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Pardon the dramatics, but of all the products in your hair care routine—from clarifying shampoos to hair toners to hair growth oils—deep conditioners are perhaps the best thing that’ll ever happen to your hair. Unlike your typical conditioner, which restores moisture post-shampoo, a deep conditioning treatment usually has a heavier, more intense formula with potent ingredients that work overtime to improve the overall health of the hair.
“The purpose of deep conditioner is to add moisture back into the hair. By rehydrating it, you can repair that damage and leave your hair looking and feeling smoother, shinier, and less frizzy,” says Judy Geisinsky, trichologist, wig/topper expert, and founder of Milano Collection Wigs. These formulas work to “penetrate deep into the hair shaft, strengthen the hair, and improve its overall manageability and appearance. It’s particularly beneficial for those with damaged, dry, or brittle hair, as it restores moisture and vitality,” adds Dr. Ross Kopelman, hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration.
Our picks for the best deep conditioners of 2024
Best for Extremely Dry Hair
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil
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Deep conditioning treatments work best on freshly shampooed hair, especially when they’re packed with essential oils and free of alcohol and silicone. Of course, seeking a hair professional to treat your hair is always recommended, but sometimes, a trip to the salon isn’t always within budget. These 12 deep conditioning formulas are the pick-me-ups your hair yearns for, all found in the sprawling aisles of your favorite beauty store or Amazon. We consulted hair experts, polled ELLE editors, and combed through customer reviews to find the absolute best 12 deep conditioners to repair, restore, and revive damaged hair.
1
Best for Extremely Dry Hair
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil
Pros
- Emollient-rich formula
Cons
- May not be best for fine hair
Hydrated hair is healthy hair, and this intensive hydration masque provides your strands with a healthy dose of nutrients. The healing properties of manuka honey and mafura oil combine to replenish and hydrate dry hair, reducing frizz for an overall healthier look and feel.
Key ingredients: Manuka honey, mafura oil, shea butter
Size: 11.5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “I love this product because it’s deeply moisturizing and packed with natural ingredients like manuka honey and mafura oil, which are excellent for restoring and retaining moisture in the hair. It’s especially beneficial for those with dry or brittle hair.”—Dr. Ross Kopelman, hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration
Pros
- Makes hair more manageable
Cons
- May not be best for fine hair
Honey is a godsend for parched, limp hair that takes on many forms in any formula. In this one, it’s a restorer, working to impart shine, improve softness and manageability, and boost hydration.
Key ingredients: Honey
Size: 16 fl oz
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
Our expert says: “The sweetest mask you’ll ever know. Hydrates stressed hair beyond the cuticle layer to improve texture, reduce friction, and bring that ol’ elasticity and strength back. Restores moistures balance and hydration to the scalp.”—Gregory Patterson, celebrity hairstylist and DIY expert for Sally Beauty
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
Here at ELLE, we were among the first to test and review Cécred. With an amazing slip and even better ingredients—squalane, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, to name a few—this creamy deep conditioner coats the hair with nourishing goodness to repair, strengthen, and hydrate.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, hyssop extract
Size: 10 fl oz
Cécred rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’m not the biggest user of hair masks—in fact, I rarely treat my hair to them. I know I should, but the time it takes to do so discourages me before I even open the bottle or jar. However, this Cécred mask has me changing my tune. The formula leaves my hair so glossy and healthy-looking that it’s worth the extra effort. When my hair is blown out after a session with the product, my strands look so shiny that I swear I can almost see my reflection in them, and that’s without any oils or additional styling products. It’s that good.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
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Pros
- Strengthening
Cons
- Some users note it can feel greasy
If you can’t retain length due to constant breakage, this “miracle” mask is just the fix for your hair needs. The mask is formulated with keratin, which reinforces protein back in the hair to strengthen for a frizz-free, shiny finish. Plus, it helps protect against heat damage and humidity.
Key ingredients: Keratin, hydrolyzed collagen, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil
Size: 8 fl oz
It’s a 10 rating: 4.9/5 stars
Our expert says: “This can be left on for up to 15 minutes to strengthen and soften your hair. It contains keratin amino acids to strengthen the internal structure of hair, vitamin-rich apricot kernel oil that improves the health of the scalp and hair, as well as sweet almond oil, which is an emollient that moisturizes and adds shine and flexibility to hair.”—Shab Caspara, NYC Hair Growth Expert & Trichologist
Pros
- Improves manageability
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
Thanks to an all-star team of moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and more, this mask helps to keep hair tangle-free, soft, and hydrated.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, algae, polyglutamic acid
Size: 8 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My hair drinks the nutrients in this mask. I have low porosity hair. I have to diligently work products into my hair, and it takes time for water to penetrate. This mask helped lock in moisture and left my hair hydrated. I did a twist-out on my hair and didn’t have to add any additional products for five days.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director
Pros
- Strengthens weakened strands
Cons
- Learning curve
Olaplex has quickly become reputable for repairing damaged hair. This highly moisturizing, reparative conditioner protects and repairs damaged hair, split ends, and breakage by re-linking broken bonds and strengthening your strands.
