conditioner on curly hair

15 BEST DEEP CONDITIONERS FOR CURLY HAIR, ACCORDING TO HAIRSTYLISTS AND EDITORS

Want to give your curly hair some extra TLC?  Deep conditioners are a curly girl’s best friend, adding moisture, definition, and shine to your locks. But with so many products on the market, it can be tough to choose which one is right for you. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best deep conditioners for curly hair, according to hairstylists and editors. Whether you have fine, thick, or color-treated hair, there’s a deep conditioner on this list that will help you achieve your best curls yet! 

OUR TOP PICKS 

SPOILEDCHILD M26 DAMAGE REVERSER

SpoiledChild M26 Damage Reverser is a hair mask designed to repair and revitalize damaged hair in just 10 minutes. It targets breakage, restores strength, and aims to fortify hair to prevent future damage. The key ingredients are Argan oil and Keratin, both known for their hair repair properties. This product is ideal for those with dry, dull, or frizzy hair caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or coloring. Users report that the mask leaves hair shinier, softer, and more manageable.

BREAD BEAUTY HAIR-MASK DEEP CONDITIONER

Bread Beauty’s Hair-Mask Deep Conditioner is a popular choice for its ability to both strengthen and soften hair. It contains unique ingredients like Australian Kakadu Plum Seed Oil, which is lightweight and effective at keeping hair moisturized and supple. Customers love that this mask hydrates and detangles hair, leaving it feeling soft, luxurious, and quenched.  This deep conditioner comes in two sizes, a 3.3 oz and a 12 oz dispenser, to fit your hair care needs.

SHEA MOISTURE INTENSIVE HYDRATION HAIR MASK

SheaMoisture’s Intensive Hydration Hair Mask, also known as the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque, is a deep conditioning treatment designed specifically for dry, damaged hair, particularly curly hair. It promises to intensely hydrate and nourish hair with a blend of key ingredients. Certified organic Shea Butter, Manuka Honey, and Mafura and Baobab Oils work together to restore and lock in moisture. This rich formula also contains African Rock Fig, an antioxidant that helps strengthen hair follicles and promote frizz-free hair. Overall, the SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Mask aims to revitalize dry, damaged hair, leaving it smoother, stronger, and healthier.

MIZANI 25 MIRACLE MILK LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Mizani’s leave-in conditioner is a versatile hair product praised by hairstylist Ryan Babbitt for its multiple benefits. This sulfate-free formula is rich and nourishing, yet lightweight, making it ideal for various hair types.  Babbitt uses it for shine enhancement, detangling, as a cutting lotion during trims, and even as a daily leave-in conditioner for curly hair. It also boasts a “fresh and honest” scent, although some might find it strong.

BRIOGEO DON’T DESPAIR, REPAIR! DEEP CONDITIONING MASK

Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is a hair treatment designed to restore and revitalize dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair.  This intensive weekly treatment uses natural ingredients to deliver essential hydration and enhance hair’s resilience to protect against future damage.

The mask is formulated with Briogeo’s NOVA Complex, a blend of transformative nutrients including B-vitamins, rosehip oil, argan oil, algae extract, and biotin. These ingredients work together to replenish damaged hair, leaving it shiny, healthy-looking, and manageable. Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is free of sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, and artificial dyes, making it a good choice for those with sensitive scalps or color-treated hair. 

COLOR WOW MONEY MASK DEEP HYDRATING & STRENGTHENING HAIR TREATMENT

Designed by celebrity stylist Chris Appleton, COLOR WOW’s Money Mask Deep Hydrating & Strengthening Hair Treatment is a luxurious hair mask aimed at achieving salon-quality shine and health at home.  This weightless formula penetrates deep into the hair to deliver a powerful dose of moisture and fortify strands with marine-derived ingredients.  Key components include Blue Sea Kale, which strengthens hair, and a Mediterranean Sea Kelp and Algae Blend that provides deep hydration.  Suitable for all hair types, the Money Mask is touted for leaving hair glossy, supple, and manageable with continued use. You can use it weekly or as often as every three shampoos for an extra boost of hydration and heat protection.

