We’re heading into summer, and it’s time to repair those damaged tresses with a DIY deep conditioner using some of our favorite beauty oils and butters. Even if you’re diligent about pool hair care, the trifecta of chlorine, sun, and salt will draw out moisture, leaving your hair dry and brittle. And even if you don’t go in the ocean or pool, there is plenty of UV light damage from the summer sun as well as the chlorine in tap water, so freshening up your hair with a deep hair conditioner will do everyone some good.
If your hair is feeling a little dry and damaged, repeat after me: deep conditioner, deep conditioner, deep conditioner! Deep conditioner can be made at home and will revive your hair after a summer of sun and salt water.
All About Deep Conditioner
If you’re looking to pamper your hair and give it some much-needed TLC, making your own deep conditioners at home can be a great option. Deep conditioners are designed to penetrate the hair shaft and nourish the hair from within, leaving it soft, shiny, and healthy. The best part is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive salon treatments when you can whip up your own deep conditioners using natural ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
To make your own deep conditioners, start by choosing ingredients that are known to be beneficial for hair health. Some great options include avocado, coconut oil, honey, and egg yolk. You can mix and match these ingredients to create a custom deep conditioner that meets your specific hair needs. For example, if you have dry, damaged hair, you might want to use coconut oil and honey to add moisture and shine. On the other hand, if you have fine, thin hair, you might want to use egg yolk and aloe vera to add volume and thickness. Once you have your ingredients, simply mix them together, apply to your hair, and leave on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing out. With regular use, these homemade deep conditioners can help restore your hair’s natural beauty and vitality.
DIY Deep Hair Conditioner
I found this deep hair conditioner recipe and adapted it a bit for my family’s hair. I like the combination of shea butter with coconut oil, rather than using olive oil (although olive oil is great for your hair, too).
And of course, you can massage coconut oil directly onto the ends of your hair anytime for a quick and convenient leave-in conditioner. It moistens and makes it smell like a day at the beach. (I find that works especially well when you can’t even get a comb through your kid’s tangled mass of hair.)
For a more intense conditioner, this hair mask adds a ton of moisture, and it’s worth the extra few minutes to melt the oils together and whip it into a creamy texture. The thicker consistency makes the conditioner easier to control when applying it to your hair. You don’t want to glop on all of the oil in one place!
The Best Oils for Different Hair Types
By now, you probably already know that coconut oil can pretty much do anything, including repairing damaged hair and preventing further hair breakage. Argan oil is great for controlling frizz and adding shine to dull hair [source].
Shea butter not only adds moisture and shine, but it can also help remedy dandruff and a dry scalp. This deep hair conditioner has some serious deep conditioning power!
But you’re not limited to just the oils and butters we are used to hearing about. Different oils have various properties, so if you’re looking to tailor this recipe to your own hair type, here’s how to make ’em work for you:
Deep conditioing for dry or frizzy hair: Argan oil
Deep conditioing for oily scalp or limp hair: Grapeseed oil
Deep conditioing for extremely dry or damaged hair: Macadamia oil
Deep conditioing for sensitive or flaky scalp: Almond oil
Deep conditioing for flakes and dandruff: Shea butter
Deep conditioing for boosting growth: Olive oil
And adding a few drops of an essential oil for your hair is the icing on the deep-conditioning cake. Rosemary, lavender, peppermint—all are great essential oils for strengthening and deep conditioning your hair as well as making your strands smell like you just left the spa.
