Christina's Choice 2014: Best of the Best Deep Conditioners for Natural Hair


Continuing my end of the year round up, we come to the deep conditioners that have held it DOWN for me in 2014. This is probably the hardest list of the lineup to compile -- because I've tried SO many deep conditioners this year, and liked a good number of them. In the deep conditioner department, I doled out a lot of 4's and 5's -- and even recommended many of them to some of you all. But there's a tremendous difference between like, love, and holy-grail-I-never-want-to-run-out-of-ever-in-life aka if-you-ever-stop-making-this-I-will-flood-your-customer-service-inbox-into-oblivion.

Needless to say, I had some tough calls to make. I thought long and hard about what products I have kept in constant rotation. Without further delay, here are my picks:

Best of the Best


Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask
$15, www.ulta.com
Come on, you knew this would be at the top of the list! I seriously don't know where my hair would be without Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask. It was love at first jar. I can't say enough about how much I love this deep conditioner. It hits all the marks -- slip, shine, softness, strength, affordability, and an epic buttery smoothness that is virtually unrivaled. I don't know how they do it, but I hope they never stop. Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask Review

TGIN Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner
$15, www.tginatural.com
I've been rocking with TGIN ever since I learned they existed (in my transitioning days) and with good reason. I love their stuff -- from start to finish. I already marked the Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo as a holy grail, and I would be in complete denial if I did not include the Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner. I know, I know. It's not technically a deep conditioner. But guess what? It behaves like one. If I had to choose between Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner and Honey Miracle Hair Mask in a showdown, I'd ride with Triple Moisture every. Single. Time. It smells amazing, has magnificent slip, conditions like a dream, hydrates, and leaves the hair feeling supple and strong with a wonderful shine. Oh, and the shampoo-conditioner duo is always on sale at www.tginatural.com. What's not to love about getting a winning duo at a discount? TGIN Product Line Review

Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment
$17, www.hydrathermanaturals.com
Another transitioner throwback -- I have a special place in my heart for Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioner. It was the first moisture-protein balancing treatment that gave my transitioning tresses life more abundantly, and I have kept a bottle in the stash ever since. It's a protein treatment that soften and moisturizes the hair, and doesn't leave it brittle or hard at all. And, it's one of the few deep conditioners that utilizes amino acids to replenish lost proteins in the hair. Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment Review

ApHogee Curlifc Texture Treatment 
$10, www.sallybeauty.com
I'll admit, when ApHogee dropped their Curlific line, I gave them the side-ist of side eyes. But the product junkie in me would not allow me to stay away from line, and I purchased all four Curlific products in January of 2014. Of the four, Texture Treatment is the standout, hands down winner. This product is multifaceted and epic. I've used it to pre-poo, and witnessed how with a little heat from the hooded dryer, how the treatment melts tangles. I've used it to deep condition, and gained a whole new appreciation for products that can perform in 10 minutes or less. The Texture Treatment is nothing short of amazing, and I absolutely cannot get enough of it. ApHogee Curlific Texture Treatment Review

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque
$12, www.sheamoisture.com
In the year of Shea-Moisture-Releases-Fifty-Leven-Product-Lines-With-Obscenely-Long-Product-Names, there were several that I tried, and liked well enough. But the stand-out and unlikely hero of them all was from their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line. It's funky-colored and smells like play-doh, but it works like a charm. It smooths, hydrates, adds shine, has nice slip, and gives me a buttery smoothness practically on par with Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask. I didn't want to like anything from the JBCO line, but I fell in love with the Treatment Masque after I was two seconds away from giving up on the brand. Well played, Shea Moisture. Well played. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque Review
Honorable Mentions
These products didn't make the holy grail list, but I'd be remissed if I didn't mention them. Maybe they'll take center stage in 2015!

Mystic Divine Nourishing Masque
$9, www.sallybeauty.com
For the longest time, I had zero interest in this product. It sat in the back of my deep conditioner drawer for months, and I could kick myself for not digging it out sooner. I honestly can't even craft a good excuse for why it took me so long to give it a try. I'm glad that I finally did, and I am on the verge of declaring my love for Mystic Divine Nourishing Masque. If for no other reason, the buttery smoothness I feel upon rinsing is virtually enough to win me over. I've purchased a second jar, just to see if it's real. Look for a review reaaaaaally soon.

Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor
$8, Sprouts
Another deep conditioner that flew under my radar is Giovanni's Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor. I like it...a lot. It delivers all that buttery goodness without silicones and other non-CG friendly ingredients, but I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how it works. It's supposed to be a reconstructor and fill in damaged cuticles with proteins, but...I don't see any proteins on the list. Maybe this is an answered prayer for protein-sensitive ladies? After I spend more time with Nutrafix, (I'm on my 2nd or 3rd tube), I'll have a review for you guys!

Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner (not pictured)
$9, www.sallybeauty.com
If you followed my Max Hydration Method experiment, then you know Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner was my ride-or-die deep conditioner. I used it for virtually every wash day, and it held me dowwwwwwn. After I was done with the MHM, I liked the Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner well enough to keep it in rotation for a while, but I fell off in the repurchase area about a month and a half ago. The truth is, it's a wonderful deep conditioner -- I just struggle to make room for it in an already robust deep conditioner lineup. It's great, and I know that if some sort of freak accident occurred and I couldn't get my hands on my top 5, Eden BodyWorks would undoubtedly be my 6th man.

TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask
$15, www.tginatural.com
Yes, another TGIN product. I put Honey Miracle Hair Mask in the honorable mentions because as I previously mentioned, I'd pick Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner every time. But don't count Honey Miracle out just yet! It's a wonderful and effective moisturizing deep conditioner, full of humectants and rich oils that leave my hair feeling soft, shiny, and detangled. Oh, and it smells ah-MAY-zing. TGIN Line Review

Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask
$40, www.ouidad.com
Another late-comer to the game, I got acquainted with Ouidad's repair mask for dry, damaged hair in late November. I love how it's thick like butter, and soaks right into the hair (in spite of how thick it is). I am really digging everything about the Melt-Down Mask except the price. At $40 for a 6oz jar, it is one of the most expensive products I have put in my hair. Look for a review very, very soon!

I can't believe I actually made it through this list! Up next: leave-ins! Stay tuned!

In case you missed it: Christina's Choice 2014 Shampoos and Cleansers

28 Comments

  1. What about Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque? You seemed to prefer it to the JBCO Treatment Masque. What changed?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wooh I know this takes a lot of work, but THANK YOU!!! I'm sitting here making my shopping list just waiting on the next lists to come out so I can add to it lol.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great article! As long as I have been natural I have yet to try any but the shea moisture deep conditioner I need to step my game up.



    #blm girl
    Rebecca Smith
    www.beccsmith.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Girl! You did this!! Thank you for sharing... I am hopelessly devoted to SheaMoisture's Purification Masque. That masque is BAE for me. But I love TGIN so I may have to try that one out too... great blog! #blmgirls http://www.sistatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I see so many interesting conditioners I need to try. I'm not natural but who doesn't love a good conditioner, thanks for sharing #BLMGirls

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am still on the hunt for my holy grail. I have heard of tgin so I'll give it a try! Anyways, happy holidays! Would love to follow each other #blmgirls

    Bree
    quirkybrownlove.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I liked the effect of the Aphogee conditioner. My only gripe was that it was too perfumey for my liking and lingered in my hair all day. *gag* I'm currently using the Eden Bodyworks deep conditioner and intend to use it up before I purchase something else. I like that after effect as well, but the smell reminds me of a toilet bowl cleaner I used to use. Love this post! #BLMGIRL You've given me other products to look into!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I haven't tried any of the ones you listed above, but I see a few I am considering trying for sure. Have you ever tried out the Mane Choice Deep Treatment? It works great as well.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Someone asked the same question! I still like the Manuka & Mafura, but I had to take a few things into consideration. One, which one did I find myself continually buying more of? Turned out, I kept buying JBCO more (in spite of the smell). Plus, I didn't want to grow super attached to the M&M line since it is a limited collection specific to Target. Now if it becomes a mainstay, then I may change my mind. But don't worry, it's still an amazing product!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks #BLMGirl!!! I haven't tried The Mane Choice, but I most certainly will put it on my list for 2015!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks #BLMGirl!!! You are SOOOOO on point with that toilet bowl cleaner smell!!! Lol! I have been trying to peg down an accurate description forever and that is the ONE!!! Lol. ApHogee is on the perfumey side, but it's weird -- I kinda like it. THanks for the love!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks #BLMGirl!!! TGIN is the truth, one of my favorite all-around brands!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for stopping by!!! I'm really feeling all the #BLMGirls love :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love what that Purification Masque does for my scalp! TGIN though (emoji praise hands) lol. Thanks for stpping by #BLMGIrl!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I tried to leave the following comment on your blog but it wouldn't let me -- I got an error about the built-in comment system being disabled due to disqus :(

    First, fellow #BLMGirl let me say I LOVE your layout! Is it WordPress? I'm hopelessly stuck on Blogger and in need of a better web design. Secondly, one thing I've learned in blogging is how vast our impact can be. God truly does utilize us to reach others through our various platforms. For me, it's less about popularity and getting paid, and more about being a blessing to others.

    ReplyDelete
  16. :) It's a labor of love. My next list went up today! Thanks for the love <3

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for your reply. That makes sense. Thanks for putting these lists together! Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have seen TGIN in Ross / Marshalls if you have it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. please do a review on the ouidad curl recovery melt-down extreme repair mask. is it good for low porosity hair is my biggest question.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am too still on the hunt for the perfect deep conditioner. I want to find one that when I rinse it out my hair feels soft and moisturizer. I tried devacurl heaven in hair (fail and hate the scent), I tried As I am hydration (I love as I am leave in but the the deep conditioner ( not enough slip and left my hair feeling like it had buildup when I rinsed it out. I tried most of the Shea Moisture line (all did not work for me) except the JBCO line which I was not going to try because of the previous disappointments but I think I will go buy it now based on your review. Thanks Christina!

    ReplyDelete
  21. No problem! Definitely check out TGIN and Eva NYC as well!

    ReplyDelete
  22. You got it hon! It's next up on my review list!

    ReplyDelete
  23. If you have a TJ Maxx / Ross Dress for Less / Marshalls I have seen it at least once in those three stores. At least where I live at (NC)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Have you ever tried Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment from Ulta? I've heard good things about it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. My tube of Giovanni Nutrifixx lists glycine soja (soybean seed) extract.
    It's a pretty loose connection to interpret this as the protein! EWG lists it as a conditioner & moisturizer.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I prefer Pro Naturals!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have been using Pro Naturals and works really well for my hair !!

    ReplyDelete