Many people with natural hair (especially those with a 4C texture) know that deep conditioning can be one of the essential steps in their hair care routine. The Best Deep Conditioners for 4C hair help you maintain healthy, soft, and manageable locks by locking moisture into your strands and preventing breakage from happening. This blog post provides a list of the 17 Best Deep Conditioners for 4C hair so you can find the perfect product to suit your needs.
So let’s get right into it!
Our top 5 best deep conditioners for 4C hair:
- Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner (Low Protein)
- TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask (Protein-free)
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque (Low Protein)
- Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner (High Protein)
- Aunt Jackie’s Coco Repair Deep Conditioner (High Protein)
1. Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner (Low Protein)
This deep conditioner from Camille Rose Naturals is an excellent option for those with dry, damaged, or colour-treated hair. It’s infused with organic blue-green algae and other natural ingredients that help to nourish your locks and restore their health. Algae Renew Deep Conditioner is also free of sulphates, parabens, phthalates, and gluten, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
One reviewer said this product “left her hair feeling soft, moisturized and very manageable.”
Ingredient Highlight
Aloe vera juice, Shea butter, Coconut oil, Cocoa butter, Mango seed butter, Hemp seed oil, Manuka honey, Vegetable glycerin, Green tea extract, Jojoba seed oil, Rosehip fruit oil, Grapeseed oil, Evening primrose, Blue-green algae, Biotin, Vitamin E, Peppermint oil
What We Like
- Blue-green alga is a potent antioxidant that helps to smooth the hair cuticle
- Mango butter is a natural emollient that helps to condition and soften the hair
- Hemp seed oil is high in Omega fatty acids, which help to nourish and strengthen the hair
- It contains little protein and is thus suitable for low porosity hair
- Leaves hair feeling thoroughly moisturized and strong
What We Don’t Like
- It comes in a relatively small tub.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deep conditioner that is low in protein, contains natural ingredients, and leaves your hair feeling moisturized and healthy, then we recommend giving Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner a try.
2. TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask (Protein-free)
The Honey Miracle Hair Mask from TGIN is a deep conditioner designed to nourish and revitalize dry, damaged hair. It contains honey, a natural humectant that helps attract and lock in moisture, and other beneficial ingredients such as olive fruit oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
One reviewer said that this product left her hair “feeling softer, silkier and more manageable.”
Ingredient Highlight
Raw honey, Olive fruit oil, Jojoba seed oil, Aloe vera leaf juice, Glycerin
What We Like
- Infused with honey which is a natural humectant that helps to attract and lock in moisture
- Olive oil is a natural emollient that helps to condition and soften the hair
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to nourish and strengthen hair
- It offers a lot of slip and thus detangling kinks and tangles effortlessly
- Smooths hair cuticles and, therefore, controls frizz
- It deeply penetrates the hair shafts for optimal moisture
What We Don’t Like
- Fragrance may not be suitable for users who are sensitive to scents.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for an effective deep conditioner that moisturizes your hair and manages frizz, then we recommend giving TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask a try.
3. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque (Low Protein)
The Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque from SheaMoisture is one of the most nourishing deep conditions for 4c hair. This masque is designed to nourish and replenish dry, damaged hair. It contains honey, known for its moisturizing properties, and other beneficial ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and mafura oil.
Ingredient Highlight
Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Mafura Seed Oil, Honey, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Baobab Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Fig Extract, Mango Seed Butter Aloe
What We Like
- It contains manuka honey which is a natural humectant that helps to attract and lock in moisture
- Hydrolyzed rice protein helps to bind moisture, improves elasticity, and adds shine
- It contains minimal protein effective on both high and low porosity hair types
- Mafura oil, which is high in oleic acid, control water loss while making hair softer and more pliable
- It helps to increase hair volume and fullness
- Leaves hair feeling intensely moisturized and soft
- It provides a lot of slip which is excellent for detangling
- It’s cost-effective as a little goes a long way
What We Don’t Like
- It’s a bit pricey
Bottom Line: If you are looking for an effective deep conditioner that moisturizes your hair thoroughly, then we recommend giving SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque a try.
4. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner (High Protein)
The Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner from Mielle Organics is a creamy deep conditioner that deeply hydrates your hair. It contains babassu oil which helps to maintain moisture in the hair. It also has mint extract, which offers a refreshing scent and other beneficial ingredients such as lavender oil and complex amino acids.
