Hydrate Your Locks With The Best Deep Conditioners - Byrdie

Skip to content

CONFIDENCE, COMMUNITY, AND JOY

Subscribe Email Address Subscribe Thank you for signing up. Please enter a valid email address.

• Skin
  • Skincare Ingredients A-Z
  • Skin Type
  • Skin Concerns
  • Sun Care
  • Body
  • Hair Removal
  • Facecare
  • Moisturizers
  • Fragrance
  • Devices
• Makeup
  • Tools and Techniques
  • Face
  • Eyes
  • Lips
• Hair
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Types
  • Hair Concerns
  • Scalp Care
  • Hair Styling
  • Hair Color
  • Haircuts
• Nails
• Style
  • Fashion Trends
  • What to Wear
  • Shoes
  • Accessories
  • Clothing and Apparel
• News
  • Celebrities
  • Product and Brand News
  • Trends and Innovation
• What to Buy
  • Shopping
  • Amazon Picks
  • Gift Guides
  • Product Reviews
• Health and Wellness
  • Nutrition
  • Mental Health and Mood
  • Fitness
• About Us
  • The Byrdie Team
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Contact Us

Email Address Subscribe Thank you for signing up. Please enter a valid email address.

• Contact
• Editorial Policy
• Careers
• Advertise
• Terms of Use and Policies
• Privacy Policy

Search Search Close search

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 11 Best Deep Conditioners for Damaged, Frizzy Hair, According to Testers and Hairstylists

Our favorite ultrasmoothing picks.

By Shauna Beni-Haynes Shauna Beni-Haynes Shauna Beni-Haynes is a Senior Editor at Byrdie, where she tests and curates the best in makeup, skincare, haircare, and fashion. As an expert in the beauty and fashion industry with five years of experience, she strives to provide her audience with informative and engaging content through social media and editorial content. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines and Alyssa Kaplan Alyssa Kaplan Alyssa Kaplan is an editor at Byrdie with more than six years of beauty industry experience. She tests makeup, skincare, and haircare products to curate round-ups of the best beauty items you can buy. Alyssa is passionate about helping readers upgrade their beauty routines and make smart purchasing decisions. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 24, 2025 10:57AM 1 Comment

In This Article

View All

In This Article

• Top Picks
• Reviews
• What to Look For
• How We Tested
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Meet Our Experts
• Why Trust Byrdie

TL;DR

Our favorite deep conditioner is the Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner because its formula checks off all the boxes. Deeply moisturizes? Check! Softens the hair? Check! Adds definitions to curls? Triple check! For a budget-friendly pick, we suggest the Eva NYC Therapy Session Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. It melts into dry, brittle hair and deeply nourishes the strands, leaving you with smoother, softer hair after just one use.

Coloring, bleaching, chemical treatments, and constant heat styling can all take a serious toll on your hair, leaving it feeling dry, brittle, and prone to damage. If you put your strands through a lot, we highly recommend using a quality deep conditioner, which can help reverse damage by restoring moisture, strengthening your strands, and leaving your hair feeling soft and smooth. While it may feel like an extra step in your hair care routine, using a deep conditioner regularly is an investment that pays off with healthy-looking, shiny hair.

To find the best deep conditioners for every hair type and concern, we turned to the experts: celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger and professional stylist Michelle O’Connor. They shared key insights on what to look for when shopping for a deep conditioner. We then had our Byrdie Collective group test each product at home for a full month. After analyzing their feedback and evaluating ingredients, texture, feel, and overall performance, we curated this list of the top deep conditioners that truly delivered.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner at Ulta $39 Jump to Review Best Budget: Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best for Dry Hair: Aavrani Deep Conditioning Hair Mask at Amazon $39 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: SALE Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner at Amazon $19 $13 Jump to Review Best for Damage: Fenty Beauty The Richer One at Sephora $32 Jump to Review Best Multitasking Treatment: K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Shine: Kristin Ess Deep Treatment Mask at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best for Coily Curls: Ouidad Coil Infusion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner at Ulta $38 Jump to Review Best for 4B-C Curl Types: SALE Pattern Intensive Conditioner at Amazon $29 $23 Jump to Review Best for Color-Treated Hair: Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Deep-Conditioning Hair Mask at Sephora $44 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

