Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (2024)

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (1)

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Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (2)

By Gabrielle Ulubay

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in Buying Guides

If you care for your hair with the best curly hair products, you know that the best deep conditioners for curly hair deserve a place in your wash day routine. Shampoo and conditioner can’t always solve frizz, split ends, and dullness on their own. For curly and natural hair, lathering on a deep conditioner is essential for restoring and moisturizing curls, says celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. "Natural hair tends to be a little drier than naturally straight hair, so using a deep conditioner helps hair gain those essential oils and minerals that it needs to be smooth and moisturized," she tells Marie Claire.

"Curls need more moisture than straight hair because the natural oils produced by the scalp cannot travel down the length of the hair due to its shape," adds Larry Sims, long-time hairstylist for Gabrielle Union. "The twists and bends in curly or coily hair can create areas where moisture can escape, which is why curly hair usually requires more moisture to help preserve the integrity of the curls." Fellow celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway agrees, adding that the tighter a person's curl pattern is, the more moisture they'll need.

Whether a deep conditioner is used in 15 minute intervals or applied overnight, "it brings moisture back to the hair and helps reduce hair breakage,” Kimble explains. In the long term, it defends against dry, brittle hair while making it shiny, bouncy, and soft.

Ahead, these hair experts share the best deep conditioners for curly and natural hair and tips for achieving the shiniest, most moisturized results.

The Best Deep Conditioners for Curly Hair

  • Best Deep Conditioner Overall: Spoiled Child M26 Damage Reverser
  • Best Deep Conditioner for Transitional Curls: Pattern Beauty Transition Mask
  • Best Deep Conditioner for Wavy Hair: Davines OI Hair Butter
  • Best Deep Conditioner for Coily Hair: Act + Acre Restorative Deep Conditioning Hair Mask for Dry + Damaged Hair
  • Best Deep Conditioner for Protective Styles: Camille Rose Rosemary Oil 5 Minute Strengthening Hair Mask
Best Deep Conditioner Overall

SpoiledChild M26 Damage Reverser

As far as this beauty editor is concerned, Spoiled Child's conditioner is one of the all-time best products for high porosity hair. It smells fantastic and has a silky touch that makes it easy to spread through my waist-length hair, making for a delightful shower experience. Whenever I put it to use, I notice an immediate improvement in my texture. My curls are more defined and my hair feels significantly softer. It's also easier to detangle my hair and breaks less during styling.

Pros: Editor-approved; Subtle, fresh smell; Soft texture; Fast results

Cons: Not a lot of product in the small container

Best Deep Conditioner for Transitional Curls

Pattern Beauty Transition Mask

When I spoke to Tracee Ellis Ross, she recommended this mask for those with transitional curls. She explained, "Some people are transitioning out of using relaxers, and some people are transitioning out of damage." This mask was made with transitional curl phases in mind, with its blend of nourishing glycerin, castor oil, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. It's deeply hydrating, boosts shine, and promotes hair growth.

Pros: Expert-approved; Free of sulfates; Shine-enhancing; Great for transitional curls; Great for hair growth

Cons: Some users dislike that it's scented

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (5)Best Deep Conditioner for Wavy Hair

Davines OI Hair Butter

For those with thick, dense, or wavy hair, Chicago-based hairstylist Ryan Babbitt recommends this buttery formula. This antioxidant-infused formula is completely free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, talc, and mineral oil, and its ingredients are sustainably sourced. Plus, it promises to both soften hair and protect it from dangerous UV rays that can weaken and dry out strands. Simply leave the formula on for five to ten minutes (depending on your hair type and how much moisture you need) and rinse.

Pros: Expert-approved; Offers UV ray protection; Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, talc, and mineral oil

Cons: None found

Best Deep Conditioner for Coily Hair

Act + Acre Restorative Deep Conditioning Hair Mask for Dry + Damaged Hair

I've been using this hair mask once a week for several months, and it always gives my hair an instant boost from root to tip. After just one use, my hair is softer and my curls are more defined. Plus, it has a fresh, subtle scent that lasts until my next wash day but never clashes with my perfume or scented body lotion.