Ingredient Highlight
Babassu seed oil, Apple fruit extract, Glycerin, Acai pulp oil, Pracaxi seed oil, Rosemary leaf extract, Lavender oil, Geranium flower oil, Sage oil, Peppermint oil, Grapefruit peel oil, Wheat amino acid, Soy amino acid
What We Like
- It contains babassu oil which helps to maintain moisture in the hair
- Enriched with complex amino acids that help to strengthen hair
- Mint extract offers a refreshing scent
- Formulated with certified organic products
- It helps to reduce frizz and flyaways
- It safe to use on color-treated hair
What We Don’t Like
- It is not suitable for protein sensitivities.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deep conditioner that helps to strengthen your hair, reduce frizz, and smells great, then we recommend giving Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner a try.
5. Aunt Jackie’s Coco Repair Deep Conditioner (High Protein)
Aunt Jackie’s Coco Repair Deep Conditioner nourishes and repairs dry, damaged hair. It contains coconut oil, which helps seal moisture, and other beneficial ingredients such as shea butter, silk protein, and vitamin E.
Ingredient Highlight
Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Olive Fruit Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Mango Seed Butter, Citric Acid, Honey, Argan Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
What We Like
- Infused with carrier oils that help pull nutrients into the hair shaft
- It contains coconut and avocado oils which help to seal in moisture
- Hydrolyzed keratin and hydrolyzed vegetable protein help to nourish and strengthen hair
- Helps to repair chronically damaged, dry or fragile tresses
- It has a light and pleasant coconut scent
What We Don’t Like
- It is not suitable for protein sensitivities
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deep conditioner to help repair dry, damaged hair, we recommend giving Aunt Jackie’s Coco Repair Deep Conditioner a try.
6. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Conditioner (Protein free)
The Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Conditioner is a moisturizing conditioner that deeply hydrates your hair in just three minutes. It contains Australian avocado oil and jojoba oil, which help to add shine while reducing frizz.
Ingredient Highlight
Avocado oil, Jojoba Oil
What We Like
- Contains natural extracts from an Australian rainforest – including Aloe vera and Lemon myrtle leaf extract
- It is free of sulphates and parabens
- Provides deep hydration in just three minutes
- Affordable price tag and cost-effect as a little goes a long way
- It has a rich and creamy consistency
- Suitable for all hair types, including relaxed and 4C hair
What We Don’t Like
- Also unsuitable if you dislike scented products
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a moisturizing conditioner that deeply hydrates your hair, then we recommend giving Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Conditioner a try.
7. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque (Medium Protein)
The Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque is a deep conditioning treatment that contains raw shea butter and other beneficial ingredients such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil.
Ingredient Highlight
Raw Shea Butter, Glycerin (Vegetable), Olive Fruit Oil, Aloe, Argan Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Carrot Seed Oil, Kelp Extract
What We Like
- Organic raw shea butter seals moisture in the strands
- Enriched with a blend of natural oils that help to nourish hair
- Sea kelp helps to repair dry, damaged, or transitioning hair
- It is also free of sulphates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and mineral oil
- A small amount goes a long way
- It helps to soften and detangle hair while reducing frizz
What We Don’t Like
- It’s not effective for detangling
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deep conditioning treatment containing raw shea butter and other natural ingredients, we recommend giving Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque a try.
8. It’s A 10 Miracle Deep Conditioner (High protein)
The It’s A 10 Miracle Deep Conditioner is a deep conditioning treatment containing hydrolyzed keratin and amino acids. These ingredients help to repair damaged, dry or brittle hair.
Ingredient Highlight
Glycerin, Dimethicone, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Sunflower Seed Extract, Apricot Kernel Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Linseed Seed Extract, Aloe, Hydrolyzed Collagen
What We Like
- It helps to detangle while reducing frizz
- Restores elasticity, strength and adds shine
- Protects hair from sun damage and prevents split ends
- Deeply penetrates the hair shaft to restore structure and seal cuticle
- Light-weight and doesn’t leave hair feeling greasy
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for protein sensitivities
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deep conditioner that repairs dry, damaged hair, we recommend giving It’s A 10 Miracle Deep Conditioner a try.
9. TGIN Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Masque (Low Protein)
The TGIN Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Masque is a deep conditioning treatment that contains raw black honey, coconut oil, and aloe vera. These ingredients help nourish and hydrate the hair.
Ingredient Highlight
Raw black honey, Olive fruit oil, Castor seed oil, Biotin, Agave, Papaya, Ginger root, Monoi, Acai, Marula seed oil, Jojoba seed oil, Aloe vera, Coconut oil
What We Like
- Raw black honey and coconut oil deeply hydrate and nourish the hair
- Helps to repair damaged or dry strands
- Aloe vera and monoi help to soothe and protect the scalp
- It’s free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
- Adds shine to hair and improves manageability
What We Don’t Like
- Unsuitable if you dislike scented products
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deep conditioner containing raw black honey, aloe vera, and other natural ingredients, we recommend giving TGIN Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Masque a try.