$39 at Ulta View on Cecred.com What We Like

• Deeply nourishes and hydrates dry hair

• Seals the cuticle and leaves hair feeling soft

• Adds definition to all curl patterns

What to Consider

• The strong fragrance may be overwhelming for some

Key Ingredients: Shea and murumuru butter, African oil, hyssop extract | Scent: Temple oud, Australian sandalwood, warm musk, jasmine, violet | Size: 2.5, 10 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Beyoncé has always been that girl when it comes to hair—whether she’s rocking iconic stage looks, serving on the red carpet, or just walking around NYC, her hair is always flawless. So when she launched Cécred (her hair care line) featuring a moisturizing deep conditioner, my expectations were sky-high, and it did not disappoint. My hair drank this conditioner right up, leaving it softer, easier to detangle, and deeply nourished. The rich, buttery texture melts into my strands easily and smells amazing. After just two uses, I noticed my hair looked shinier, healthier, and more voluminous.

Shauna Beni-Haynes, senior editor with 3C/4A curls: “After using the deep conditioner, my hair feels clean and oh so soft. It’s also made my curls easier to style now that I don't have lots of frizz and dryness.”

Best Budget

Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask

$16 $15 at Amazon $19 at Ulta $16 at Target What We Like

• Deeply conditions the hair

• Repairs strength

• Makes hair feel softer

What to Consider

• The jar can be tricky to use in the shower

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, citric acid | Scent: Plum, jasmine, magnolia, amber, bourbon vanilla | Size: 16.9 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This deep conditioning mask went above and beyond our expectations. Our tester was impressed by how quickly the results appeared—her hair looked smoother and less frizzy, even while air-drying. She also noted that it stayed soft and hydrated for several days after use. The formula is packed with jojoba oil and vitamin B5, powerhouse ingredients known for strengthening and repairing damaged hair. Plus, it has a light, pleasant scent that fades once the hair dries. The brand suggests using it once a week as a treatment.

Austen, tester with straight, 1A hair: “I definitely felt like my hair was soft and silky after using this mask. I even had a hairstylist compliment me on how smooth my hair was after I started using it! My hair was hydrated and would typically stay that way for a day or two until it was time to wash again.”

Best for Dry Hair

Aavrani Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

$39 $38 at Amazon $39 at Sephora View on Aavrani.com What We Like

• Leaves hair hydrated, soft, and shiny

• Reduces frizz and dryness after one wash

• Effective on all hair types, but especially does well with fine hair

What to Consider

• Fragrance may be too strong for sensitive users

Key Ingredients: Mowrah butter, rice protein, biotin | Scent: Soft jasmine blends with fresh citrus and leafy-green top notes | Size: 8.4 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your hair is visibly damaged due to excessive heat styling, reach for this deep conditioner. It’s infused with nourishing ingredients, such as biotin and rice protein, to help strengthen and repair damage. It also contains a mix of butters that’ll help moisturize, improve manageability, and smooth hair follicles. The only thing our tester noted was that scooping out conditioner while in the shower can be a bit tricky, but she was so impressed with the results that she was willing to overlook the challenge of the tub.

Lindsay, tester with fine and wavy 2C hair: “I saw a noticeable difference in my hair immediately. I let my hair dry naturally, and my waves appeared smoother and less frizzy. It was easier to brush through and detangle post-shower. Despite the formula feeling thick, it didn't weigh my hair down; instead, it left it feeling really smooth and bouncy. It was well-suited even for my finer strands.”

Best Lightweight

Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner

$19 $13 at Amazon $28 at Sephora $28 at Ulta What We Like

• The lightweight formula will not weigh down curls

• Gives hair a cloud-like soft touch

• Offers good slip for detangling

What to Consider

• Some users are not fans of the scent

Key Ingredients: Carrot seed oil, kakadu plum, starflower oil | Scent: N/A| Size: 12 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Bread Beauty Supply’s hair mask is a great option for anyone new to using deep conditioners as a weekly treatment. It’s easy to use, works quickly, and adds shine to dry, dull-looking hair. Our tester loved how light the formula felt; it did not weigh down her curls and left them feeling super soft and moisturized. And while this mask is crafted to be an intensive treatment, it also works great as a conditioner.