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, antioxidants, jojoba, vitamin C, vitamin E
Size: 8.5 fl. oz
Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “This deep conditioner is fantastic for repairing and strengthening hair from within. It uses a patented bond-building technology that helps to reconnect broken hair bonds, making it ideal for individuals with damaged or chemically treated hair.”—Dr. Ross Kopelman
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Pros
- Soothing
Cons
- Some users note it can be hard to distribute
Minty, soothing, and effective, Adwoa Beauty’s deep conditioner is a delight for your scalp and strands. The thick texture blankets the hair and melts into the shafts to restore elasticity and softness.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, pumpkin seed oil, prickly pear oil
Size: 16 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I love treating my hair to this deep conditioner because it feels like a spa for my hair. While I’m never been to a head spa before, my perfect version of one would be a thorough cleanse and a conditioning treatment using this Adwoa Beauty gem, which has minty ingredients and nourishing oils to transform my hair into something I can be proud of.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
8
Best Splurge
oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Masque,
Pros
- Softens hair
Cons
- Some users dislike the strong scent
This masque provides relief to parched, damaged, and dry strands. A blend of oils, extracts, butters fight to prevent breakage and further damage, and hydrates to keep hair healthy, bouncy, and full of life.
Key ingredients: Sweet almond oil, almond protein, coconut oil, shea butter
Size: 8.5 oz
Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My hair, like me, is very, very picky. I’ve put it through a lot over the years and, more recently, have resorted to tucking it away in protective styles. Though reducing manipulation can be good for my curls, I’ve noticed that my hair has become a bit drier over time, and finding a conditioner that actually penetrates the hair shaft and moisturizes my hair isn’t easy. The Oribe Moisture and Control Deep treatment masque has become a game changer for me, as it rehydrates my strands, instantly softens my hair, and makes it so easy to detangle even after taking down my favorite styles, like braids or sew-ins. It has a blend of all of my favorite hydrating ingredients, including shea butter and coconut oil, but also has watermelon and lychee extract, and mango butter to protect the hair from environmental stressors and help prevent breakage.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, ELLE beauty assistant
9
Best for Fighting Frizz
Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Hair Mask
Pros
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Some users note it could be more conditioning
If you’re looking to give your curls that soft, bouncy feel while boosting strength and shine, this antioxidant deep conditioner is your new go-to. The formula is made from 97 percent naturally derived ingredients, including algae extract, to enhance the hair’s natural moisture and hydrate dry strands.
Key ingredients: Algae extract, B-vitamins, almond oil
Size: 8 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Amongst my friend group, this product either works for your hair or it doesn’t. It works on mine! I recommend this for people with curly and wavy textures. It always leaves my hair so shiny and soft.” —Danielle James
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Pros
- Adds shine
Cons
- Can feel a little heavy
This mask imparts intense moisture and nourishment to ensure your hair is strong enough for anything you throw at it. The creamy, supple formula features plant-based proteins for restoration and niacinamide for added hydration.
Key ingredients: Plant-based proteins, niacinamide
Size: 6.8 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I use this hair mask as a regular conditioner on the ends of my hair. It makes a huge difference with the moisture and the shine. I use a hair dryer and curling iron every time I shampoo, and this helps to deflect the damage. I highly recommend it!”
11
Best for All Hair Types
MIZANI Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask
Pros
- Packed with emollients
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
For dry, dull hair looking for a moisture surge, Mizani’s Moisture Fusion mask delivers on its promises. Packed with butters, oils, and honey, your hair will soak up all the nourishment and maintain it until the next wash.
Key ingredients: Cupuaçu Butter, argan Oil, honey
Size: 16.9 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I have been struggling looking for a good hair mask that won’t break my bank and would give me good value for my money, I found it! I have very dry 3B curls, which are extremely frizzy. This mask works immediately, has slippage to detangle, smells great, is not overwhelming, and leaves my hair super soft and hydrated. Definitely recommend.”
Is deep conditioning necessary?
All hair experts can agree that deep conditioning is a non-negotiable part of your hair care routine. “As a hair surgeon focused on hair loss solutions, I consider deep conditioning essential to a comprehensive hair care routine. Deep conditioning serves to restore moisture, repair damage, and strengthen the hair, which is particularly important for individuals experiencing hair thinning or loss. By providing intense hydration, it helps improve the elasticity and overall health of the hair, making it more resilient to breakage and shedding,” says Dr. Kopelman.
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How often should you deep condition your hair?
While the frequency of the treatment depends on your hair type and lifestyle, Dr. Ross Kopelman recommends at least once a week. “This frequency strikes a balance between providing adequate moisture and nourishment without overloading the hair, which can sometimes lead to build-up or weigh it down,” he shares.
Judy Geisinsky adds that external factors, such as “sun damage, bleaches and dyes, and chemical relaxers or perms, all contribute to dryness and breakage in your hair. For some people, deep conditioning once a week is enough to keep their hair soft and glossy, while for others, two to three times a week is better. For wigs, we recommend much less frequent shampooing and conditioning to promote the longevity of the hairpiece.”
What about those with low or high porosity?
Understanding your hair’s porosity is vital to determining what products work best. “Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Low-porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles that make it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Deep conditioning is crucial for low-porosity hair because it can struggle to absorb moisture. Using heat during the deep conditioning process can help open the hair cuticles, allowing better absorption of the conditioning agents,” Dr. Kopelman states. However, those with high-porosity hair “should focus on using protein-rich deep conditioners to help fill in the gaps and holes in the hair shaft, reducing frizz and improving strength,” he says.
Meet the Experts
Judy Geisinsky is a trichologist, wig/topper expert, and founder of Milano Collection Wigs.
Dr. Ross Kopelman is a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose polled hair experts to find the best deep conditioners for all skin types.
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