While you might be well versed in your regular shampoo and conditioner hair care routine, have you ever stopped to think whether you might benefit from a deep conditioner? The primary role of a deeper, more intensive conditioner is to imbue hair with extra moisture and repair damage caused by over-processing, over-styling and even everyday things like too much brushing.
Deep conditioners, which many brands label as treatment masks, are also a good option if you suffer from frizz and flyaways, or if your hair is prone to breakage; the extra emollients and humectants help strengthen hair and improve its resilience. To help you on your way to healthier, more hydrated hair, here is Vogue’s pick of some if the best deep conditioners around.
The best deep conditioners at glance:
- Living Proof No Frizz Intense Moisture Mask,
£29, £21.75 - Sam McKnight Deeper Love 5-Minute Intense Treatment Mask, £48
- L’Oréal Paris Elvive Rapid Reviver Dream Lengths Long Hair Power Conditioner,
£6, £5.40 - Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask,
£52, £39 - Dizziak Deep Conditioner,
£22, £16.50 - Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Intensive Treatment,
£38, £28.50 - Kérastase Nutritive Intensely Nourishing Rich Hair Mask,
£43.05, £30.41 - JVN Hair Nurture Intense Hydration Mask,
£29, £21.75 - K18 Hair Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask,
£30, £22.50 - Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Mask, £32, £23.90
- Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask,
£33, £24.75
In this article:
Best for lifeless hair: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: One of the standout stars of the brand’s collection, this deep conditioner goes further than a regular formula and is the perfect option for anyone whose hair feels lacking in vitality. Their own Nova complex contains a blend of B vitamins, collagen, algae and rosehip and argan oils which means it’s well placed to encourage shine, hydration and manageability.
- Size: 236ml
Best for over styled hair: Sam McKnight Deeper Love 5-Minute Intense Treatment Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: This five-minute deep conditioning mask is infused with plant keratin to strengthen hair and repair any damage caused by over styling, heat damage and over-processing. It also claims to repair split ends after just one use, thanks to a host of vitamins and omegas and the brand’s RepHair™ and Crodabond™ complexes which reinforce and restore damaged hair cuticles.
- Size: 200ml
Best for textured hair: Dizziak Deep Conditioner
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Excess frizz and damage caused by harsh chemicals can be hard to manage but this thick deep conditioning treatment contains oils like babassu, inca inchi and coconut oil to imbue hair with plenty of softness and hydration and make hair more manageable.
- Size: 200ml
Best for all hair types: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Intensive Treatment
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A cult classic for a reason, this long-standing hair hero delivers intense elasticity and hydration to the hair cuticle to transform its texture and shine. The formula contains ingredients like hydrolysed elastin, castor oil, olive oil and glycerine, which make light work of damage and frizz.
- Size: 150ml
- Why we love it: “All hair needs a reliable option for those times when it’s been put through too much, and this is my go-to. It works really quickly to soften and smooth and my hair always feels healthier after I use it,” – Georgia Day, Vogue beauty contributor.
Best for affordability: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Rapid Reviver Dream Lengths Long Hair Power Conditioner
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Hair that’s longer can often look drier and more ragged than shorter length, simply because there’s more of it. we love this deep conditioner because its formula is loaded with things like amino acids to repair breakage and fortify, as well as castor oil to add elasticity and shine.
- Size: 180ml
Best for colour treated hair: Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Prickly pear seed oil is the hero in this luxurious formula, helping repair damage, seal split ends and reinstate smoothness. Hair texture and shine is improved while the intensity of colour is more vibrant.
- Size: 250ml
Best for improving shine: JVN Hair Nurture Intense Hydration Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Aside from the impressive ingredients list that contains keratris, a vegan alternative to keratin derived from upcycled oranges, this treatment mask claims to infuse hair with moisture for up to 72 hours. Hemisqualane, derived from bio-fermented sugarcane also improves hair health and strength for glossier, swishier strands.
- Size: 236ml
- Why we love it: “I love using this when I’ve put my hair through a lot of heat styling because I can really feel the difference after I use it. My hair is always shiny and generally just feels stronger and more elastic,” – Georgia Day Vogue beauty contributor.
Best for fine hair: K18 Hair Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: K18 is renowned for being a deeply reparative product line, so it stands to reason that their deep conditioner takes that ethos seriously. Claiming to repair damage and restore hair to its glory in just four minutes, the formula contains the K18PEPTIDE™ that improves hair strength and elasticity, reduces split ends and helps prevent breakage and colour fade. It will also reinstate lost moisture but only very gently so if you have fine, limp hair then you need not worry about weighing it down.
- Size: 15ml
Best for a pampering ritual: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Aside from the heavenly scent of this buttery, whipped intensive treatment, regular use will save your strands from feeling dry, brittle and papery. The blend of mango butter, banana and coconut cream is like a huge drink for thirsty hair, helping
- Size: 237ml
Best for frizz: Living Proof Frizz Intense Moisture Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If your hair still feels dry, brittle and a bit damaged even after conditioning regularly, you might want to try this formula that uses lactic acid to improve tangles and manageability as well as a host of other ingredients that plump strands with moisture and add softness.
- Size: 200ml
Best for very dry hair: Kérastase Nutritive Intensely Nourishing Rich Hair Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Enriched with polymers and niacinamide, this heavy-duty treatment mask works well on medium to thick hair that’s in need of some intense repair and nourishment. Use regularly to transform dry, brittle strands into hair that’s soft, shiny and infused with hydration.
- Size: 200ml
FAQS
How can I tell if I need a deep conditioner?
According to Michael Gray, Living Proof stylist, you can tell your hair needs a deep conditioner if it is drier, frizzier and more out of control than usual.
What’s the difference between a regular conditioner and a deep one?
Deep conditioners tend to contain more humectants and emollients that work to address dryness and frizz and add moisture back to the hair. They also tend to be left on the hair for longer to give the ingredients more of a chance to work. “A regular conditioner is for detangling, moisturising and softening your hair after cleansing with shampoo,” explains Gray, “but it only works on the surface of the strands. A deep conditioner is for a longer-lasting treatment that restores, repairs and rebuilds your strands from the inside out. A deep conditioner is a heavier consistency of product compared to a regular conditioner.”
What ingredients should I look for in a deep conditioner?
“Some of the ingredients you should look for in a deep conditioner are glycerin, cetyl alcohol, amino acids, helianthus annuus (sunflower),” says Gray, who recommends Living Proof’s Triple Bond Complex and Restore Leave in Conditioner as good places to start.
How often can I use a deep conditioner?
Depending on the condition of your hair, once or twice a week should suffice; think of a deep conditioner like you would a skincare peel or deep exfoliant.
How do I use a deep conditioner?
“Apply a generous amount from root to end,” suggests Gray. “Massaging the scalp to stimulate hair growth and then working through the mid-lengths and ends. Brushing through with a detangling brush for even consistency and to work the product in more. Leave on for the recommended time and rinse thoroughly.”
