I’m a picky eater. I don’t like certain foods because of how they look, others because of how they smell. Other still (and even perhaps more ridiculously) because of the texture. I really thought food would be the thing I’d be most meticulous about — until I met my criteria for a good deep conditioner.
When it comes to deep conditioners, I want them to do it ALL. Like, as in hydrate, strengthen, improve elasticity, banish frizz, eliminate my student loan debt, and make my hair feel silky and smooth — all while having enough slip to detangle with the best of them. In other words, it better WERK!
So, exactly whicch deep conditioners do all of the above? Here are my 6 picks (there may be others, but at these are the top of the top of my list):
1. EdenBodyworks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner
Cost: $9.99/16oz
The 411: This super thick and creamy conditioner is loaded with good-for-hair goodies like monoi (coconut oil + tiare/gardenia flower), jojoba, carrot oil, and tea tree. It softens, detangles, and adds shine and smoothness without weighing the hair down. Also curly girl-friendly, artificial color, mineral oil, petroleum, paraben, and fragrance-free.
2. Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask
Cost: $14.99/16.9oz
The 411: Enriched with keravis protein, sea buckthorn oil, and argan oil, this deep conditioner will hydrate, strengthen, nourish, and protect even the driest strands. It acts in as quickly as 5 minutes, but can be left on the hair for much longer. After one use, expect soft, shiny, smooth, buttery-feeling strands. For the full review, click here. Artificial color, mineral oil, petroleum, and paraben-free. Read the review here.
3. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Purification Masque
Cost: $11.99/12oz
The 411: A unique blend of butters, oils, clay, african black soap, plantain, and willowbark extract make this deep conditioner the best friend of anyone battling against dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis. It helps detoxify the strands while leaving hair soft, conditioned, and smooth. Curly girl-friendly, artificial color, mineral oil, petroleum, and fragrance-free.
Cost: $14.99/12oz
The 411: Although it is not labeled a deep conditioner, it most certainly acts like one. Thanks to sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba, and aloe vera, this conditioner hydrates, softens, detangles, and imparts shine. When used alongside the Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo, this duo becomes a one-two knockout! Artificial color, mineral oil, petroleum, and paraben-free. Review here.
5. U R Curly Quinoa Conditioner
Cost: $8.99/10oz
The 411: If you love a good scalp tingle, this conditioner is a winner. Although not listed as a deep conditioner, it is another one that is versatile enough to be a DC or daily use. Castor oil, quinoa protein, and abyssinian oil soften, nourish, and strengthen the hair while menthol provides a cool tingling and spa-like refreshing experience. Curly girl-friendly, artificial color, mineral oil, petroleum, and paraben-free.
6. Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioner
Cost: $16.99/8oz
The 411: A unique complex of aminos and proteins make this conditioner great for rescuing hair in need of a strengthening treatment. Even though it is loaded with protein, it makes the hair incredibly soft, shiny, and smooth. Artificial color, mineral oil, petroleum and paraben-free. Review here.