Just like with carrier oils, some essential oils are better than others at hydrating strands and boosting hair health. In addition to rosemary, lavender, and peppermint, here are a few we love for gorgeous locks:
Cedarwood: said to help balance oil-producing glands in the scalp, so hair looks less greasy
Lemongrass: may relieve scalp irritation and itchiness, helps to treat dandruff [source]
Thyme: an antimicrobial oil that helps keep bacteria at bay [source]
Clary sage: cleanses oils and nourishes dry skin
Tea tree: antimicrobial and antifungal making it ideal for dandruff-prone hair [source]
How to Do a Deep Conditioner Treatment
You can turn your deep hair conditioner into a hot oil treatment by warming the oils in the microwave or applying the mask as usual and just stepping outside in the sun for a few minutes. You can also put them on and then relax in a nice hot tub or jacuzzi. The warmth opens up the hair cuticle so the moisturizing oils can better penetrate your strands. This will go a long way towards repairing damaged hair and preventing hair breakage by restoring natural oils. It’s great for all hair types too!
First, comb your hair to remove any knots. Then apply the conditioner from root to tip, massaging your scalp as you apply it. This can also stimulate hair growth. Wrap your hair in a warm, damp towel to encourage the oil to sink in even further and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly before applying shampoo and conditioner as usual.
For even more conditioning power, try an overnight hair mask.
Olive Oil As a Deep Conditioner
Olive oil is an excellent natural hair conditioner that can deeply moisturize and nourish your locks. When used as a deep conditioner, it can help repair damaged hair, reduce frizz, and promote hair growth. While traditional deep conditioners contain synthetic chemicals that may cause harm to your hair, olive oil is a safe and natural alternative that has been used for centuries. It’s great for dry hair – and available right in the grocery store! Some people believe it’s great for hair growth as well, although it hasn’t been proved.
To use olive oil as a deep conditioner, start by choosing a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil. Warm up the oil in a microwave-safe bowl or in a pot on the stove, but be careful not to overheat it. You want it to be warm to the touch, but not hot enough to burn your skin. Apply the oil generously to your hair, making sure to cover every strand from the roots to the tips. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the oil evenly and ensure that it penetrates the hair shaft.
Once you have applied the olive oil, cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or a towel to trap in the heat and enhance absorption. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours or overnight if possible. This will give the olive oil enough time to deeply penetrate your hair and provide maximum conditioning benefits.
After the recommended time has passed, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water and a gentle shampoo. You may need to shampoo twice to remove all the oil from your hair. Finish by applying your regular conditioner to lock in moisture and enhance shine.
For best results, repeat this deep conditioning treatment with olive oil once a week for six weeks. By the end of the six weeks, you should notice a significant improvement in the texture, softness, and overall health of your hair. You can also alternate between using olive oil and a traditional deep conditioner every two weeks to give your hair a variety of nutrients and keep it looking its best and promote hair growth.
Hair Mask Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the oils out of my hair?
I swear by baking soda. Next time you’re in the shower after applying a deep conditioner, simply sprinkle it in your hair before washing it with shampoo. Use your fingertips to gently massage the baking soda at the roots and along the length of your hair.
Then rinse it out and shampoo as usual. The baking soda helps break down grease and leaves hair feeling squeaky clean, without the drying suds of traditional shampoo.
I have also heard that applying dry shampoo (this kind is my favorite) to hair 1–2 hours before showering will absorb the excess oil and make it easier to wash out.
Can I shampoo first and then deep condition?
Sure! But you may find that the oils linger and leave your hair looking flat and somewhat greasy. If that’s the case, it might be best to shampoo when you’re done. It just depends on your hair type and how you prefer to wear it.
How long does this deep hair conditioner last when I make the recipe?
Since it just contains oil, it should last for about a year without the need for refrigeration or preservatives. If you add any water-based ingredients, like aloe vera, rose water, etc., it should be refrigerated and used within a week. Instead, you can add those extra ingredients just to the portion you will be using on your hair at that time.
Can deep conditioner be used long term?
Yes, this is safe to use long term as long as you don’t see any redness or irritation. As with any homemade beauty products, keep an eye out for changes in your skin and hair (such as redness, acne, hair loss, etc.) and stop using it immediately if some signs of irritation crop up.
Can I use a deep conditioner as my regular conditioner (can I rinse it out after I put it in)?
