I’ve been dyeing my hair blonde for the greater part of a decade, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that bleach is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows me to achieve the platinum, bronde, or honey hue I love, transforming my look and giving me that fresh-from-the-salon confidence. On the other hand, bleach can be incredibly harsh, leaving my strands feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Over time, I’ve realized that maintaining healthy, hydrated hair requires more than just regular trims and a good shampoo—it demands serious moisture and nourishment.
Thankfully, the best deep conditioners for bleached hair have helped me keep my strands soft, shiny, and resilient between color appointments. "Bleaching hair is drying for the hair and scalp, so it's very important to maintain hair health and quality at home," says hairstylist Madison Garrett, a blonde color specialist in New York City. "Deep conditioners are able to nourish and provide intense moisture back to processed or dry hair."
Throughout the years, I’ve tested countless deep conditioners, from affordable drugstore finds to high-end masks that truly justify the splurge. To help fellow blondes (or anyone with color-treated hair), I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorites—and consulted with top hairstylists for their expert recommendations and tips.
The Best Deep Conditioners for Bleached Hair
- Best Deep Conditioner For Bleached Hair Overall: Kérastase Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Purple Hair Mask
- Best Deep Conditioner For a High Gloss Shine: Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Hair Mask
- Best Brass-Reducing Deep Conditioner for Bleached Hair: Shu Uemura Yūbi Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Mask for Blonde Hair
- Best Deep Conditioner for Bleached Hair, Thick Hair: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna The Richer One Moisture Repair Deep Conditioner
- Best Deep Conditioner for Bleached Hair, Thin Hair: Kenra Platinum Rapid Hydration Mask Light
If you’re a blonde, you know the struggle—keeping your hair cool-toned and hydrated at the same time is no easy task. That’s where this luxurious deep conditioner comes in. Infused with hyaluronic acid for intense moisture, edelweiss flower extract for protection, and powerful ultra-violet pigments to tone out brassiness, it strengthens and softens bleached strands without drying them out. Unlike many purple masks that leave hair feeling rough, this one keeps yours silky smooth. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but trust me—you won’t go back!
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (hydration); Edelweiss Flower, (protection); Violet Pigments (neutralization)
Who It’s For: Perfect for bleached blonde highlighted, or gray hair that needs hydration; Brassiness neutralization
Size: 6.8 oz / 200 mL
What We Love: Effectively tones brassiness while deeply hydration; Strengthens and smooths hair; Luxurious feel and scent
What We Don’t: Pricey; Can leave a slight purple tint if left on too long
Review for MC: "This is by far the best deep conditioner I’ve used. It hydrates like a dream while keeping my blonde cool and bright—no brassiness, no dryness. The hyaluronic acid really helps strengthen my hair, so it feels soft and healthy instead of brittle. Plus, unlike some purple masks that can leave hair feeling straw-like, this one actually nourishes. If you’re trying to keep your blonde fresh without sacrificing moisture, this is a must-have!" - Taylor Jean Stephan, contributing beauty writer
If your bleached hair is brittle and in need of a makeover this new honey-infused mask is about to become your new best friend. Packed with the brand's signature moisture-restoring honey and strengthening ceramides, this will bring your brittle strands back to life. It smooths, softens, and hydrates, leaving behind a glossy, salon-worthy shine. Plus, the scent is absolutely dreamy! It’s a no brainer for anyone looking to revive and maintain their bleached locks.
Key Ingredients: Mirsalehi Honey (nourishment); Ceramides (strength); Plant-Based Keratin (repair)
Who It’s For: Ideal for dry, damaged, or bleached hair in need of deep hydration and repair
Size: 6.8 oz / 200 mL
What We Love: Rich, nourishing formula that strengthens and hydrates; Adds a glossy shine, Lightweight enough for most hair types
What We Don’t: Pricey for the amount; May not be heavy enough for very coarse or extremely damaged hair
Review for MC: I’m obsessed with this deep conditioner for the insane shine it gives my bleached hair! The honey and ceramides work magic—my hair feels so soft, smooth, and hydrated without ever feeling greasy. It adds the perfect amount of moisture and makes my blonde look super glossy and healthy. If your hair is extra thick, you might need something a bit heavier, but for me, this is the perfect balance of hydration and shine! - Charlotte Mathews, product tester
If your blonde is looking a little too warm for your liking, this luxe anti-brass-luxe deep conditioner will save you. It works by toning out unwanted brassiness with cool violet pigments, while Japanese white peony extract adds hydration and softness. This combo keeps bleached hair silky instead of dry or brittle. Unlike some purple masks that leave hair feeling rough, this one smooths and strengthens, making your blonde look fresh, vibrant, and healthier than ever.
