As someone who has colored, chemically treated, heat-styled, and experimented a lot with my hair in the past, I consider deep conditioners to be the holy grail of haircare — my trusted rescue remedy! With the best deep conditioners for natural hair, one can not only repair, nourish, and boost their overall hair health but also feel more confident in experimenting with newer hairstyles without much second thought. The reason why I chose to work on this article is that I want to instill the same confidence and freeness in my fellow beauty enthusiasts so that they don’t have to hold their desires back!

Now, here’s a caveat — many cream-based hair products put on the market disguise themselves as “deep conditioners”, whereas in reality, they simply offer what a regular conditioner may anyways do at a much lower price. My principle here is that if you’re investing the extra bucks and time in a deep conditioner, then it better offer multi-faceted benefits for both the hair and the scalp, such as moisturization, strengthening, repair, protection, etc. to be worth it! And guess what! With much research, trial, and testing, and seeking insights from customer testimonials, I did eventually find products that stand out from the rest. Below, I’ve thoroughly reviewed each of them for your reference. Read away!

• 1
  Best for High-porosity Hair

  Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Recipes Coco Repair Deep Conditioner

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It wouldn’t be incorrect to consider this deep conditioning mask as the crowning glory of moisturization, as the rich emollients bursting in it offer the ultimate care for severely dry, curly, and high-porosity hair. Having tested this product on some of my curly-haired buddies, I observed that it goes a long way in smoothing the texture of coarse, coily strands. This is the kind of product you can count on to detangle natural hair and maintain its quenched, nourished appearance.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin, shea butter, olive oil, avocado oil, and hydrolyzed proteins

Hair Type: Coily, curly, and high-porosity

Quantity: 15 oz.

2

Best to Soothe the Scalp

Artnaturals Argan Oil + Aloe Vera Hair Mask

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The moisturizing agents infused in this hair mask for natural hair, such as argan oil and aloe vera, are indeed suitable for all hair types, as they are lightweight yet richly hydrating. These goodies work in unison to boost hydration and seal the nourishment in, thereby quenching the hair and soothing the scalp (studies by the JDDST and as published on ResearchGate). 

In my experience, very few hair masks have provided the kind of nourishment this product offers one’s hair, from the roots to the ends, in just about 15 minutes. Hence, this holy grail, non-greasy deep conditioner is totally worth the investment!

Key Ingredients: Organic jojoba oil, aloe vera, argan oil, and keratin

Hair Type: All, but specifically dry and damaged hair

Quantity: 8 oz.

Quick Tip:

Apply the hair mask to wet hair. Massage gently, then rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Enjoy softer and shinier hair.

3

Best for Thickness And Growth

Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner

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Good news for natural hair and an even great one for the scalp — this deep conditioner from Mielle Organics is a one-stop solution that caters to several hair woes. I’ve used this product a lot and recommended it several times in the past, as its organic formula plush with botanical extracts revitalizes the hair and scalp like nothing else! 

Be it Type 3A, 4c hair, or color-treated hair — its amazing properties work excellently in lending moisture to the hair, boosting hair shine, and making tresses more manageable. 

While the amino acids successfully replenish and thicken the hair strands, the addition of peppermint oil helps restore your hair’s lost vitality and stimulates growth (studies published on NCBI and conducted by Toxicological Research).

Key Ingredients: Babassu oil, amino acids, apple extracts, peppermint oil, and other essential oils

Hair Type: All

Quantity: 8 oz.

4

Best to Hydrate Dry Hair

amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask

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Brimming with natural vitamins, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants, this rejuvenating hair mask from amika offers a little bit of everything that your hair and scalp need, while also protecting them from environmental aggressors. 

 

The infused jojoba oil and sea buckthorn extracts in the mask work in harmony to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which consequently boosts hair growth. These ingredients also work to reduce scalp inflammation and condition the hair, as demonstrated in studies published on NCBI and conducted by Polymers.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn extracts

Hair Type: All, especially dry hair

Quantity: 8 fl. oz.

5

Good Choice for Colored Hair

Sauce Beauty Guacamole Whip Deep Moisture Mask

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This deep moisturizing mask for natural hair was a recent discovery for me, and having tried it out, I’m head-over-heels about it! The product features a wholesome blend of hair-loving ingredients such as avocado, coconut oil, and argan oil, which is no less than a superfood for the tresses as they boost moisture and nourishment (study by PMC). This gentle formula not only quenches the thirst of dry hair but also slows down color fading, elevating natural hair shine.

Furthermore, the smooth and creamy consistency of this mask, enhanced with the sweet floral fragrance of gardenia flowers is a heavenly treat to my senses. Hence, every once or twice a week, I keep going back to this, to give my hair a punch of its goodness.

Key Ingredients: Avocado, honey, argan oil, coconut oil, monoi oil, and gardenia flower extracts

Hair Type: All

Quantity: 12. fl. oz.