DAVINES LOVE CURL CURLY HAIR MASK

Davines Love Curl Hair Mask is a deep conditioning treatment designed specifically for wavy or curly hair. It promises to tame and nourish even thick, unruly strands. This mask focuses on improving manageability and curl definition. The formula contains ingredients like Noto almond, rich in proteins and vitamins, to boost elasticity and volume in your curls.  It also contains panthenol for added shine and vitamin E to combat frizz.  The Davines Love Curl Hair Mask is described as having a pleasant citrus scent and is designed to leave your curls soft, bouncy, and easier to manage.

DESIGN ESSENTIALS ALMOND & AVOCADO WASH DAY DEEP MOISTURE MASQUE

Designed specifically for dry hair, Design Essentials’ Almond & Avocado Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque is a concentrated treatment that promises intense hydration. This rich mask is formulated with the nourishing properties of Almond and Avocado oils, aiming to strengthen hair while locking in moisture. It goes beyond just hydration though, targeting  increased elasticity and shine for your hair.  This paraben, phthalate, silicone and gluten free formula is also said to improve detangling and manageability, making wash day a breeze.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE THICKENING PLUMPING MASK

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Mask is a lightweight hair mask designed to add volume and body to fine or thin hair.  This product is formulated with their Strand-Plumping Technology, which is designed to plump up each hair strand from root to tip for a thicker overall look.  It also contains Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, which adds volume and bounce, and Kukui Seed Oil and Coconut Oil to condition and smooth hair.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Mask is free of parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, and mineral oil, and is also cruelty-free.  It is ideal for those with fine to medium hair who are looking for a lightweight hair mask that will add volume and hydration without weighing hair down.

L’ANZA TRAUMA TREATMENT

L’Anza Healing ColorCare Trauma Treatment is a hair product designed to repair and revitalize color-treated hair that has been damaged by chemical processing, heat styling, or environmental factors.  This restorative conditioner contains a blend of amino acids and ceramides to strengthen hair and improve color longevity. It  also offers triple UV and heat protection to help prevent future damage. Users report that L’Anza Trauma Treatment leaves hair feeling shinier, softer, and more manageable.  This product is available in two sizes, a 5.1 fl oz bottle and a 1 liter container.

ADWOA BEAUTY BAOMINT DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT

Adwoa Beauty’s Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment is designed to detangle and invigorate your scalp with a cool and refreshing experience.  This treatment, particularly suited for kinky, coily and curly hair,  focuses on deep moisture to support length retention and healthy hair growth.  The key ingredients are Baobab Oil, known for its moisturizing properties, and a blend of Mint Oils for their scalp-stimulating and possibly hair growth supporting effects.  This product is advertised to be particularly effective for medium to thick hair.  Users can expect softer, more manageable curls with continued use.

LIVING PROOF NO FRIZZ INTENSE MOISTURE HAIR MASK

Living Proof’s No Frizz Intense Moisture Hair Mask is designed to combat frizz and bring intense moisture to coarse, thick hair. It promises to  deliver smooth, manageable hair without any greasy weighdown often associated with heavy conditioners. This silicone-free formula utilizes a unique technology to target frizz while still providing deep hydration. Shea butter is included in the ingredient list to further nourish hair and potentially extend the time between washes.  Living Proof’s No Frizz Intense Moisture Hair Mask is ideal for those struggling with frizzy, thick hair who are looking for a lightweight mask that delivers both moisture and frizz control.

SHU UEMURA ULTIMATE RESET HAIR MASK FOR VERY DAMAGED HAIR

Designed for very damaged hair, Shu Uemura’s Ultimate Reset Hair Mask is an intensive repair treatment that specifically targets hair weakened by chemical processes like bleaching, coloring, and frequent heat styling.  This rich mask is formulated with Japanese-sourced rice extract, which is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These ingredients work together to nourish hair from within, fortifying hair fibers and repairing damage. The result? Hair that is stronger, less prone to breakage, and visibly smoother and shinier.  This mask is suitable for all hair types, though those with very damaged hair will benefit most.

ORIBE MOISTURE & CONTROL DEEP TREATMENT HAIR MASK

Oribe’s Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Hair Mask is a luxurious hair mask designed to deliver intense hydration and manageability to all hair types, particularly curly hair.  This silicone-free formula features coconut and almond oils to quench dry strands, prevent breakage, and repair damage. It also works to seal the hair cuticle, further promoting moisture retention and adding shine.  Users can expect smoother, softer, and more manageable hair with continued use.

VIRTUE FLOURISH THICKENING & HYDRATING MASK FOR THINNING HAIR

Virtue Flourish Thickening & Hydrating Mask for Thinning Hair is a targeted treatment designed to address concerns of thinning hair. This whipped, creamy yet weightless mask promises multiple benefits. It aims to strengthen hair strands and support healthy hair growth, all while delivering intense hydration. This two-pronged approach can leave hair feeling stronger, shinier, and silkier, with the potential to help prevent breakage often associated with thinning hair. The key to Flourish Mask lies in its use of Alpha Keratin 60ku CLINICAL, a patented protein that Virtue Labs claims is clinically proven to be effective. This protein is said to thicken, strengthen, and repair hair while also balancing the scalp to create an optimal environment for growth.

WHAT IS DEEP CONDITIONING + WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

According to Larry Sims, a hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, deep conditioning is like giving your hair a super boost of care. It’s especially important for people with curly hair because it helps keep their curls healthy and strong, even if they use heat or chemicals on their hair.

When you’re picking a deep conditioner for curly hair, look for ones with ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Avoid ones with alcohol or sulfates because they can dry out your hair.

Using a deep conditioner is easy. After you shampoo your hair, put the deep conditioner on your damp hair, making sure every strand is covered. You can use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to help spread it evenly.

You can leave the deep conditioner on for 5 to 10 minutes for a quick treatment, or you can cover your hair with a shower cap and sit under a hooded dryer for a more intense treatment. Then rinse it out with cool water before styling your hair as usual.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DEEP CONDITIONER

When choosing a deep conditioner, there are a few key factors to consider to target your specific hair needs:

Hair type and condition: Are your curls in need of definition or moisture? Is your hair fine and limp or thick and coarse? Dry, damaged hair will benefit from intense moisture, while fine hair might need a lightweight formula to avoid weighing it down.

Ingredients: Look for ingredients that address your concerns. For moisture, seek out emollients like butters and oils, and humectants like glycerin and aloe vera. Protein is great for strengthening damaged hair, but too much can be drying.

Desired benefits: Do you want frizz control, manageability, or heat protectant qualities? Some deep conditioners offer multiple benefits, while others specialize in a particular area.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some common deep conditioner benefits and their corresponding ingredients:

  • Moisture: shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, glycerin, aloe vera
  • Strength: keratin, hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids
  • Shine: silicones (optional), fatty alcohols
  • Frizz control: shea butter, coconut oil, Abyssinian oil

Keep in mind that some deep conditioners are designed for specific hair types, such as curly hair or color-treated hair.  Reading the label and understanding your hair’s needs will help you pick the best deep conditioner for you.

CONCLUSION

Whether you have wavy, curly, or coily locks, finding the right deep conditioner can transform your hair care routine. By considering your curl type, hair condition, and desired results, you can choose a product that provides the moisture, strength, and control your curls need. With so many great deep conditioners on the market and the right combination of products like hair masks for curly hair or a scalp massager, we believe you will have beautiful, healthy hair from deep within. Happy conditioning!

12 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair

If there is one common experience with curly hair, it is putting off the wash day. We’ve all done it: Removed our hair from a messy bun on a regular basis and promptly put it back up, rationalizing, “Yeah, this can wait another day or two.” It doesn’t have to be such a miserable experience to have a wash day. Reduce the amount of time you spend detangling and styling your hair by choosing the correct shampoo, which may wash and moisturize your hair even before you apply conditioner. If you haven’t found the right product for your hair, here is our list of 12 best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair.

Best Budget – Pantene Nutrient Blends Unbreakable Lengths Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Looking for a sulfate-free, nutrient-infused shampoo for thinning hair? The strong rice water, Vitamin B5, and antioxidants used in Pantene Pro-V Blends Rice Water Shampoo are designed to prevent breakage and minimize hair loss while also promoting healthy hair development. This nourishing, sulfate-free bond protection provided by this strengthening solution keeps hair appearing full and volumized with each wash. Enjoy this sulfate-free shampoo’s protective clean every time you take a shower. 

The sulfate-free product, which uses rice as its major component to strengthen the hair and make it smoother and stronger, is incredibly popular and effective. It may, however, do a better job of moisturizing the hair afterward.  Together with the conditioner, this set offers sufficient moisture to soothe dry, wavy hair.

