Deep Conditioners and Hair Masks

Deep conditioners,  also called hair masks,  are ideal for those who suffer from dry or damaged hair. Designed for every day use, these hair care products will help to put the life and moisture back into hair that needs it. Those who have normal or colour-treated hair can also benefit from these deep treatments, but they should only be used about once a week. If you have fine or limp hair, a deep conditioner is not usually recommended. These can weigh fine hair down and just cause it to look more lifeless. Leave-in conditioners  are a good alternative for those with fine hair that is dry.

Deep conditioners usually contain ingredients that are more 'fatty'. These are silicone based, and work to coat and protect hair from natural elements, heat, styling, and breakage. These conditioners are best at taming wild, frizzy hair. Since the ingredients are so important in a deep conditioner, you might need to spend more than you're used to for the highest quality.

Quick Picks

Below are some picks for moderately and high priced products.

Cheap $
Avon Hair-Care Planet Spa Olive Oil Hair Mask  This product is great for those with very dry hair. It smells nice and it is also nicely priced.	Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner  This conditioner is not moisturizing enough to be used only once a week, but on a dialy basis it can restore the moisture that your hair is missing.	Redken Smooth Down Butter Treatment  This can be used daily if you have very dry hair, otherwise it can be a refreshing conditioner for weekly use.	Paul Mitchell Super Charged Moisturizer  A weekly treatments for normal to dry hair.	Nexxus Humectress  Humectress can be used as either a leave in or a deep conditioner. Usually, unless your hair is seriously fried, it works better when washed out.

Other options that are less than $20 are:

• L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Mega Moisture Hair Treatment 
• Nexxus Emergencee Strengthening Polymeric Reconstructor 
• L'Oreal Vive Color-Care Masque, for Color Treated or Highlighted Hair 
• Aussie 3-minute Miracle 

Steep $$$
Darphin Creme Mask Shea Butter  Darphin's product contains shea butter, jojoba, and other essential oils. This creme mask is great for those with very dry hair since it is intensely moisturizing. For those who do not need as much moisture, try Darphin's Conditioning Care with jojoba oil.  It's half the price, but still conditions intensely.	Fresh Sugar Shea Butter  Fresh Sugar Shea Butter is a super conditioner, but if you're looking for something less expensive, Jason Natural Cosmetics shea butter  costs around $10 for the same sized product. Another option is Frederic Fekkai Shea Butter Conditioner.	Ojon Conditioner  Ojon oil (palm nut oil) has been praised for its conditioning effects. The shampoo is also great, except these products tend to be very expensive. Some might not like the smell of this product, so consider an alternative. Phytokarité Ultra Nourishing Conditioner  also uses natural oils, but has a much better smell.	Kérastase Masquintense  Kérastase products are known for being expensive, but they are also known for creating amazing hair care that yields great results. This specific product is an amazing moisturizer. Note that it is fragrance-free, which may be appealing to some and annoying to others.	Bumble & Bumble Damage Therapy Masque  This Bumble and Bumble product won the CEW 2005 award for best conditioning treatment.

Related Buying Guides

• Conditioners
• Shampoos
• Leave-In Conditioners