Hair in need of some TLC? These targeted treatments could be just what your locks need
If your hair is feeling fried or frazzled, it could be time to take your conditioning regime to the next level. Deep conditioners and hair masks, much like face masks for skincare, can be the perfect addition for helping to take your ends from dry and dehydrated to soft and shiny.
They’re far from an SOS, use once-in-a-blue-moon, solution though – they’re a weekly staple. "Prevention is key; mending hair is so much harder than looking after it," says Adam Reed, a top hair stylist and founder of Arkive. "My advice is don’t wait until your hair is damaged, dry and dehydrated, instead always keep your hydration level high. Using a mask once a week in place of conditioner allows you to maintain a strong, high moisture level in the hair."
Deep conditioners are a great addition to your haircare routine for helping fight the effects of general wear and tear (whether from too much heat styling or hair colour). Here, the experts reveal what to look for in a deep conditioner and their top application tips for achieving healthier-looking, happier lengths.
What should you look for in a deep conditioner?
When it comes to looking for a deep conditioner that works for you, choose one that caters to your hair type and your hair needs if possible.
"There are strengthening, moisturising and nourishing products, but ultimately, you want a mask that incorporates all three key benefits, to help prevent future damage," says Adam. You’ll often find ingredients like humectants (such as glycerin), emollients (like oils and butters) and proteins on their labels.
Texture-wise, heavier doesn’t always mean better: especially for those who have fine hair. "Not many people can wear heavy face creams, this is exactly the same for hair," says Adam. "Skincare has evolved, moving towards more lightweight, airy formulas, and haircare is making the same transition."
For those with curls and coils, the porosity of your hair can provide a guide.
"If your hair’s low porosity (a hair type that doesn’t absorb water or oils easily), using heat can help your hair absorb the product better," explains Dionne Smith, Cantu UK’s natural hair education expert and celebrity hairstylist. "For high porosity (hair that easily absorbs oils and water) or damaged hair, use a deep conditioner that contains amino acids. For hair that’s on the brittle side, opt for deep conditioners that contain ingredients, such as coconut oil or olive oil, as these will help improve hair elasticity."
How often should you deep condition your hair?
Weekly is a good rule of thumb. Those with curls and coils may want to do it more often though. "Opt for once a week at first and if you find that your hair becomes dry within those seven days, increase your deep condition to two times a week," says Dionne.
What is the best way to deep condition hair?
Just like skincare, how you apply a deep conditioner can make all the difference.
"Make sure you apply the deep conditioner to freshly washed hair, paying special attention to the ends of your hair," recommends Dionne.
If you have curly or coily hair, Dionne suggests covering your hair with a steaming cap (or a plastic cap) to give it a moisture boost.
And don’t be afraid to switch it up. "Alternate between a protein conditioner, such as Cantu’s new Guava, Ginger and Rice Water Protein Masque, and a moisturising deep conditioner like Cantu’s Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque," recommends Dionne. The mixture of oils and protein helps soften and strengthen, bringing the benefits of both. And Cantu’s eye-catching colour-coded panels make it even easier to find your perfect Cantu treatment combo.
When should you apply a deep conditioner?
Usually a deep conditioner should be the last step of your haircare regime. However, it can also be the first. "You can pre- and post-treat the hair," says Adam. "For a pre-deep conditioning treatment, apply the product to dry hair and distribute it using a brush – it’s all about spending time working it through the scalp and hair. Then, apply shampoo directly onto the hair.
"It’s important to note that you don’t want to put water on first – simply rinse the shampoo out after you’ve applied it on top of the conditioning treatment and then follow it up with your post-wash conditioner."
If your hair’s particularly parched, this technique may give it a noticeable moisture boost.
Should you rinse your hair after deep conditioning?
Yes. "One of the most common problems we (hair stylists) find with deep conditioning is that people do not rinse their hair long enough," Adam tells us. "Rinsing is key, because you don’t want those heavier ingredients that come with a thicker mask to sit on the surface of the hair – this can affect your styling."
One to two minutes of rinsing should be enough to ensure you’ve got all the suds out, but be mindful as this is longer than you think! Hair should feel clean (though not necessarily squeaky), with no product build-up left on strands.
How long should you leave a deep conditioner on for?
There’s no hard and fast rule, according to Adam. However, he highlights that you’re likely to absorb most benefits in the first few minutes. "Most deep conditioning products stop working after around three to four minutes as your hair can’t absorb any more product after this time," he says. "So it doesn’t massively benefit the hair to leave the treatment on any longer.