Best Drugstore – Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo

Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo is intended to provide coiled, curly, or wavy hair with intense moisture amplification. Dove’s specially formulated natural ingredients for textured hair give optimum hydration and leave hair feeling clean, healthy, and full of body and bounce. Dove employs coconut oil for hair, shea butter, glycerin, and their trademarked Fiber Actives in their moisture-amplifying combination to offer substantial hydration, nurture, and repair your curly or textured hair. This moisturizing shampoo, which has aloe as an ingredient, gently removes product buildup to restore shine and body for clean, healthy-looking hair. This Dove shampoo was carefully created to wash and preserve coily, curly, or wavy hair. It is paraben-free, dye-free, and safe to use on colored hair.

The in question shampoo offers a mild and nourishing washing experience for dry scalps by utilizing natural, plant-based ingredients like aloe vera. The time it takes to get up a lather, though, might not be as appealing. The advantages of employing plant-based products to nurture and soothe the scalp without irritating it may exceed the additional time needed to create a lather despite this possible drawback.

Best Splurge – Oribe Moisture & Control Shampoo

Oribe products frequently attract our attention, and not only because they are packaged in alluring, gem-colored bottles. A combination of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower is used by the high-end hair brand’s unique compound once more to make your hair so silky that you could skip a stone across it.

This specific recipe features an amino acid complex that will help better define the waves into an S-shaped pattern, which is what makes it so great for wavy hair. And to assist increase hydration and brightness, it contains several of our favorite moisturizing ingredients, including glycerin, amber seed extract, and sunflower seed extract. However, if your hair has poor porosity, we advise using the shampoo around twice a week.

Best for Frizzy – HairVirtue Smooth Shampoo

It is obvious why we noticed silkier, stronger hair after only one wash thanks to elements like pink pomelo (also known as grapefruit), which is rich in vitamins A, B1, and zinc, and nourishing phospholipids. But when it comes to taming frizz, keratin, the naturally occurring protein that maintains our hair and nails very strong, is the real star of the show.

While we set the incredible advantages aside for a second, we must also mention that its aroma is a delectable blend of energizing essential oils. Although lovely, it’s a little bit intense, so be careful what perfumes and body lotions you use to avoid having clashing fragrances. 

Best for Deep Cleansing – John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo and Conditioner

This set’s nourishing crambe seed oil is used in its grease-fighting shampoo to revive wavy, looser curls, and its conditioner (same price) softens, smooths, and moisturizes hair. They both have a refreshing citrus scent and come in pretty purple squeeze containers.

Although they provide respectable color protection, they include sulfates and silicones, which may be excessively drying for coily hair. They froth up beautifully and rinse out quickly, leaving curls appearing larger and improving the hair satisfaction of most customers.

Best for Detangling – Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Exactly in that order: Proven to Moisturize, Soften Hair, & Smooth the Cuticle! Our Almond and Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner is a light, moisturizing conditioner that rapidly replaces the moisture your strands frequently lose as a result of regular style procedures, harsh weather, or environmental variables like humidity and hard water, to mention a few. Expect this indispensable treatment, which is formulated with nourishing herbs and Vitamin E, to soften your mane and smooth the hair cuticle, giving it a lovely radiant sheen.

The moisturizing nature of this hair product efficiently nourishes and hydrates the hair, giving it a radiant, healthy look. Additionally, while washing, it is kind to the hair and does not remove any of its natural oils. For those with finer hair, it might not be the best option because it could make the hair feel heavy and weigh it down.

Best for Volume – Briogeo Curl Charisma Shampoo

You may use this shampoo whether your hair is straight, curly, kinky, or coiled. The sulfate-free solution washes gently while tomato fruit ferment, which breaks down into the amino acid cysteine, seals the hair cuticle to guarantee that hair dries uniformly, which is essential for preserving a regular curl shape. But when it comes to volume, adding moisturizing shea butter and avocado oil gives the hair more body and volume without weighing it down.

This hair product’s purpose is to assist define curls and give the hair more body and volume. For people with curly or wavy hair who wish to emphasize their natural texture, it might be a fantastic alternative. However. remember that if you have dry hair, you might need to use this product in conjunction with additional hydration. Although this product can assist define and volumize curls, it might not be adequate to moisturize dry or damaged hair types.

Best Cleansing Conditioner – Bounce Curl Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner

Cleansing conditioners are exactly what they sound like—super-hydrating solutions that clean without robbing your hair of its natural oils the way certain conventional shampoos may. This is one of the greatest solutions we’ve found, and many people with curly hair rely on them. Not only is the ingredient list spotless, but it is also crammed with substances that hydrate and moisturize. The first is aloe vera, followed by several other natural oils. You can be sure that you’re receiving a ton of moisture because there is just one component in the mixture specifically for washing.

