I like to think of myself as the deep conditioning Queen.
I take pride in looking far and wide for the best deep conditioners and hair masques the world (aka Target & Sally’s) has to offer my strands. My main focuses are usually ones that help with building strength, adding moisture and sealing in hydration.
In the past, I would deep condition once a month or every two weeks, but within the past few years, I found that once I started to move this routine into a weekly habit, my hair health improved drastically!
Since my hair is low porosity, it has trouble absorbing moisture and product well. I normally apply my deep conditioner on very wet hair and in sections. I make sure to coat every curl. My problem area is usually the crown of my head so I make sure to really take my time there. After I’ve applied the product to each section, I’ll twist it and clip it up and put a shower cap over to avoid it dripping everywhere.
To maximize my deep conditioners, I will add heat by sitting under the hair dryer anywhere from 10-15 minutes. The heat helps soften the cuticle so that the hair easily accepts/absorbs the product. (If you don’t have a dryer or blow dryer tool you can always tie a hot towel over a shower cap and the results will work similarly.)
This leaves my hair moisturized, soft, nourished and better prepped for styling. After sitting under heat. I’ll follow by rinsing with room temp to slightly cool water.
Now that we’ve got past the why’s and the how to’s, here are my absolute favorite deep conditioning masks, some on my roster for years, and one in particular that JUST happened to make the cut this week:
1. Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep conditioning Mask ($20)
Where do I START?! This is my absolute favorite deep conditioner PERIOD for many many reasons. It’s decadent, both moisturizing AND strengthening, THICK AF, but still melts into the hair…I mean the list goes on and on. This mask is always sold out when I’m at Target so when I see it, I grab it whether I’m out or not. This mask has wonderful ingredients such as Algae, mango butter, and smells like chocolate. The price is a bit steep, but this is one of those products that is absolutely worth it in my opinion. Think of it as your hair’s weekly rich decadent treat.
2. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Marfura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque ($12)
This is a tried and TRUE OG type deep conditioner that works for almost everyone. It’s VERY hydrating and moisturizing, smells amazing, and baby girl is THICK. I would actually classify this treatment as a multi use products because you can use this treatment as a leave in or styler depending on your hair type (My husband does, so we run thru this product FAST). It does exactly what it says, helping your hair retain hydration and moisture. A pro tip is trying the mini packet for like $2 first to see how you like it! I believe this is sold at most if not all drug stores and sometimes the Shea Moisture brand will have a good sale you you might be able to snag it for less.
3. Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditoner ($14)
This is another tried and true deep conditioner I’ve been using for years. My hair is very protein sensitive, so this was a great way to try a protein deep conditioner without having to worry about my hair getting too hard & brittle. The consistency is on the thin side and this melts into the hair almost instantaneously. Although it’s a protein treatment, is had some moisturizing ingredients to balance it out. Great when you’re trying to add strength or bounce back back to your hair!
4. Aussie Moist 3 Minite Miracle Deep Conditioner ($3)
Yes. lol. I said THREE DOLLARS. This is your, “but Knight, I don’t have time to sit under the dryer!” Or “I really don’t feel like spending” type product. It comes with crazy amount of slip, and can detangle probably ANYONES hair. I just apply this baddie while I’m in the shower and rinse before I’m done. Literally, let it sit for three minutes and it will work some magic for you instantly! I also love that it comes in a spill proof squeeze tube for convenience.
5. Mielle Organics Rosemary & Mint ($10)
You know how bomb this hair masque has to be to make it on the list after ONE TRY? I just tried this product last Saturday (before and after results posted here) and for ONE, my hair soaked this one up nicely. It’s protein packed so it’ll help strengthen, while stimulating the scalp with rosemary and mint. There are also some moisturizing ingredients that will help to balance the protein if your hair is sensitive. Basically Babassu & Mint’s thicker cousin. The product melted into my strands well and left my hair super soft, defined and bouncy after rinsing out. This was BEFORE adding product which blew my mind!
Have you tried any of these? Are you planning to? Let me know your thoughts!
XO Knight