence
Liking the way you look results in confidence. Confidence results in getting things done. Ergo, blow drying your hair can do more for you than make you look good. If you feel good, it’ll reflect in your everyday activities — from your job to working out.