A deep conditioner is a staple product in a curly girl’s product lineup. We use so many products and techniques that a deep conditioning session can help to rejuvenate our curls and bring them back to life. While searching for a deep conditioner, it is best to look at the ingredients. Some curlies are protein sensitive, which means that an overload of protein can strip the hair of moisture and make the hair stiff. Not sure if you are protein sensitive? Check out this article Are You Protein Sensitive? Find Out Now. On the other hand, if you are not protein sensitive and do use protein treatments, it is important to alternate between using protein and protein-free treatments so that you do not experience a protein overload. Here are 10 protein-free deep conditioners to help you find your balance.
10 Protein-free Deep Conditioners
Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
This deep conditioning treatment has shea butter and cocoa butter and will leave your curls moisturized and shiny. This conditioner also comes in three fragrance options, including fragrance-free. This is a great option for curlies who are sensitive to scents.
Great for: Scent-sensitive curlies
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
If your curls are burned out from too much summer sun, try a deep treatment with this product to see if your curls come back to life. The Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment will rejuvenate your curls and give them the moisture they need. This treatment includes aloe, herbs, and butters for bouncy curls.
Great for: Rejuvenating damaged curls
As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner
The intensive conditioner will not only moisturize your hair but will also strengthen your curls. This will help with manageability, which is a great way to prep for your styling session.
Great for: Manageability when styling
Bee Mine Bee-U-Ti-Ful Deep Conditioner
The cupuacu butter in this product maintains moisture and helps with elasticity. This product also provides protection from the sun.
Great for: Spending time outside
Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner
This deep conditioner has a good amount of slip, which is great for detangling. It will leave your hair free of tangles and moisturized. A little goes a long way with this conditioner.
Great for: Detangling
Karen’s Body Beautiful Secret Weapon Restorative Hair Treatment
Looking for a pre-shampoo treatment? Try the Secret Weapon Restorative Hair Treatment. It can help strengthen and moisturize your hair before you even shampoo!
Great for: Pre-pooing
OBIA Natural Hair Care Babassu Deep Conditioner
Babassu oil is formulated in this deep conditioner to help repair and strengthen the hair. The conditioner has good slip for detangling and has a mild scent for curlies who do not like overwhelmingly fragrant products.
Great for: Repairing and detangling
MYHoneyChild Honey Hair Mask
This hair mask includes honey, which will help with moisture. Are you experiencing a dry and irritated scalp? The honey can also help soothe the scalp.
Great for: Soothing dry scalp
EDEN BodyWorks JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner
If you are experiencing dry and brittle hair, try this conditioner. It includes jojoba, monoi, and coconut oil to help repair and moisturize the hair. This product also smells great!
Great for: Moisturizing brittle hair
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Purification Masque
This masque is another good option if you are experiencing a dry and irritated scalp. Plantain enzymes are included to help soothe the scalp. If you are experiencing product buildup or just want to detox your hair, this is a good choice.
Great for: Detoxing hair and scalp
Protein Ingredients
Not sure what to look for on your product label?
CurlyNikki provided this list of protein in her Identifying Proteins & Humectants in Hair Products article:
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed casein
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed collagen
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed hair keratin
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed rice protein
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed silk
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl silk amino acids
- Cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
- Cocoyl hydrolyzed keratin
- Hydrolyzed keratin
- Hydrolyzed oat flour
- Hydrolyzed silk
- Hydrolyzed silk protein
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Keratin
- Potassium cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
- TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
- TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein