Best Moisturising Deep Conditioners for 4C Natural Hair
If you are on a healthy natural hair journey and want to retain hair length, a key step in achieving this is to use a deep conditioner regularly. Deep conditioners are essentially more intensive or concentrated versions of standard rinse out conditioners - they are perfect to use when your hair is in need of extra nourishment.
Moisturising deep conditioners which are formulated with emollient butters like shea and mango butter, natural oils such as coconut, olive and almond oils and humectants and glycerin help replenish moisture, protect and keep your hair elastic (flexible) and in turn could help prevent breakage.
Deep conditioning is my favourite step on wash day. There’s just something about putting a deep conditioning hair mask on and leaving it to do it’s magic for 30 minutes (OK sometimes longer…) I usually deep condition my hair (which is type 4 natural hair) once a week and I alternate between deep conditioners depending on what’s in my hair stash.
A few of my current favourite deep conditioning hair masks for my natural hair are:
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner 240ml
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque 354ml
Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask 240ml
Read on for more information on the benefits of these deep conditioning hair masks, my thoughts on how well these deep conditioners work on my natural 4C hair and my top tips for getting the most out of your deep conditioner.
Best Moisturising Deep Conditioners for Natural Hair
Best Moisturising Deep Conditioners for 4C Natural Hair
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner
Key ingredients
Almond oil - locks in moisture
Sacha Inchi Oil - a South American superfood, rich in omega 3, helps regulate oil production and lock in moisture
Sub-Saharan African Mongongo oil - derived from the manketti tree, adds shine, helps protect against heat
How to use: This deep conditioner can be left on for 15 minutes.
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner
I first discovered this Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner via TreasureTress in 2017 and have since repurchased it a number of times. It’s protein free so perfect for protein sensitive hair. I find this conditioner is super detangling, has a subtle scent which isn’t too strong and it always leaving my hair feeling ultra-moisturised. My only criticism of this hydrating conditioner is the size - I wish it came in a bigger tub!
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
Key ingredients
Manuka Honey - acts as a humectant bringing moisture to hair
Mafura Oil - softens and promotes healthy hair
African Rock Fig - loaded with antioxidant vitamin C which protects and keeps hair looking vibrant
There are no sulphates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil or synthetic colour in this shea moisture deep conditioner.
How to use: Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Deep Conditioner can be left on for as little as 5 minutes and up to 30 minutes for extra conditioning.
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
I’ve mentioned this hair masque in a previous washday post. I first bought it in Target whilst in the US and then received another two sachets of shea moisture manuka honey deep conditioner in a TreasureTress box last year. I’ve since bought the the full sized tubs of Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque. It is very rich and creamy and I find it is especially hydrating in the colder months due to manuka honey in the product which acts as a humectant to help attract moisture from the air and infuses hair with moisturise. My coils are always left looking shiny too!
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask
Key ingredients
Unrefined cocoa and mango butter - natural moisturisers
Pure blue algae - helps prevent thinning and breakage
How to use: You can leave Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask on for 20 minutes or for extra-conditioning you can leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask
Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask is fast becoming one of my favourites of all time and is one of the best that I have used this year (as I’ve mentioned in a previous camille naturals rose review). This deep conditioning hair mask smells so yummy - literally like mint, chocolate vanilla ice cream! I find that it melts into my hair making detangling a breeze and leaves my coils poppin. It’s a similar size to the mielle organics mongongo deep conditioner but has a thicker consistency.
Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Key ingredients
Sea Kelp - mineral rich nutrient seals and smoothes the hair cuticle
Argan Oil - restores shine while helping promote hair elasticity
Organic Shea Butter - deeply moisturises while conditioning hair and scalp
There are no sulphates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil or synthetic colour in this deep treatment masque.
How to use: Like the manuka honey intensive hydration hair masque this raw shea deep treatment masque can be left on for 5 minutes or up to 30 mintues and can be used for a streamer for added hydration.
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Just smelling this Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque alone takes me back to the earlier days in my natural hair journey. I used this range a lot along with the rest of the raw shea butter range whilst battling two textures and after I chopped off my relaxed hair ends. There is also a lovely raw shea butter restorative conditioner in this shea moisture range which can also be used as a leave in conditioner. This shea moisture deep conditioner has a fresh scent, detangles well and is perfect for dry, damaged or over processed hair too.
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Tips for Deep Conditioning Natural Hair
To get the most of these deep conditioners and any deep conditioner in general I’d recommend using low heat. This can be under a warm hooded dryer but let’s be real a hooded dryer is not cheap and take up space so a more economical alternative try a Hair Flair Deluxe Softhood Bonnet Hair Dryer Attachment with a blowdryer. Alternatively, you can simply use a shower cap and wrap if it a warm towel or use a heated shower cap which can be warmed up in the microwave. Deep conditioning with heat opens up the cuticles so that the conditioner can penetrate your hair.
Also, deep condition regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) but make sure you are not over deep conditioning your hair. Depending on how my hair feels I sometimes opt for a deep treatment that has a balance level of moisture and protein or incorporate a protein treatment into my regimen (I share some moisture-protein/protein treatments in another post soon…). Please note everyone's hair is different and if your hair becomes weak/limp then instead then change how often you give your hair a deep conditioning treatment.
Another great deep conditioning tip is to super-boost your deep conditioner with add oils like Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil and honey especially if your hair is feeling super dry. I find this gives my deep conditioners an extra boost, added slip and more goodness. The deep conditioners mentioned in this post are all fine to use on their own but when I am feeling a bit extra or if my hair is feeling very dry. You can also find most of the products mentioned on LOOKFANTASTIC UK.
Lastly, always rinse your deep conditioner out with cool water because this closes the cuticle of your stands, helping to prevent frizz and promote a healthy shine.
How often do you deep condition your hair? What are your favourite deep conditioners? Also do you have any additional tips for getting the most out of your deep conditioner? I’d love to know! Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for stopping by!
Krista x
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Healthy and clean scalp is the foundation for healthy hair and to help you get the best results from your conditioners, protein treatments and stylers. So, if your goal is to retain length and to have healthy, nourished hair, shampooing regularly is essential.