Deep Conditioning Thick Hair: A Maintenance Guide

Thick hair presents a unique set of demands regarding product distribution and hydration. Because the density of the strands often prevents water and emollient ingredients from reaching the interior of the hair mass, a systematic approach is necessary. Applying a treatment to the surface of the hair is insufficient for this hair type.

This guide details the technique for ensuring saturation throughout the entire volume of your hair. Consistency in this process facilitates manageability and improves the tactile quality of the hair shaft.

Preparation and cleansing. Begin with damp, freshly cleansed hair. Remove excess water by gently squeezing the hair with a microfiber towel until it is no longer dripping. The hair should remain damp to the touch but free of standing water to allow for maximum absorption of the treatment.
Sectioning. Divide your hair into four distinct quadrants. Clip three sections away and leave one section loose for application. Thick hair requires this level of division to ensure that every strand receives an even coating of the conditioning product.
Distribution. Apply a coin-sized amount of treatment to the palms, rub together, and emulsify. Distribute the product starting at the mid-lengths and working down to the ends. Once the ends are saturated, use any remaining product to coat the lengths, avoiding the immediate scalp area to prevent weightiness.
Processing. Once the entire head is coated, secure the hair in a loose bun. Cover with a plastic cap to retain natural body heat, which assists in keeping the hair cuticle receptive to the ingredients. Allow the treatment to process for twenty minutes while undisturbed.
Rinsing. Rinse the treatment out using cool, lukewarm water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and you no longer feel a slippery residue on the hair shaft. Failure to rinse completely will leave the hair looking dull once dry.

Thick hair requires distribution over intensity; every strand must be reached.