The Best Deep Conditioners for Curly and Natural Hair, According to Hairstylists and Editors
Keep your crown shiny.
If you care for your hair with the best curly hair products, you know that the best deep conditioners for curly hair deserve a place in your wash day routine. Shampoo and conditioner can’t always solve frizz, split ends, and dullness on their own. For curly and natural hair, lathering on a deep conditioner is essential for restoring and moisturizing curls, says celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. "Natural hair tends to be a little drier than naturally straight hair, so using a deep conditioner helps hair gain those essential oils and minerals that it needs to be smooth and moisturized," she tells Marie Claire.
"Curls need more moisture than straight hair because the natural oils produced by the scalp cannot travel down the length of the hair due to its shape," adds Larry Sims, long-time hairstylist for Gabrielle Union. "The twists and bends in curly or coily hair can create areas where moisture can escape, which is why curly hair usually requires more moisture to help preserve the integrity of the curls." Fellow celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway agrees, adding that the tighter a person's curl pattern is, the more moisture they'll need.
Whether a deep conditioner is used in 15 minute intervals or applied overnight, "it brings moisture back to the hair and helps reduce hair breakage,” Kimble explains. In the long term, it defends against dry, brittle hair while making it shiny, bouncy, and soft.
Ahead, these hair experts share the best deep conditioners for curly and natural hair and tips for achieving the shiniest, most moisturized results.
The Best Deep Conditioners for Curly Hair
- Best Deep Conditioner Overall: Spoiled Child M26 Damage Reverser
- Best Deep Conditioner for Transitional Curls: Pattern Beauty Transition Mask
- Best Deep Conditioner for Wavy Hair: Davines OI Hair Butter
- Best Deep Conditioner for Coily Hair: Act + Acre Restorative Deep Conditioning Hair Mask for Dry + Damaged Hair
- Best Deep Conditioner for Protective Styles: Camille Rose Rosemary Oil 5 Minute Strengthening Hair Mask
As far as this beauty editor is concerned, Spoiled Child's conditioner is one of the all-time best products for high porosity hair. It smells fantastic and has a silky touch that makes it easy to spread through my waist-length hair, making for a delightful shower experience. Whenever I put it to use, I notice an immediate improvement in my texture. My curls are more defined and my hair feels significantly softer. It's also easier to detangle my hair and breaks less during styling.
Pros: Editor-approved; Subtle, fresh smell; Soft texture; Fast results
Cons: Not a lot of product in the small container
When I spoke to Tracee Ellis Ross, she recommended this mask for those with transitional curls. She explained, "Some people are transitioning out of using relaxers, and some people are transitioning out of damage." This mask was made with transitional curl phases in mind, with its blend of nourishing glycerin, castor oil, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. It's deeply hydrating, boosts shine, and promotes hair growth.
Pros: Expert-approved; Free of sulfates; Shine-enhancing; Great for transitional curls; Great for hair growth
Cons: Some users dislike that it's scented
For those with thick, dense, or wavy hair, Chicago-based hairstylist Ryan Babbitt recommends this buttery formula. This antioxidant-infused formula is completely free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, talc, and mineral oil, and its ingredients are sustainably sourced. Plus, it promises to both soften hair and protect it from dangerous UV rays that can weaken and dry out strands. Simply leave the formula on for five to ten minutes (depending on your hair type and how much moisture you need) and rinse.
Pros: Expert-approved; Offers UV ray protection; Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, talc, and mineral oil
Cons: None found
I've been using this hair mask once a week for several months, and it always gives my hair an instant boost from root to tip. After just one use, my hair is softer and my curls are more defined. Plus, it has a fresh, subtle scent that lasts until my next wash day but never clashes with my perfume or scented body lotion.
Pros: Editor-approved; Defines curls; Clean; Cruelty-free
Cons: Packaging requires a key in order to get every last drop
Marie Claire Beauty Director Deena Campbell constantly rotates between curly and straight styles. "Catch me in the summer and it’s 90 percent curly, but if my vibe calls for a longer style, then I’ll wear it straight without hesitation," she says. All that variety leaves her hair in need of major TLC—which she finds in Camille Rose's strengthening mask. "It quickly nourishes my scalp and strands without weighing them down," she reports. "I love the rosemary oil that stimulates hair growth, while soothing my scalp after wearing curly or protective styles.”
Pros: Editor-approved; Affordable; Black-owned brand; Works well on protective styles; Free of parabens
Cons: None found
Also Recommended
Babbitt, who has more than 15 years of experience styling hair of all types, swears by this shine-enhancing, sulfate-free formula from Mizani. "This is so rich and nourishing but somehow still light," he says. He also uses the product as a detangler, a cutting lotion (a milky product used during hair trims that eases the friction and potential irritation of scissors and shears), and a daily leave-in conditioner for curly hair. The formula smells "fresh and honest," too.
Pros: Expert-approved; Free of sulfates, SLS, SLES, and mineral oil; Shine-enhancing; Reduces frizz
Cons: Strong smell may not be for everyone
"The Nexxus Amino Bond Intense Rebond Treatment is designed to repair damage, which curly hair can benefit from," says Redway. "It has bond-building technology to repair any signs of damage in your hair. This is especially useful for any curl types that manipulate and alter their natural curl patterns, taking them from curly, straight, chemical treatments, and protective styles."
Pros: Editor-approved; Great for all curl types; Reparative
Cons: Contains fragrance, which may irritate some users
"Curly hair can benefit from ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil to moisturize and help manage unwanted frizz," says Redway. This formula contains both sesame oil and shea butter, along with nourishing macadamia and saw palmetto oil to enhance its moisturizing capabilities without weighing hair down.
Pros: Editor-approved ingredients; Affordable; Works quickly
Cons: Contains silicones
Davines' protein-rich hair mask is specifically formulated for curly hair—and a regular in Babbit's rotation. "This is one of the most softening products I've ever used," he gushes. The hair expert notes that it's gentle enough for use on finer curls, which are more prone to dryness and breakage. Simply apply to towel-dried hair and comb through for even application. Then, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
Pros: Free of sulfates, parabens, pthalates, talc, and silicones; Cruelty-free; Expert-approved
Cons: Not as suitable for thick hair
This conditioner from Eden Bodyworks features marshmallow toor as one of its key ingredients, which Redway explains is deeply hydrating. It's worthwhile for all curly hair, but especially damaged, dry hair that's in need of an immediate pick-me-up.
Pros: Editor-approved ingredients; Great for damaged hair; Affordable; vegan
Cons: Relatively long application time (about 40 minutes)
This versatile, moisture-rich formula is made for any hair type that needs an emergency boost of hydration. "It really works for hair that is flimsy and lacks shine," Babbitt says, adding that it’s lightweight enough to sit in coily and natural hair for long periods of time, too. It's also fast-absorbing in color-treated, curly hair. For best results, apply to towel-dried hair and either wash out or leave in until your next regular wash day if you have thick hair.
Pros: Free of sulfates, gluten, and parabens; Expert-approved
Cons: Contains silicones
This hair mask comes highly recommended by Priscilla Valles, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera. It's "a strengthening hair mask that repairs and restores while preventing breakage with intense hydration and nourishment for dry and damaged hair," she says.
Pros: Shine-enhancing; Expert-approved; Works on all hair types and curl patterns
Cons: Contains silicones
Strengthen and prevent your curly hair from damage by incorporating this incredibly reparative mask into your routine. "The combination of biotin, creatine, and rice oil complex in this product fortifies the hair and repairs any existing damage while providing hydration and reducing frizz to curls," says Sims.
Pros: Expert-approved; Contains damage-fighting ingredients; Affordable
Cons: Some users find it too thick
Mielle's rosemary mint hair growth oil has seen incredible popularity in recent years, kickstarting the trend of using rosemary oil for hair growth. But did you know that the brand has an entire line devoted to this scalp-supporting formula? When I struggled with post-Covid hair loss, I loved reaching for this mask, which made my scalp feel clean and my curls feel soft and defined. Along with a healthy, protein-rich diet and a regimen of other hair growth products, it helped restore my hair to its full, dense glory.
Pros: Editor-approved; curl-defining; Supports a healthy scalp and therefore a healthy environment for hair growth
Cons: Creates a tingling sensation on the scalp, which may be unpleasant for some
As I Am is one of my favorite beauty brands. Founded by a refugee, their products are 100 percent ethically and sustainably made, and they donate a portion of their profits to charitable causes like Voto Latino, RAINN, the NAACP, Save the Children, and more. I love using this intensive hydrating treatment after my hair has been subjected to wind, pollution, chlorine, salt water, or other environmental factors that leave it looking dry and frizzy.
Pros: Charitable brand; Editor-approved; Alleviates damage; Great for all curl patterns, Including textured hair and relaxed hair
Cons: Scented, which some users may not like
Babbitt considers this leave-in product from Shea Moisture to be a perfect option for those who want to condition and go instead of rinsing the product out after. "Shea Moisture is so responsible, the ingredients are so clean, the products are easy to find, and they really work," he says. This mask can be used on either dry or damp curls, and can simultaneously correct the high porosity and low shine levels typical of curly hair.
Pros: Expert-approved; Easy to use; Affordable; Made with natural hair in mind
Cons: Small bottle
Suffering from dull, overworked, and over-styled hair that’s in desperate need of TLC? Look no further than this formula from Raw Sugar Living (or RSL). It's made with organic, cold-pressed ingredients like avocado, banana, coconut, and agave suited to natural hair. It’s also cruelty-free, color-safe, and vegan, making it a top recommendation from experts like Kimble. One more bonus: For every product purchased, the brand donates a bar of soap to a family in need.
Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Color-safe; Expert-approved; Uses natural ingredients
Cons: None found
Arizona-based haircare brand Dae uses organic ingredients exclusively to moisturize and nourish hair for lasting strength. Kimble says the lineup "really caters to people with natural hair." In the five to ten minutes needed to wear this moisturizing mask, it “really helps nourish the hair,” she says. Dozens of reviewers agree, lauding both its efficacy and its signature fresh scent.
Pros: Free of parabens, Sulfates, SLS, and SLES; Clean; Expert-approved
Cons: Contains silicones
Marie Claire Digital Art Director Brittany Holloway-Brown considers moisture the primary goal of her hair routine—so she has been using hair masks in lieu of traditional conditioners for a while. Sienna Naturals' is her favorite for its spa-like herbaceous scent and hardworking formula. "This mask has a thick butter-like texture as opposed to the standard thick lotion, making my hair easy to detangle, soft, and shiny," she says. "Also, the vegan formulation ensures that my hair isn’t weighed down by too many proteins."
Pros: Thick consistency; Good for low porosity hair; Defines and moisturizes curls
Cons: Some reviewers dislike the scent
What To Look For in a Deep Conditioner
- Curl Type
"Looser curls should look for humectants, like honey and aloe vera, and lightweight oils like argan or jojoba oil," says Sims. "Tight curls and textured hair types thrive with ultra-moisturizing and protein-rich ingredients like biotin, keratin, and rich oils and butters." Redway adds jojoba oil and sesame oil are great for wavy hair.
- Ingredients
If your hair has severe damage from heat or color treatments, deep conditioners infused with protein can close up holes in your hair's cuticle. Across the board, Kimble advises looking for natural ingredients like coconut oil and honey for all the hydrating benefits without harsh minerals or chemicals. "Staying away from deep conditioners that have sulfates and parabens is also a really good idea," she adds. "Sulfates and parabens are known to strip vital oils and minerals away from hair and will continue to make hair dry and brittle."
How to Use a Deep Conditioner
Deep conditioners should be applied to freshly cleansed hair after your usual shampoo and conditioner routine. Unlike your typical in-shower conditioner, these deeply moisturizing products can stay on for up to 15 mins, and in some cases overnight. When opting for an overnight treatment, Kimble recommends sleeping in a shower cap or bonnet to minimize mess while keeping conditioner in place. Then, wash out the product in the morning. "The amount of time your curls may require could vary based on your experience after the first use," says Redway. "The density and length of your hair also play a part in the length of time the product should be left in."
If you're concerned about a hair mask resulting in buildup and weighing you down, Sims advises "using a clarifying shampoo before deep conditioning to remove any existing build-up, so you’re starting with a cleaner slate."
When to Use a Deep Conditioner
Since the best deep cleansing conditioners are so hydrating, they can be used much less frequently than a normal conditioner. Kimble recommends taking a moment to deep condition once a week, or once every two weeks. “People with natural hair should deep condition on their wash days to regain those vital minerals," she adds.
If your hair is really fine, try using a deep conditioner once a week. Sims also recommends applying product sparingly to fine hair, primarily focusing on the ends, to prevent weighing down the hair.
Meet the Experts
Kimberly Kimble, better known as Kim Kimble, is a celebrity hairstylist, beauty expert, and business owner who has styled the likes of Shakira, Rihanna, Halle Berry, Beyoncé, Zendaya, and others. She also owns her own beauty brand, Kim Kimble, which provides high-quality haircare, extensions, and more—with a focus on keeping natural hair healthy and well-styled. Originally from Chicago, she is now based in Los Angeles.
Ryan Babbitt is a hairstylist with a passion for educating his clients about how to keep their hair healthy and well-maintained. Comfortable with both cutting and coloring, he is particularly enthusiastic about creating lasting, structured looks. He is currently based in Chicago, where he has worked for 15 years, and can be booked via the Klicked Salon.
Priscilla Valles is a celebrity hairstylist and extension expert. She has worked with a number of high-profile celebrity clients, including Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Chrissy Teigen. She is currently based in Los Angeles.
Lacy Redway is a New York-based hairstylist. After studying at The Aveda Institute in Manhattan and assisting many of the legendary hairstylists of our time, her career quickly took off. A combination of Lacy’s proficiency with all hair textures as well as her magnetic personality has earned her an esteemed roster of clients including Tessa Thompson, Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Olsen, Ruth Negga, Amanda Stenberg, Andra Day, LiL Nas X and Diane Kruger, among many others. Lacy has collaborated with respected photographers and Her work has appeared a multitude of publications.
Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist who has styled the likes of Zendaya, Regina King, Tracee Ellis Ross, Gabrielle Union, and others. A recipient of several beauty awards, he has also been featured on television, including on Bravo's "Invite Only Cabo."