6

Ideal for Extreme Curls

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Masque

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Like all SheaMoisture products, this moisturizing deep conditioner for natural hair leverages the properties of organic shea butter to quench and condition the hair, no matter how dehydrated or frizzy it may be. However, the infusion of sea kelp and argan oil in this formula is what caught my attention, as it comes with a promise of enhanced nourishment. 

This wholesome formula seals the hair cuticles, strengthening weakened hair strands. With regular use, you can expect this gem to make your hair super-healthy and vibrant!

Key Ingredients: Raw shea butter, sea kelp, and argan oil

Hair Type: Curly, coily, and high-porosity

Quantity: 11.5 fl. oz.

7

Best for Frizz Control

Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask

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In curly hair types that are prone to brittling or breakage, this reparative deep conditioner boosts vitality and a healthy bounce, which not only makes the hair beautiful but also easy to work with. Hence, twisting, braiding, or styling curly hair becomes a lot easier after having used this deep conditioning treatment product.  

With its deep-penetrating formula, the product improves the curl pattern in your natural hair and reduces frizz, thereby facilitating your no-comb curly haircare routine! What’s more, is that to provide these benefits, the product leverages a lean formula and no-nonsense ingredients. 

Key Ingredients: Blueberry, aloe leaf, and chamomile extracts

Hair Type: Curly

Quantity: 8 fl. oz

8

Dr. Miracle's Hydrating & Strengthening Deep Conditioner

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For damaged and dehydrated hair types that lose nourishment easily, this moisturizing and deep conditioning mask is an incredible choice to replenish them and seal the hair cuticles. With the strengthening properties of amino acids and the richness of babassu and coconut oil, this deep conditioner instills resilience in weak and brittle strands. 

Plus, it smoothes out coarse-textured hair, making them easier to handle. Hence, there’s no wonder why customers count on this product to make their hair healthier and more manageable!

Key Ingredients: Rice protein, babassu oil, and coconut oil

Hair Type: Damaged hair

Quantity: 12 oz.

9

Best for Damaged Hair

tgin Miracle RepaiRx Deep Hydrating Hair Mask

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A thick formula, bursting with the emollient properties of black castor, jojoba, olive, and coconut oils, this hair mask by tgin aims to tame and smoothen the unruliest of strands like a powerful anti-frizz force! 

It also harnesses the properties of biotin and other scalp-revitalizing goodies, which promote hair growth with regular use and simply keep the scalp feeling refreshed and quenched. The only caveat — it’s not the best choice for those with low-porosity hair as the formula is quite rich for that!

Key Ingredients: Black castor oil and biotin

Hair Type: Ideal for damaged and curly hair

Quantity: 12 oz.

10

Best for Dense And Coarse Hair

OUAI Thick Hair Treatment Masque

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Before starting off with its haircare features, I would like to pay homage to the indulgent, ambrosial fragrance of this protein deep conditioner for natural hair. The scent kicks off with the sophisticated opening notes of champagne and berries, gets a punch of fresh florals, and settles into a lingering scent of amber and sandalwood, which makes your hair smell like a daydream!

Speaking of the formula, it’s rather rich and creamy, brimming with love and the moisturizing goodness of infused emollients such as shea butter, macadamia oil, etc. With their extravagant haircare benefits, the mask reduces breakage and coddles damaged hair and sensitive scalps. Metaphorically, this product is an oasis of hydration for your hair.

Key Ingredients: Ilipe and shea butters, almond, olive, and macadamia oils, and hydrolyzed keratin

Hair Type: Thick and dense natural hair

Quantity: 8 fl. oz.

11

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioner

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In just about 5 minutes, this natural hair deep conditioner by Palmer’s boosts hair health and replenishes strands with oodles of moisture. Infused with rich emollients and biotin, the mask aims to stimulate hair growth and is a great choice to rejuvenate the roots and hair follicles. 

If your hair typically feels coarse and brittle, you’ll notice a new and impressive slickness in its texture with regular use. And, to do this, this mask doesn’t expose your hair to any silicones or similar substances, so getting a tacky hair buildup is out of the question!

Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter and biotin

Hair Type: Dry, dehydrated

Quantity: 12 oz.

12

Best for Hair Growth

First Botany Rosemary Mint Hair Mask

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Here’s one for your scalp! If overly creamy formulas and silicone-laden products squelch your scalp too much, then this minty goodness in the form of a deep conditioner offers it a breath of fresh air. 

The essential oils infused in this formula invigorate the scalp, boost health, and catalyze hair growth (study from Archives of Dermatology). Moreover, the fresh fragrance they instill in the hair and scalp can delightfully indulge your senses. 

Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and biotin

Hair Type: Dry, damaged, and thinning hair

Quantity: 8 fl. oz.