Key Ingredients: Japanese White Peony (soothing); Violet Pigments (toning)
Who It’s For: Ideal for blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair looking to neutralize brassiness while maintaining hydration
Size: 6.7 oz / 200 mL
What We Love: Effectively tones brassiness; Leaves hair soft and shiny; Provides hydration without heaviness
What We Don’t: Expensive compared to other purple masks; May require consistent use for best results
Review for MC: "This purple mask is crazy good! Not only does it keep my blonde looking cool and fresh, but it also deeply conditions. A lot of toning masks can be super drying, but this one actually hydrates while fighting brassiness. Yeah, it’s a bit of a splurge, but honestly, the results are 100% worth it. My hair has never looked this bright and felt this strong at the same time!" Taylor Jean Stephan, contributing beauty writer
If your thick, bleached hair is feeling dry, frizzy, and you're simply over it, try this ultra-lush, buttery formula before you shave your head. It's packed with nourishing oils and butters that sink deep into every strand, giving your hair the intense hydration it craves. It smooths, softens, and strengthens no matter how dense your strands. Plus, it smells absolutely luxurious!
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter (moisture); Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (fortification); Babassu Oil (softening)
Who It’s For: Best for medium to thick bleached or damaged hair that needs intense hydration and repair
Size: 6.7 oz / 200 mL
What We Love: Deeply nourishes and strengthens hair; Reduces breakage; Leaves hair soft and manageable
What We Don’t: Might be too heavy for fine hair; Has a rich texture that requires thorough rinsing
Review for MC: "If you have thick, bleached hair that needs serious TLC, this deep conditioner is a lifesaver! It’s super rich and hydrating, making my hair feel unbelievably soft, smooth, and strong without feeling greasy or heavy. It really helps repair damage and tame frizz, which is a must for me. If your hair is on the finer side, it might be a little too rich, but for thick, thirsty strands, this is pure magic! - Taylor Jean Stephan, contributing beauty writer
Finding a deep conditioner that hydrates bleached hair without weighing it down can be tricky. Enter: this feather light mask that's the perfect match for fine strands! The formula is lightweight yet ultra-moisturizing, delivering deep hydration with immediate results. It helps repair damage, boost shine, and keep blonde hair looking fresh and healthy—all while maintaining that airy, bouncy feel.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Silk (smoothness); Panthenol (moisture); Jojoba Oil (nourishment)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with fine to medium bleached or color-treated hair looking for weightless hydration
Size: 5 oz / 148 mL
What We Love: Provides deep hydration without weighing hair down; Enhances softness and shine; Great for fine hair
What We Don’t: May not be rich enough for extremely dry or coarse hair
Review for MC: Finding a deep conditioner that hydrates my bleached hair without weighing it down has been a struggle, but this one is perfect! It gives my hair just the right amount of moisture, leaving it silky, soft, and manageable without feeling heavy. My hair still has bounce and volume, which is a huge win." - Charlotte Mathews, product tester
This is the hero of deep conditioning masks, especially if you have curly hair. It delivers extreme hydration in just a 10-minute session, smells unbelievably amazing (don't worry, the fragrance isn't *too* strong), and boasts a sulfate-free, color-safe formula. The hero ingredient here is algae extract, which gives the mask the ability to strengthen your hair over time.
