Whether you’re rocking a curly wig or embracing your 4C texture, having the best deep conditioner for natural hair is a must. It’s the key to giving your curls and coils all the moisture and nourishment needed to keep your strands strong and healthy. But don’t just take our word for it. We tapped Michelle O’Connor, global artistic director at hair care company Matrix, to help you find the best product for your hair type.
What’s the difference between regular conditioner and deep conditioner?
“Deep conditioners serve two main purposes: to balance moisture and stimulate protein. Healthy hair needs both of those things to thrive,” O’Connor says. The formula also tends to be much thicker than regular conditioners and can be used as a treatment for damaged hair. “A good deep conditioner restores the hair’s natural pH, closes cuticles to fight against breakage, and helps generate slip in the hair for detangling. The result should be tons of shine, elasticity, and hydration.”
When should you use a deep conditioner?
Deep conditioning treatments are typically recommended anywhere from once a week to once a month, depending on your texture. Thick and coily hair textures may benefit from frequent use (since the hair tends to get drier due to the lack of oils reaching the strands), while people with finer hair can opt for it once a month. Also, consider the season. “Winter months may require the use of a conditioning treatment more frequently,” she says. Due to the lack of moisture (i.e., humidity) in the air, it’s common for your hair to be drier or brittle in colder temps.
You should also identify what your needs are. If you use a flat iron on your natural hair a lot, you may benefit from a good deep conditioning treatment once a week. A good rule of thumb is to leave two to three days in between washes so you don’t want to over-condition your hair, which can actually lead to damage.
Giving your curls and coils some TLC is a must for maintaining a healthy head of hair. So, to help you keep the hair love flowing, we’ve asked all of our friends what trusted curly hair products they use to deep condition, and these are the products endorsed by reviewers and hair stylists.
Top deep conditioners for natural hair:
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