Yep! It would make a great homemade conditioner. But again, since it’s pretty oil-heavy—depending on your hair type—you may find that it leaves your hair feeling a little greasy, and it loses its bounce. If that’s the case, you may prefer to shampoo and condition after the application.
Can I add mayonnaise to my DIY deep conditioning treatment?
I haven’t tried this recipe with mayo, so I can’t say for sure if it will work. I wouldn’t add it to the recipe itself, just combine it with the portion of oil you are going to apply at the time. Feel free to add any natural ingredients you like, and let us know how it goes in the comments!
How often can I use a deep hair conditioner?
If your hair is dry or damaged, you can use this twice a week until your hair feels softer and more manageable. For regular maintenance, use it once every week or two to replenish the moisture you lose from heat styling.
I did the leave-in conditioner method, and my hair is still super greasy. What am I doing wrong?
This conditioner is pretty oil-heavy, so oils may linger in your hair after you use it. It’s more noticeable in fine hair, but any hair type can be affected. Just use shampoo after your deep conditioning treatment to get rid of lingering oils and leave hair feeling soft and clean. You can also consider doing a citrus or vinegar rinse to cut the extra oil and add in some extra shine.
What are natural deep conditioners?
Natural deep conditioners are hair care products that are made with natural ingredients such as oils, butters, and other plant-based extracts. These ingredients are often chosen for their nourishing and moisturizing properties, and they can help to restore damaged or dry hair.
How do I use a natural deep conditioner?
To use a natural deep conditioner, start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo. Then, apply the deep conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends, hair shaft and any areas that are particularly dry or damaged. Leave the conditioner on for 10-15 minutes (or as directed on the product), then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Are natural deep conditioners suitable for all hair types?
Yes, most natural deep conditioners are suitable for all hair types, including curly, straight, fine, and thick hair. But you should choose a deep conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair type and concerns.
Any other deep conditioner recipes I can try?
If you have damaged hair, a homemade deep conditioner can help repair and soften your hair, stimulate hair growth, and promote shine. To make your own deep conditioner, start by mixing half an avocado, two egg yolks, and a tablespoon of natural humectant such as honey in a small bowl. Add two to four tablespoons of olive oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as rosemary essential oil, known for stimulating hair follicles, and mix well. Apply the mixture to your hair, making sure to focus on the damaged ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the mixture evenly, and then cover your hair with a plastic bag. To enhance the effects of the conditioner, use a blow dryer to gently heat the plastic bag for a few minutes. Leave the conditioner on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water. For healthier locks, deep condition your hair regularly, at least once a week as part of your hair care regimen. Avoid using a hair dryer and opt for air drying instead. This DIY hair mask can work just as well as a store-bought deep conditioner, and over a decade of using it, it has helped repair my split ends and promote healthy hair growth.
What is a deep conditioner, and how does it differ from regular conditioner?
A deep conditioner is a hair care product that is designed to provide more intensive conditioning and nourishment to the hair than regular conditioner. It is typically thicker and heavier than regular conditioner, and is often left on the hair for a longer period of time, usually between 10-15 minutes, in order to allow the ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft more deeply.
How often should I use a deep conditioner?
You should use a deep conditioner once or twice a week, but you may need to adjust the frequency based on factors such as the condition of your hair, how often you style or color your hair, and environmental factors like humidity or exposure to sun and wind.
What are some of the benefits of using a deep conditioner?
Using a deep conditioner regularly can help to nourish and strengthen your hair, leaving it softer, smoother, and more manageable. It can also help to repair damage from heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors, and can improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
Deep Hair Conditioner
Equipment
- Pyrex measuring cup and a saucepan (or a small bowl and a microwave)
- Hand mixer
Materials
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 teaspoon Argan oil
- A few drops of essential oil good ones for hair are rosemary, lavender, peppermint, geranium, and clary sage
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil and shea butter together in microwave or double boiler (I find a Pyrex measuring cup in a saucepan of hot water works well.)
- Let mixture cool until almost room temperature, then add the argan oil.
