How about both! A reader inquired which do I prefer, deep condition or baggy. I actually use both methods to force feed hydration to my hair on wash day and subsequently, throughout the week.
Deep Conditioning – I dry deep condition occasionally when I am being lazy but my go-to process is to deep condition after cleansing. I apply my conditioners with using the relaxer method, ensuring product is applied from root to tip. I then steam for 30 minutes minimum. I love thick, creamy conditioners as they hydrate my hair better than thinner conditioners. Faves include: Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose, Bee Mine Beeutiful, Annabelle’s White Chocolate Mousse Intense Moisture Mask and HairVeda SitriNillah. These conditioners deliver awesome moisture to my hair.
Low porosity hair has a tendency to be dry and thirsty. While the above conditioners usually pack a powerful punch, there are weeks when my hair is not having it. My hair feels great on wash day but 24 hours later, it’s dry like wash day never happened. This is where baggying comes in handy.
Baggy – On average, I whole-head, overnight baggy 5 to 7 nights per week. My hair loves it. It thrives on it. I am never left with mushy, over moisturized hair. Ok so stop and read this slowly — I don’t advise you to follow my lead on this because not everyone’s hair can endure such an aggressive baggying regimen. However, my hair simply adores it.
I started out baggying a few nights a week and realized how great it made my hair feel. I kept increasing the frequently until I finally realized I can baggy nightly without issue. I actually notice a tremendous difference when I don’t baggy nightly. My hair, especially the roots, is much drier.
One might argue I’m not using the right conditioners on wash day. However, I beg to differ. I’ve tried a range of products and just know that it’s the low porosity hair that causes the recurring dryness. Baggying solves that and restores moisture nightly.
I baggy by spritzing my hair with water (or some moisturizing spritz) before applying moisturizer. I then throw on a plastic cap, scarf and call it a night. If my hair is really low on moisture, I will also spray the inside of my plastic cap with water before putting it on my head. This helps to create a good steam throughout the night. By morning, my hair is slightly damp but not drenched. I re-apply my moisturizer, seal and then style.
It’s really as simple as that — that’s how I incorporate both deep conditioning and baggying into my regimen.
What’s Your Go To For Combating Dryness?
Resa says
January 20, 2014 at 10:08 amI do both as well and my hair is happy about it!
Divachyk says
January 20, 2014 at 2:37 pmMine also!
KLP @ SavingOurStrands says
January 20, 2014 at 2:51 pmI’ve never baggyed but I might give it a try soon. Winter is not kind to my hair.
KLP | SavingOurStrands
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Abbi of BelowtheWaist says
January 20, 2014 at 7:56 pmWow u baggy up to 7 nights?! I do both too. I did it regularly when I was trying to overcome protein overload but I haven’t baggied in a while. I need to incorporate it more often, starting tonight lol.
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Melanie says
January 22, 2014 at 1:02 pmI used to baggy regularly and my hair really loved it. I’m not quite sure why I fell off of that habit, but I think I’ll have to pick it back up soon. These thirsty roots of mine need help!
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Divachyk says
January 22, 2014 at 9:17 pmI love baggying — it’s a must for my thirsty hair….mine is thirsty from root to tip! *sigh*
Evalyne says
January 26, 2014 at 11:40 pmI have recently discovered baggying and my hair loves it. I apply moisturizer form root to tip and then wear my plastic cap and scarf for bed. My hair feels soft and moisturized the next morning. I am currently doing this thrice a week.
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Divachyk says
January 26, 2014 at 11:50 pmMy hair adores baggying as well. What moisturizer are you using?
Yvonne - Diary of a Relaxed Chic says
January 27, 2014 at 12:26 pmWow it’s amazing how much your hair loves bagging. I have done it on several occassions, it definitely is great for keeping my hair moisturised but I don’t do it too often as my scalp absolutely hates it, which is a real shame, I would probably have to wash my hair more than once a week to pull it off for more than 2 nights a week. Maybe I shouldn’t add any extra moisture?
Divachyk says
January 27, 2014 at 2:25 pmBaggying is a must for my hair. My scalp is never bothered by it. I always add extra moisture because my hair loves it. However, I say just baggy without extra moisture to see what you get. Do it before wash day just in case…that way, if it doesn’t work, wash day is right around the corner.
lko says
May 24, 2015 at 2:45 ambagging hair every night will make it feel soft but covering scalp that many times is too much. My hair was dry and I baggied 4 times a week for 2 weeks, that was enough.
Jay (Divachyk) of RT says
May 27, 2015 at 12:00 pmTY – I don’t have a need to baggy much any more now that I’m using sulfate shampoo to remove the buildup. My hair is accepting moisture really well. Plus, I have a Q-Redew now so I can always pull that out whenever I need.