13

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Deep Conditioning Mineral Hair Mask

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Now, this deep conditioner for natural hair differs from others on this list as it simply doesn’t smother the hair with moisture. Its formula is more invigorating, featuring the refreshing properties of French clay and essential oils, which balance excess oil and absorb dirt from the scalp as a humidity rescue force! 

The infused minerals help restore the hair and revive its natural bounce and hair. Besides, the formula does have some hydrating and replenishing properties, which makes it a multi-tasking product overall!

Key Ingredients: Lavender, mint, and tea tree essential oils, natural French clay, and humectants

Hair Type: Oily hair and scalp, comprising all textures

Quantity: 5.1 fl. oz.

Now that you’ve seen my product recommendations for the best deep conditioners for natural hair, scroll away to see the following buying guide to understand how to shop for the best deep conditioners for natural hair.

1. Look for Moisturizing Ingredients

One of the most important features of a natural hair deep conditioner is its moisturizing properties, which is why, the presence of rich emollients and humectants is non-negotiable in such formulations. Look for ingredients such as mango seed butter, castor oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera extracts, etc. to intensely hydrate and nourish the hair.

2. Look for Strengthening/Replenishing Ingredients

Many people struggle with hair problems such as weakening of strands, damage, breakage, split ends, etc., which calls for a repairing solution that coats hair shafts to keep the hair hydrated and promote healthy hair. For this, look for ingredients such as hydrolyzed keratin, elastic, vegetable proteins, and amino acids in a deep conditioner. 

3. Steer Clear of Nasties

While looking for wholesome and nourishing ingredients, it is also important to steer clear of nasties in deep conditioners, such as isopropyl alcohol, parabens, phthalates, benzene, etc. Silicones do have some hair benefits, such as reducing tangles and improving hair texture. However, if your hair and scalp are vulnerable to excess product buildup, and that’s something you wish to avoid, then look for silicone-free formulations. Similarly, essential oils have impressive haircare benefits for many, such as promoting hair growth. However, an essential oil-free formulation would be recommended if your scalp is too sensitive or has eczema. 

4. Duration And Efficacy

Depending on how much time you can spare for your deep-conditioning regimes, you can prioritize investing in a product — some show results in just about 5 minutes while others need a good 30 minutes to make a difference. This doesn’t mean that a product that is taking longer to show results is ineffective or anything — it may simply mean that the properties and benefits of this product are different from the others. 

5. Scalp Application

A lot of cheap hair products disguised as “deep conditioners” are actually not suited to be applied onto the scalp — perhaps because they are largely silicone-based and would simply cause scalp buildup and congestion instead of hydrating it. Hence, when looking at the product labels, check whether the usage instructions entail application on the “roots”. If you find that, then that’s the product you must “root” for! However, if the usage instructions entail application from the mid-lengths to the tips only, then you must note that this product would work no differently than a regular conditioner. 

Once you have your favorite product in your hands, it is important to understand the right method to apply them, to get the best results.

Step 1: Wash your hair with a gentle hair cleanser. You may opt for a regular conditioner or choose to skip it — it’s optional. Then, part your hair in two major chunks. 

Step 2: Take a generous dollop of your favorite deep conditioner, and start applying the product on one side, starting from the roots, gliding the product all the way to the tips. Repeat this on the second side.

Step 3: With your fingers, ensure that the product really seeps between your strands and gets distributed evenly. At this stage, you can also choose to massage the product on your scalp, if the product is suited to do so. 

Step 4: Leave the product on for as long as instructed on the packaging. This could range from 5 minutes to an hour. Cover your hair with a shower cap during this waiting period.

Step 5: Then, you can rinse the product off and towel dry your hair.  

Now, let’s quickly understand some of the benefits of using deep conditioners for natural hair.

1. Promotes Hair Growth

Unlike regular conditioners, deep conditioners for natural hair offer nourishment from the roots to the tips of your hair, including the scalp. Massaging such a moisture-rich product onto the scalp stimulates the hair follicles and increases blood flow, which consequently results in increased hair growth. Besides, several deep conditioners are formulated with growth-boosters such as biotin, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, onion extracts, ginseng, etc. that enhance the process further. 

2. Boosts Hydration

This is no secret — deep conditioners replenish the hair and scalp with oodles of moisture that keep them quenched and hydrated for several hours to days. This makes the hair more resilient to harsh environmental factors such as severe dryness, dust, humidity, pollution, etc. 

3. Improves Texture/Curl Pattern

Adding to resilience, the moisture-boosting prowess of deep conditioners beautifies the hair as well, by instilling a healthy look. They may help smoothen coarse strands, restore bounciness, or improve the hair’s natural curl pattern. 

4. Enhances Overall Hair Health

Furthermore, if your hair is prone to damage, breakage, thinning, shedding, etc., then deep conditioners can strengthen the hair and boost overall hair health.