When it’s time to go deep.
No matter how careful we are, hair damage happens. Changes in the weather, blow-drying and the use of styling tools can have adverse effects, creating small or major problems. If your hair feels dry, tangles more easily than usual and is less manageable, it’s probably experiencing the beginning affects of hair damage. The major levels of damage are when you can see breakage: Then the situation is more serious.
Bring Out the Big Guns
Whether your hair is in dire straits or just in need of some TLC, a deep-treatment conditioner can be the solution to getting it back in top shape. Daily conditioners are molecularly lighter and typically work on the surface of the hair. By contrast, deep conditioners are designed to penetrate the cuticle and go to the cortex of the hair shaft. They target the strength and elasticity of the hair.
Take Your Time
If you’re giving your hair a deep treatment, remember that extra time is involved — don’t rush the process. After shampooing, towel-dry hair so the conditioner can perform at full strength, and place a towel around your neck to catch any drips. Apply enough of the product so that a heavy coating covers the entire head. If you have particularly coarse hair, run a wide-tooth comb through the strands; this will help put the product where it’s needed. Finally, relax: Sit back and let the ingredients really penetrate for at least five minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.
Know Your Needs
One of the most common problems people have with deep treatments is that they overuse them, which can make locks limp. Start out with a once-a-week treatment for moderately damaged hair. If you think your tresses need more intense therapy, treat them after every other wash for one week. Finally, use styling aids that will protect hair between deep treatments, such as Dove® Style+Care Nourishing Dry Ends Serum. It’s specifically formulated to smooth frizzy, rough, dry ends and its lightweight formula deeply nourishes to restore softness and protect from heat styling.