Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Have you ever used a deep conditioner for curly hair and then your hair felt like nothing happened? Yeah, me too.

As curly girls, we often find ourselves reaching for the newest and most popular deep conditioner hoping to get the results that are promised, or get the results that we saw someone else get.

But what if it doesn’t happen, what then? Don’t worry, we’ll get to that in a minute.

A good deep conditioning treatment can work wonders for your hair. But, let’s face it, not all deep conditioners are created equal, and it’s important to find the one that will help with your specific curly hair issue.

Also, depending on your hair’s needs, you may require one without protein or one that aids in restoring luster, suppleness, or one to help repair and strengthen your mane.

We know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to a deep conditioning treatment, which is why we’re breaking down the best deep conditioners for your curly hair problem.

Consider What Your Hair Needs

It’s so frustrating when you put all that effort into buying a deep conditioner and taking care of your curls and then your hair just doesn’t cooperate.

If you’re like me, there are days where you’ve had it up to here with your hair. It’s super dry, it’s frizzy, and truth be told, there have been days when you’ve neglected it because life has been a little too hectic.

We’ve all been there, myself included, and some days are worse than others.

You know you need to deep condition your hair, but you’re not quite sure which deep conditioner to reach for.

Fear not, my curly-haired friends! I’m here to help.

So before you just grab a jar, think carefully about what your hair needs.

Are Deep Conditioners Good for Color-Treated Hair?

Yes! If you color your hair, it’s important to use a deep conditioning treatment on a regular basis.

The coloring process on hair can be harsh, and can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. A deep conditioner can help to replenish what was lost, and keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.

A good conditioner has many benefits, including protecting your hair from further damage and preventing color fade.

The best deep conditioners for color-treated or damaged curly hair:

Our Pick #1: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque 

This is a deep conditioning mask that is perfect for those looking to strengthen their hair.

It contains Jamaican black castor oil, which has been known to promote healthy hair growth and restoration.

If your hair is dry, brittle and in need of some TLC, this deep conditioner may just be the answer. We love that it’s made with all-natural ingredients, and is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and mineral oil.

We also love that it infuses hair with a powerful dose of moisture and nutrients.

Our Pick #2: Davines NOUNOU Conditioner | Hydrating Deep Conditioner

This product can be used as a conditioner or deep conditioner for curly hair. I own this one and love it! It has a nourishing effect, acting to soothe and hydrate the hair.

Enriched with Vitamin E and Fiaschetto tomato extract, which are full of antioxidants and Vitamin C to restore hair.

Ideal for bleached, permed, or relaxed hair.  It’s a restorative treatment for damaged hair or chemically processed hair.

Note – it does contain silicones, so if you follow the curly girl method, then this is not for you.

Our Pick #3: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

This deep conditioning treatment is perfect for color treated hair and damaged hair because it helps to repair, nourish, fortify, and strengthen the hair.

It contains a blend of oils including algae extract, B-vitamins, and rosehip oil, which help to restores essential moisture to dry, brittle, colored, or damaged hair.

This deep conditioner is vegan and gluten-free. It also doesn’t contain sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, or artificial dyes.

If you have dry, brittle hair that needs some serious TLC, then this is the deep conditioner for you.

Can Deep Conditioners Help Heat-Damaged Curls?

Yes, deep conditioners can help to repair heat damaged curly hair.

If you’ve frequently used heat styling tools on your curls that have caused them to become dry and brittle, and damaged, it’s a good idea to give them some extra love.

These tools change the structure of your hair proteins. You may also notice that your hair feels rough and tangly, or it may be breaking, which are all signs of damage.

The only way to really fix heat-damaged hair is to cut off the damage. If you’re worried about losing too much length (like I was), consult with your curly hairstylist about how much of your hair needs to be cut and how you can better manage it moving forward with more frequent cuts.

Deep conditioners are great for heat damage because they help to restore moisture and nutrients that were lost, as well as help repair and strengthen the hair.

But also, try a protein treatment as you’ll want to focus on restoring your hair’s natural proteins.

They can also help to protect your hair from further damage.

