Looking for the best deep conditioners for 4c hair? Here are 11 great deep conditioner options for you to try to suit your hair needs!
updated 9/13/23
What Makes 4c Hair Texture So Unique?
4c hair texture is known as the tightest curl pattern of all the curl types. The strands are typically shaped in a tightly packed, spring like coil or z pattern.
Because type 4c textured hair is so tightly compact in all of its glory, it tends to portray the most shrinkage out of all hair types and can exhibit more vulnerability to dryness as a result.
Keeping this texture moisturized and lubricated is essential in maintaining the health and integrity of the strands, as excessive dryness can eventually lead to significant breakage overtime.
What Is Deep Conditioning?
Deep conditioning is the process of using a cream based product that is specifically targeted to penetrate the hair strands, rather than just coat them.
Using a deep conditioner that is activated by heat for 20-30min increases the intake of the product into the hair strands, by opening up the pores on the hair to allow maximum penetration of the product into the hair.
You can choose to use a hooded cap, hooded dryer or a steamer for indirect heating options when using your favorite deep conditioning treatment or hair mask.
What Are The Benefits Of Deep Conditioning?
Deep conditioning has so many benefits that can not be overlooked. Whether your hair is feeling extra dry, brittle or weak, a deep conditioning hair mask or treatment is usually the first option to remedy.
Here are some known benefits of deep conditioning:
- Improves shine
- Improves elasticity
- Revitalizes moisture levels
- Strengthens and repairs
- Reduces breakage
- Reduces split ends
- Help with color protection
No matter what your hair might be going through, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding products that will suit your needs. Always use a clarifying shampoo before using your deep conditioner of choice, so that you have a clean slate to work with.
How Often Should I Deep Condition My Hair?
Depending on how dry your hair is, you will want to start off with trying to deep condition at least once per week.
If your hair shows no signs of breakage, dryness or loss of elasticity, you should be okay with deep conditioning 2-4 times per month.
Pay attention to your hair and be mindful to clarify your hair of any product buildup, so that your deep conditioner is not being blocked by product buildup on the strands and can work at its maximum potential.
Can I Sleep With Deep Conditioner In Overnight?
It is highly recommended to avoid sleeping with your deep conditioner in your hair overnight, even though it can be very tempting with severely dry hair. Using a deep conditioner that goes beyond its labeled recommended instructions, puts your 4c hair at risk for damage.
The damage can appear in the form known as hygral fatigue, which is when too much moisture is penetrating the hair shaft. You might start to notice over time that your 4c hair feels limp, gummy or weak to the touch.
If you have used a protein based deep conditioner and kept it in overnight, you can experience protein overload which results in the hair feeling straw like over time and make the hair prone to breakage. Follow the directions on the label and you should have no issues.
Remember that the amount of time that is recommended on a deep conditioner is an indication of the maximum time for active penetration of the product into the hair shaft. Anything after that recommended time frame, will be the product just sitting on/in the hair with no real purpose.
What Is The Difference Between A Deep Conditioner and A Leave- In Conditioner?
A deep conditioner is meant to be absorbed into the hair for a certain amount of time (usually 15-20min), with the help of indirect heat before being rinsed out. Deep conditioners are typically thicker in texture and are formulated with heavy butters and oils.
After continuous use, a deep conditioner can really help to improve the overall texture, look and feel of the hair. At a microscopic level, deep conditioners are formulated with molecules that are small enough to be absorbed into the hair strand, rather than just sitting on top of it.
A leave- in conditioner is a conditioner that is used once your basic conditioner or deep conditioner has been rinsed out completely. They are meant to coat the hair and act as another layer of moisture and strengthening before going in with a styler.
Leave in conditioner however, is not meant to be rinsed out. This comes in handy as a second layer of protection on the hair before going in with heavy stylers, especially if your hair tends to get frizzy and/or is exposed to extreme weather conditions.
This post is all about the best deep conditioners for 4c hair.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
1. Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner
- Packed with vitamins for intense moisture
- A strengthening treatment containing blue green algae
- Contains mango butter which aids in locking and sealing in the moisture
2. Alodia Deep Conditioning Masque
- Contains peppermint oil (a natural antiseptic) which helps to restore balance to dry and itchy scalp
- Contains honey, avocado and silk amino acids to restore moisture and strengthen hair
- 100% organic and Nut Free
3. Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner
- Packed with fatty acids and natural oils from the Amazonian palm fruit Babassu
- Helps to effectively replenish dry and damaged hair
- Contains both moisturized and protein ingredients for an all in one powerful combo treatment
4. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Hydrating Conditioner
- Protein Free
- Contains Saharan African Mongongo Oil which helps to maintain intense, long lasting hydration
- Leaves hair soft and silky after use
5. Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Moisture Mask
- Provides a buttery dose of hydration to significantly dry hair stands
- Contains Mango butter, Shea butter and Coconut oil which aids in less breakage, increased length retention and healthier hair
- Leaves hair stronger, shinier and amazingly soft
6. TGIN Honey Miracle Mask
- Contains honey which helps to reduce shedding and breakage
- Honey is also a natural humectant which helps to keep hair moisturized
- Packed with a powerhouse of oils such as Olive and Jojoba to help lock in the moisture and promote shine
7. As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner
- Moisturizes hair shaft from the inside out
- Effectively smooths cuticle layer
- Strengthens damaged or weakened hair
8. Oyin Handmade What The Hemp Deep Conditioner Moisture Mask
- Contains Hempseed oil to hep strengthen and nourish strands
- Organic Hempseed oil and raw shea butter contain fatty acids that penetrates the hair shaft and acts a protective barrier
- Melts all tangles away
9. Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Hair Mask
- Clinically proven to strengthen damaged hair
- Shown to decrease hair breakage after 2 uses
- Helps to improve hair strength, silkiness, shine and elasticity of hair
10. The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Antidote Hair Mask
- Significantly helps to reduce frizz
- Loaded with fatty acids Omega 3, 6 and 9
- Intensely penetrates all layers of the hair shaft
11. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil
- Provides intense moisture properties
- Hydrates and replenishes the hair strands from within
- Antioxidant rich to help restore hair and scalp
Final Thoughts On The Best Deep Conditioners For 4c Hair:
With all the beauty that makes up 4c hair, it tends to get dryer a lot faster overtime when compared to other textures. Following a hair routine of once per week, every other week or even once per month is essential for the best results! Always use indirect heat when deep conditioning 4c hair, as it will have a much better chance of the treatment actually being absorbed.
This post was all about the best deep conditioners for 4c hair.
Other Posts You May Like In Conditioning:
Can You Leave Conditioner In Your Hair (Without Damaging It)?
