Deep conditioners have been around for a long time. Way back in the day, men and women made deep conditioning treatments out of natural oils. Today, there are hundreds of thousands to choose from. Even better, many of them are Black-owned.
The Difference Between Regular Conditioners and Deep Conditioners
Deep conditioners aren’t THAT much different from your average conditioner. They both contain humectants that pull moisture from the air and into your hair strands. They also contain emollients, which lock in moisture by creating a protective layer around the hair shaft.
The difference is that deep conditioners contain a higher level of humectants and emollients than regular conditioners. Plus, deep conditioners are intended to sit on the hair for an extended period of time. Whereas regular conditioners are rinsed out immediately. And as a result, deep conditioners can deeply penetrate the hair, adding vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other nourishing ingredients for a healthy scalp and hair.
Benefits of Using a Deep Conditioner
There are many benefits to incorporating a deep conditioner to your hair care routine. For example, their hydrating ingredients work well to detangle your hair. They also smooth down hair cuticles to help tame frizz and flyaways. Plus, they’re a lifesaver for hair damaged from excessive heat and chemical or coloring treatments.
Not to mention, some of them promise all these results and more when used on a consistent basis, usually weekly or bi-weekly.
The Best Black-owned Deep Conditioners For Textured Hair
Deep conditioners are a nutrient-rich powerhouse for textured hair. Their nourishing formulas provide a number of benefits that you can see AND feel. Whether you’re natural, relaxed, or somewhere in-between, they’re are the ultimate hair care accessory every Black girl should have. Here are our picks for the best Black-owned deep conditioners for wavy, kinky, or curly hair:
Disclaimer:
All of the products on 21Ninety are hand-picked by our editorial team. Most of these products we use and love or come highly recommended by our community. If you grab anything we mention using our referral links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Uncle Funky’s Daughter – “Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Masque”
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To restore dry and damaged hair, try this “Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Masque” from Uncle Funky’s Daughter. This silk protein hair mask is made from a rich blend of nourishing oils including organic Baobab, peppermint, and avocado oil. It also contains organic aloe vera juice which provides ample minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids to strengthen and restore your strands.
To use the product, part your hair into sections. Then apply the product down the length of your hair, starting from the root and working your way down to the ends. Let the product sit for at least 20 minutes before rinsing.
For best results, try the hair mask with Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s “Squeaky Deep Cleansing Shampoo” or “Rich & Funky Moisturizing Cleanser.”
Alikay Naturals – “Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner”
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At Alikay Naturals, “good hair” means healthy hair. That’s why their best-selling “Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner” contains natural, quality ingredients to work to transform your hair from the inside out.
For example, this deep conditioner contains honey, a natural humectant that pulls moisture from the air and into your strands. It also contains Babassu, a native South American palm tree rich in vitamin E and antioxidants for a hydrated and healthy scalp and hair.
This deep conditioner is the perfect way to pamper yourself on wash day. Its moisturizing formula penetrates your strands, untangling twisted locks for an easy breezy detangling process. Plus, it works on all hair types, from 1a to 4c.
To use, rake the product through your hair, focusing on your ends. Style your hair as usual.
Briogeo – “Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask”
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If you have a perm or are transitioning from a perm to natural hair, the “Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask” by Briogeo is the ultimate wash day addition. Rosehip oil, B vitamins, and algae extract work to restore dull, damaged, or chemically-treated hair.
Plus, it contains no parabens, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals often added to hair care products. And with a nearly 100 percent naturally-derived, vegan formula, this is a hair mask you AND your hair can feel good about.
To use, massage a generous amount of product into your hair after shampooing. Cover your hair with a plastic cap for even deeper penetration. Let the product sit for up to 30 minutes before rinsing.
Shedavi – “Crowned Styling Leave-In Conditioner”
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For centuries, people have considered a woman’s hair her crown. And just like a crown must be polished and maintained, so does your hair.
Fittingly, Black-owned hair care company Shedavi created a product to help make that process more efficient. Their “Crowned Styling Leave-In Conditioner” is made with quality ingredients that help treat and maintain dry, lifeless curls.
Its formula includes organic aloe vera leaf juice, which works to relieve itchiness and flaking, while glycerin restores moisture to your strands. It also contains biotin, which helps strengthen hair follicles to support length retention, and collagen to produce longer, fuller hair.
To use, apply a dime-sized amount to sectioned hair before styling. Can also be used as a daily moisturizer.
TGIN – “Miracle RepaiRx Deep Hydrating Hair Masque”
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When it comes to promoting happy, healthy Black hair, TGIN has you covered. Their “Miracle RepaiRx Deep Hydrating Hair Masque” is a customer favorite with a creamy, nutrient-rich formula made with biotin and black castor oil for soft, moisturized locks.
The mask is perfect for anyone suffering from damaged hair due to chemical or color treatments. It targets lifeless strands to repair and reduce further damage. Plus, it doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, artificial coloring, and other harsh ingredients for a healthy scalp and hair.
To use, apply the hair mask to clean, sectioned hair. Cover with a plastic cap for deep penetration before rinsing.
For best results, try the “Miracle RepaiRx Strengthening Shampoo” and the “Miracle RepaiRx Strengthening Conditioner” before applying the hair mask.
Mielle Organics – “Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner”
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Made with natural and organic ingredients, the “Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner” by Mielle Organics is the Black girl hair care addition you didn’t know you needed. And with a powerful blend of ingredients that include fatty acids and complex amino acids, this deep conditioner helps increase moisture while reducing frizz and flyaways.
Of course, as its name suggests, it contains Babassu for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And cooling peppermint and spearmint leaf oil work to improve blood circulation on your scalp for stronger, longer hair.
To use, apply the product to freshly-washed, damp hair. For maximum benefits, cover your hair with a heat-safe plastic cap before sitting under the dryer for up to 30 minutes. Rinse.