The 12 Best Conditioners for Natural Hair to Keep Your Curls Hydrated

Experts agree that Olaplex No. 8 is one of the best deep conditioning masks to use. Master hair stylist and colorist Andoni Wasaya suggests clients use this product because it's been studied and guaranteed as a reparative mask that makes hair 2x shinier, 4x more moisturized, and 6x smoother than before use. Olaplex No. 8 gives the hair more body and makes it feel silkier and healthier. Win, win, win. Wasaya also suggests using Olaplex No. 3 repair treatment before use of No. 8 for best results.

Known on Instagram as Hairmistress, Julisa Anderson certifies that a good hydrating conditioner usually contains water-based silicone to coat the hair and help seal in hydration. Mizani, like any good conditioner, stalls the cuticle to lock hydration into the hair.

Famed makeup artist Vassilis Kokkinidis loves this conditioner because it prolongs the natural health of the hair. "The proteins included in this conditioner combined with vegetal extracts, like red algae and moringa flower, strengthen and smooth the hair fiber while restoring softness and giving shine instantly," he says.

Ebony Bomani, stylist at The Mane Choice, says this her new go-to. "It’s infused with superfoods and conditioning fatty acids that strengthen, hydrate, and deeply nourish the hair. You’ll experience an improvement in moisture retention and the integrity of your hair within the first couple of uses," she says.

For Emmy Award–winning celebrity hairstylist Kiyah Wright, whose clients include Ciara and Jennifer Hudson, this conditioner is a must. "It contains zinc pyrithione, which relieves scalp irritation, and zinc carbonate, which better moisturizes the scalp to fight flakes, plus hydrating ingredients for long-lasting hair moisture.”

This conditioner not only makes hair easy to detangle while taming frizz, but it was actually co-created with the help of 5,000 real women with natural hair. It's a favorite from Ursula Stephen, celebrity hairstylist to clients like Zendaya and Rihanna. "It's a buttery conditioner that provides incredible slip across all different curl types."

As the name suggests, you can kiss the frizz goodbye with this restorative conditioner. "It moisturizes but also has the added benefit of protecting your strands from UV rays and free radicals," says Patti Vaccaro, master stylist and education director.

Emily Heser of Cutler Salon has been loving using this conditioner in conjunction with the Cold Processed Scalp Detox treatment because it's moisturizing without weighing down the hair. "Scalp treatments are super important for those with curly hair. Buildup from product use and life can cause irritation, itchiness, and dryness. Having a well-cleansed and moisturized scalp is very important when looking for healthy hair and volume."

Use this as an alternative to washing your hair, Carolyn Aronson, CEO of It's a 10 Haircare, says. "It's a gentle cleanser and conditioner all in one and will keep really frizzy hair moisturized and healthier."

This weekly hair mask is filled with healing ingredients like moisturizing avocado oil and jojoba seed oil. "It protects your hair from environmental stressors like sunlight, dry air, and pollution," Courtney Goebel, client education lead at eSalon, says. "When you're finished using it, you'll notice a significant difference in how soft and moisturized your hair feels."

This no-fuss treatment is great because it's infused with mango butter and watermelon, which help nourish, moisturize, and condition your hair. "Your hair will be left feeling silky, healthy, and detangled," Vaccaro says.

If you frequently use a curling iron, flat iron, or blow-dryer, then this conditioner is for you. "It allows you to comb your hair with ease and gives you soft hair that is deeply moisturized while fully nourished and ready for styling again," Kokkinidis says.