16 Best Curly Girl Approved Deep Conditioners In 2023

Adding a weekly deep conditioner to your Curly Girl routine can really help you elevate your curls to the next level. We’ve found 16 Curly Girl approved deep conditioners that work for all hair types and which won’t break the bank.

curly girl approved hair mask

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What Does Curly Girl Approved Mean?

The Curly Girl Method was invented by Lorraine Massey, the author of Curly Girl, the Handbook. The method is essentially a curly hair care regime that works by ditching hair products that contain harmful ingredients, as well as avoiding the use of heat styling tools.

The method doesn’t just work for curlies but can be used by wavies and even those with straight hair.

For a product to be deemed ‘Curly Girl approved’ it must not contain the following ingredients:

  • Sulfates
  • Silicones
  • Drying alcohols
  • Parabens

Now avoiding parabens is more of a personal choice seeing as they don’t actually affect your curls. However, Lorraine Massey discourages the use of parabens seeing as they have recently been linked to general health concerns.

Don’t worry, none of the products mentioned in this article contain parabens, so you’re good to go.

Also check out my beginner’s guide to the Curly Girl Method.

Why Use A Curly Girl Approved Deep Conditioner

Adding a hair mask to your Curly Girl routine is a great choice. Not only can a deep condition help moisturize your locks, but it can help restore the damage which has been done by chemical processing or heat styling tools.

Hair masks can also help to prevent and combat hair breakage and split ends as the ingredients are often more nourishing than those in regular conditioners.

Furthermore, deep conditioning can actually improve your hair’s elasticity.

The benefit of choosing a Curly Girl approved deep conditioner is that not only do you get all of the essential benefits of a hair mask, but you avoid ingredients such as silicone.

Silicone has the ability to make your hair soft, but unfortunately, it can also create a waxy barrier around each hair strand.

This means that it’s harder for moisture to enter and it is, therefore, easier for your hair to become dry and brittle.

This can sometimes cause a condition called protein overload and you’ll need to ensure you are not using any protein products to reverse the condition.

How Often Should I Use Deep Conditioner On The Curly Girl Method?

Ideally, you should deep condition once a week to really see any benefits. However, many curly girls actually use hair masks or deep conditioners as regular CG conditioners on wash days.

This is because deep conditioners tend to be a bit thicker in consistency and so work well for creating clumps which in turn creates curls!

It’s completely up to you which CG conditioner you choose to use, but know that you can use any of the Curly Girl approved hair masks below on regular wash days.

For a weekly deep conditioning treatment, try this routine:

  1. Soak hair completely.
  2. Co-wash your curls as per your normal wash routine.
  3. Apply Curly Girl approved deep conditioner. Ensure you use enough water.
  4. Put on a deep conditioning cap (optional) and leave for 30 mins.
  5. Rinse out the hair mask and finish your routine as per usual.

The reason why you should use a deep conditioning cap is that you can heat it up in the microwave. Heat is a great way to open up your hair cuticles which allow for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft.

Also Read: Why Do The Ends Of My Hair Curl Outwards?

Where Can I Buy Curly Girl Approved Deep Conditioners?

Nowadays you can buy Curly Girl approved products pretty much anywhere.

You can get your Curly Girl approved deep conditioner at your local supermarket, the pharmacy, online at Amazon as well as Target and Walmart.

If you’re in the UK, Boots and Superdrug are ideal places to visit.

Popular brands include:

The important thing is to make sure that the products you want to buy do not contain any of the harmful ingredients mentioned above.

If you’re looking for other Curly Girl approved products, check out these posts:

16 Curly Girl Approved Deep Conditioners

1. Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Banana 3-in-1 Dry Hair Mask Treatment

Curly girl approved hair mask

By far one of the most popular products amongst CG followers is the Hair Food range from Garnier Ultimate Blends.

This Curly Girl approved Banana Hair Food mask is a 3 in 1 intensive hair treatment that works well both as a regular conditioner as well as a deep conditioner. The product contains blended banana and Shea butter and leaves dry hair feeling intensely nourished.

A fantastic lightweight conditioner with maximum impact.

Note: Contains Sodium Hydroxide


2. As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner

Curly girl approved hair mask

The As I Am Hydration Elation Conditioner offers an intensive moisture treatment for brittle and damaged hair.

It helps by moisturizing deep within the hair shaft and protects weak areas and repairs split ends. This product contains sugar cane, green tea, apple and lemon, shea butter, and vitamin E.


3. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Masque

Curly girl approved hair mask

This Curly Girl approved hair mask from Curls offers an intensive reparative treatment guaranteed to prevent breakage. It contains blueberry extract, aloe leaf juice, and chamomile extract which helps to protect your natural curls.

Use once a week as part of your CG routine for bouncy, soft, and hydrated curls.


4. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque

Curly girl approved hair mask

The Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque helps to lock in moisture while transforming damaged hair into stronger, healthier frizz-free hair.

Contains certified organic Shea butter, honey, and Marufa which helps to smooth, detangle and define your curls.

Use once a week as a deep conditioner.