Pros: Editor-approved; Defines curls; Clean; Cruelty-free

Cons: Packaging requires a key in order to get every last drop

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (7)Best Deep Conditioner for Protective Styles

Camille Rose Rosemary Oil 5 Minute Strengthening Hair Mask

Marie Claire Beauty Director Deena Campbell constantly rotates between curly and straight styles. "Catch me in the summer and it’s 90 percent curly, but if my vibe calls for a longer style, then I’ll wear it straight without hesitation," she says. All that variety leaves her hair in need of major TLC—which she finds in Camille Rose's strengthening mask. "It quickly nourishes my scalp and strands without weighing them down," she reports. "I love the rosemary oil that stimulates hair growth, while soothing my scalp after wearing curly or protective styles.”

Pros: Editor-approved; Affordable; Black-owned brand; Works well on protective styles; Free of parabens

Cons: None found

Also Recommended

Best Multi-Purpose Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner

Babbitt, who has more than 15 years of experience styling hair of all types, swears by this shine-enhancing, sulfate-free formula from Mizani. "This is so rich and nourishing but somehow still light," he says. He also uses the product as a detangler, a cutting lotion (a milky product used during hair trims that eases the friction and potential irritation of scissors and shears), and a daily leave-in conditioner for curly hair. The formula smells "fresh and honest," too.

Pros: Expert-approved; Free of sulfates, SLS, SLES, and mineral oil; Shine-enhancing; Reduces frizz

Cons: Strong smell may not be for everyone

Best Deep Conditioner for Chemically Treated Curls

Nexxus Amino Bond Intense Bonding Treatment

"The Nexxus Amino Bond Intense Rebond Treatment is designed to repair damage, which curly hair can benefit from," says Redway. "It has bond-building technology to repair any signs of damage in your hair. This is especially useful for any curl types that manipulate and alter their natural curl patterns, taking them from curly, straight, chemical treatments, and protective styles."

Pros: Editor-approved; Great for all curl types; Reparative

Cons: Contains fragrance, which may irritate some users

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (10)Best Deep Conditioner for Curls with Sesame Oil

Hawaiian Silky Vegan Sesame Oil 7 Minute Nutrient Repair Masque

"Curly hair can benefit from ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil to moisturize and help manage unwanted frizz," says Redway. This formula contains both sesame oil and shea butter, along with nourishing macadamia and saw palmetto oil to enhance its moisturizing capabilities without weighing hair down.

Pros: Editor-approved ingredients; Affordable; Works quickly

Cons: Contains silicones

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (11)Best Deep Conditioner for Type 3 Curly Hair

Davines LOVE CURL Curly Hair Mask

Davines' protein-rich hair mask is specifically formulated for curly hair—and a regular in Babbit's rotation. "This is one of the most softening products I've ever used," he gushes. The hair expert notes that it's gentle enough for use on finer curls, which are more prone to dryness and breakage. Simply apply to towel-dried hair and comb through for even application. Then, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.

Pros: Free of sulfates, parabens, pthalates, talc, and silicones; Cruelty-free; Expert-approved

Cons: Not as suitable for thick hair

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (12)Best Deep Conditioner for Tight Curls

Eden Bodyworks Almond Marshmallow Split End Repair Masque

This conditioner from Eden Bodyworks features marshmallow toor as one of its key ingredients, which Redway explains is deeply hydrating. It's worthwhile for all curly hair, but especially damaged, dry hair that's in need of an immediate pick-me-up.

Pros: Editor-approved ingredients; Great for damaged hair; Affordable; vegan

Cons: Relatively long application time (about 40 minutes)

Best Deep Conditioner for Damaged Curly Hair

L'Anza Trauma Treatment

This versatile, moisture-rich formula is made for any hair type that needs an emergency boost of hydration. "It really works for hair that is flimsy and lacks shine," Babbitt says, adding that it’s lightweight enough to sit in coily and natural hair for long periods of time, too. It's also fast-absorbing in color-treated, curly hair. For best results, apply to towel-dried hair and either wash out or leave in until your next regular wash day if you have thick hair.

Pros: Free of sulfates, gluten, and parabens; Expert-approved

Cons: Contains silicones

Best Fast-Acting Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair

Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask for Very Damaged Hair

This hair mask comes highly recommended by Priscilla Valles, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera. It's "a strengthening hair mask that repairs and restores while preventing breakage with intense hydration and nourishment for dry and damaged hair," she says.

Pros: Shine-enhancing; Expert-approved; Works on all hair types and curl patterns

Cons: Contains silicones

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (15)Best Biotin-Infused Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Moisturizing Repairing Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment Mask

Strengthen and prevent your curly hair from damage by incorporating this incredibly reparative mask into your routine. "The combination of biotin, creatine, and rice oil complex in this product fortifies the hair and repairs any existing damage while providing hydration and reducing frizz to curls," says Sims.

