Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
In the world of hair care and especially curly hair care, the many product names and terms can be more confusing than our curly mane on day 4 after wash day. ;)
In the following, we want to take a closer look at the topic of “Deep Conditioner vs. Conditioner”.
- Are both the same product and only one has a particularly intense effect?
- What are the differences?
- Should I use a deep conditioner or conditioner?
We took a closer look at both products.
What is a conditioner?
What is a conditioner? And what does a conditioner do? There are still a lot of questions circulating online about this ubiquitous hair care product. A conditioner is also known in German as a hair rinse . Its job is to make the hair softer, shinier and easier to comb after shampooing.
With its nourishing effect and slightly acidic pH value, it helps to close the cuticle layer of the hair again after washing. Shampoo, on the other hand, roughens this layer slightly.
Without a conditioner, your curls can look brittle and dull after washing.
In addition to the care effect, a conditioner also protects the hair from environmental influences such as UV light and chlorinated water. At the same time, it gives it a silky and shiny appearance.
A conditioner for curls is an essential care step, especially for curly girls, as it gives the hair the slip it needs. This "slipperyness", also known as the slip effect , allows the hair to be untangled without pulling or tugging.
A conditioner is suitable for regular use after each hair wash and helps to retain moisture in the hair . In short: a conditioner is an indispensable part of the hair care routine to get and maintain healthy and shiny hair.
If you would like to learn more about conditioners and how you can use this product perfectly for curly hair care, then take a look at our guide on the topic: What is a conditioner? Effects and application .
What is a deep conditioner?
A deep conditioner is an intensive hair care treatment that nourishes and repairs the hair deep down. The name "Deep" refers to the deep-acting formula with highly effective ingredients such as
- proteins,
- moisturizers
- and oils.
In contrast to a conventional conditioner, a deep conditioner is left in the hair for longer to achieve a more intensive effect. Deep conditioners are often also known as hair masks or hair treatments .
By penetrating the hair structure, the ingredients can repair damaged hair sections, reduce split ends and strengthen the hair overall. Even protein gaps can be refilled with the help of certain deep conditioners.
Particularly
- stressed,
- dry
- or chemically treated hair
benefits from the additional moisture and nutrient supply provided by a deep conditioner.
Even naturally dry and sensitive curly hair loves intensive care treatment. There are special deep conditioners for curls that are precisely tailored to the needs of the curly hair structure.
Could your mane use an extra portion of intensive care? Then take a look at the Lockenbox Deep Conditioner range.
There are many luxurious and intensive hair masks and hair treatments for curls waiting for you: Lockenbox Deep Conditioner .
Deep Conditioner or Conditioner: What are the differences?
Although conditioner and deep conditioner sound similar, these two products are actually different from each other. While both are for hair care, they perform different tasks and require different application methods.
To help you understand the differences between a conditioner and a deep conditioner, we would like to compare both products based on a few criteria.
1. The moisturizing properties
Conditioner: The primary purpose of a conditioner is not to moisturize the curls. Its main purpose is to protect the hair and smooth the cuticle.
This locks moisture into the hair , resulting in particularly soft and supple curls. This effect is particularly beneficial for curly and wavy hair, which is naturally dry and brittle.
Deep Conditioner: In contrast, the deep conditioner is specifically designed to deeply nourish the hair and is much more concentrated than a conditioner. Its ingredients are designed to intensively moisturize and nourish the curls .
A deep conditioner often contains nourishing oils and butters such as
- argan oil,
- coconut oil
- or shea butter.
This makes it the ultimate moisture booster among hair care products.
2. The repair effect
Conditioner: A conditioner smoothes the cuticle layer of the hair surface, making the hair easier to detangle and protecting it from environmental influences.
The hair becomes silkier and shinier , while at the same time the moisture is retained in the hair for longer. Natural curls in particular benefit from this property.
Deep Conditioner: A hair treatment or hair mask often contains higher concentrations of repairing ingredients. They often contain proteins and keratin, which can penetrate deep into the hair structure and regenerate damaged hair.
A deep conditioner is ideal for treating deeper damage such as
- split ends,
- fractions
- or repair porous hair.
With regular use, hair can become smoother and more resilient.
3. The exposure time
Conditioner: Conditioner usually does not require a long exposure time and does not take much time to apply. After shampooing, you can distribute the desired amount of conditioner in your hair and untangle it with a wide-toothed comb or with your fingers.
Afterwards, you don't have to wait, you can rinse your hair straight away. If detangling is not necessary, the conditioner only needs to be left in the hair for 1 to 2 minutes .
Deep Conditioner: A deep conditioner is a more intensive care product that serves to nourish and revitalize the hair from the ground up. For this reason, the exposure time for a deep conditioner is longer than for a conventional conditioner. It can be between 10 and 30 minutes .
For an even more intensive treatment, some curly girls swear by using a shower cap, such as the Curly Girl Shower Cap by Rainbow Curls.
