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These Expert-Approved Deep Conditioner Treatments Will Rejuvenate Dry, Damaged Hair

Strands feeling limp and lifeless lately? These treatments will bring that luster back.

By Arielle Tschinkel
deep conditioner treatments for hair

You might not give too much thought to your haircare routine—after all, it's pretty much just about shampoo and conditioner, right?

Perhaps, but sometimes, your classic "lather, rinse, repeat" just isn't cutting it, and suddenly you're noticing your strands are in need of a little extra loving. That's where a deep conditioner treatment comes in to save the day—and your strands.

Not sure if you need one? Angel Cardona, a top stylist with Sebastian Professional, explains why this is the extra step your haircare routine might be missing. "A deep conditioner tends to be a thicker, richer, stronger conditioning treatment that will strengthen, repair, and/or hydrate your hair," he says. "They're typically left on for a little bit longer than a regular conditioner so hair can reap the full benefits. Deep conditioners are helpful because they tend to treat issues that a normal conditioner isn’t capable of. If the hair is dry and simply needs hydration, or if the hair is very fragile and needs more protein to strengthen it, these are both good reasons to use a deep conditioner."

Cardona says that "any and all hair types can benefit from using a deep conditioner. The state of your hair is the real factor as to which type of deep conditioner may be best for you."

Not sure where to start? Cardona's pro tip: "First you should run your hands down the length of your hair, and if it simply begins to get rougher you may just need to focus on a hydrating deep conditioner. If when you run your hands down your hair, it tangles, breaks, and you begin to notice a lot of shedding or loose hair in your hands, you should most likely reach for a repairing deep conditioner."

Keep reading to see our top picks for the best deep conditioner treatments on the block for your hair's unique needs.

1
Best for Dry Hair

Sebastian Drench Deep Moisturizing Treatment

Drench Deep Moisturizing Treatment
1
Best for Dry Hair

Sebastian Drench Deep Moisturizing Treatment

$19 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

Whether it's harsh winter weather that has your hair in need of some TLC or you battle dryness year-round, Cardona calls this strand-loving treatment "amazing" for those who need to lock in a healthy dose of moisture.

2
Best Overall

Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
2
Best Overall

Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Credit: Sephora

Not only do celeb stylists rely on this cult-favorite brand to keep their famous clients' hair healthy and glossy, but this treatment works its magic on all hair types, thanks to its breakthrough technology that helps repair broken bonds and supports strands from root to tip. If your hair is damaged from chemical, heat, or other color treatments, or you simply need a boost of hydration, this blend of botanical oils will baby your strands and bring them back to life in a matter of minutes. Yep, it's that good.

3
Best Budget-Friendly Deep Conditioner

Raw Sugar Raw Sugar Mighty Hair Cream Leave-In Conditioner

Raw Sugar Mighty Hair Cream Leave-In Conditioner
3
Best Budget-Friendly Deep Conditioner

Raw Sugar Raw Sugar Mighty Hair Cream Leave-In Conditioner

Credit: Target

Softer, stronger strands at the same cost as your morning latte? Yep, you better believe it. This all-in-one cream will help transform hair from root to tip, eliminating frizz and smoothing split ends as it restores your hair's vibrance.

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4
Best for Curly Hair

Sebastian Professional Twisted Elastic Treatment

Professional Twisted Elastic Treatment
4
Best for Curly Hair

Sebastian Professional Twisted Elastic Treatment

Credit: Amazon

Cardona loves this treatment for curly hair, as it shields against frizz-causing humidity, while locking in moisture to prevent dryness and boosting elasticity. The end result? Bouncy, gorgeous, head-turning curls.

5
Best for Fine Hair

Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner

Deep Conditioner
5
Best for Fine Hair

Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner

Credit: Ulta

Fine hair tends to be more delicate, which is why you need a deep conditioner that won't weigh hair down and make it feel or look oily or greasy. Enter this hydrating (but never heavy) blend of safflower seed oil and castor oil, which work together to protect the integrity of fine hair without weighing it down.

6
Best for Natural Hair

The Mane Choice Prickly Pear Paradise Leave-In Conditioning Cream

Prickly Pear Paradise Leave-In Conditioning Cream
6
Best for Natural Hair

The Mane Choice Prickly Pear Paradise Leave-In Conditioning Cream

Credit: Ulta

As stylist Ebony Bomani told Oprah Daily: "If your goal is to strengthen and hydrate, try this superfood- and fatty-acid-rich conditioning treatment. It improves moisture retention, plus enhances the hair's natural integrity after just a few uses."

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7
Oprah-Approved Deep Conditioner

Many Ethnicities Leave-In Conditioning Cream

Leave-In Conditioning Cream
7
Oprah-Approved Deep Conditioner

Many Ethnicities Leave-In Conditioning Cream

Credit: Sally Beauty

Oprah's longtime stylist, Nicole Mangrum, keeps her star client's hair healthy and vibrant with the help of this buttery leave-in cream, which she called one of her "favorite products." Haircare star players in this rich formula include shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil, and avocado oil for the ultimate in softness and shine.