Key Ingredients: Rosehip Oil (revitalization); Algae Extract (rejuvenation); B Vitamins (strength)
Who It’s For: Ideal for dry, damaged, or bleached hair that needs intense hydration and repair
Size: Available in multiple sizes, including 8 oz / 236 mL
What We Love: Clean, silicone-free formula that deeply nourishes without buildup; Reduces breakage; Improves hair elasticity
What We Don’t: May not provide enough protein for extremely damaged hair; Can feel too lightweight for very coarse textures
Customer Review: “This mask saved my bleached hair! It leaves my strands feeling so soft and healthy without being greasy or weighed down. I use it weekly, and my hair has never felt stronger.” - Sephora
Deep conditioners from Black-owned brands are always A+ options for curly and natural hair, and this one focuses on revitalizing your hair after damage. Customers with natural hair love the product, writing that it didn't weigh down their curls and that it's perfect for penetrating low-porosity hair. It is a heavy-duty option though, so if your hair falls on the finer side of the spectrum, look elsewhere.
Key Ingredients: Blue-Green Algae (detoxification); Mango Butter (hydration); Biotin (growth)
Who It’s For: Best for dry, damaged, or bleached hair needing deep moisture and strengthening
Size: 8 oz / 240 mL
What We Love: Intensely hydrating; Rich in antioxidants; Biotin to support hair health, great for both curly and straight hair textures
What We Don’t: Thick formula may feel heavy on fine hair; Strong scent may not be for everyone
Customer Review: “This mask is a game changer! My bleached hair felt incredibly soft and strong after just one use. It also smells amazing, and I love that it has natural ingredients" - Ulta
Full of proteins like keratin and primrose oil, this mask will strengthen hair with regular use. The instructions recommend leaving it on for five minutes; however, overnight use will add moisture to extremely damaged hair that needs it. Add this at-home keratin treatment into your routine for an every-other-week treatment—even if your hair is incredibly fine.
Key Ingredients: Keratin Protein (stregthening); Guajava Fruit Extract (protection); Evening Primrose Oil (nourishing); Aloe Vera (soothing)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with damaged, over-processed, or bleached hair in need of intense repair and strength restoration.
Size: 5.1 oz
What We Love: Restores strength and resilience to damaged hair; Significantly reducing breakage; Improves elasticity; Delivers noticeable results after just one use
What We Don’t: Strong scent may not be for everyone; If overused, it can feel a bit heavy on fine hair
Customer Review:"This product is a miracle worker! My bleached hair was feeling like straw, and after one use, it felt soft, smooth, and much stronger. I’ll never be without it!" - Ulta
I cannot sing K18's praises any louder: The brand is a savior for hair repair after bleaching and coloring sessions. Their clinical studies are based on hair bleached eight times (yikes), with hair proving softer after each use. The secret? Their proprietary peptide technology has been proven to restore strength and shine. Just a warning: A super, super small amount is all you need.
Key Ingredients: K18Peptide™ (bond building); Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (repair); Glycerin (hydration)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with bleached, damaged, or chemically processed hair looking to restore strength, smoothness, and elasticity
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Repairs hair at a molecular level; Restores strength and elasticity in just four minutes; Lightweight; Silicone-free; Doesn’t require rinsing, making it a hassle-free treatment.
What We Don’t: Small size can feel pricey for the amount of product; Some users find that it takes a few uses to see full results
Customer Reeview:"This product is a game changer! After years of bleaching, my hair was weak and brittle, but after just a few uses, it feels so much stronger and healthier. Definitely worth the investment!" - Sephora
Also Recommended
If you fall into the fine hair camp, deep conditioning masks can take all the volume out of your hair and leave you with lifeless, flat-as-can-be roots. But this particular product is formulated with thin hair in mind. Its vitamin-enriched, oil-infused, and shea butter-centric formula delivers lightweight hydration that can't be beaten. While it's not volumizing by nature, it certainly won't weigh you down.
Key Ingredients: Jasmine Flower Extract (soothing); Acacia Collagen (plumping); Amino Acids (strength); Cupuaçu Butter (moisture)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with fine, dry, or color-treated hair looking for hydration, softness, and shine without weighing hair down
Size: 7 oz
What We Love: Deeply nourishes and hydrates hair while enhancing softness and shine; Jasmine-infused formula provides a luxurious, spa-like experience; Works well for fine hair without causing heaviness.
