As someone with dry, curly hair, I know a thing or two about a good conditioner. I’ve tested dozens of formulas that promise softer more manageable hair. But if I’m being real, sometimes using a standard conditioner just doesn’t cut it.
Dermatologists and hairstylists will often tell you that your hair is one of the first things affected as you go through changes in life whether that be hormonal, environmental, or emotional. As a result, it’s always best to give your hair consistent TLC with a boost of nourishment. That’s where deep conditioners come in.
Deep conditioners are designed a bit different than a regular conditioner in that they are designed to treat specific hair concerns (think: dryness, damage, breakage, etc.). “A deep conditioner is like your weekly hydrating face mask or specialty facial—it’s a treatment,” says hairstylist and certified trichologist Kimberlee Blakely. “With a richer texture than a daily conditioner, it penetrates deeper into the hair shaft, helping restore strength, improve softness, and enhance overall hair health and beauty.”
Of course the market is very much saturated with hundreds of thousands of products which can make it a bit of a struggle to determine which ones are actually worth your money.
How often should someone use a deep conditioner?
How often you use a deep conditioner depends on several factors, including your hair type and styling habits. “For most people, once a week is the sweet spot,” says Blakely. “But if your hair is very dry or damaged, you may benefit from deep conditioning twice a week.” However, she adds that if you have fine hair or untreated hair, every other week can be enough.
Pro tip: You hair needs a healthy balance of protein and moisture. That means you may want to check in on the texture of your hair and to decide which is the appropriate formula to use. If you’re deep conditioning too often, you may notice limp hair that looks stringy or feels coated.
What are some signs someone may need a deep conditioner?
To be clear, everyone can benefit from a deep conditioner, but there are some tell tale signs that, if you haven’t started incorporating one into your routine, it might be a good time to start. “If you’re noticing that hair feels rough, is frizzy or dry, tangles easily, or there’s increased breakage, it’s usually a good indicator that your hair is begging for some deep conditioning,” says Blakely. “However, if you’re someone who regularly does high-heat styling, bleaching, or coloring, then your stylist will often recommend adding a deep conditioner to your routine before some of those signs start to pop up, since the hair is at risk of moisture loss and damage.”
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best deep conditioning products, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients, hair type, and fragrance. We’re aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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