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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong Coloring, bleaching, processing, and heat styling can wreak havoc on your hair. A good deep conditioner can help restore damaged hair and replace vital hair nutrients. Key restorative ingredients to look for include proteins like keratin to rebuild and oils to smooth the shaft. We conducted hours of research on the best deep conditioners, and put one of the highest rated products out there to the test, evaluating how well it repaired and infused hydration back into our locks. We then combined these results with our own research and other top-ranking products to compile this list, rating each on active ingredients, formula finish, and targeted concerns. We also took into account a variety of different hair types and textures. Ahead, find the best deep conditioners for nursing your hair back to health. What We Like
What We Don't Like
Who else recommends it? Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Women's Health Mag all picked the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. What do buyers say? 92% of 52,200+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. 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 that includes Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, 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 to hair. This formula is a must for colored hair, and works particularly well on bleached hair, although anyone can benefit from using it. Hair Type: Color-treated | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Byrdie / Ashley Rubell What Our Testers Say "Olaplex saved my hair. Full stop. In my mid-20s, my hair texture went from healthy to extremely dry and brittle. I had been on a journey to grow it out past shoulder length, and it just wasn’t happening. So after a fellow beauty editor recommended it, I decided to try out this miracle product. After the first use, I could feel an immediate difference in my hair. It felt softer, moisturized, and even healthier. And after a few months of diligent application, I finally reached my hair length goals." — Madeline Hirsch, Sr. News Editor Courtesy of Walmart What We Like
What We Don't Like
When it comes to deep conditioners, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle is a classic, offering hydration and a silky-soft finish on all hair types with a botanical oil formula that's lightweight enough for daily use. Hair Type: All | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No What Our Testers Say "This product's title doesn't lie. It works miracles. My curls require intensely hydrating conditioners, and this one always leaves them looking healthier and thoroughly moisturized." — Olivia Hancock, Associate Editor What We Like
What We Don't Like
L'Oreal's multi-use Elvive Total Repair 5 can be used as a co-wash, rinse-out mask, or leave-in treatment. This deep conditioner addresses split ends, brittle hair, and color damage with a blend of oils and proteins, while detangling hair and leaving it ultra-smooth and shiny. Plus, it protects against heat styling up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Hair Type: Dry and color-damaged | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes Sephora What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you're willing to splurge on a high-end product that delivers salon-level results, consider Christophe Robin's Regenerating Mask with a blend of good-for-hair ingredients likeplant ceramides and prickly pear oil. Hair Type: Fine | Size: 8.3 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Amazon What We Like
What We Don't Like
If your hair is visibly damaged, Kérastase Resistance has your name on it. This deep conditioning mask is chock full of protein-rich ingredients including a Pro-Keratine Complex, a blend of protein and amino acids, including serine, arginine, and glutamic acid. Ceramides help mend breakage, smooth hair follicles, and fortify brittle hair. Hair Type: Damaged | Size: 2.6 or 6.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like
What We Don't Like
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 from future damage. Hair Type: Dry | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like
What We Don't Like
Bread Hair-Mask was formulated with coily, curly, and wavy textures in mind, but all hair types can reap the benefits of this extra-creamy deep conditioner that contains a blend of nutrient-rich oils. The notably lightweight yet ultra-velvety emulsion pulls out all the stops to soften, strengthen, and moisturize your hair. Hair Type: Curly | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes What We Like
What We Don't Like
Formulated to restore natural curl patterns and tight textures, Pattern Intensive Conditioner is jam-packed with nourishing, hydrating ingredients that define, revive, and protect. This award-winning formula of botanical oils coats to strengthen and define, while also preventing future damage. Hair Type: Curly | Size: 13 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like
What We Don't Like
Curls Dynasty makes an indulgent creamy pumpkin-infused mask that's packed with a clean, antioxidant-rich formula that not only fortifies and rebuilds hair shafts, but also promotes new growth. We love that this formula infuses and restores moisture at the cuticle level. Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes What We Like
What We Don't Like
Kevin Murphy Body Mass for thinner hair is a lightweight formula that can be used on the scalp and shaft, and is formulated with oleanolic acid to helps support hair growth and thickening, while leaving hair soft and with increased volume. Hair Type: Fine | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you have balayage, highlights, ombre, full-on platinum dye job, 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. Some reviewers note that if you leave the treatment on too long, the formula can turn hair purple, depending on porosity, so be sure to monitor appropriately. Hair Type: Color-treated | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Courtesy of Amazon What We Like
What We Don't Like
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. Hair Type: Curly, natural | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes What We Like
What We Don't Like
CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner is an everyday no-rinse option that boasts a keratin-infused blend to repair the hair cuticle, improve elasticity, and protect against future breakage. Hair Type: All | Size: 6 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No LolaVie What We Like
What We Don't Like
Jennifer Aniston's haircare line, Lolavie is not only clean and botanically rich, it's designed to garner excellent results. We love the Glossing Detangler, a Byrdie Eco Beauty Award Winner, to gently detangle hair without breaking it and protect and nourish during heat styling. Lemon extract, chia seeds, and vegan ceramides make this leave-in spray formula a powerful conditioner that's lightweight enough to use as daily as a detangler for a high-gloss effect. Hair Type: All | Size: 5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes What We Like
What We Don't Like
A drugstore favorite, the Pantene Pro-V Overnight Restoring Serum is has a color-safe formula that is safe for chemically treated hair and is designed to work while you sleep. The active ingredient is castor oil from seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant, which helps smooth the hair cuticle and leave hair softer with added sheen. Hair Type: All | Size: 3.2 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Final VerdictOur best overall pick is, Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, which contains a patented bonding ingredient to repair and revive even the most damaged, brittle, processed hair. For a more affordable pick, consider the classic jojoba and avocado oil-infused 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner. Meet the Expert
What to Look For in a Deep ConditionerStrengthening PropertiesIn addition to deeply moisturizing the hair, hairstylist and artistic director at Matrix Michelle 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, so it needs to get the strength it needs from proteins and oils. Keratin and oils like argan oil are two great examples of ingredients to keep an eye out for. A Concentrated FormulaO’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. This will lead to hair that's smoother, shinier, and stronger. A Lightweight FinishWhile you'll want your deep conditioner 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
Why Trust ByrdieTheresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in beauty. For this roundup, she considered dozens of deep conditioning treatments, evaluating each on active ingredients, formula finish, and targeted concerns. She took into account different hair types and textures, sourcing top-rated products for each. Additional input was provided by celebrity hairstylists, Sally Hershberger, and Michelle O’Connor, the Artistic Director at Matrix. 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.
What conditioner should I use for a Balayage?Best Product: Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo and Conditioner. These are actually two products designed to extend the life and vibrancy of your red color within 25 washes. Therefore, washing less frequently is the key to a beautiful and long-lasting red balayage.
How do I rehydrate my hair after Balayage?Hair masks for balayage
Since your hair tends to dry more easily after balayage, a moisturizing treatment is going to be beneficial. A hair mask will nourish your hair with the essential vitamins and natural oils. This treatment also restores your hair's shine and strength.
How do you condition your hair after Balayage?Keep it healthy
This can make the color appear duller, as it won't be reflecting the light as much as it could be. Using a deep conditioning mask twice a week (or every other wash), can help to keep it healthy. You don't need to leave it on for long – around 3-5 minutes is enough to give your hair a good boost.
What products are best for Balayage?11 Best Shampoos For Balayage Hair That Restore Life And Color To Your Mane. Best Hydrating Formula: Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo. ... . Best Paraben-Free: Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo. ... . Best For Blonde Hair: TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo.. |