We have good news and bad news. The bad news is that coloring, bleaching, processing, and heat styling can wreak havoc on your hair.
The good news is that the right deep conditioner can help restore that damage, add moisture back into the hair, and leave it feeling soft and silky. Though using a deep conditioner is an extra step, we think they’re essential for preventing and repairing hair breakage.
Ready to add one to your hair care routine? We tapped experts for their recommendations and tried a few highly-rated options out for ourselves.
The result is this list of deep conditioning masks that actually make a difference in the look and feel of damaged hair. We considered ingredients, how concentrated each formula is, and whether or not it leaves behind a residue.
We also evaluated how well each deep conditioner repaired and hydrated our hair, regardless of type and texture. We then cross-referenced our expert-recommended picks with those that impressed us the most.
Best Overall: Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. A favorite among hairstylists, Olaplex No. 5 was once only available as a salon treatment.
The cult-loved brand is coveted for its breakthrough reparative technology. It includes a patented and proven ingredient to repair broken bonds for stronger hair.
The formula also contains a blend of botanical oils to help add visible shine and luster. This formula is a must for colored hair, and works particularly well on bleached hair, although anyone can benefit from using it.
Best Splurge: Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Prickly Pear Oil. If you’re willing to splurge on a high-end product that delivers salon-level results, consider this pick.
It features a blend of good-for-hair ingredients like plant ceramides and prickly pear oil. Over time, the mask works to repair existing damage and prevent new damage from happening.
Plus, it boosts the intensity of your hair color. This is something folks with color-treated hair will be especially happy about.
Best Budget: L’Oréal Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm. This multi-use formula from L’Oréal can be used as a co-wash, rinse-out mask, or leave-in treatment.
We love how this deep conditioner treats split ends, brittle hair, and color damage with a blend of oils and proteins. It effortlessly detangles hair and leaves it ultra-smooth and shiny.
Plus, it protects against heat styling up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Just make sure to wash it out properly so it doesn’t leave behind a residue.
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Kérastase Résistance Masque Therapiste Hair Mask. If your hair is visibly damaged, Kérastase Resistance has your name on it.
This deep conditioning mask is chock full of protein-rich ingredients. It features a Pro-Keratine Complex and a blend of amino acids to help your hair bounce back.
Ceramides help mend breakage, smooth hair follicles, and fortify brittle hair. Keep in mind that you may have to use a decent-sized amount to really work it through your hair.
Best Hydrating: Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask. Briogeo’s take on deep conditioner is this transformative, ultra-hydrating mask with clinical backing behind it.
We love that the formula strengthens, deeply hydrates, and protects straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair from future damage. It takes a while to see results, but the wait is totally worth it.
Best Softening: Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner. This mask was formulated with coily, curly, and wavy textures in mind.
However, all hair types can reap the benefits of this extra-creamy deep conditioner that leans on a potent blend of nutrient-rich oils. The formula is noticeably lightweight but doubles down on dry, damaged hair to soften, strengthen, and moisturize every last strand.
Best for Natural Hair: Pattern Beauty Intensive Conditioner. Formulated to restore natural curl patterns and tight textures, Pattern Intensive Conditioner is jam-packed with nourishing ingredients.
It defines, revives, and protects curls, kinks, and coils with ease. This award-winning formula boasts a ton of botanical oils that work in tandem to strengthen hair and prevent future damage.
Best for Curly Hair: Curls Dynasty Pumpkin Mint Deep Treatment Masque. Curls Dynasty makes an indulgent deep conditioning mask that’s packed with creamy pumpkin.
It fortifies and rebuilds a damaged hair shaft and promotes new growth. We’re big fans of the fact that this formula restores moisture at the cuticle level.
Best for Fine Hair: Kevin Murphy Body Mass Leave-In Plumping Conditioner. Kevin Murphy’s Body Mass is a match made in heaven for those with thinner hair.
It’s lightweight and works wonders on the scalp and hair shaft, leaving hair soft and with increased volume. Plus, it contains oleanolic acid, an ingredient that supports hair growth and thickening.
Best for Bleached Hair: Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Purple Intense Repair Hair Mask. If you have balayage, highlights, ombre, or a full-on platinum dye job, this mask is for you.
Bust Your Brass moisturizes chemically lightened hair and delivers noticeably brighter hair while neutralizing any brassy, orange hues. A clinically backed study supports reduced breakage with continued use.
Best Mask: Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask. This brilliant mask from Camille Rose deeply conditions and hydrates tired hair.
It’s a go-to for curly and natural hair, but the softening, stimulating recipe is versatile enough to give anyone a moisture boost. We also love that you can use this botanical formula on wet or dry hair to support natural growth.
Best Leave-In: CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner. CHI’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner is a no-rinse option for those who would rather keep the deep conditioner in throughout the day.
We’re big fans of the formula, which boasts a keratin-infused blend to repair the hair cuticle. It dramatically improves elasticity and protects against future breakage.
Best Detangling: LolaVie Glossing Detangler. Jennifer Aniston’s haircare line, Lolavie, is not only clean and botanically rich, but it’s also designed to garner excellent results.
We love the Glossing Detangler because it gently detangles hair without breaking it and doubles as a heat protectant. Lemon extract, chia seeds, and vegan ceramides make this leave-in spray formula a powerful conditioner.
Best Bonding: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask. This reparative hair mask from Vegamour is one you should definitely have on your radar.
It is especially great if you have lots of flyaways and broken ends. It’s clinically proven to smooth, hydrate, and strengthen hairs thanks to a formula powered by a vegan silk alternative.
Best Salon Formula: Rossano Ferretti Parma Nourishing Mask. Although this formula is expensive, we think it’s worth every penny.
The list of hydrating ingredients contains keratin to restore cuticle damage and protect against breakage. It also uses green tea and other antioxidants to help soften hair and add shine.
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, which contains a patented bonding ingredient to repair and revive even the most damaged, processed hair. For a more affordable pick, consider the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Deep Conditioner.
What to Look For in a Deep Conditioner
Strengthening Properties
In addition to deeply moisturizing the hair, hairstylist Michelle O’Connor recommends reaching for a product that also has strengthening properties. Lackluster hair in need of repair is usually experiencing some degree of breakage, so it needs to get strength from proteins and oils.
Concentration
O’Connor also recommends looking for products with a concentrated formula since they tend to better penetrate the hair shaft. When the penetration ability is heightened, the deep conditioner fills in the gaps and nicks that are present in the surface of hair that’s damaged, she says.
Consistency
While you’ll want your deep conditioner or hair mask to truly nourish the hair, you also 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.
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 follow 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, leaving a deep conditioner on for longer than recommended won’t harm your 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. Those with thicker and curlier hair will need a heavier formula to match their hair’s porosity.