Deep Conditioners vs. Reconstructors

Deep Conditioners

Deep Conditioners are used to help retain and restore moisture to dry, and sometimes brittle hair. Be careful while deep conditioning because there is such a thing of "over conditioning" your hair. Two major signs of over conditioned hair is the hair feeling weak and very limp, which can lead to breakage. In this case, too much of a good thing can definitely be a bad thing.

An important thing to note is that not all conditioners are not created equally. Some may think if you put any conditioner on your hair and leave it on for an hour that you are deep conditioning. This is incorrect because those "instant" conditioner only coat the top layer of the hair strand. They do not contain ingredients that penetrate into the hair to help minimize damage.

So you ask "how do I know a conditioner is indeed a deep conditioner". When choosing a deep conditioner, look for these hints:

If the instructions says to leave the product on your hair for 15-20 minutes and to use heat or a plastic cap, chances are it is a deep conditioner. The length of time and using a little heat helps to penetrate into the hair better. If it stays on less than 5 minutes, it's probably not a deep conditioner.

Those were basic examples, but remember that all products vary. Here is a list of deep conditioners you could use:

Crème of Nature Nourishing Conditioner
Elasta QP DPR-11
Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner
Nexxus Humectress
Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner
Dove Intense Moisture
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Conditioner
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
Curls Ecstasy Hair Mask
Mizani Moisturefuse

FAQ's

How often should I use a deep conditioner?
The frequency will depend on your lifestyle and if you use heat and chemicals on your hair. I would recommend at least one a month. Try it on your hair to see how it reacts.

How long should I deep condition my hair?
Many deep conditioning instructions suggest at least 15 minutes. This is to ensure the product get penetrated deep within the hair shaft. If you can go longer like for an hour or so, that would be great! I personally deep condition my hair while I can cleaning my house with a jerri curl cap. Not a pretty look, but it gets the job done! lol

What should I use to deep condition with?
Please refer to the extensive list above. I loveeeeee Elasta QP DRP-11 and it has been my staple for years now. You can also mix olive oil, honey and even molasses with your deep conditioner.

-------------------------------------

Reconstructors

This is a treatment used on damaged hair or after chemical services. When properly used, they help repair and restore the hair into a healthier state. Some reconstructors are strong than others. You have to experiment and to find the tolerance of your hair because it will vary from person to person. I strongly recommend doing a patch test before using a treatment just to make sure you won't have an allergic reaction. Better safe than sorry right?

Tips:

Every time you use a reconstruction treatment you must follow it up with a moisturizing or deep conditioner. This is very important to bring the "balance" back to your hair.

Try to clarify before using a treatment so that the hair is clean of any buildup. Also the product has a better chance to actually work on the hair as well.

Since these are treatments, some items can be pricey.

Read the instructions. If it says to the leave the product on for 5 minutes - don't leave it on for an hour.

Make sure you rinse the treatment out your hair THROUGHLY.

Here is a list of Reconstructors/Treatments:

Nexxus Emergencee
Elucence Extended Moisture Repair
Aphogee 2 Min Keratin Reconstructor
Aphogee Treatment for Damaged Hair
LeKair Cholesterol
Dudley’s DRC
Motions CPR
ORS Mayo
KeraCare 5-n-1
Joico K-Pac
Dudley's DRC 28,
Joico K-Pak (or Sally's generic formula),
ION Reconstructor (at Sally's),
Affirm 5 in 1 Reconstructor
Aveda Deep Penetrating Hair Revitalizer
Nexxus Emergencee
Tigi Chocolate head
Vitale INTENSE Treatment
Sebastian Ion Reconstructor

FAQ's

Since I don't use heat or chemicals, should I use one of these treatments?
Chances are no, however I don't know your hair and what else you have been doing (or not doing) to it. If you want to use one, I would recommend using a light treatment such as Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor and observe your hair to see how it reacts because you may not need a treatment at all.

In closing, knowing the differences between a Deep Conditioner and a Reconstructor is vital for your hair's health. Have fun giving your hair that TLC it deserves!