Jessica, tester with thick 4C hair: “I have to say I was very impressed with this hair mask! It helped detangle my curls and soften my hair, while keeping it hydrated and moisturized.”

Best for Damage

Fenty Beauty The Richer One

$32 at Sephora $32 at Kohls.com View on Fentybeauty.com What We Like

• Deeply hydrates and strengthens hair

• Reduces frizz

• Instantly helps detangle

What to Consider

• The tub can be tricky to use in the shower

Key Ingredients: Wild mango butter, amber bouquet, replenicore-5 | Scent: Warm florals, amber, yuzu, coconut, vanilla, sandalwood | Size: 11.5 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This multiuse formula from Fenty Beauty addresses multiple hair concerns, including dryness, split ends, heat, and color damage, with a blend of nourishing oils and proteins that detangle hair while leaving it ultrasmooth and shiny. Plus, it’ll make the stands more plump, giving off a thicker, fuller look. The scent is also pleasant but not overpowering, making it a treat to use. Plus, the large size (11.5 ounces) means you get good value in terms of how many washes it can cover.

Saleam, tester with 4C hair: “Immediately after using the product, my hair felt softer and more hydrated. It did help to reduce the appearance of frizz and helped me detangle my hair while in the shower. It improved the appearance of my hair by making it look less frizzy, and it also helped my hair maintain some hydration.”

Best Multitasking Treatment

K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

View on Amazon $39 at Sephora View on Walmart What We Like

• Helps restore elasticity, detangles, and adds shine

• Includes UV protectant

• Deeply moisturizes

What to Consider

• Some users say it can make the hair feel greasy

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil | Scent: N/A | Size: 5, 17.5 oz | Sulfate-Free: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This deep conditioner is packed with keratin to help rebuild and strengthen hair that’s been weakened by color, heat, or chemical treatments. It does a great job at smoothing and detangling, so the hair feels softer and more manageable right after use. It’s color-safe, paraben-free, and even provides UV protection to help shield against sun damage. Use it once or twice a week, especially if your strands are dry or overprocessed, and you’ll notice stronger, shinier hair over time.

Kelsey, tester with 2A hair: “I thought this was an excellent product that performed as advertised, and truly felt to nourish my heat-damaged and dry/frizzy hair. The results were immediate and sustained without creating oiliness or a need to wash my hair more frequently.”

Best for Shine

Kristin Ess Deep Treatment Mask

$38 at Amazon View on Kristinesshair.com What We Like

• Shine enhancing

• Deeply nourishing

• No fragrance

What to Consider

• It may take a few washes to see full results

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Moroccan lava clay | Scent: None | Size: 6.7 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

This treatment mask is fragrance-free, which is great if you’re sensitive to perfumes or just prefer simpler formulas. It’s designed to give serious slip, making hair easy to detangle, while also offering deep hydration and nourishment. The formula will boost softness and restore shine to dry, dull, or stressed strands. Our tester noted that it made her hair feel so moisturized, and she noticed her hair looked even wavier than before. Plus, it comes from a stylist-tested, salon-quality line, so it’ll feel like a pampering professional treatment in your own shower.

Nicolette, tester with long 1A/2B hair: “I love when my scalp feels squeaky after I shampoo. The squeak was REAL with this one. I felt like my hair was VERY clean after each use.”

Best for Coily Curls

Ouidad Coil Infusion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner

$38 at Ulta View on Walmart View on Ouidad.com What We Like

• Rich formula crafted for coily hair

• High-slip formula

• Infuses hair with deep moisture

What to Consider

• The lid can be hard to unscrew at times

Key Ingredients: Black castor oil, avocado, apple cider vinegar | Scent: Peppermint | Size: 11 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

If your coils have been lacking their typical spring and bounce, this deep conditioner will give them the deep hydration and moisture they need. The formula is infused with natural oils, botanicals, and black castor oil to help restore moisture and strengthen fragile strands. Our tester noticed better curl definition and less breakage after a few washes. The texture is very thick and rich, and it gives good slip for detangling. Although it’s designed for more intense repair, it’s clean, cruelty-free, and packaged in a way that feels premium without the price being overwhelming.