The hydrating nature of Bounce Curl Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner aids in moisturizing and nourishing the hair, leaving it feeling smooth and healthy. Additionally, it has a fragrance that is organically generated and can give your hair a pleasing aroma. If you’re used to using conventional shampoos, it may take some getting used to the fact that this product doesn’t lather or foam at all. While there may not be as much lather, this may not result in the product cleansing your hair as thoroughly or leaving you feeling as refreshed.

Best Sulfate-Free – L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths No Build-Up Curls Micellar Shampoo

The paraben-free, nourishing formulations in Elvive Dream Lengths Curls make it easier to produce dreamy, moisturized, defined, bouncy, soft curly hair without weighing down. Elvive Dream Lengths Curls curly hair regimen aids locks in long-lasting hydration for fully hydrated curly hair from scalp to tip and defines curly hair by shaping and preserving structure. It is made with a mixture of hyaluronic acid and fine castor oil. also aids in reducing humidity While Moisture Seal Conditioner helps to completely detangle without compromising the definition of curly hair.

Using this hair product may be a distinctive and delightful experience because of its novel water-to-foam structure. It’s also reasonably priced, making it a fantastic choice for individuals on a tight budget. The scalp and hair are thoroughly cleaned by this treatment, leaving them feeling renewed and clean. However, some people might find the aroma of L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths No Build-Up Curls Micellar Shampoo to be too overbearing. While some people may find the perfume to be pleasing, others could find it to be overpowering or excessively powerful. 

Best for Dry Hair – Redken All Soft Mega Curls Conditioner

Anyone with hair that has high porosity or hair that quickly absorbs moisture and releases it,you should look no further than this Redken product. Aloe, shea butter, and coconut oil are among the ingredients in this nutritious product that will moisturize curls and lessen frizz. The sulfate- and silicone-free vegan solution hydrates each strand from root to tip for all-day moisture. It is also appropriate for hair types with color treatment.

This nourishing conditioner is made to give high-porosity hair, which is vulnerable to damage and drying out, the most moisture possible. In order to hydrate and feed the hair and leave it feeling smooth and healthy, the recipe was carefully created. People with oily scalps might not be able to use this product. It might be irritating or even cause blocked hair follicles and breakouts when the scalp feels oily and heavy due to the rich and moisturizing recipe. 

Best for Oily Hair – L’oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Conditioner

Friends with curly hair and greasy scalps, meet your ideal conditioner mate. What makes this product desirable to purchase? Three distinct types of clay are combined in it, and they help to remove greasy roots so you can go longer between washes. This mixture is also suitable for everyday use if you like to wash your hair more frequently and is a good option if you also have dandruff. It provides moisturized ends and fresh roots for up to 48 hours.

The clay in this product helps the scalp feel clean and fresh by absorbing extra oil and pollutants. Keep in mind that there is a chance that this product can dry out your hair excessively as it has a strong abrasive quality that might strip the hair of its natural oils, causing breakage and dryness.

Best for Thick Hair – Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner

Especially if you color or chemically treat your thick hair, it probably needs a lot of water. With ingredients including coconut oil, papaya butter, and plumeria extract, this curl-defining conditioner offers a profoundly nourishing hair treatment ideal for thick texture. For silky, supple curls that are full of body, use this conditioner in your shower routine. It works well for medium to high porosity. Additionally, its ingredients are responsibly produced and offered at an unbeatable price. 

This fruity-scented conditioner is an ideal choice for people who want to improve the health and texture of their hair because it is made to repair damage and enhance tight curls. It’s crucial to remember that this product might not be appropriate for persons with scalp sensitivity. Ingredients in the composition have the ability to aggravate the scalp and bring on pain or irritation. Consider using a conditioner that is specially created for sensitive skin or one that has mild, non-irritating chemicals if you have a sensitive scalp. 

Wash day is the cornerstone of a healthy curly hair regimen, regardless of the type of curls you have, whether they are spiraling curls, S-shaped waves, kinks, or coils. This is because the products you use in the shower determine how well your curls will hold up during the week. That’s why you should check out our list as it will definitely help you make the best purchase for you and your hair.