What We Don’t: Price is on the higher side; Great for hydration; Those with severely damaged hair may need a more intensive repair treatment
Customer Review:"I absolutely love this mask! It leaves my bleached hair feeling soft, smooth, and lightweight. Plus, the jasmine scent is divine—it feels like a salon treatment at home!" - Leonor Greyl
Bleach is dehydrating, not just to the hair, but to the scalp. If you find that you're getting all different kinds of flaky and itchy post-color, I cannot recommend this Maria Nila hair mask enough. It's specifically formulated treat and prevent dandruff, and sooth the skin on the scalp with aloe vera. As a bonus, it preserves your hair color so you can go longer between appointments.
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera (soothing); Piroctone Olamine (purifying); Vitamin E (antioxidant); Apigenin (stimulating); Oleanolic Acid (strengthening)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with bleached, sensitive, or dry scalps; Soothes irritation while strengthening hair
Size: 8.5 oz (250 ml)
What We Love: Hydrates and repairs bleached hair; Promotes a healthier scalp, reducing irritation and dandruff; vegan, sulfate-free; Color-protecting; A great all-around treatment for damaged hair
What We Don’t: Rich, which may be too heavy for those with very fine hair; Some users may prefer a stronger fragrance
Customer Review:"This mask is a lifesaver! My bleached hair feels so much softer, and my scalp is no longer dry or itchy. Plus, I love that it's vegan and cruelty-free!" - Maria Nila
If you need to re-hydrate your hair in one wash, pick up Bodt's favorite. “Protein, moisture, bond repair, and a heat protectant should be included in a bleached hair routine. If you have fragile and colored hair, heat styling can really damage it, so it’s crucial to use something to create a barrier," she says. "This works wonders as it can help to create a barrier, protect hair from heat damage, nourish hair, and smooth the hair cuticle."
Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil (nourishing); Soybean Oil (conditioning); Sunflower Seed Oil (softening)
Who It’s For: Perfect for those with bleached, dry, or damaged hair looking for a quick, multi-benefit treatment that restores moisture and shine
Size: 6.8 oz
What We Love: This fast-acting mask delivers deep hydration and nourishment in just 60 seconds; Helps improve manageability, softness, and shine; Lightweight enough for most hair types
What We Don’t: May not provide intense enough repair for severely damaged hair; Scent can be strong for those sensitive to fragrances
Customer Review: "This mask works wonders in just one minute! My bleached hair feels softer, smoother, and much more manageable after using it. Definitely a must-have in my routine!" - Ulta
When it comes to getting specialized treatment for your hair concerns, Kerastase knows the drill. The Resistance range is the way to go for all-over hair restoration (think: breakage; dryness; dullness). “This is a great mask to use once a week or whenever your hair needs extra love and hydration. It has great ingredients like ceramide to smooth the hair’s surface,” says Mondo.
Key Ingredients: Pro-Keratin (strength); Ceramides (repair); Resurrection Plant Sap (revitalization)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with severely damaged, over-processed, or bleached hair in need of intense repair and strengthening
Size: 6.8 oz
What We Love: Deeply repairs and strengthens brittle, over-processed hair; Helps to restore elasticity and reduce breakage; Leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and more resilient after just a few uses
What We Don’t: May feel heavy on fine hair if overused; Price is on the higher side compared to similar treatments
Customer Review:"This mask is a game changer for damaged hair! After bleaching, my hair was breaking and felt lifeless, but this treatment brought it back to life—softer, stronger, and healthier-looking!" - Sephora
Bleaching hair actively strips hair of its natural oils while lightening, which results in hair that desperately needs nutrients. The Moroccan lava clay in this mask not only leaves a welcome scent but also penetrates follicles to promote growth and rid hair of excessive fats from build-up. A whopping 94 percent of users on Sephora recommend it, with straight-haired to 4C hair types users saying that it made their hair look and feel softer and more moisturized.
Key Ingredients: Blue Tansy Flower Oil (calming); Bamboo Extract (fortifying); Hydrolyzed Quinoa (reepair); Biotin (growth); Murumuru Butter (moisture)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with bleached, curly, coily, or textured hair in need of deep repair, hydration, and frizz control
Size: 8 oz
What We Love: Strengthens and repairs damaged hair, Enhances softness and curl definition; Rich in nourishing ingredients like blue tansy and biotin, helping to improve elasticity and prevent breakage; Silicone-free and formulated for textured hair
What We Don’t: Thick consistency may be too heavy for fine hair; Some users find the scent to be a bit strong.