Pros: Expert-approved; Contains damage-fighting ingredients; Affordable

Cons: Some users find it too thick

Best Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair Growth

Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque

Mielle's rosemary mint hair growth oil has seen incredible popularity in recent years, kickstarting the trend of using rosemary oil for hair growth. But did you know that the brand has an entire line devoted to this scalp-supporting formula? When I struggled with post-Covid hair loss, I loved reaching for this mask, which made my scalp feel clean and my curls feel soft and defined. Along with a healthy, protein-rich diet and a regimen of other hair growth products, it helped restore my hair to its full, dense glory.

Pros: Editor-approved; curl-defining; Supports a healthy scalp and therefore a healthy environment for hair growth

Cons: Creates a tingling sensation on the scalp, which may be unpleasant for some

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (17)Best Drugstore Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair

As I Am Hydration Elation Conditioner

As I Am is one of my favorite beauty brands. Founded by a refugee, their products are 100 percent ethically and sustainably made, and they donate a portion of their profits to charitable causes like Voto Latino, RAINN, the NAACP, Save the Children, and more. I love using this intensive hydrating treatment after my hair has been subjected to wind, pollution, chlorine, salt water, or other environmental factors that leave it looking dry and frizzy.

Pros: Charitable brand; Editor-approved; Alleviates damage; Great for all curl patterns, Including textured hair and relaxed hair

Cons: Scented, which some users may not like

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (18)Best Leave-In Deep Conditioner for Natural Hair

Shea Moisture High Porosity Finishing Elixir

Babbitt considers this leave-in product from Shea Moisture to be a perfect option for those who want to condition and go instead of rinsing the product out after. "Shea Moisture is so responsible, the ingredients are so clean, the products are easy to find, and they really work," he says. This mask can be used on either dry or damp curls, and can simultaneously correct the high porosity and low shine levels typical of curly hair.

Pros: Expert-approved; Easy to use; Affordable; Made with natural hair in mind

Cons: Small bottle

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (19)Best Natural Deep Conditioner for Natural Hair

RSL Healing Power Hair Masque

Suffering from dull, overworked, and over-styled hair that’s in desperate need of TLC? Look no further than this formula from Raw Sugar Living (or RSL). It's made with organic, cold-pressed ingredients like avocado, banana, coconut, and agave suited to natural hair. It’s also cruelty-free, color-safe, and vegan, making it a top recommendation from experts like Kimble. One more bonus: For every product purchased, the brand donates a bar of soap to a family in need.

Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Color-safe; Expert-approved; Uses natural ingredients

Cons: None found

Best Scented Deep Conditioner for Natural Hair

Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask

Arizona-based haircare brand Dae uses organic ingredients exclusively to moisturize and nourish hair for lasting strength. Kimble says the lineup "really caters to people with natural hair." In the five to ten minutes needed to wear this moisturizing mask, it “really helps nourish the hair,” she says. Dozens of reviewers agree, lauding both its efficacy and its signature fresh scent.

Pros: Free of parabens, Sulfates, SLS, and SLES; Clean; Expert-approved

Cons: Contains silicones

Best Vegan Deep Conditioner for Natural Hair

Sienna Naturals Plant Power Repair Mask

Marie Claire Digital Art Director Brittany Holloway-Brown considers moisture the primary goal of her hair routine—so she has been using hair masks in lieu of traditional conditioners for a while. Sienna Naturals' is her favorite for its spa-like herbaceous scent and hardworking formula. "This mask has a thick butter-like texture as opposed to the standard thick lotion, making my hair easy to detangle, soft, and shiny," she says. "Also, the vegan formulation ensures that my hair isn’t weighed down by too many proteins."

Pros: Thick consistency; Good for low porosity hair; Defines and moisturizes curls

Cons: Some reviewers dislike the scent

What To Look For in a Deep Conditioner

  • Curl Type

"Looser curls should look for humectants, like honey and aloe vera, and lightweight oils like argan or jojoba oil," says Sims. "Tight curls and textured hair types thrive with ultra-moisturizing and protein-rich ingredients like biotin, keratin, and rich oils and butters." Redway adds jojoba oil and sesame oil are great for wavy hair.

