Transitioners face a lot of unique struggles in their pursuit of natural hair. One of the biggest challenges is preventing breakage at the line of demarcation between the new natural hair and the heat damaged or relaxed hair. Preventing breakage is key to avoid extreme thinning of ends, and having to cut hair prematurely. One of the best lines of defense against this breakage is having a great deep conditioner, and walking the line between moisture and protein.
Here are the top moisturizing and strengthening deep conditioning treatments for transitioning hair, and why they work.
10 Deep Conditioners for Transitioning
1. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Based in super-softening shea butter and loaded with ultra-nourishing argan oil, sea kelp, avocado oil and more, this creamy deep conditioner packs a moisturizing punch perfect for transitioning hair. Shea butter softens hair and increases manageability, while Vitamin A and E rich argan oil supports scalp health, hair elasticity, provides UV protection, and prevents damage from free-radicals. Sea Kelp helps seal the cuticles of the hair, promoting shine and moisture retention.
2. Alikay Naturals Honey & Sage Deep Conditioner
This super moisturizing conditioner is made from some of the most hair and scalp nourishing ingredients out there. Coconut and olive oils both penetrate the hair, guarding against protein loss in washing and everyday handling while providing moisture, softness, shine, and elasticity. Honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture to the hair and preventing brittleness and breakage. Sage stimulates the scalp, promoting hair growth and thickening hair overall.
3. Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Conditioner
Although not listed as a “deep” conditioner, this warm pumpkin pie-smelling product has climbed to the top of the charts for both transitioners and naturals. Packed with vitamin and nutrient-rich pumpkin seed oil, this conditioner hydrates, soothes, stimulates, protects, and repairs damaged (and healthy”> tresses. Pumpkin seed oil is rich in beta carotene (from Vitamin A”> and zinc which both stimulate growth and prevent hair loss. The conditioner is super rich, and provides perfect moisture to damaged and healthy tresses.
4. Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner
Another fan favorite, this deep conditioner is full of some of the best ingredients for natural hair – aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango seed butter. Aloe vera soothes, adds shine, and helps hair retain moisture and strength by closing the cuticles. All three butters promote softness, moisture, shine, and elasticity – making this an ideal treatment for dry hair in dire need of moisture.
5. Pura Body Naturals Chocolate Hair Smoothie
Indulge your senses in this delectable dessert-smelling deep conditioner with zero guilt. Full of antioxidant rich cocoa powder and cupuacu butter, this deep conditioner helps prevent UV damage, promotes strength, shine and elasticity, while improving moisture and suppleness of hair thanks to the high fatty acid content of cupuacu.
6. Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioner
Designed with a moisture/protein balance in mind, the amino plus protein deep conditioner loads stressed tresses with essential amino acids necessary for healthy hair growth, while strengthening hair with rice, corn, and soy proteins. Although it is a protein conditioner, it does not leave hair brittle and dry. In fact, thanks to the moisture and elasticity promoting aminos, aloe vera, and glycerin, hair is nicely moisturized, and incredibly soft and smooth afterward.
7. Komaza Care Protein Hair Strengthener
If your hair is in dire need of a strengthening treatment (increased breakage and weak hair”>, this is the one. Filled to the brim with hydrolyzed keratin, collagen, jojoba protein, and wheat protein, this strengthening deep treatment is guaranteed to help curtail breakage and increase tensile strength. Because it is so full of proteins that fill in gaps and mend chipped cuticles, it does require the use of a moisturizing conditioner afterward.
8. Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque
Based in Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Mango Seed Butter, this deep conditioning treatment combines moisturizing, strengthening, nourishing, volumizing, and thickening into a one-stop treatment for transitioning hair. Yucca Root has amazing anti-inflammatory and growth promoting properties, while omega-rich Baobab rejuvenates hair and increases strength, elasticity, softness, and shine.
9. Shescentit Okra Hair Repair Reconstructor
Okra has a bad reputation. The crunchy outsides mixed with slimy insides grosses most people out. It just may be time to give Okra a second look. That same slime that turns most people off is like a love potion for damaged hair. High in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, and Magnesium, Okra helps strengthen and reverse damage caused by chemicals, excessive heat, and manipulation. The Okra Hair Repair Reconstructor also contains hydrolyzed soy protein, keratin, and wheat amino acids to help strengthen, prevent breakage, and repair damage along the hair shaft.
10. Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Grow & Strengthen Treatment Masque
This super strengthening Shea Butter based deep conditioner contains two oils that pack the moisturizing and strengthening punch necessary for transitioning hair to thrive. Indian Hemp is a ceramide-rich oil essential to the cohesion of the hair cuticle. Hemp oil and other ceramides are known to protect and/or repair the hair fibers. In particular, they have a barrier effect which limits the loss of proteins. Hemp also reinforces cuticle cohesion, which gives the hair more strength and liveliness. Tamanu Oil is a nut-based oil known for reducing inflammation and irritation, as well as helping with hair and skin regeneration.