Customer Review:"This mask is amazing! My bleached curls feel so much stronger and more hydrated after just one use. It defines my hair beautifully without weighing it down!" - Sephora
It’s well-established that the enemy of bleached hair is a dry scalp—and after numerous chemical treatments, your scalp might be crying for some help. Skip the abrasive scrub that will only cause more damage; instead, use this scalp-stimulating conditioner from The Doux. It leaves curls soft and bouncy while showing results in a mere five minutes.
Key Ingredients: Honey (nourishment); Keratin (strength); Silk Amino Acids (smoothness); Aloe Vera (soothing)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with bleached, curly, coily, or textured hair in need of intense moisture, strength, and frizz control
Size: 8 oz
What We Love: Provides intense hydration and strengthens hair with keratin and silk amino acids; Great for repairing bleached and damaged strands; Enhances curl definition and leaves hair feeling soft and manageable
What We Don’t: May feel too rich for those with fine or low-porosity hair; Some users might find the scent a bit strong
Customer Review:"This conditioner is amazing! It makes my bleached curls feel so soft and strong, and the slip is incredible. My hair feels healthier after just one use!" - Target
If your bleached hair is dry and filled with knots, you'll love that this intense hair mask helps detangle while it hydrates. Natural ingredients power this formulation, with shea butter, avocado oil, sunflower oil, and herb extracts combined to nourish and fill locks with antioxidants. This is particularly great for thick hair because you can brush through strands without breakage.
Key Ingredients: Cupuaçu Butter (hydration); Shea Butter (moisture); Coconut Oil (nourishment); Olive Oil (sooftening)
Who It’s For: Perfect for those with thick, dry, or bleached hair in need of intense moisture and deep nourishment
Size: 6.7 oz
What We Love: Deeply quenches dry and brittle hair; Restores softness and shine; Doesn't leave a greasy residue; Especially great for thick or coily hair types
What We Don’t: Thick formula may be too heavy for those with fine hair; ome users may find the scent a bit strong
Customer Review: "This mask is a game changer! My bleached hair drinks it up and feels incredibly soft and moisturized afterward. It’s perfect for thick, dry hair that needs extra TLC." - Ulta
Your bleached hair could be damaged to the point of limited hair growth and oil production, so a good scalp treatment will repair strands while inviting growth. Natural hair types especially love this minty mask for its invigorating feel and curl-preserving hydration.
Key Ingredients: Babassu Oil (softening); Mint (refreshing); Coconut Oil (nourishment); Almond Oil (strengthening); Honey (moisture)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with dry, damaged, or bleached hair, especially curly and coily hair types
Size: 8 oz
What We Love: Provides the perfect mix of hydration and strength; Helps restore elasticity and reduces breakage in bleached hair; Babassu oil deeply nourishes; Mint offers a refreshing, soothing sensation on the scalp
What We Don’t: Consistency is on the thinner side, which may not feel rich enough for those with very thick or extremely damaged hair; Some users find the jar packaging a bit inconvenient
Customer Review: "This deep conditioner is amazing! It leaves my bleached curls super soft, strong, and moisturized without weighing them down. The minty tingle is an added bonus!" - Amazon
After bleaching, section the hair into four parts to ensure maximum coverage of freshly lightened hair. Between bleach treatments, take a beat to give hair time to recover and do a repairing mask-like this amino acid-based one from Wella, to keep breakage minimized. Reviewers love how bouncy and shiny it makes hair look and feel. Plus, multiple people note how effective it is at detangling.
Key Ingredients: Silk Amino Acid (smoothness); Arginine (stength); Glutamic Acid (hydration)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with bleached, damaged, or over-processed hair looking for intense repair and strength restoration
Size: 5.1 oz
What We Love: Deeply penetrates the hair to strengthen and repair damage; Leave bleached strands softer, smoother, and more resilient; Helps reduce breakage and improves manageability without feeling too heavy
What We Don’t: The price is a bit high for the amount of product; While it provides great repair, those with extremely dry hair may need additional moisture
Customer Review:"This mask is a lifesaver! My bleached hair feels so much healthier and stronger after just one use. It makes my hair soft, shiny, and much easier to manage!" - Ulta
You can’t go wrong with Redken—it’s one of the most beloved salon-care brands for a reason. Cica is a known hero ingredient popularized by Korean skincare, but it can also help restore bleached hair that can’t keep the good oils in. Technically a leave-in conditioner, this light formula works well for thin hair that is prone to product buildup.