  • Ingredients

If your hair has severe damage from heat or color treatments, deep conditioners infused with protein can close up holes in your hair's cuticle. Across the board, Kimble advises looking for natural ingredients like coconut oil and honey for all the hydrating benefits without harsh minerals or chemicals. "Staying away from deep conditioners that have sulfates and parabens is also a really good idea," she adds. "Sulfates and parabens are known to strip vital oils and minerals away from hair and will continue to make hair dry and brittle."

How to Use a Deep Conditioner

Deep conditioners should be applied to freshly cleansed hair after your usual shampoo and conditioner routine. Unlike your typical in-shower conditioner, these deeply moisturizing products can stay on for up to 15 mins, and in some cases overnight. When opting for an overnight treatment, Kimble recommends sleeping in a shower cap or bonnet to minimize mess while keeping conditioner in place. Then, wash out the product in the morning. "The amount of time your curls may require could vary based on your experience after the first use," says Redway. "The density and length of your hair also play a part in the length of time the product should be left in."

If you're concerned about a hair mask resulting in buildup and weighing you down, Sims advises "using a clarifying shampoo before deep conditioning to remove any existing build-up, so you’re starting with a cleaner slate."

When to Use a Deep Conditioner

Since the best deep cleansing conditioners are so hydrating, they can be used much less frequently than a normal conditioner. Kimble recommends taking a moment to deep condition once a week, or once every two weeks. “People with natural hair should deep condition on their wash days to regain those vital minerals," she adds.

If your hair is really fine, try using a deep conditioner once a week. Sims also recommends applying product sparingly to fine hair, primarily focusing on the ends, to prevent weighing down the hair.

Meet the Experts

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (22)

Kim Kimble

Kimberly Kimble, better known as Kim Kimble, is a celebrity hairstylist, beauty expert, and business owner who has styled the likes of Shakira, Rihanna, Halle Berry, Beyoncé, Zendaya, and others. She also owns her own beauty brand, Kim Kimble, which provides high-quality haircare, extensions, and more—with a focus on keeping natural hair healthy and well-styled. Originally from Chicago, she is now based in Los Angeles.

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (23)

Ryan Babbitt

Ryan Babbitt is a hairstylist with a passion for educating his clients about how to keep their hair healthy and well-maintained. Comfortable with both cutting and coloring, he is particularly enthusiastic about creating lasting, structured looks. He is currently based in Chicago, where he has worked for 15 years, and can be booked via the Klicked Salon.

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (24)

Priscilla Valles

Priscilla Valles is a celebrity hairstylist and extension expert. She has worked with a number of high-profile celebrity clients, including Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Chrissy Teigen. She is currently based in Los Angeles.

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (25)

Lacy Redway

LacyRedwayis a New York-based hairstylist. After studying at The Aveda Institute in Manhattan and assisting many of the legendary hairstylists of our time, her career quickly took off. A combination ofLacy’s proficiency with all hair textures as well as her magnetic personality has earned her an esteemed roster of clients including Tessa Thompson, Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Olsen, Ruth Negga, Amanda Stenberg, Andra Day, LiL Nas X and Diane Kruger, among many others.Lacyhas collaborated with respected photographers and Her work has appeared a multitude of publications.

Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (26)

Larry Sims

Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist who has styled the likes of Zendaya, Regina King, Tracee Ellis Ross, Gabrielle Union, and others. A recipient of several beauty awards, he has also been featured on television, including on Bravo's "Invite Only Cabo."

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Gabrielle Union's Hairstylist Swears by This $11 Deep Conditioner for Detangling (27)

Gabrielle Ulubay

Beauty Writer

Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, politics, culture, and fashion at Marie Claire and at publications including The New York Times, HuffPost Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O'Bheal, and elsewhere. Her personal essay in The New York Times' Modern Love column kickstarted her professional writing career in 2018, and that piece has since been printed in the 2019 revised edition of the Modern Love book. Having studied history, international relations, and film, she has made films on politics and gender equity in addition to writing about cinema for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and on her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com. Before working with Marie Claire, Gabrielle worked in local government, higher education, and sales, and has resided in four countries and counting. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, and spent two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy.

Deeply political, she believes that skincare, haircare, and sexual wellness are central tenets to one's overall health and fights for them to be taken seriously, especially for people of color. She also loves studying makeup as a means of artistic expression, drawing on her experience as an artist in her analysis of beauty trends. She's based in New York City, where she can be found watching movies or running her art business when she isn't writing. Find her on Twitter at @GabrielleUlubay or on Instagram at @gabrielle.ulubay, or follow her art at @suburban.graffiti.art

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