10. As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive (Low protein)
The As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner is a deep conditioning treatment that contains coconut oil and other natural ingredients such as shea butter, mango seed butter, and coconut oil. These ingredients help to nourish the hair.
Ingredient Highlight
Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Phytosterols, Mango Seed Butter, Coconut Fruit Powder, Tangerine Fruit Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Lemon Peel Extract, Sugar Cane Extract
What We Like
- Penetrates the hair shaft to promote growth from the follicular level
- It contains herbal ingredients that stimulate the scalp and hair roots
- Provides excellent slip and helps to detangle hair
- Its moisture-to-protein balance is suitable for both low and high porosity hair
- It also smooths and aligns cuticle layer while adding shine
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey for the size of the tub
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deep conditioner containing pure herbal ingredients, we recommend giving As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner a try.
11. EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner (Protein Free)
The EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner is a deep treatment that contains jojoba oil and monoi oil. These ingredients help nourish, hydrate and restore the hair’s natural shine.
Ingredient Highlight
Coconut Oil, Tiare Flower, Glycerin, Jojoba Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Camomile Flower Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Aloe Leaf Extract
What We Like
- Coconut, jojoba & monoi oils to boost hair strength and replenish moisture levels
- Thick and creamy consistency that infuses strands with lasting hydration
- Excellent for dry or damaged hair due to color treatment or over-processing
- Effective for low porosity and protein sensitive hair
- It also provides perfect slip and works well as a detangler
What We Don’t Like
- Unsuitable if you dislike scented products
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deep conditioner that contains nourishing and moisturizing oils, we recommend giving EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner a try.
12. Uniqurl Aloemint Moisturizing & Silkening Deep Conditioner (High Protein)
The Uniqurl Aloemint Moisturizing & Silkening Deep Conditioner is a deep conditioning treatment that contains aloe vera, vitamin E, and silk amino acids. These ingredients help to soften the hair while restoring its natural shine.
Ingredient Highlight
Aloe Leaf Juice, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Sweet Almond Oil, GuarSilk, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Peppermint Oil.
What We Like
- Provides excellent slip suitable for detangling
- Infused with biotin and peppermint to stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair
- It also contains wheat protein that helps to promote strength and prevent breakage
- Aloe vera, sweet almond oil, and shea butter infuse moisture into strands
- Unscented and thus suitable for users with fragrance sensitivity
What We Don’t Like
- Due to the protein content, it may be unsuitable for low porosity hair
Bottom Line: If you are looking for one for the best protein deep conditioners for 4C hair, we recommend giving Uniqurl Aloemint Moisturizing & Silkening Deep Conditioner a try.
13. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Hair Smoothie (Medium Protein)
The Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Hair Smoothie is one of the most hydrating deep conditioners for 4c hair. This hair smoothie contains shea butter, black vanilla extract, olive oil, and other natural ingredients. These ingredients help nourish the hair while restoring its shine.
Ingredient Highlight
Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Buriti Fruit Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Aloe Leaf Juice, Pro-vitamin B5, Vitamin E Acetate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Castor Oil
What We Like
- Penetrates deeply into strands to provide intense hydration
- Cocoa and shea butter intensely moisturize even the driest hair types
- Sunflower oil instantly detangles your hair while giving an extra dose of moisture
- Pro-vitamin B5 and soy protein help to add strength back to your hair
- It has a thick consistency that spreads through hair easily
- Suitable for use on both dry and damaged hair
- Additionally, it reduces frizz and flyaways while adding a healthy shine
What We Don’t Like
- Unsuitable if you dislike scented products
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a protein-rich deep conditioner that penetrates deeply into the hair to provide intense hydration, then we recommend giving Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Hair Smoothie a try.
14. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner (No Protein)
The Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner is a deep conditioning treatment that contains mongongo oil, shea butter, and other natural ingredients. These ingredients help nourish the hair while restoring its shine.
Ingredient Highlight
Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Sacha Inchi Seed Oil, Argan Nut Oil, Mongongo Kernel Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Olive Fruit Oil, Coconut Oil, Amla Fruit Powder
What We Like
- Mongongo oil is high in antioxidants and fatty acids that help infuse moisture
- Shea butter and cocoa seed butter moisturize even the driest hair types
- Nourishes strands while providing long-lasting hydration
- Formulated with organic ingredients
- It is also protein-free and thus suitable for low porosity hair
What We Don’t Like
- Unsuitable if you dislike scented products
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a protein-free deep conditioning treatment with high levels of antioxidants and fatty acids, we recommend giving Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner a try.
15. Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque (Medium Protein)
The Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque is one of the most popular deep conditioners for 4c hair. It contains shea butter, jojoba oil, and other natural ingredients. These ingredients infuse hair with moisture and help to restore its strength.