Key Ingredients: Cica (Centella Asiatica) (healing); Sunflower Seed Oil (softening); Soy Protein (strengthening)
Who It’s For: Perfect for those with extremely bleached, fragile, or over-processed hair in need of deep repair and hydration
Size: 5.1 oz
What We Love: Helps restore strength and elasticity to brittle, bleached hair; Provides hydration and softness; Soothing and lightweight; Great for daily use without weighing hair down
What We Don’t: May not provide enough moisture for very coarse or highly porous hair; Some users find that it works best when paired with the full Extreme Bleach Recovery system
Customer Review:"This product has been a game changer for my bleached hair! It feels so much softer and healthier, and I’ve noticed way less breakage since using it." - Ulta
As someone with super fine hair, sometimes I find that a heavy conditioner qualifies as a deep conditioning treatment. Such is the case with this Oribe option, which I credit for single-handedly strengthening my brittle texture. While it's not marketed as a hair mask, I've seen great results when I let this sit 15 minutes—or the whole day in a slicked-back bun.
Key Ingredients: Chia Seed (fortifying); Bio-Fermented Bamboo Leaf & Plant-Based Protein (strengthening); Hyaluronic Acid (hydration); Daisy & Honeysuckle Extracts (brightening)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with weak, brittle, or damaged hair—especially bleached or chemically treated strands that need extra strength and hydration
Size: 6.8 oz / 1.7 oz (travel size available)
What We Love: Not only hydrates but actively strengthens fragile hair; Helps to prevent breakage over time; Lightweight formula doesn’t weigh hair down; Perfect for daily use; has Oribe’s signature luxe scent, making every wash feel like a salon experience
What We Don’t: Price is on the higher end; Those with very thick or extremely damaged hair might need something even more deeply nourishing
Customer Review: "I love how beautifully packaged the product was and how thick the conditioner is. It made my hair smooth and shiny while still looking clean and fresh." - Sephora
Shampoo bars are well recognized as highly efficacious, plastic-free alternatives in 2024, but this is the first deep conditioner bar to land on my radar. With a blend of hydrating butters, amino acids, and bond builders, this intensely reparative treatment is best suited for frizzy and curly hair types. You can rinse out the formula immediately or use it as a leave-in conditioner ahead of styling.
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter (mositure); Hemisqualane (smoothing); Blue Seakale (protection); Coconut Oil (noursihment)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with bleached, curly, or frizz-prone hair looking for a sustainable, deeply nourishing conditioner without plastic waste
Size: 2.1 oz (solid bar)
What We Love: Eco-friendly and completely plastic free; Delivers intense hydration and frizz control; Long-lasting; Travel-friendly; Packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and hemisqualane for smooth, healthy hair
What We Don’t: The bar format may take some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to traditional liquid conditioners; Requires proper storage to prevent it from becoming too soft or melting in the shower
Customer Review"I was skeptical about a conditioner bar, but this one is amazing! My bleached curls feel incredibly soft and moisturized, and I love that it’s eco-friendly!" - Sephora
If your hair is medium to thick in texture, there's no rule that says you need to limit a deep conditioner to a weekly treatment. This particular formula strikes a balance between being reparative enough to repair bleach damage, while staying lightweight enough to be used daily—without weighing down hair. It gives a soft, shiny finish and has detangling properties so it's really the only prep you'll need pre-styling.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba Oil (nourishment); Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (strnegthening); Aloe Vera (soothing); Vitamin B5 (hydration)
Who It’s For: Great for those with bleached, dry, or damaged hair looking for a nourishing yet lightweight conditioner suitable for daily use
Size: 8.5 oz
What We Love: Provides deep hydration without weighing hair down; Perfect for daily use; Improves manageability, adds shine, and leaves hair feeling soft and smooth
What We Don’t: Price is on the higher side for a daily conditioner; Those with very thick or coarse hair may need a more intensive treatment for extra hydration.