Ashley, tester with 2C hair: “I love the way this product leaves my hair feeling hydrated and moisturized but not weighed down from a heavy deep conditioner.”

Best for 4B-C Curl Types

Pattern Intensive Conditioner

$29 $23 at Amazon $49 at Sephora View on Ulta What We Like

• Curl-enhancing

• Color-safe

• Softens curls

What to Consider

• May be too rich for loose curl types

Key Ingredients: Safflower seed oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil| Scent: Sweet floral neroli, rose, patchouli | Size: 3, 13, 29 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tracee Ellis Ross knows great hair—just look at her beautiful voluminous curls, and one of the products she swears by for thick, healthy, and bouncy ringlets is this intensive conditioner. It has a very rich formula and a thick, creamy texture that moisturizes and nourishes well. The brand notes that the formula is ideal for those with tighter textures and low porosity hair, so we don’t recommend it for anyone with looser curl textures.

Tameka, tester with 4B/C hair: “Before using the product, my hair appeared dry and dull, and after using the product, my hair was voluminous and moisturized, especially the color-treated areas. This product performed well on my hair type and left my curls feeling great.”

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Deep-Conditioning Hair Mask

$44 at Sephora $44 at Ulta What We Like

• Color-safe

• Reduces Frizz

• Offers heat protection

What to Consider

• Some users note the bottle is too small for the price

Key Ingredients: Camelina oil, coconut oil, olive oil | Scent: Rose and floral ginger | Size: 3, 13, 29 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Pureology’s take on deep conditioner is this transformative, ultra-moisturizing mask that promises to strengthen color-treated hair and protect it from future damage. It's a favorite among shoppers thanks to its aromatherapy fragrance, its ability to smooth frizz, and its effectiveness in reducing split ends over time. It utilizes camelina oil, olive oil, and coconut oil to work its magic, and when used as a weekly treatment, it truly enhances the appearance and texture of your hair. It has a creamy but thick texture that's easy to work into the hair, but it takes a while to see results, so hang in there and be consistent—it's totally worth it.

Evangelina, tester with wavy 2A hair: “I don't deal with tangling, but it did reduce frizz. It improved the appearance of my dry tresses. The product was definitely well-suited for my hair type and my concerns with dullness and flatness.”

Best Unscented

SEEN Fragrance Free Deeper Conditioner

$29 $27 at Amazon View on Helloseen.com What We Like

• Formulated without fragrances

• Reduces frizz

• Keratin-safe

What to Consider

• Doesn’t give a silky finish compared to other formulas

Key Ingredients: Bisabolol, hemisqualane | Scent: None | Size: 2, 8.5, 32.5, 32 oz | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Seen’s Deeper Conditioner is safe for all skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, and even eczema-prone, thanks to its noncomedogenic formula that supports both healthier hair and skin with every wash. Its rich, creamy texture is especially great for dry hair that craves extra hydration. With regular use, you can expect less breakage and frizz, plus more shine and overall better hair health. One of our testers also found that it made detangling a breeze and left her hair looking fuller and more voluminous once dry.

Brittany, tester with straight, fine hair: “The product left my hair feeling strong and voluminous. After using this deep conditioner, I noticed my hair had more body and was less frizzy, making it more manageable overall.”

What to Look for in a Deep Conditioner

• Strengthening Properties: In addition to moisturizing benefits, O’Connor recommends reaching for a product that also has strengthening properties. She explains that lackluster hair in need of repair is usually experiencing some degree of breakage, and proteins and nourishing oils can help strengthen it. Keratin and argan oil are two great examples of fortifying ingredients to keep an eye out for.
• Consistency: While you'll want your deep conditioner or hair mask to hydrate and strengthen your hair, you don’t want it to leave it oily or weighed down. Look for formulas that will ramp up hydration while still providing a lightweight finish sans any heavy or sticky residue. If your hair tends to get weighed down easily, we recommend opting for a mist.
• Format: Ultimately, the best deep conditioner is one you'll actually use. While masks are great options for an in-shower treatment, those tight on time might prefer a leave-in formula. If you're big on everything showers, a rinse-out conditioner or luxurious mask might be right up your alley.

