shampoo in a blue bottle

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!

WHY DO I HAVE DANDRUFF? 

Dandruff is a common dermatological condition, affecting 50% of the population. Not only does it cause discomfort when wearing dark clothes and impact one’s appearance or communication, but it is also a persistent skin condition that is challenging to treat completely and can even persist for a lifetime. If you have dandruff, keep reading to learn more about this issue and how to get dandruff out of your hair. But first, we will start with a brief overview of this condition before moving on to the most effective treatments for it. Scroll down!

WHAT DOES DANDRUFF LOOK LIKE

Dandruff presents itself as small, white or yellowish flakes on the scalp and hair. These flakes are often noticeable on dark clothing, creating an aesthetic concern for many individuals. In addition to the visible flakes, dandruff may be accompanied by itching and irritation of the scalp. Sometimes, the skin on the scalp appears dry or oily, contributing to the formation of these flakes. Dandruff is a common condition, and its appearance may vary from person to person, but the characteristic flakes and associated discomfort are key indicators.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

Your skin cells usually grow, die, and fall off regularly. When you have dandruff, the skin cells on your scalp fall off faster than usual. The main reason for dandruff is a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which makes your skin oily, red, and scaly. This leads to white or yellow flakes that become dandruff. A fungus called Malassezia is often responsible for triggering dandruff. This fungus normally lives on your scalp, but having too much of it can make your skin cells multiply too quickly. Factors like age, hormones, stress, and some health conditions can cause this fungus to increase. It’s important to note that having dirty hair doesn’t cause dandruff, but not washing your hair enough can lead to an oily buildup that contributes to flakes.

HOW TO FIX DANDRUFF

What helps with dandruff? There will be many interesting solutions that you may not know revealed below. Please continue scrolling down:

Dandruff shampoos

If you have a little dandruff, wash your hair every day with a mild shampoo to reduce the oil on your scalp. If it’s worse or regular shampoo doesn’t help, use an anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos usually have medicine that fights the fungus on your scalp or gets rid of the flaky skin. Here are a few examples:

Pyrithione zinc (like in Head and Shoulders or Jason Dandruff Relief 2 in 1) is a medicine that fights the fungus on your scalp, stopping it from making flakes. You can use shampoos with pyrithione zinc every day because they’re gentle.

Selenium sulfide (found in Selsun Blue) reduces the fungus and prevents too many skin cells from falling off. If you have blond or gray hair, or if you dye your hair, ask a healthcare professional before using shampoo with selenium sulfide. It might change your hair color.

Ketoconazole (like in Nizoral) gets rid of the fungus causing dandruff. You can get it without a prescription or with one.

Salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal) removes extra scales from your scalp before they can flake. Be careful, though, because salicylic acid can dry out your skin and make more flakes.

Coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel) slows down how fast skin cells grow and fall off your scalp. Tar-based shampoos might also change your hair color if it’s blond or gray.

Dandruff tea tree oil

Tea tree oil shampoos can be a natural way to deal with dandruff. Tea tree oil has stuff in it that fights the fungus causing dandruff, as some studies suggest. But, be careful—some folks can be allergic to it. It’s smart to check with a doctor before you give it a go. If you notice any redness or swelling, stop using it.

No matter which dandruff shampoo you use, make sure to read and follow the instructions on the bottle. If you’re not sure which one to pick or how often to use it, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. It might take trying a few brands before you find the one that works best for you.

Once your dandruff gets better, you might not need to use the shampoo as often. But if your dandruff is tough, a doctor can give you a stronger shampoo or something with medicine to help.

HOW TO PREVENT DANDRUFF 

Gentle Scalp Care

Gentle scalp care is crucial in preventing dandruff and maintaining a healthy scalp. To effectively ward off dandruff, it’s essential to choose hair care products specifically formulated for sensitive scalps. Opt for mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that nourish and hydrate the scalp without causing irritation.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Steer clear of hair products containing harsh chemicals like bleach and alcohol, as these can dry out your scalp, exacerbating dandruff issues. Additionally, avoid oily hair products that can accumulate on your scalp, as this buildup may lead to an imbalance in oil production and contribute to dandruff formation.

Nourishment and Hydration

Ensuring proper nourishment and hydration is essential in the prevention of dandruff. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those like zinc and B vitamins, promotes a healthy scalp and reduces the likelihood of dandruff. Additionally, staying adequately hydrated supports overall skin health, including the scalp, and helps prevent dryness that can contribute to dandruff. 

Manage stress

Incorporate stress-management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing into your routine. These relaxation methods can contribute to overall scalp health and reduce the likelihood of dandruff.

Exfoliate with Care

To effectively prevent dandruff through exfoliation, it’s crucial to understand the balance between removing dead skin cells and avoiding scalp irritation. Gentle exfoliation helps eliminate accumulated dead skin cells, which can contribute to dandruff when left unchecked.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If your dandruff persists despite trying over-the-counter shampoos and home remedies, it’s advisable to see a doctor. Additionally, seek medical attention if you experience severe itching, redness, or swelling on your scalp, as these symptoms could indicate an underlying skin condition that requires professional evaluation. 

A healthcare provider can help determine the specific cause of your persistent dandruff and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription-strength shampoos, topical medications, or other interventions tailored to your individual needs. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you have concerns about the effectiveness of your current dandruff management or if the condition is significantly affecting your scalp health.

FAQ

1. Is dandruff good or bad?

Dandruff is a common skin condition. It’s not harmful and you cannot catch it.

2. How often should I wash my hair if I have dandruff?

People may need to shampoo their hair at different frequencies—some might do it twice a week, while others may choose to shampoo more frequently, possibly even every day.

3. Does cutting hair reduce dandruff?

Whether your hair is short or long, dandruff can still occur. This is because dandruff is influenced by what’s happening on the scalp.

4. Is it OK to use head and shoulders everyday?

You can use Head & Shoulders as often as you like because it’s pH balanced and gentle on hair, making it suitable for daily use. What is the best dandruff shampoo?

CONCLUSION

The journey to understanding why dandruff occurs has taken us through the intricacies of scalp health and the factors contributing to this common concern. From the shedding of skin cells to the influence of environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and underlying conditions, the article has aimed to provide clarity on the question, “Why do I have dandruff?” . Remember, whether it’s the role of natural oils, the impact of stress, or the use of specialized shampoos, addressing dandruff is a personalized journey. Your questions have been explored, and armed with this knowledge, you can embark on a path towards a healthier, flake-free scalp.