8
Best Conditioning Hair Mask

Sebastian Sebastian Dark Oil Lightweight Mask

Sebastian Dark Oil Lightweight Mask
8
Best Conditioning Hair Mask

Sebastian Sebastian Dark Oil Lightweight Mask

Credit: Ulta

Cardona loves this lightweight mask for all hair types, noting that "it will have your hair feeling silky smooth and shiny." It's formulated with hair-loving oils like jojoba and argan oil, along with the brand's signature intoxicating fragrance for an almost-too-good-to-be-true vibe.

9
Best for Thinning Hair

Virtue Flourish Thickening & Hydrating Mask for Thinning Hair

Flourish Thickening & Hydrating Mask for Thinning Hair
9
Best for Thinning Hair

Virtue Flourish Thickening & Hydrating Mask for Thinning Hair

Credit: Sephora

Changes to your hair's texture (including thinning or increased fall-out) can be distressing, and you might not be sure which products will help prevent hair loss while still protecting existing strands. This protein-rich product includes skin-soothing niacinamide and calming camellia leaf extract to prevent scalp irritation, while keratin, biotin, and rice protein help restore luster, minimize breakage, and boost new strand growth.

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10
Best for Wavy Hair

Wella Wella Nutricurls Mask

Wella Nutricurls Mask
10
Best for Wavy Hair

Wella Wella Nutricurls Mask

Credit: Ulta

Another recommendation from Cardona, this nutrient-rich conditioning treatment works wonders to prevent frizz and promote shine, particularly in curly and wavy hair types.

11
Best for Damaged Hair

Sebastian Penetraitt Masque

Penetraitt Masque
11
Best for Damaged Hair

Sebastian Penetraitt Masque

Credit: Ulta

If your hair is damaged from styling and coloring, Cardona recommends this deep conditioning mask. It's designed specifically for chemically treated hair, which is more vulnerable to breakage and split ends. With regular use, he says, its "reparative properties add more strength back into your hair."

12
Best for Air-Dried Hair

Rita Hazan Smoothing Creme

Smoothing Creme
12
Best for Air-Dried Hair

Rita Hazan Smoothing Creme

Credit: Amazon

Even if you're a no-fuss, "get up and go" kinda gal, you'll still want to protect your tresses from environmental pollutants, which can latch onto hair and impact your overall scalp and hair health. This leave-in treatment is safe for all hair types and textures, fighting frizz and boosting shine in spades, without irritating ingredients like sulfates, phthalates, or parabens.

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13
Best for Heat Styling

Dae Cactus Flower Leave-In Conditioner

Cactus Flower Leave-In Conditioner
13
Best for Heat Styling

Dae Cactus Flower Leave-In Conditioner

Credit: Sephora

Protecting your tresses from heat damage is of utmost importance, and that's where this restorative leave-in styler and conditioner comes into play. Not only does it protect against heat up to 450°F, a nourishing blend of botanical extracts leaves hair feeling soft and bouncy, helping to prevent breakage, repair damage, and enhance shine. Added bonus: It's also cruelty-free.

14
Best for Sensitive Scalps

Triviso Watermelon Crush Hair Mask

Watermelon Crush Hair Mask
14
Best for Sensitive Scalps

Triviso Watermelon Crush Hair Mask

Credit: Triviso

If you've got sensitive skin or a scalp that freaks out easily, don't fret. This watermelon-infused hair mask is filled with gentle vegan ingredients (such as grapeseed oil, avocado oil, and rice powder) and free of potentially irritating ones (like sulfates and parabens) so your hair will feel healthy and strong without itchiness, redness, or discomfort.

15
Best for Bleached Hair

Matrix Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Reviving Leave-in Treatment

Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Reviving Leave-in Treatment
15
Best for Bleached Hair

Matrix Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Reviving Leave-in Treatment

Credit: Ulta

Blondes may have more fun, but bleached hair absolutely needs to be babied to protect strands from breakage, splitting, or falling out. Whether you're working with platinum, dark caramel, or a blonde hue in between, this bond strengthening treatment is a must-have in your haircare arsenal.

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16
Best Deep Conditioner for Travel

Procter & Gamble Anti-Frizz Booster Conditioner Mix-In

Anti-Frizz Booster Conditioner Mix-In
16
Best Deep Conditioner for Travel

Procter & Gamble Anti-Frizz Booster Conditioner Mix-In

Now 33% Off
Credit: Walmart

Just as travel can wreak havoc on skin, it can do the same to your strands. But if you're a busy girl on the go, we don't blame you for wanting to pare your packing down to the absolute must-haves. Stash these single-use conditioning shots into your carry-on so your hair can look and feel its best no matter the climate of your destination.

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