Deep conditioners provide an array of nourishing benefits for our natural hair. They help to replenish moisture, strengthen your strands, and much more. Many of these nourishing ingredients are derived from natural extracts. So, it comes as no surprise that a number of these natural ingredients can be found right at home, allowing us the convenience to create our own DIY deep conditioners – at a much more economical value. Here are a few options of good ingredients to include in your DIY deep conditioners:
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GOOD INGREDIENTS FOR DIY DEEP CONDITIONERS:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has various uses and benefits, including benefits for the hair. To start, apple cider vinegar has a natural acidity that helps to balance out and restore the natural pH of your hair. This results in a smoother hair cuticle and softer, shinier hair. When you add apple cider vinegar to your hair mask / deep conditioner, make sure to dilute it with a couple of tablespoons of water since it is acidic.
You can read more in depth about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for natural hair here:
Honey
Also on the list of good ingredients for DIY deep conditioners is honey. Almost all of us have a bottle of honey sitting on a kitchen shelf somewhere, making it a convenient yet beneficial natural additive to use in the creation of your own hair masks and deep conditioners.
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to attract moisture. Adding this ingredient to your DIY deep conditioner will serve many moisturizing benefits. To add, honey contains an anti-bacterial property, which helps to prevent certain scalp irritations. Honey also adds a boost of softness and shine to your strands, making it a complementary addition to include in your DIY deep conditioners for natural hair.
Natural oils
There are numerous natural oils to choose from to use on your hair that provide an array of benefits. You should definitely add a couple of drops of your favorite oils to your homemade deep conditioner. Olive oil can help to add a boost of shine. Peppermint oil (dilute with another carrier oil)makes another great addition as it helps to stimulate hair growth.
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt may be a surprising addition to some. However, this item contains a good amount of protein. Our strands need and are comprised of protein as it is essential to the health and growth of our hair. Adding Greek yogurt to your homemade deep conditioners and hair masks will provide a boost of nourishment and strength to your strands.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is another food item that can be beneficial for the hair and is usually used as a hair mask. It contains a considerable amount of oil, so applying this additive to dry, brittle ends that are the last to receive the natural oils produced at the roots can be a favorable use. Mayonnaise also contains certain nutrients that consist of fatty acids and vitamins that help to add shine and softness to the hair.
Aloe Vera Gel / Juice
The aloe vera plant provides numerous benefits for the skin and hair. It has a natural soothing property, which transfers to the hair and helps to smooth the hair cuticle and alleviate frizz. In addition, the aloe vera juice provides moisturizing benefits for the hair. There are various enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and more found in aloe vera that help to promote good hair health. Add the gel or juice to your DIY deep conditioner and reap the benefits.
You can read in more detail about the benefits of aloe vera for natural hair here:
Avocado
Avocado is a healthful addition to include in your DIY deep conditioners as it also contains a decent protein content. If you have dehydrated strands, avocado can help to restore moisture back into your hair with the help of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fatty acids.
Butters
Shea butter, mango butter, etc. are good choices and bases for your DIY deep conditioners. They’ll help to form a nice, thick coverage of your strands to ensure they’re all reached. Shea butter consists of certain fatty acids and vitamins that contain conditioning properties that help to reduce frizz and promote shine. Mango butter additionally provides your hair with various vitamins and fatty acids that help to promote stronger strands.
What is your favorite deep conditioner whether homemade or from a brand? Let us know below!
References:
¹17, Morgan CutoloFeb. “Honey for Hair: Why Honey Is Great for Your Hair.” Reader’s Digest, www.rd.com/health/beauty/honey-for-hair/.
²“Shea Butter For Hair: Raw, Hair Growth, And Natural Hair.” Healthline. N.p., 2018. Web. 8 Nov. 2018.
³“What Are The Benefits Of A Mayonnaise Hair Mask?.” Healthline. N.p., 2018. Web. 8 Nov. 2018.