Customer Review:"This conditioner is perfect for my bleached hair! It’s rich but not heavy, making my hair feel soft and healthy every day without buildup." - Nordstrom
While you might need a deep conditioner because you bleached your hair in the first place, it's not unheard of to want an additional color refresh. Should that be the case, try this double duty conditioner. It will deeply hydrate and repair color damage, while simultaneously depositing a temporary color boost. Choose from natural tones like cocoa or silver, or opt for a bright pop of pink.
Key Ingredients: Argan Oil (moisture); Amino Acid Blend (strengthening); Apricot Kernel Oil (softening)
Who It’s For: Ideal for those with bleached or color-treated hair looking to refresh or enhance their hair color while adding hydration and shine
Size: 6.7 oz
What We Love: Deposits temporary color while deeply conditioning; Perfect for maintaining vibrancy between salon visits; Nourishes and softens hair, leaving it shiny and healthy-looking; Comes in multiple shades to suit different hair tones
What We Don’t: Color results can vary depending on hair porosity and starting shade; May fade quickly on bleached hair; Some users find it stains hands if not rinsed quickly
Customer Review:"I love this mask! It refreshes my color beautifully while making my bleached hair feel super soft and hydrated. A must-have for in-between salon visits!" - Nordstrom
What to Look For in Deep Conditioner for Bleached Hair
- Ingredients
You want a product with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to nourish and moisturize the hair shaft. You'll likely also want to see a natural oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil extract.
- Texture
Certain hair masks will be formulated for specific hair types. For example, someone with coarse hair can tolerate a heavier formula than someone with uber-fine hair, who might get weighed down by the excess of hydration.
- Hair Type
It's incredibly important to consider both your hair type and hair porosity when choosing a deep conditioner for bleached hair. "Hair is like skin—one routine does not work for everyone," says Garrett. If your hair is low porosity (water sits on top of the hair and doesn't sink in easily), you might want to consider a deep conditioner. If you have high porosity hair (hair soaks up water quickly), consider using a deep conditioner and a bond builder like K18 or Olaplex.
The K18 Molecular Repair Leave-In repairs and nourishes bleached hair.
Do I Need to Use a Deep Conditioner?
Yes, you need to use a deep conditioner on bleached hair. “Deep conditioners have a high concentration of extremely beneficial ingredients that promote the healthiest hair possible," says celebrity hairstylist Brand Mondo. They’re an easy way to get a quick pick-me-up and noticeably softer, easier-to-manage hair in minutes.”
How to Use a Deep Conditioner
Depending on the conditioner, deep conditioners work best on damp hair and should sit on the head for anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight.
If you’re looking for a more penetrating mask application, Mondo recommends putting a plastic bag over your hair and then wrapping a towel on top. "This will keep your head as hot as possible which will help expand the hair fibers and get the hair mask to work on a deeper level," he says.
How Frequently Should I Use Deep Conditioner?
"I recommend using a deep conditioner once a week," says Garrett. "using a deep conditioner too much can cause buildup on the scalp and hair, which can cause hair to become oily limp, and appear duller." The latter is particularly something to be wary of if your hair is on the thinner side. “If you have fine hair or are worried about losing volume, be mindful as it can weigh your hair down when it comes to styling," says celebrity hair colorist Rachel Bodt.
Meet the Experts
Madison is an experienced stylist and color specialist determined to effectively contribute to creating and styling great hairstyles. She's currently the master colorist at NYC salon Spoke & Weal.
Brad Mondo is the founder and CEO of Xmondo, a vegan and cruelty-free haircare brand. He developed his passion for haircare from his late father, who owned and operated a salon.
Rachel Bodt is a senior Colorist at Red Door in New York City and is a brand ambassador for Matrix haircare. Her work has been featured in a number of magazines and she regularly collaborates with Balenciaga during their Paarif Fashion Week Shows. Her clients have included Kate Moss, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Tilda Swinton, Michelle Williams, Emily Blunt, and Marisa Tomei.