- With a hand mixer, whip mixture together for 3–5 minutes (transfer to a larger bowl, if needed, to accommodate the hand mixer). You'll get a creamy texture that's much easier to apply than melted oil.
- Comb through clean, dry hair and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse hair and shampoo as normal.
Notes
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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Can I substitute the argan oil for sweet almond oil?
HOW MUCH OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL SHOULD YOU USE IN THIS
Great tips! I use an argon oil-based conditioner post-shower and it really brings my curls back to life.
Wow, this is amazing. I’ve been struggling with my curly hair for years, trying all sorts of products, but this did the trick. Since I didn’t have all the ingredients at home, I used olive oil instead of argan and skipped the essential oils but still my hair looks just amazing, no tangle, no frizz and well defined curls. Thanks for this.
Can you shampoo before the deep condition, and condition after the deep condition?
I would say yes. A couple of weeks ago a young lady used a treatment in my hair AFTER shampooing. It was Shea butter, coconut oil and one other ingredient. She massaged into my scalp, covered my hair with a plastic cap and set me under a steam dryer for a few minutes. Then she rinsed my hair., blowed dried and flat ironed. My hair was so soft.
Wonderfull diy ideas, How long does this product expire? how can this product be used for the long term? Are there preservatives?
Can I Use it as regular conditioner? Meaning can i rinse it out after I put it in?
First, take a breath cause your hair isn’t ruined! Do a rinse with some vinegar, preferably apple cider if you’ve got it, and it’ll take out the excess oil. Second, you could have done that research you mentioned before you left this post and you’d have found this recipe everywhere. It’s been used literally by thousands upon thousands of people, with their own twists and additions to the shea and coconut oils. Now you said you make your own coconut shampoo, and it’s “barely ever greasy”. That’s a clue to the problem right there, you are overusing coconut oil. While many people think it can do no wrong, that’s not true for hair. I don’t know what type of hair you’ve got..i.e. course, curly, fine, etc, or what else is in your shampoo, but regardless of that info I know coconut oil used incorrectly by D.I.Y’ers can cause buildup they might not understand. Adding shea butter with it certainly wont help in this situation. It’s recommended that if you use a shampoo like you’ve got to switch to another formula every so often, a clarifying formula that will help to remove buildup and clean the scalp well. Coconut oil has the ability to be very cleansing but it has to go through a saponification process first before it becomes soap. If you want a safe, simple, natural option for a daily treatment, you can put some Aloe Vera Liquid into a spray bottle and spritz your hair with it. This is cheap, easy, and oil free. And you CHOSE to try this hair mask without doing any homework first, you do understand the blame is on you here right? I’m guessing your not too old, the melodrama about “ruined hair” tells me that. So a little advice, you don’t have to do everything you read on the internet. Suggesting to future readers that you’ve all but gone bald as a result of this…these are oils not acids, honey. And when used properly with a little knowledge can be very beneficial to your hair and skin- without chemicals, spendy products, or trips to a salon. Most grownups understand trying anything new comes with some risk, especially home remedies. You chose not to do any further research, you chose not to ask any questions first, you choose to make your own shampoo and chose not to consider this before you started yelling and blaming someone else for poor results. Do you get it?
Can I add mayonnaise to the DYI deep conditioning treatment? Will it add extra nutrients? Or replace the Shea butter with mayo? Will I get the same end result or a different one?
Also I don’t have any of those essential oils yet.. I have jojoba, rosehip
Hi, you can make the mayo substitution and it’ll be conditioning but you won’t have identical results. Also you’ll have a softer cream, much more like traditional conditioners. Now if you use the Jojoba oil, that’ll certainly increase the treatment benefits but it’s not an essential oil. I’m not aware of what Rosehip would do for hair, that’s traditionally a great one for skin though. If you’re just making a single batch (If you make a full jar of this it’ll need to stay refrigerated) make the substitutions and see how you like it! **you can also replace the shea butter with coconut oil and this would give you that thicker cream and great conditioning!!
wonderful
please can it prevent bald or does it allow hair growth
It’s completely ridiculous that your advising people to heat the products in the microwave. You are literally killing all the nutrients your hair needs. Put the ingredients in a bowl and sit the bowl in a larger bowl of water that was heated on the stove. Yes, I said STOVE. Anything put in the microwave is nutritionally worthless!