The best deep conditioners for heat damaged curly hair:

Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Masque

If you’re looking for a deep conditioning treatment that will help to repair damaged hair, look no further.

This super intense masque contains quinoa protein that penetrates deep into the hair shaft to help repair and rebuild your hair.

It’s great for those who have heat damaged hair. It really helps to repair while leaving your hair soft, shiny and healthy.

If you’ve got a lot of damage to repair, this is the masque for you!

Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment

This deep conditioning treatment, strengthens the hair and prevents breakage. With just one use, you will see and feel a difference.

It is made up of a complex of structural proteins with different molecular weights, all of which are excellent.

It’s enriched with 10 amino acids, vitamins, and botanical extracts, which penetrate the hair producing a softer, smoother and a more lustrous result.

Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Yogurt Hydrate Plus Repair Protein Power 

This is formulated with certified organic Shea Butter, Manuka Honey and Yogurt, and is perfect for damaged hair. It fortifies hair with strand supporting proteins while fighting frizz.

Ideal for hair that is prone to breaking, snapping or splitting. 

How Do I Deeply Hydrate My Hair?

There are a few things you can do to deeply hydrate your hair. One is to use a deep conditioner. Another is to use a hot oil treatment. You can also add a hair steamer to aid in the deep conditioning process.

Dry hair lacks moisture from external sources and from internal sources such as sebum, which is a natural conditioner and lubricant for the scalp and hair.

You need a deep conditioner with emollients and penetrating oils (think coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil) because they can deliver intense hydration, flexibility, suppleness to your locks.

The best deep conditioners for dry curly hair:

As I Am Hydration Elation

If your hair is as dry as the Sahara Desert, then this rich hydrating deep conditioner is for you. It will moisturize your hair deep with in the shaft, while also smoothing down the cuticle layer.

It’s infused with pure herbal ingredients that stimulate the scalp and hair roots. This deep conditioner is an exceptional composition of extracts of coconut, sugar cane, green tea, apple and lemon, shea butter, vitamin E and proven hair fortifiers.

It’s perfect for those with dry or damaged hair. By the way, it’s also protein-free!

Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Deep Moisture Mask

This deep conditioning treatment is perfect for curly to coily hair and it is the extra moisture that you need to quench your thirsty mane.

It contains Coconut oil, Almond oil, Mango butter, and Murumuru Butter to help to add long-lasting definition, shine, and touchable softness.

Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix

This deep conditioning treatment provides penetrating moisture without being too heavy. It contains moisturizing and hydrating properties of the anti-oxidant rich Hibiscus flower and Brazilian Cupuacu and Murumuru butter.

It also contains aloe vera to soothe and moisturize dry hair and shea butter for its emollient properties.

How Can I Moisturize My Hair Without Protein?

While protein is an important part of healthy hair, and our hair is made up of mostly protein, it’s not the only thing our hair needs.

However, the right kind of proteins used at the right levels can act as a conditioning agent that can form a protective film on the hair, according to the The Beauty Brains.

In essence, hair does not need more protein specifically, but rather something that will create a protective layer on the hair. There are other ingredients (like fatty quaternium compounds or silicones, that will work even better. 

Experiment until you find something that works for you!

The best protein-free deep conditioners for curly hair:

Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment 

This deep conditioner for curly hair does a great job of moisturizing hair without weighing it down.

It includes a moisturizing blend of Aloe vera, Avocado oil, Cocoa butter, and Shea butter.

Rosemary, peppermint, and basil oils are infused in this deep conditioner to promote blood circulation and prevent hair follicles from being damaged any further.

Obia Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner

This vegan formula is enriched with Babassu oil, Avocado oil, Rosemary essential oil, and Pathenol, which helps to restore your hair’s natural moisture balance.

It will also nourish and help with elasticity, soften and add shine to your hair.

Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner

This is a vitamin-packed moisturizing and strengthening deep conditioning treatment infused with Blue Green Algae, which strengthens hair, preventing breakage.

Coconut oil, Shea Butter, andMango Butter intensely moisturizes, locking and sealing in moisture.

Although any curl type can use this product, it is especially perfect for curly to coily hair.