DC/NT Challenge – When to Use Protein and Moisture Based Deep Conditioners

So, if you have joined the DC/NT Challenge, you might be wondering when to use a moisturizing conditioner and when to use a protein based conditioner.

A good rule of thumb is to start by analyzing your own hair. If your hair feels relatively healthy and your aren’t experiencing any significant breakage, thinning or dryness, then try to incorporate both moisture and protein into your regimen. This will help ensure that your hair remains strong yet moisturized and soft.

There are a couple ways to incorporate protein and moisture into your regimen.

• Alternate between deep conditioning with a light protein based conditioner (like Aubrey GPB) and moisture based deep conditioner (like Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner) each week. Apply the conditioner to wet hair, cover with a plastic cap or hot wet towel and sit under a hooded dryer.
• Shampoo with a strengthening shampoo (like Aphogee Shampoo for Damaged hair – only lather once with this product) and deep condition with a moisturizing conditioner (like Keracare Humecto) and/or vice versa.
• Pre-poo with a protein based conditioner and deep condition with a moisturizing conditioner and/or vice versa.

These are some of the methods I use to ensure my hair gets an equal amount of moisture and protein each week.

However, if you are experiencing breakage, thinning or dryness, then you might want to follow these basic rules of thumb.

If your hair feels thin, weak and lifeless when dry, and mushy or overly elastic when wet, then you might want to incorporate more protein into your regimen.

Try a light protein deep conditioner (like Aphogee Two Minute Recontructor) or leave-in to add strength and body to your hair.  Use until your hair starts to feel strong and healthy. Avoid excessive manipulation and direct heat for at least 3-4 weeks.

If your hair feels hard and brittle when wet or if you are experiencing breakage and dullness when dry, then you might want to put aside the protein based products and integrate more moisture into regimen.

Pre-pooing and/or deep conditioning with a moisturizing conditioner will help add moisture and elasticity to the hair. Within a few weeks, your hair should regain elasticity and a nice sheen. Limit direct heat to help retain moisture and apply a water-based moisturizer daily (like ORS olive oil).

Comments

[Ashley]

Thanks for posting these tips! I had just been wondering how to incorporate a protein conditioner in my regimen without overkilling it.

[Jas]

Thanks for breaking it down Macherie!!

[Vernesha Blackman]

Hey Macherie, I have a question last night I used a new conditioner that I saw at Wal Mart and its called Smoothing Shea Butter Conditioner by Organix it has yogurt proteins and avacado oil, they have other types: Coconut Milk that has egg white proteins, Tea tree, and Vanilla something and I was wondering if this would be considered a protein conditioner where I can prepoo with it, I think it is but I just wanted to make sure thanks.

[Chelle]

Great info!! Thanks!

[Joy]

Thanks for this article Macherie!

[MissGomes]

I love this info! Thanks!

[Stacy Carter]

Have you ever heard of Hair Fixer by LOReal? Does it work for relaxed hair?

How do I use it? Does it work as a protein treatment?

Can I co-wash with a Moisture conditioner, shampoo, then apply the Hair Fixer?

[Stacy Carter]

Have you ever heard of Hair Fixer by LOReal? Does it work for relaxed hair?

How do I use it? Does it work as a protein treatment?

Can I co-wash with a Moisture conditioner, shampoo, then apply the Hair Fixer?

[BreZn]

Thanks for this article!

[Journey 1]

Thanks for this info. I just want to be sure, Should I wash my hair after DC with a protein conditioner?

[Bre504]

Thanks for the article it was helpful but can you explain to me what is pre-pooing and what does it do for your hair?

[Gabrielle]

I need help I am trying to get back on track with healthy hair but in the summer my scalp sweats alot so i can't hold my ueual wrap. What can I do that will no damage my har further? I usually end up just trying to maintain the damage I have done to my hair in the summer during the fall and winter months.

[Renee]

Thanks for explaining about the difference.

[pmgill]

Thanks for the information. It'll help me build my regimen.

[Tasha]

I have developed alopecia spots? Is there anything I can do to get my hair to grow again.