How We Tested Deep Conditioners

First, we recruited a team of testers by having them test their household water to ensure it is hard. In order for all of that gunky buildup to be gone—and to put the contenders to the test—our testers used a specific clarifying shampoo over a four-week trial period. Each product was used once a week, unless the packaging stated otherwise:

• Number of Deep Conditioners Tested: 11
• Testing Period: Four weeks
• Methodology: We tested deep conditioners for four weeks, using each option at least once a week. Our testers had different hair types and concerns, and they paid attention to which options thoroughly cleansed their hair without stripping or causing irritation, but also had other benefits, such as shine and hydration. 
• Factors Considered: Application, effectiveness, hydration, and texture

FAQ

• Can you use a deep conditioner with regular conditioner?

  According to O’Connor, if your hair is very damaged, you can (and should) still use both a conditioner and a deep conditioner. She recommends applying a traditional conditioner as you normally would and then following up with a deep conditioner as an extra reparative measure.

• How long should you leave deep conditioner in your hair?

  How long you’ll need to keep your deep conditioner or conditioning mask on will vary from product to product, so be sure to read through any directions on the packaging thoroughly. However, O’Connor mentions that leaving a deep conditioner on for longer than recommended won’t harm your hair. “In fact, many people with curls and coils love to add time and elements of steam and heat to further enhance penetration,” she says. “This is especially key when you have low porosity hair.”

• Are deep conditioners suited to all hair types?

  Yes, but you'll want to find the formula suited to your hair type. "Finer hair can look flat and oily if you use deep treatments that are too heavy," says Hershberger. "Those with thicker and curlier hair will need a heavier formula to match their hair's porosity."

Meet Our Experts

To learn more about what to keep in mind when shopping for a deep conditioner, we consulted the following experts.

• Michelle O’Connor is a professional hairstylist based in Miami. She is the Artistic Director at Matrix, an Ulta Beauty Pro, and a five-time North American Hairstyling Awards winner.
• Sally Hershberger is a celebrity hairstylist with salons in New York and Los Angeles. She's known for her eponymous line of hair products and has appeared on the Bravo reality show Shear Genius.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shauna Beni-Haynes is a senior editor at Byrdie with thick, naturally curly hair. She tests dozens of hair products throughout the year and works to find the best picks for readers across makeup, fragrance, skincare, hair care, and fashion. She also works with the Research and Testing team to select products for testing, review insights, and assign stories to writers.

Alyssa Kaplan is an editor, an experienced writer in the beauty industry, and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has fine, damaged hair and has been using and testing various deep conditioners for years. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Article Sources Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

1. Gad, Heba A et al. “Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity.” Polymers vol. 13,11 1711. 24 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/polym13111711

Read more:

• Hair
• Haircare
• Hair Products And Tools

Comments Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to our Community Guidelines. Account

• Settings
• Sign Out

Related Stories

• We Found the 11 Best Curl Creams for Every Curl Type, Tested & Reviewed
• These 13 Best Natural Hair Dyes Look Vibrant and Won't Damage Your Hair
• The 12 Best Hair Masks to Boost Hydration and Add Shine, After Weeks of Testing
• The 15 Best Hair Dryers, Based on 2,064 Hours of Testing (And Counting!)
• The 7 Best Hair Loss Treatments That Boosted Hair Growth During Testing
• The 17 Best Dry Shampoos, Crowned After Weeks of Testing On Different Hair Types
• The 9 Best Volumizing Mousses for Hair That Needs a Lift
• 11 Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair, Tested by Byrdie to Nourish and Protect

• The 8 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Long-Lasting Smoothness, Per Testers
• These 6 Professional Hair Dryers Help Me Achieve a Salon-Quality Blowout at Home
• The 10 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair, Approved by Testers and Hairstylists
• The 10 Best Anti-Frizz Products for Sleek, Humidity-Proof Hair, per Testers
• The 11 Best Clarifying Shampoos for a Deep Clean, According to Testers
• The 8 Best Hair Dryer Brushes for a Salon-Quality Blowout at Home—Tested for 1,000+ Hours
• The 9 Best Hair Growth Shampoos That Actually Deliver Results, Tester-Approved
• 10 Best Texturizing Sprays for Touchable Volume and Definition, According to Testers