This Key Hair Staple Is a Must for Keeping Your Curls Juicy AF

I'll be the first to admit it—as much as I love my natural hair texture, there's been more than a few wash days where I seriously consider shaving it off and starting all over after my arms get tired from scrubbing, detangling, and twisting. Maintaining curly hair is no small feat and deciding which products can make or break your haircare routine can be a daunting task but it doesn't have to be complicated. It's all about identifying the steps in your routine that can make the biggest difference and learning how to get the maximum benefit out of the products you elect to use. 

If you have curly hair and don't deep condition your hair, you're making your wash day and styling process more difficult. Now's the time to finally add one (or two) into rotation to achieve healthy, bouncy, and defined curls. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of deep conditioning from an industry expert and discover which products have made our list of top picks.

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

What Is Deep Conditioning + Why Is It Important?

According to veteran celebrity hairstylist and Flawless by Gabrielle Union co-founder Larry Sims, deep conditioning offers a more intense treatment than a typical conditioner since its designed to rebuild and strengthen brittle hair that heat, chemicals, or stressors have damaged. This is especially crucial for individuals with curly hair, as its crucial to incorporate deep conditioning into wash day routines to deliver nourishment and preserve the integrity of their curls. 

"Like all hair products, deep conditioners are best selected to target the specific needs of your hair type," Sims begins. "Curly hair types thrive when ultra-moisturizing and protein-rich deep conditioners like the Flawless Repairing Deep Conditioning Masque are used within a wash day regimen." This particular product stands out to him due to the formula's combination of biotin, creatine, and rice oil complex that works to repair any existing damage while delivering hydration and the reduction of frizz.

When looking for a deep conditioner that would work best for curly hair patterns keep an eye out for ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter and avoid any containing alcohol or sulfates; as they'll dry out your strands. Incorporating a deep conditioner in your wash day routine is quick, easy, and effective. "After using your favorite shampoo, apply your deep conditioner to damp hair. Make sure the product is fully saturated on your hair, leaving no curl behind," says Sims. "Massage the deep conditioner into hair from root to ends using fingers, or consider using a wide-tooth comb or brush to ensure each strand is coated."

For a quick shower routine, Sims recommends leaving the deep conditioner in the hair for 5 to 10 minutes or, for a more intense process, cover hair with a shower cap and sitting under a hooded dryer for extra saturation and nourishment to the curls. Next, rinse with cool water to seal in moisture before applying the next step in your styling routine. 

Below, take a look at our picks for the best deep conditioners on the market based on our testing and thousands of glowing reviews across Sephora, Ulta, Dermstore, and more.

Best Overall: Bread Beauty Hair-Mask Deep conditioner

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Design Essentials Almond Avocado Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque

Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment

Oribe Moisture Control Deep Treatment Hair Mask

Superzero Deep Conditioner Bar

Melanin Haircare Plumping Deep Conditioner

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(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

Ouidad Coil Infusion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner

Mixed Chicks Detangling Deep Conditioner Treatment

Mielle Organics Babassu Mint Deep Conditioner

TGIN Rose Water Hydrating Hair Mask

Pattern Intensive Conditioner

Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner

Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.