I agree with Ida, and Harvard also did a study that says microwaves are BETTER than stovetop heating because it’s faster and the longer nutrients are exposed to heat the worse it is. If you’re gonna be a snarky b- you should at least know what you’re talking about!! Take a look at some of the experts site who make these products professionally, and teach diy’ers and small businesses how to craft cosmetic products. People with degrees in chemistry. THEY USE THE MICROWAVE! And lastly, if you can’t say anything nice (or accurate) don’t say anything at all. Take that attitude to Twitter.
Can we store this remedy? And how many times we can apply it in a week?
This can be stored, you can make a jar and so long as you’re using ingredients that are fresh and don’t get any water in it, it’ll last a year. If you want to air on the side of caution plan for 6 months, but if you add an antioxidant to protect the oils from going rancid and you use a spoon to scoop from the jar rather than hands that can transfer germies you should get a year no trouble. Antioxidants you could add are Vitamin E oil..(look for it to say “Tocopherol“ on the label for the most beneficial and effective form…you can pick it up all over, Amazon has several). Another natural option is Rosemary Oleoresin, also known as Rosemary Oil Extract or ROE. It’s an oil soluble, natural extract of the leaves of the rosemary plant used to retard rancidity in natural oils. … don’t confuse it with Rosemary essential oil, which won’t be effective. (However, it’s really great for hair!!!) very little is required to be effective, but it’s vital to add it to your oils as soon as possible after opening the container before oxidation has a chance to begin.
You can also make a great moisturizing whipped body butter with these ingredients, and when you put it in a charming container it makes a great gift!! Just remember water based ingredients or even wet hands dipped in will provide mold, germs, and bacteria an environment to thrive in. Always include a broad spectrum preservative if you plan or foresee water getting in your jar. If it’s just oils a preservative isn’t necessary. I hope this helps! = )
Great recipe though. Mine is completely dry hair and I must try this recipe. I see many are happy with this method. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome Post
It Helped Me A Lot
keep it up
Wow! This is amazing to make deep hair conditioner at home. My hairs are rough and dry but after applying this homemade conditioner my hairs are too smooth and healthy. Thanks
I tried this today and it worked wonderfully! I’m working on growing out my natural hair after having it permanently straightened, so my ends are fragile and need extra care. This moisturized my hair and left it feeling so soft. I think I’ll begin to use this once per week. As I’ve read through the comments I’ve noticed that some people had difficulty removing the oil from their hair. I, however, had no issue with this at all. I followed Stephanie’s advice from her comment, mixing my shampoo with dish soap (1:1 ratio) and followed with my normal conditioner. My hair feels great! Thank you!! ^_^
Hi Allie, so sorry you’ve had such a hard time! I have in fact made and used this mask, but if you’re having a trouble getting the oil out of your hair use a small amount of dish soap with your shampoo to cut the grease. I have to do that sometimes when I wear an oil mask overnight. It still leaves my hair super soft.
I did the leave in conditioner method and my hair is still super greasy. What am I doing wrong?
After letting the mask sit, you should apply shampoo to dry hair first and scrub this will take out the excess oil. I’ve learned this studying aromatherapy. ?
Just tried this last night! I have noticeably shiner hair with lots of life compared to before. Thanks for posting this!
What kind of Shea butter and coconut oil did you us?
I’m into argsn oil coconut oil and raw Shea butter
Hi,
This might be a strange question… but I was wondering where you got the comb pictured in this post? I’ve been looking for something like that for detangling my gnarly hair… thanks!