Ingredient Highlight
Canola Oil, Glycerin, Beeswax, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Mango Seed Butter, Neem Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, Argan Kernal Oil, Aloe Vera, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Sea Kelp Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Silk Amino Acids
What We Like
- It has a thick consistency that deeply hydrates hair without weighing it down
- Free of harmful ingredients such as mineral oils, parabens, and sulfates
- Leaves hair texture feeling enriched and soft
- It is also budget-friendly and cost-effective as a little goes a long way
- Effective for taming flyaways and preventing frizz
What We Don’t Like
- Unsuitable if you dislike scented products
Bottom Line: If you are looking for an ultra-moisturizing deep conditioning treatment that is budget-friendly and cost-effective, then we recommend giving Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque a try.
16. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment (High Protein)
The Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment is one of the more popular protein deep conditioners for 4C hair. It contains manuka honey, yogurt, and other natural ingredients. It helps restore hair’s strength and elasticity while infusing it with much-needed moisture.
Ingredient Highlight
Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Glycerin Vegetable, Honey, Shea Oil, Yogurt Powder, Yogurt Extract, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Butter, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Baobab Seed Oil, Mafura Seed Oil, Allantoin, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
What We Like
- Manuka honey is a natural humectant that helps draw in and seal in moisture
- It is also infused with deep conditioning baobab and mafura oil to restore damaged hair
- Yogurt contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the scalp while helping to retain moisture
- The protein-rich formula helps to restore strength and elasticity to strands
- Leaves hair feeling soft and manageable after use
- It also works well as a pre-shampoo intensive treatment
- Free of harmful ingredients such as mineral oils, parabens, and sulphates
What We Don’t Like
- Unsuitable if you dislike scented products or have protein sensitivity
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a protein-rich deep conditioning treatment, we recommend giving Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment a try.
17. Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask & Leave-In Conditioner Treatment (Protein free)
The Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask is a deep conditioning treatment that contains shea butter and other natural ingredients. It helps restore hair’s strength and elasticity while infusing it with much-needed hydration.
Ingredient Highlight
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Coconut Water, Macadamia Seed Oil
What We Like
- Mask is creamy and easy to apply
- Effective for taming frizz and leaving hair feeling soft and smooth
- Shea butter is a natural emollient that helps to restore elasticity, as well as retain moisture
- Coconut oil deeply moisturizes while helping to detangle strands
- Macadamia oil is rich in fatty acids that help to moisturize and repair damaged strands
- It does not contain mineral oils or parabens, which can cause build-up on strands
What We Don’t Like
- Unsuitable if you dislike scented products
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a natural deep conditioning treatment that intensely moisturizes and repairs damaged hair, then we recommend giving Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask Treatment a try.
Benefits of Deep Conditioning 4C hair
4C hair tends to be dry and coarse, making it difficult to detangle. The best deep conditioners for 4C hair help:
- Restore hair’s moisture balance by deeply moisturizing the strands
- Prevents dryness and breakage
- Leaves hair feeling soft and smooth after use
- It also helps to soften and smooth the hair while reducing frizz
- In addition, deep conditioning can help to strengthen hair strands and improve elasticity
Deep Conditioning Best Practices for Type 4C Hair
For best results when deep conditioning 4c hair:
- Apply a deep conditioning treatment to freshly shampooed and conditioned hair
- Deep condition at least once a week
- When applying the product, focus on detangling and moisturizing damaged areas.
- Leave the treatment on for at least 20 minutes. The longer you leave it on, the more effective it will be
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and apply heat for even better results.
- If you use steam (wet heat), leave the hair uncovered because the heat will help to open the cuticles and allow the treatment to penetrate better
- Rinse out the deep conditioner thoroughly with cool or cold water
How to Choose the Best Deep Conditioner for Your 4C Hair
There is a plethora of deep conditioners for 4C hair available in the market today. So, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
When choosing a deep conditioner, it is essential to consider your hair’s porosity.
High porosity hair requires deep conditioners designed to help seal the cuticles. Such hair types benefit from deep conditioning treatments that contain:
- Butters and oils
- Botanical extracts such as aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender
- Hydrolyzed proteins
- Humectants such as Glycerin and honey
Low porosity hair tends to be drier, making it difficult for moisture and oils to penetrate the strands. If you have low porosity hair, you should look for deep conditioners that:
- Do not contain heavy oils or butter
- Are protein-free
- It may contain humectants to attract and retain moisture
Ingredients to avoid when looking through various deep conditioners 4C hair:
- Mineral oils
- Petroleum-based ingredients
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Silicones
If you are unsure if a product contains any of these ingredients, you can check the product label.