How to Use a Deep Conditioning Cap

Let’s be real, all of us could benefit from giving a little TLC to our strands. Whether you’re prone to heat-styling, trying new hair colors, or simply want to give your locks some extra moisture, deep conditioning your hair is a pretty great way to pamper your mane—not to mention, indulge in a bit of self-care. That said, while at-home deep conditioners and hair masks can do wonders, there’s something to be said about in-salon deep conditioning treatments. What makes them so great—and how can you get the same results at home? Enter deep conditioning caps. Want to learn more? Below, find out what this thermal hair care necessity is and how to use it for gorgeous tresses.

WHAT IS A DEEP CONDITIONING CAP?

Essentially, a deep conditioning cap resembles a shower cap, though it’s thicker and specifically meant to be used when applying a hair mask or other deep conditioning treatment. These caps are also made to be heated up, which is when the real magic happens. If you haven’t noticed, at the salon, heat is usually involved during deep conditioning treatments. This is because when the heat is applied, your hair is able to absorb the hair treatment better, and therefore get better results.

Do you need heat for deep conditioning? Not necessarily, but when it comes to using a deep conditioning cap, it’s part of the package. Also, as we mentioned, thermal hair care will help your strands get more out of the hair treatment you’re using—and who wouldn’t want that?

While anyone with dry hair that’s in need of extra nourishment can benefit from using a deep conditioning cap, they’re particularly popular for natural hair. Natural, curly hair textures tend to be prone to dryness and can really use that added moisture.

HOW TO USE A DEEP CONDITIONING CAP

Now that you know what a deep conditioning cap is, you’re probably asking yourself, “How do you use a heat conditioning cap?” Follow the steps below to put your one to use as part of your at-home hair care routine.

STEP #1. WASH YOUR HAIR

As with most hair care regimens, you’ll want to start by washing your locks. Use a shampoo and conditioner that will treat your strands to plenty of moisture, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

STEP #2. APPLY YOUR HAIR TREATMENT

Next, pick your hair treatment and apply it from root to tip. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, which is formulated to tackle split ends, weakness, roughness, dullness, and dehydration. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product throughout your mane and get rid of any tangles. Gather your hair at the top of your head and pull on a regular shower cap.

Editor’s note: Have color-treated hair? We also love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm, which is an intensive post-color repair hair treatment that smooths and protects hair color and is specially formulated for dry, damaged, color-treated hair to repair visible damage from processing.

STEP #3. HEAT YOUR CONDITIONING CAP

Grab your deep conditioning cap and pop it in the microwave for the amount of time specified on the instructions that came with your cap. Then, put the cap on over your shower cap to start your thermal hair care treatment.

STEP #4. LET IT SIT

Now, as with many beauty treatments, you’ll have to wait! Leave your cap on for anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your hair type and the treatment you’re using. Use this time to indulge in other beauty musts, like painting your nails or tweezing your eyebrows.

STEP #5. REMOVE AND RINSE

Once time is up, remove your deep conditioning cap and give your hair time to cool for a few minutes. Then, hop back in the shower and rinse the treatment from your mane. All done!

Now that you know all about how to use a deep conditioning cap to reap the benefits of thermal hair care, perhaps you’d like to learn more about another hair treatment you can do at home. Check out our article, The Benefits of Hot Oil Treatments, for your next hair care lesson.