How to Customize a Deep Conditioner for Your Hair

Deep conditioning is beneficial for all hair types and can enhance any hair care routine. You can create your own personalized deep conditioning mask and get crafty with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Deep Conditioning Ingredients

You can mix and match any of these ingredients. Have fun finding combos that your hair loves! Keep reading to get some recipes and inspiration. Here are some moisturizing ingredients that you can use (I know!! Some of these sound crazy! But don't knock it til you try it ;-) ):

Honey
Aloe Vera Gel
Kefir (learn how to make it here)
Yogurt
Kombucha (learn how to make it here)
Egg (Egg adds protein to your hair. Too much protein can make it stiff & brittle. Avoid using egg too often. Always use cool water with an egg wash so you don't cook the egg in your hair.)
Bentonite Clay
Red Clay
Apple Cider Vinegar
Beer
Tea
Mayonnaise
Coconut Oil
Coconut Milk
Applesauce
Avocado
Banana
Castor Oil
Argan Oil - read about argan oil here
Olive Oil
Avocado Oil
Almond Oil
Jojoba Oil
Shea Butter
Epsom Salt
Henna
Essential Oils. My favorite essential oils for hair include:
- Lavender (soothing)
- Cedarwood (healthy scalp and promotes hair growth)
- Peppermint (healthy scalp and promotes hair growth)
- Rosemary (healthy scalp and promotes hair growth)
- Clary Sage
- Sage
- Basil
- Juniper
- Ylang ylang
- Sandalwood (promotes hair growth)
- Lemon (photosensitive, if you have sun sensitive skin or plan on being in the sun, don't use lemon)
- Cypress
- Rose
- Melrose
- Purification (my favorite essential oil ever!)
- Tea Tree (healthy scalp)

How To Mix our Deep Conditioner

You'll want to use 1/4 cup to 1 cup total of ingredients depending on the thickness & length of your hair and the ingredients you're using.
Limit oil to 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons, if using. The longer & thicker your hair, the more you can use. A little oil goes a long way and the more you use, the harder it is to get out of your hair.
Use about 5-10 drops of essential oil, if using. You can mix the essential oils you use.
You can mix any of the ingredients you want! It's a fun and safe science experiment for you hair!

How Long To Leave Your Deep Conditioner In Your Hair

For most recipes, 15-30 minutes is enough to condition your hair. Some recipes you can leave in overnight (obviously not eggs, bananas, or avocados ;-) ). However, for some hair types, leaving conditioner in for more than 30 minutes will weigh it down and result in less volume.

Rinsing Out Your Deep Conditioner

Depending on what you use to condition, you may be able to wash it out with just water or your shampoo. If it's hard to get out of your hair, you can use baking soda, clay (bentonite or red), egg wash, or soap nuts to remove the conditioner (see this page for info on each of those options). An egg wash is my favorite way to get deep conditioners out of my hair.

Tips

Brush / comb your hair before application so it's tangle free.
Apply the deep conditioner to the hair shaft. Avoid applying the conditioner directly to your scalp unless you are addressing dry scalp / scalp health issues.
Comb the conditioner through your hair.
You can use a shower cap if desired.

How Often Should I Deep Condition?

How often you deep condition is up to you. For best results, deep condition 1-4 times per month.

Deep Conditioner Recipes

Here are some combos that I love using. Adjust the quantities for your hair thickness and length. These quantities are for about shoulder length hair with average thickness.

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil 5 Drops of Purification This is my favorite & most used recipe!	1 Egg, Whisked 1 Tablespoon Filtered Water (I use a Berkey Filter) 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Kefir 1 Tablespoon Honey 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar 5 drops Cedarwood	1 Ripe Banana, Smashed 1 Tablespoon Coconut Milk 1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil 2 Tablespoons Kombucha 1 Tablespoon Filtered Water (I use a Berkey Filter) 5 drops Peppermint	1 Teaspoon Epsom Salt 2 Tablespoons Aloe Vera Gel 1 Tablespoon Filtered Water (I use a Berkey Filter)
1/2 An Avocado, Smashed 1/4 Cup Mayo 1 Teaspoon Avocado Oil 5 Drops Lavender	1/4 Cup Applesauce 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Tablespoon Honey

Final Thoughts

You have lots of ingredients in your pantry right now that will moisturize your hair! So hop up right now, grab a bowl, mix up a few things, and make some magic happen with your hair! Have fun!