There are a lot of things you should keep in mind when you make the decision to transition from relaxed to natural, like making sure your hair is carefully detangled, moisturized, and limiting heat on your strands. But another rule that’s important for transitioners is deep conditioning!
Deep conditioning your hair while transitioning is extremely important, especially as your “new growth” — aka your curls — are growing in. Deep conditioning can help with dry, brittle, or damaged hair, making your hair more hydrated, soft, and easier to detangle and style. It also helps with avoiding breakage at the line of demarcation, where your straight hair and curly hair meets. If you’re just now learning what deep conditioning is or you need a refresher, check out our do’s and dont’s of deep conditioning!
Below, we’ve rounded up the top deep conditioners for transitioning hair, meaning these products can work well with multiple hair textures to ensure moisture and hydration. Take a look at our recommendations!
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
This product was one of Naturally Curly’s “Best of the Best” in 2016 because it’s just that dang good — this was even one of my go-tos when I was transitioning! This products is specifically meant for transitioning hair, and targets Dry, damaged hair so it can heal, grow, and strengthen. Ingredients like sea kelp and argan oil help seal and smooth hair cuticles and give hair lasting shine, whether you’re rocking a wash-n-go or a braid out.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner
One of the biggest problems when dealing with transitioning hair is dealing with the effects of heat damaged hair, which causes both textures to be dry and brittle. In the beginning of my transitioning process, I used this Aussie product twice a week to help tackle my heat damaged hair from the beginning. Also, this is a great product to add to my hair before I went swimming, to protect my hair from chlorine damage!
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment
This is a great product because it’s infused with Argan Oil — a type of oil is comprised of Omega 3, that helps prevent hair loss, and Omega 9, which repairs damaged hair follicles. Argan Oil is also good for dry hair, and you can also use it to oil your scalp, an important part of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. The Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment also makes your hair very soft and manageable — great for when you’re detangling your hair before styling!
Camille Rose Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner
This is a pricier option, but Camille Rose knows a thing or two when it comes to preserving your curls. Their Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner is mixed with — you guessed it — blue Green Algae, which has Vitamin B that can help improve hair cell regrowth for stronger, thicker, and longer locks. This product also caters to all hair types, so you can continue to use this long after you transition!
Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner
A popular product with Naturally Curly readers, the Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner not only penetrates the hair follicle to tackle dry and damaged hair, but it also works at the scalp with ingredients like Sage. Sage has stimulating properties that help increase scalp circulation, which promotes promotes skin renewal process of scalp. The honey in this product helps lock in moisture and also contains antibacterial properties!
EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque
Hair Masks are great deep conditioners when you have time on wash day to go through your entire routine. Masks have a much thicker consistency than traditional conditioners you would pair with shampoos because they are made to coat your strands entirely. This product is not only a great masque, but also has ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which help soften, strengthen, and moisturize hair.
What’s your favorite deep conditioner you’ve use or currently use for transitioned hair? Let us know in the comments below!
