A deep conditioner for curly hair can do wonders for your curls! The added hydration and occasional protein treatments can help hair curl better and can significantly reduce frizz.
For this post, I’ve compiled a list of deep conditioners that are curly girl approved. Some prioritize moisture and some prioritize protein so you can (hopefully) find one that gives your hair just what it needs.
Let’s take a quick look at why deep conditioning is good for curly hair and get into the list of 25 curly girl approved deep conditioners for curly hair to help your hair curl its best!
This page does contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something using the product links on this page, I may get a small commission. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps keep this site running. Thank you!
Also, I follow the simplified version of the Curly Girl Method most directly derived from the Curly Girl Handbook. This means the only ingredients I look to avoid are sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols. If you have more ingredients that you look to avoid, it would be a good idea to check the ingredients for yourself before making a purchase.
Why you need a deep conditioner for curly hair
Curls thrive on moisture.
If your hair is looking a little limp or undefined, you might want to add a deep conditioner for curly hair to add to your routine to give your hair an extra boost.
This is a good idea if your hair is generally drier, you’re newer to the curly girl method, or you just want to give your curls some extra bounce.
You can use a deep conditioner for curly hair roughly once a week or once every other week. You may be able to use it a little more frequently if it’s a product that has little to no protein. But for best results, follow the directions on the packaging.
For more on the benefits and tips of deep conditioning, check out this post.
For more on Protein and curly hair, check out this post.
And for more on moisture and curly hair, check out this post.
25 Curly Girl Approved Deep Conditioners for curly hair
** indicates heavy protein conditioners that can be used as protein treatments. Other conditioners are more moisturizing but may contain varying degrees of proteins, so pay attention to the ingredients if you’re protein sensitive.
1) Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore, Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask, Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment**, etc.
2) Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat One Minute Hair Mask
3) Mielle Organics Deep Conditioner Babassu and Mint**
4) Burt’s Bees Shea and Grapefruit Deep Conditioner
5) JessiCurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
6) Pacifica Pineapple Hydrate Curl Nourishing Mask
7) Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask
8) BIOLAGE Hydrasource Conditioning Balm For Dry Hair
9) As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner
10) Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner
11) Camille Rose Algae Deep Conditioner
12) EDEN BodyWorks JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner
14) Coconut Oil Intensive Repair Hair Mask
15) Tailored Beauty Penetrating Deep Conditioning Treatment
16) Coppola Keratin Complex Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner
17) Majestic Pure Argan Hair Mask
18) OBIA Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner
19) NOAH Hair Mask for Hair Growth and Hair Regeneration – Argan Oil Mask for Dry Damaged Hair
20) Rizos Curls Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair
21) Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment
22) ecoLove – Deep Conditioning Hair Mask for Dry Damaged Hair & Color Treated Hair
23) Kinky Curly Steller Strands
24) LuxeOrganix Deep Conditioner + Hair Mask
25) PURA D’OR Deep Moisturizing Conditioner Treatment
For more products, check out these posts: 25 Curly Girl Approved Sulfate Free Shampoos, 25 Curly Girl Approved Styling Products, 25 Curly Girl Approved Drugstore Products, 25 Curly Girl Approved Conditioners, 25 Curly Girl Approved Gels, 25 Curly Girl Approved Styling Products, Curly Girl Beginner Products.
To check for yourself if a product is curly girl approved, you can use isitcg.com. It will also tell you if there’s protein in a product. The closer an ingredient is to the front of the ingredient list, the higher concentrated it is.
Looking for more guidance on your curly hair journey?
For beginners
If you’re new to curly hair care and looking for some help, you should check out the No-Stress Guide to Curly Hair Care!
After spending two years learning and caring for my curly hair, I wanted to create my own, in-depth guide to help fellow curlies create incredible curls in the easiest way possible.
It took me a while, but I eventually found an approach that helped me create a curly hair routine that fits into my life in the simplest way possible. And now I want to help you do the same!
For more intermediate/advanced guidance
If you’ve been on your curly hair journey for a while but still have some struggles, check out Curly Hair Problems!
After spending hours scouring the internet looking for solutions to my own curly hair problems, I found myself wishing for an easier, more comprehensive guide to the most common problems.
So that’s what I created!
Curly Hair Problems offers you 78 total solutions to the five most common curly hair care problems, including frizz, curl clumps, limp curls, product issues, and scalp issues.
Sound off: Have you tried a curly girl approved deep conditioner for curly hair? What’s your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments! (Be sure to tell us a little about your hair type too!)