Expert tip: You can easily convert a deep conditioner into a conditioner by reducing the exposure time to 1-2 minutes. This way you can use one and the same product for 2 purposes.
For optimal results, it is advisable to follow the exposure times indicated on the product packaging of each brand. These times have been extensively tested to ensure the best possible result for your hair.
4. The application interval
Conditioner: A conditioner is designed as a hair rinse for regular use. The frequency of use depends on how often you wash your hair. To benefit optimally from its properties, it is best to use it after every shampoo.
Deep Conditioner: A deep conditioner, on the other hand, is used as a treatment. Depending on the hair type, thickness and structure , it is advisable to use it once or twice a week . Very intensive treatments can also be used once a month.
Expert tip: Get to know your hair and its care needs, because your curls can be “over-cared for” by using treatments that are too frequent or not appropriate for your hair type.
We also offer you free, personal 1:1 advice: The Lockenbox Help & Services .
6. The curly type
Conditioner: Every curl type and hair texture benefits from using a conditioner after washing your hair. For curls, a conditioner is a particularly important and useful product in the hair care routine.
A hair conditioner makes it easier for curly hair to untangle and gives it smoothness. Curly hair tends to tangle and is prone to breakage. A conditioner can help and protect against stress during the untangle process.
Deep Conditioner: The more curly the hair, the drier it usually is. For this reason, slightly wavy hair requires different care than very curly hair. Hair treatments and hair masks are more or less suitable for different types of curls.
Very thick and dry curls benefit from intensive and nourishing deep conditioners rich in oils or vegetable butters. These types of curls benefit from regular use , ideally 1-2 times a week , to stay healthy and smooth.
Wavy and slightly curly hair or rather fine hair responds very well to lighter hair treatments and masks. These do not weigh the hair down too much.
In addition, deep conditioners should not be used too often on thin hair. Otherwise, the care quickly becomes too heavy and the curls become limp.
Deep Conditioner vs Conditioner: How do I use the products?
Conditioner: After shampooing, apply the conditioner to wet hair and work it carefully into the ends and lengths. Leave on for 1 to 2 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. The amount of conditioner depends on the length and density of the hair.
Deep Conditioner: After washing your hair, apply the deep conditioner to wet hair, working strand by strand. You can then cover your hair with a shower cap. Leave the deep conditioner in for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the product.
Then rinse thoroughly. The frequency of use depends on the hair structure and condition. Usually, one application per week is sufficient.
Deep Conditioner vs Conditioner: Do I Need Both?
Whether you need both types of conditioners depends on your hair type and the individual needs of your locks. If your hair is healthy and needs little moisture, a regular conditioner may be sufficient.
If your hair is dry, brittle or damaged, a deep conditioner can help revitalize it and add extra moisture.
Especially for curly hair, it can be helpful to use both a regular conditioner and a deep conditioner in your hair care routine.
Use regular conditioner regularly after shampooing to detangle and smooth hair. Use deep conditioner once a week or every few weeks to revitalize hair and add extra moisture.
Deep Conditioner vs Conditioner: The 6 Best Conditioners
Conditioner:
The question of which conditioner is best for curls is difficult for us to answer. There are so many wonderful hair conditioners specifically for curls. You should definitely try these, because they have mostly been rated 5 stars by our customers and are suitable for both thin and thick hair:
- Les Secrets de Loly | Cream Conditioner / 250 ml
- Kalia Nature | Sapote conditioner / from 100ml
- Curl Flo | Lemongrass & Avocado Conditioner / from 100 ml
Deep Conditioner:
A nourishing treatment in the form of a deep conditioner can be like a short vacation for your stressed curls. Give your mane an extra portion of attention every now and then and pamper it with:
- Pretty Curly Girl | Intense Protein Deep Conditioner /from 100ml
- Ecoslay | Banana Cream Deep Conditioner / from 59 ml
- Fix My Curls | Hydrating Deep Conditioner / from 50ml
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Conclusion
We hope we have been able to shed some light on the subject of hair care products and explain the difference between conditioner and deep conditioner. Each product has its place and its place in hair care - especially for curly and wavy hair.
When it comes to caring for curly or wavy hair, conditioners and deep conditioners can work together to keep hair optimally cared for and healthy.
By combining both products as building blocks in your hair care routine, you can get the best of both worlds. With the support of Conditioner AND Deep Conditioner, you get revitalized and beautiful, bouncy curls that are always in top shape.
FAQ
Can I use a deep conditioner before shampooing?
Yes, you can use a deep conditioner before shampooing. This is called "pre-poo" and can help protect hair from drying out due to shampooing. Simply apply the deep conditioner to dry hair, let it sit, and then rinse before you start shampooing.
Can I leave a deep conditioner on overnight?
While it may be tempting to leave a deep conditioner in overnight, this is not necessarily recommended. Hair can only absorb so much moisture, and too much moisture can cause hair to become limp or even break. Instead, leave the deep conditioner in for the recommended amount of time and then rinse thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
