The Best Deep Conditioners

(Your Hair Will Never Be the Same)

Have you ever found your hair dry, brittle, and generally lackluster? Yes, we all have. When you’ve ticked all the boxes for a healthy wash routine, it can seem like the whole world’s against you when your hair refuses to play nice. Is it possible you just have bad hair? We’re here to tell you that you don’t have bad hair, no one does. But your hair might be a little hungry! In this article, we’re going to show how you can breathe life back into your dull, and fragile hair, by feeding it. We’re talking about the occasional, but ritual use of a deep conditioner - and we want to help you find the best deep conditioner for you! Washing and everyday life take their toll on your hair, and sometimes you need to use deeper treatments to help pep it back up. First, let’s do some Q&A:

How is a deep conditioner different from a daily conditioner?

Daily conditioners, which are used to re-infuse your hair with hydration after using a shampoo, use ingredients that are hydrating, but are for the most part relatively lightweight. This is so it can be easily rinsed out. While it does help to moisturize your hair to a degree, it doesn’t have much effect on damaged, or very dry hair, as it takes time, and a stronger formula, for a product to infiltrate your hair shaft to deliver the nutrients it needs. https://getgoodhead.com/5-best-organic-conditioners/

How do I use a deep conditioner?

Deep conditioners should be thought of as reparative treatments. They can be used when needed, but generally don’t need to be used more than once a week. With most deep conditioners, you apply the product from root to tip, and cover your head to help heat up the treatment to kickstart the absorption process. You can either use a shower cap and hairdryer on low heat, or a heat cap specifically designed to be used with deep conditioners. Follow the instructions on the product when it comes to how long to wait before rinsing, but as a general rule of thumb – the longer, the better.

Best Deep Conditioners

Without further ado, here are our recommendations for the best deep conditioner, according to the issues you’re trying to address.  

Hair Issue #1: Fragile hair and lots of breakage?

You need a protein-intensive deep conditioner.

Arvazallia’s Protein Fortifying Hair Mask

This protein-fortifying hair mask is a professional salon grade deep conditioning treatment, guaranteed to strengthen and thicken your hair using hydrolyzed wheat protein, aloe vera, Moroccan cosmetic argan oil, and macadamia oil. Protein improves the elasticity of your hair, making it less likely to break. It also infiltrates the cracks and openings in your hair’s cuticle, ensuring smoothness and shininess. This fortifying hair mask is perfect for those battling with hair breakage, thinning, and damage done by dyes, heat treatments, and chemical styling. Side note: you may have heard of keratin treatments for your hair. Before jumping on the keratin treatment bandwagon, make sure you are well informed and know both the benefits and the risks.

Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment

This deep conditioner is appropriate for most hair types, as it combines a diversity of amino acids and proteins, guaranteed to penetrate your hair where non-diversified proteins will not. Different types of proteins range in sizes at the molecular level. Their success in penetrating your hair and delivering goodies at the core has more to do with how porous, or open, your hair’s cuticle is. Some people find that a protein-intensive deep conditioner does nothing to improve elasticity and strength; this is because the protein they used wasn’t the ‘right fit’. You don’t need to worry about that when using this product. It combines 10 different amino acids, delivering proteins with different molecular weights, ensuring that you will get results. This is the best deep conditioner for those who aren’t sure what proteins work best on their hair. Alternatively, you can always try DIYing it at home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQVy3ADpORk  

Hair Issue #2: Frizz, flyaways, and general dryness?

You need a moisture intensive deep conditioner.

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque

Fight the pouf with this hydrating deep conditioner! SheaMoisture promises to moisturize your dry, damaged hair, and leave you with glossy, healthy-looking results. If you’re a fan of natural ingredients, this hydrating mask is made with manuka honey, and mafura oil – a healing combination passed down for generations in Sierra Leone. Other ingredients include African rock fig and Baobab oil, botanicals guaranteed to protect your hair long after you’ve rinsed out the mask. https://getgoodhead.com/best-leave-in-conditioner-for-natural-hair/

Pantene Moisture Renewal 3-Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner

Most deep conditioners require hours of soaking to take effect, but Pantene has got the busy-body covered with this 3 minute moisture renewal deep conditioner. Designed for use on extra dry hair, this conditioner just needs 3 minutes on your hair to deliver a hydration boost that leaves your hair silky, and smooth. This treatment can be used weekly, or daily, depending on your hair’s needs, and its uniquely designed formula is guaranteed to give you quick results – making this the best deep conditioner for those on-the-go.  

Hydrating Hair Oil as a Deep Conditioner

For those with a knack for DIY, why not try a blend of oils as your own moisturizing deep conditioner? This recipe works well for most hair types, but if your hair becomes easily greasy – it might be best to steer clear!

1. 2 tbsp Olive Oil
2. 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
3. 3-5 drops of Peppermint Oil, or Tea Tree oil, or a combination of both

Gently warm this mixture to combine the ingredients thoroughly. When it comes to choosing an essential oil to accent this recipe, we’ve suggested peppermint or tea tree. Peppermint oil is an invigorating oil, and helps to purify and stimulate the scalp, whilst tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, making it perfect for fighting scalp issues such as dandruff and excessive itchiness. Use the essential oil that best suits your needs! Massage this hair oil into your scalp, and comb through to the ends of your hair. Then, wrap your head in Saran Wrap and let it soak in for 2-4 hours before rinsing out. This oil treatment will leave your hair hydrated, soft, and detangled.  

Hair Issue #3: Lack of volume, and baby fine hair?

You need a light, but enriched deep conditioner.

Keratin Mask for Dry & Damaged Hair

The keratin proteins in this deep conditioner will fill out, and strengthen fine hair, giving it a thickened, voluminous, and glossy outcome. Keratin is the protein that naturally exists in your hair’s core structure, making it a great protein choice for anyone looking to thicken their hair. Fine hair tends to kink and break easily when styled; but this mask will give your hair the strength and flexibility to withstand even the most elaborate of up-do’s.

Deep Conditioning Argan Oil Hair Mask

If your thin hair is easily weighed down, this deep conditioning mask will repair your hair at the roots, encouraging strength and bounciness from the stage of growth. Argan oil is the main active ingredient in this deep conditioner, and it is a lightweight, but powerful hydrator. This mask combines antioxidants and vitamins that repair your scalp, encouraging healthier follicle development. When it comes to deep conditioners, A common issue for those with fine hair is that the ingredients and application process often leaves them with limp, greasy hair. As the ingredients in this deep conditioner target the scalp and roots, you can strengthen and repair your fine hair without over-moisturizing it.

DIY hair mask that’s good enough to eat!

If you’re wanting to make a combination deep conditioner that tames and strengthens your baby fine hair, look no further than your pantry! Eggs, avocado, banana, honey, and nut oils make powerful strengthening and smoothing hair masks when thrown together in any combination. Play around with recipes to find the one that’s your hair’s very own holy grail. For some inspiration, check out this DIY hair mask using banana, an egg yolk, and coconut milk! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssW6gaIvcXI Your hair isn’t unruly by nature, it just needs to be fed the protein and moisture it so desperately craves. Life can be hard, not just on you, but on your hair as well. It’s important to incorporate deep penetrating treatments into your weekly regime. Don’t leave your hair thirsty and wanting, search for the best deep conditioner that works best for ridding you of your common hair problems, and discover your hair at its healthiest and most luscious! (Take a look at four of our favorite leave-in conditioners!)