"Having said that, some people love the luxuriousness of leaving a deep conditioning treatment on. For example, with a deep conditioning process like oiling (also known as 'slugging' thanks to the viral TikTok trend). The ancient ayurvedic tradition of lathering your hair in oil prior to going to bed and rinsing it all out in the morning is a great way of nourishing the hair, helping to lock in moisture and seal any deep conditioning treatment into the hair. However, it’s my personal belief that your hair will have absorbed its maximum capacity after approximately four minutes. The key thing is taking into consideration the balance and the moisture level you’re looking for."
Those with curls, coils or textured hair who are more prone to dryness could find leaving a deep conditioner on for longer especially helpful. Dionne provides a guideline of 15 to 30 minutes – the perfect amount of time to sit back and sip a mug of hot chocolate in our experience.
Can rinsing a deep conditioner out with cold water be helpful?
If you’re looking for some extra gloss, try turning the temperature down. "I always recommend rinsing with cold water, as it helps give the hair a lovely shine," says Adam. "It also helps give your scalp an instant boost by encouraging healthy blood flow."
10 of the best deep-conditioning products at Boots
Whatever your hair type, need or budget, these nourishing picks have gone down a treat with members of team H&B, as well as fellow Boots customers. Here are 10 of our favourites.
For more great deep conditioners, shop the full Boots range.
Best lightweight deep conditioner
Try: Arkive The Future Youth Treatment Mask, £14
• Size: 180ml
• Suitable for vegans
• Cruelty-free
• Certified B Corp
If you’re searching for the benefits of a deep conditioner without the heaviness, this is for you. "It doesn’t feel thick or heavy or leave excess residue on the hair and scalp," says Adam. "Infused with hydrolysed ingredients to deeply penetrate the hair, it helps smooths, moisturise, nourish and de-frizz, without leaving the hair with added weight."
Best deep conditioner for curly hair, coily hair and waves
Try: Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque, £7.99
• Size: 340g
• Silicone-free
Bathe lengths in this moisturising mask to intensely hydrate hair, from root to tip. Infused with shea butter, it’s a welcome balm for stressed-out ends that enhances natural texture and helps hair look its healthiest.
Best strengthening deep conditioner for curly and coily hair
Try: Cantu Guava & Ginger Protein Masque, £9
• Size: 283g
• Silicone-free
Weak, brittle hair has met its match with this pick that’s formulated with guava, ginger, rice water and rice bran protein. It’s a great deep conditioning treatment to alternate every week with a more moisturising mask.
Best deep conditioner for dehydrated hair
Try: L’Oréal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic 72h Moisture Wrapping Mask, £7.99
• Size: 300ml
Bringing the benefits of skincare hero hyaluronic acid to your hair, this replenishing deep conditioner works a treat for strands suffering the dehydrating effects of colour or heat damage. Formulated to help bring body and bounce back to lifeless lengths, fine hair types will particularly like its lightweight feel.
Best deep conditioner for dry hair
Try: Garnier Ultimate Blends Smoothing Hair Food Coconut & Macadamia 3-in-1 Hair Mask, £6.99
• Size: 390ml
• Vegan
• Silicone-free
Designed for ‘hangry’ lengths in need of deep nourishment, this hydrating hair mask, enriched with coconut oil and macadamia, helps dry, curly hair come back to life. And it’s not just a rinse-out hair mask, as it can also be used as a conditioner and leave-in conditioner. We love multitaskers.
Best deep conditioner for damaged hair
Try: John Frieda Miracle Drops Damage Repairing Hair Mask, £2.49
• Size: 25ml
We all need an SOS treatment in our back pocket for those days when we need results fast – and this vitamin E oil-infused treatment fits the bill. Its handy 25ml size makes it perfect for squeezing into your hand luggage for weekends away, too.
Best deep conditioner for extra dry, textured hair
Try: Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque, £3.49
• Size: 59ml
This deep conditioner in a sachet ticks a wide range of smoothing and strength-supporting needs, thanks to a cocktail of shea butter, honey, mafura and baobab oils and African rock fig. The ideal pick-me-up for stressed strands.
Best value deep conditioner for dry, damaged hair
Try: Boots Ingredients Moisture Mask with Hyaluronic Acid, £4.50
• Size: 200ml
This pick proves you needn’t spend big to get big results. Containing hyaluronic acid and cold-pressed extra virgin chai seed oil (try saying that three times fast), it helps add silkiness and shine to dry hair that’s in need of some much-needed moisture.
Best deep conditioner for bleached hair
Try: Andrew Fitzsimons Virgin Repair Mask, £13
• Size: 250ml
• Cruelty-free
Formulated with ceramides and castor oil, this detangling and deeply conditioning mask helps restore elasticity and flexibility to dry, bleached and damaged hair. It also adds shine and softness, making it a must-try for the breakage-prone.
Discover more of the best deep conditioning products in Boots’ full range.
All prices correct on date of publication
