Using a leave-in moisturizer or lightweight oil on your locs is a good way of restoring some hydration to dry strands, but deep conditioning is the priority. We list the 19 best deep conditioners for locs below.
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In A Hurry? Our Top Picks
| Description | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Top | SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Rinse Out Hair Conditioner 13 oz | Buy on Amazon | |
 | NaturAll Nourishing Avocado Leave-In Conditioner for Dry, Curly, Coily, Natural Hair | 100% Natural, Silicone-Free, Cruelty-Free | 8 oz | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Restoring Conditioner for Extremely Damaged Hair and Over Processed Hair, 12 fl oz , 12 fl oz | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Argan Oil Conditioner for Dry Hair - Nourishing Deep Conditioner for Dry Damaged Hair | Buy on Amazon | |
 | SheaMoisture Hydrate & Repair Conditioner for Damaged Hair Manuka Honey & Yogurt Shea Butter 13 oz | Buy on Amazon |
Should I Deep Condition My Locs?
The short answer is yes, you should absolutely deep condition your locs. Be aware, however, that if your locs are in their starter phase, deep conditioning might actually risk detangling them. Wait until your locs have matured before you start the deep conditioning process.
If you use dye on your locs – either henna or color – you definitely want to be using a deep conditioner. Dye is drying and will exacerbate any breakage or brittleness your locs may already have.
How Often Should I Deep Condition?
Knowing your hair type – whether you’re a 4C or a 3B, for example – can help you clarify a hair care routine for your locs. It helps you start on the right foot with knowing how prone your hair is to dehydration or breakage. You want to nonetheless be moisturizing your locs regularly.
To keep your locs as strong as possible, as well as regularly detangling them, it’s advised that you use a deep conditioner every one to two weeks.
There’s disagreement about whether to use a daily conditioner. If your locs are new, it’s best to wait until they’ve established themselves before even thinking about conditioning.
What Type Of Deep Conditioner Is Best For Locs?
There are various key ingredients to keep an eye out for when purchasing deep conditioners for your locs.
The best products for locs will have oils like olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and black castor oil. Aloe Vera is also good, as are humectants like honey and glycerin are equally important.
All of these ingredients work to deeply penetrate your locks. This helps to moisturize them and restore hydration to hair without weighing it down.
Apple cider vinegar is also a popular ingredient for products designed for locs. It will clarify and remove product build-up. It is also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial so will care for your scalp.
As a side note, be sure to choose a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates have been known to cause dryness in hair, which is a massive no for locs that are already prone to dehydration.
Other Ways Of Keeping Your Locs Conditioned
Don’t Over Wash Your Locs
Remember that, although locs are more prone to build-up, if you over-wash them, your scalp won’t thank you.
You may end up with itchiness and flaking, which in turn might cause very dry breakable locs that quickly thin out. Every one to two weeks will be frequent enough.
Dry Your Locs
That said, when you do wash your locs, be sure that you dry your locs properly. Otherwise, you might end up with them smelling somewhat damp.
Let them air dry or use a low-heat blow dryer but don’t cover them up or tie them together until fully dry.
Don’t twist or pull on them when dry or wet either, as this will cause dryness and breakage.
Wrap Your Locs When You Sleep
When you sleep, you’ll experience friction between your locs and the pillow, particularly if it’s a cotton fabric.
Silk pillowcases are becoming popular because they reduce this friction. They can therefore be used for sleeping with locs.
Alternatively, wrap up your locs with a bonnet or a scarf to prevent breakage overnight.
Oil Your Scalp
It’s as important to oil your scalp as it is to use deep conditioner on your locs. Look for humectants, which contain lots of water to attract moisture to your locs.
Oils are also good for hydrating and sealing in moisture. Remember that natural ingredients are best when looking for oils.
Try a hot oil treatment on your locs for the best effect.
19 Best Deep Conditioners For Locs
1. Shea Moisture Strengthen and Restore Conditioner
With Jamaican black castor oil and the scent of peppermint, this conditioner consistently tops the list of best deep conditioners for locs.
It smooths and nourishes whilst reducing frizz thanks to the Shea butter. The formula is cruelty-free and you also won’t find any silicones, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or petroleum in there.
2. NaturAll Nourishing Avocado Leave-In Conditioner
Avocado hydrates your locs and seals in moisture without weighing it down. The formula is creamy and rich but also lightweight, working to prevent dehydration and brittleness.
All ingredients are natural and there are no sulfates, parabens, dyes, phthalates, or animal testing. We love it.
3. Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Restoring Conditioner
Carol’s Daughter is consistently recommended as a brand that’s great for locs.
With no sulfates, parabens, petroleum, or mineral oil, you can rest assured your locs are getting an all-natural treatment that will deeply penetrate and restore moisture.
Soften and restore your locs and breathe in the delicious almond smell.
4. Maple Holistics Argan Oil Conditioner
Argan oil has been a hot haircare ingredient for a long time, working to nourish and smooth locs in a way that’s color-safe.
The deep conditioner is also sulfate-free and contains ingredients like pomegranate, Shea butter, and sea buckthorn to hydrate hair.
5. Shea Moisture Hydrate & Repair Conditioner
Another deep conditioner from Shea Moisture, this one blends manuka honey for extra moisture and shine, yogurt extract for nutritious nourishment, and mafura oil to soften locs and get them looking their healthiest.
As with all Shea Moisture products, there are no nasties in here and the formula is never tested on animals.
6. Wow Hair Conditioner
Enriched with coconut, avocado, Argan, and jojoba oil, this conditioner bursts with vitamins B5 and E, both of which are important to nourish hair with natural antioxidants.
Coconut is also rich in lauric acid, so has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, whilst the fatty acids of avocado oil prevents hair breakage.
It’s also hypoallergenic and color-safe, and all ingredients are organic and vegan.
7. Arvazallia Professional Series Hydrating Argan Oil Mask
Both a hair mask and a leave-in conditioner, this product will deeply hydrate your locs for softer, moisturized hair.
Sulfate and paraben-free, it also contains high-quality argan oil to boost your locs’ manageability and softness.
Use for five minutes as a mask or leave-inn for longer to really support your hydration levels.
8. As I Am Restore & Repair Jamaican Black Castor Oil Moisturizing Mask
With vitamins C and E, as well as Jamaican black castor oil, this creamy formula is designed to rehydrate dry locs and infuse them with long-lasting hydration.
Vegan and cruelty-free, smooth, and leave on for fifteen to twenty minutes. If you can use a bonnet or shower cap over your locs, the moisture will penetrate even deeper.
9. Okay Honey Leave-In Deep Conditioner
With shea butter, almond, and avocado oils, this conditioner will nourish and strengthen your locs, as well as adding a healthy shine and improving texture.
Honey is a humectant, so draws in moisture, and there are no parabens, silicones, or sulfates in the formula.
10. It’s Natural Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Specially formulated to maximize the moisturizing benefits of coconut, this product is actually a lightweight mist that you can spray on your locs.
But don’t worry, it will still deeply hydrate and fortify your hair, and it can be used daily for regular moisture and shine.
11. Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner
Made for all hair types, this deep conditioner is designed to restore dry and damaged hair with all-natural botanical ingredients.
The babassu oil comes from a palm fruit and contains high levels of sterols and tocopherols to moisturize both your locs and scalp. You’ll get the benefit of fatty acids and natural oils without harmful containers.
The smell is also delicious. Leave on after shampooing for fifteen minutes for an intense moisture treatment.
12. Majestic Pure Avocado and Coconut Hair Mask
Deep condition your locs with the Shea butter, rosehip avocado, and coconut oil in this mask for hydrated hair.
Ginger oil also works to soothe dry, sensitive scalps, working against dandruff and other fungal or bacterial conditions. Color safe, it’s also sulfate-free and is never tested on animals.
13. Lion Locs Co-Wash
This two-in-one product will safely cleanse your locs of any build-up and residue without stripping them of their natural moisture.
It’s unisex and vegan and will reduce breakage but ensure a deep cleanse through natural means. It contains no sulfates or other chemical nasties, and all ingredients are vegan and organic.
Castor oil, Argan oil, mustard oil, and aloe all nourish and get your locs looking their best.
14. Artnaturals Argan Oil and Aloe Hair Mask
Plant-based beauty works to give your locs an all-natural boost of moisture with this mask. Ethically sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free, ingredients are also organic and there are neither sulfates nor parabens.
Argan oil deeply moisturizes whilst aloe vera soothes sensitive scalps.
15. Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner
The high levels of water and honey in this deep conditioner act as a humectant, pulling moisture from the air into the hair.
Completely natural and 90% organic, oils like babassu and sage will quench thirsty locs, and extra virgin olive oil boosts hydration and penetrate deeply into the follicle to replenish moisture.
It’s suitable for both men and women – just smooth onto hair and leave for thirty minutes.
16. DpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Deep Conditioning Hair Masque
Enriched with vitamin B5 and sunflower seed, this mask also benefits from rosehip, avocado, and coconut oils to seal in moisture.
It’s color-safe and will restore elasticity to your locs, and it’s formulated without sulfates, parabens, silicone. It’s also cruelty-free.
17. Eden Bodyworks Natural Deep Conditioner
Jojoba oil, Tiare flower, and tea tree oil are the botanical ingredients in this deep conditioner that works to smooth and repair your locs.
The formula is paraben and sulfate-free, and ingredients are always natural, which is the core of the brand’s philosophy.
18. Palmer’s Olive Oil Deep Conditioner Packet
Yes, it’s a packet, but that doesn’t mean this deep conditioner won’t pack a serious punch for your locs.
Restore moisture, shine, and strength to your locs and repair weaker sections of hair with this creamy formula.
Shea and coconut butter combine with coconut, castor, and olive oil to bring the antioxidants and fatty acids, ensuring deep hydration without sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.
19. Thank God It’s Natural Honey Miracle Hair Mask
With raw honey and olive oil, this mask combines the benefits of a humectant and a sealant to deeply hydrate your locs.
Your scalp will be restored and locs will look smoother and feel healthier. Olive and jojoba oils add vitamins A, E, and D to your hair whilst honey draws moisture in from the air.
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