Definitely going to try this. Hopefully it will calm my frizzy wavy/curly hair. I’m not sure why you would shampoo afterwards. Wouldn’t it undo all the conditioning you’ve done to your hair?
I have the same question. I try to avoid shampoo all together but sometimes it’s needed and I can’t find one that doesn’t dry out my daughters hair.
livinglibations.com, greatness here
Hi Kirra,
Have you tried solid shampoo? They are more gentle cleansers! :)
Try anyd non-sulphate shampoo or try clays like bentonite can be bought online.
I’ve had the same trouble with my daughter’s curly hair…try “mixed chicks” kids shampoo & conditioner. She’s not mixed, she’s white, and the product works great for moisture and bounce.
“Wen” is a good option, though a bit spendier than the drug store brands. But it’s not traditional shampoo, it doesn’t have detergents. They actually call it a “cleansing conditioner” and you don’t need a second product with it. My hair was awful, curly, dry and frizzy. The ends were always split and frayed no matter what I did or used. I decided to buy the Wen, and I’ve been using it for 7-8 years now. Only thing thats ever worked, and I now make bath and body products for a living but I still use this. You can save some money if you buy it from QVC, I don’t know how old your daughter is now but they have one just for kids, too. A bonus with trying it through QVC, if it doesn’t work out you can send it back and get a refund! They have the most amazing scents, and you’ll find yourself needing to wash your hair less frequently because you’ll have a healthier scalp and hair. (And fewer haircuts!!!) Since they have a return option it’s certainly worth a try, I mean, you can’t return the flop store & salon bought products just they don’t work out. It gets really expensive trying all those fails! If you decide to try it, a tip, QVC has shows/airings for each of their products and thats when they drop the prices & have specials on them. So check for the next airing or show for Wen (on the website) and you’ll get an even better bargain. You can still just go online and order, but if you watch the airing before your first order they will help guide you to the right choices and show you how to use it. As I said, it’s not a typical shampoo -no lather- and it’s also your leave-in…they show you how to use it and not waste a ton. Good luck!
Hey Diane,
Oils and butters like that are very powerful conditioners, however you do have to shampoo afterwards to take the excess oil away. Otherwise your hair will look have and dull…
Normal industrialized shampoos might ineed undo the work you just did with the conditioners, but if you use other low-poo alternatives such as solid shampoo, egg whites or a paste of baking powder you will achive the best results!
This is pretty great. :) I love DIY hair conditioners like this. Can’t wait to make this for myself.
This looks like a really useful DIY hair conditioner. When I get home, I’m definitely going to try this out. :) Fortunately, I have all the ingredients at home.
How long does this stay good? Can you make it in larger quantities?
Since it’s all oil-based, seems like it would stay good for a long time. I think adding a Vitamin E capsule can help extend the shelf life too- antioxidants can help keep fats from going rancid
Dying to try this! Thank you and please keep the ideas coming. :)
how many days can i keep this?
where is that darling brush/comb from?
Ginny, I got that 12 years ago when I was in Brazil. I’ve been looking to see if I could find a similar one online anywhere. I’ll let you know if I find something!
trydollarstoreigotmemineorsallys
I was going to ask the same question… Thanks
I don’t have aragan oil. Is there another oil that can be used? Thanks in advance.
You can substitute it with most any oil, all have different beneficial properties but most any would work here. I’m sorry, I don’t know what oils you do have and their are so many it’s tough to get specific. I would recommend (if your unsure about an oil you have) to look that oil up, google will do. Ask if it’s good for hair, you’ll get more info than you can use! Argan oil is lightweight and absorbs well, if you have a choice look for the one with similar properties. Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Sunflower, Grapeseed…light. Some heavier oils are Avocado, Hazelnut, Castor… Glycerin would also work, it’s very hydrating making it a handy ingredient in many skin & hair products. And it’s cheap.
My hair has been so frazzled lately I can’t wait to try this! :-)
What can’t coconut oil do?? :)