Note: Newer versions of this product contain isopropyl alcohol and are not CG approved. Old formulas are safe but ALWAYS check the ingredients before using.


5. Garnier Ultimate Blends Papaya Hair Food 3-in-1 Mask Damaged Hair

Curly girl approved hair mask

The papaya hair food from Garnier is used by CG followers all over the world. It has a creamy yet light-textured consistency and can be used for co-washing, conditioning, and as deep conditioning hair treatment.

The Curly Girl approved papaya hair mask visibly reduces split ends even after just one use and contains hydrating Papaya and Alma extracts to replenish moisture to dry and dull hair.

Note: Contains Sodium Hydroxide


6. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque

Curly girl approved hair mask

This restorative treatment conditioner from SheaMoisture helps to prevent breakage. If you are experiencing shedding since starting the CG Method, this is also a life-saver.

It is formulated with Jamaican black castor oil as well as Shea butter and offers an intense deep condition. A firm favorite amongst many followers of the Curly Girl Method and works particularly well on heat-damaged and chemically treated hair.

Note: Contains water-soluble silicones


7. Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Natural Deep Conditioner

7 Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Natural Deep Conditioner

The Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner helps to repair your curls’ natural shine from over-processing, damage, and dryness.

The formula contains moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and castor seed oil which strengthens the hair from the inside out. Chamomile and tea tree oil have also been added to provide scalp care.

An intense Curly Girl approved hair mask that restores your curls’ natural beauty.


8. Garnier Ultimate Blends Argan Oil & Almond Cream Hair Mask

Garnier Ultimate Blends Argan Oil & Almond Cream Hair Mask

This Argan Oil & Almond Cream Hair Mask from Garnier is perfect for those with dry and unruly hair. Argan oil deeply nourishes damaged hair and helps to restore shine and vigor to your curls.

The hair mask has a creamy consistency yet a lightweight feel that doesn’t weigh down your hair. Use once a week as a deep treatment mask for optimal results.


9. Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment

Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment

The Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment is a moisturizing treatment mask that is thick, creamy, and helps repair and restore damaged hair. It helps to soften and bring back life and shine to otherwise dull and unruly curls. Use once a week for 30 minutes as a deep treatment mask.

Can also be used as a leave-in conditioner for thicker hair textures. A really great product from Jessicurl that delivers great results.


10. Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner

Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner

The Algae Renew Deep Conditioner from Camille Rose is full of incredible ingredients to help revitalize your curls. The formula contains a blend of blue-green algae, mango, and cocoa butter, as well as 65 minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

A fantastic deep conditioner that will help restore damaged hair.


11. Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment

Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment

This intensive treatment from Bouclème is definitely a high-end product but according to its customers, it’s absolutely worth it. The formula is designed to strengthen your hair and protect it against both environmental stressors as well as breakage.

Can be used as a hair mask or a leave-in. Use once a week for soft, bouncy curls.


12. Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment

Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment

The Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment is a great investment for those in need of rejuvenating their locks. The mask is deeply hydrating and helps to restore thirsty and over-processed hair.

Made from 97% natural ingredients, this hair treatment will rescue your dry curls and transform them into shiny, smooth, and defined curls.


Also Read: The Problem With Low Poo Shampoos (And Alternatives To Use!)

13. Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Crush Yogurt Mask

Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Crush Yogurt Mask

This nourishing Curly Girl approved hair mask from Garnier is great for CG followers who need a budget-friendly moisturizing deep treatment. The mask has a light-weight consistency that doesn’t weigh your hair down yet leaves your curls feeling silky smooth.

This mask is enriched with almond milk and organic Agave sap and delivers optimal hydration for your hair.


14. Garnier Ultimate Blends Macadamia Hair Food 3-in-1 Mask Dry & Unruly Hair

Garnier Ultimate Blends Macadamia Hair Food 3-in-1 Mask Dry & Unruly Hair

This coconut and macadamia hair food from Garnier is another budget-friendly and popular CG friendly conditioner.

Use 3 ways for either co-washing, conditioning, or as a deep treatment, the hair food nourishes and conditions dry and thirsty hair. Contains 98% natural ingredients and blended with coconut oil for additional moisture.

Use daily as part of your wash routine or weekly as a deep conditioner.

Note: Contains Sodium Hydroxide


15. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner

Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner

This is a replenishing organic hair conditioner from Mielle. It works by reducing frizz and flyaways and infuses your hair with protein and rich hydration. The unique formula is made with babassu oil that contains sterols and tocopherols which helps protect your scalp.

You’ll also find fatty acids, natural oils, and complex amino acids that hydrate and give shine to your curls.


16. Eden BodyWorks Almond Marshmallow Split End Repair Masque

Eden BodyWorks Almond Marshmallow Split End Repair Masque

This split end repair masque from Eden can help you say goodbye to breakage for good. A hydration restorative deep conditioning treatment infused with coconut oil, almond oil, and aloe vera for optimum hydration.

The masque also contains marshmallow root which helps to smooth hair and seal in moisture.


curly girl approved hair masks

Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.