Best Deep Conditioners for Relaxed Hair, 7 Picks 2025

As someone who’s been rocking relaxed hair for years, I know the struggle is real when it comes to keeping those strands healthy, shiny, and strong. Relaxed hair, while beautiful, is chemically altered and can be prone to dryness, breakage, and damage if not properly cared for. That’s where a fantastic deep conditioner comes in – it’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s an absolute must-have in our hair care routine. I’ve personally tried countless products over the years, searching for those holy grails that truly deliver on their promises of moisture, repair, and strength.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask and Deep…	View on Amazon
	Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner Packet, 2.1…	View on Amazon
	Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Conditioning Balm | Deep…	View on Amazon
	Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Moisture Boost Deep Hair…	View on Amazon
	Davines NOUNOU Conditioner | Hydrating Deep Conditioner for…	View on Amazon
	SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque Manuka Honey &…	View on Amazon
	Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner with…	View on Amazon

In this guide, I’ve put my hands-on experience to good use, diving deep into 7 of the best deep conditioners for relaxed hair available today. I’ll share what makes each one stand out, their key benefits, and who they’re best suited for. My goal is to help you cut through the noise and find the perfect deep conditioner to keep your relaxed tresses thriving in 2025 and beyond. Let’s get those strands nourished!

1. Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner

This deep conditioner quickly became a personal favorite for its ability to transform parched, brittle strands into something soft and manageable. It feels incredibly luxurious without being overly heavy, sinking right into the hair shaft. If your relaxed hair is feeling rough, dry, or generally unhappy, this Argan oil-infused mask works like a charm to bring it back to life, leaving it with a noticeable shine and improved elasticity. It’s truly a spa treatment in a jar for your hair.

• Key features:

  • Deeply hydrates and moisturizes dry, damaged hair leaving it soft, silky, and easier to manage.
  • Repairs and restores weak, overprocessed hair improving texture, elasticity, and shine.
  • Infused with argan oil to nourish hair with essential vitamins and nutrients.
  • Sulfate-free and paraben-free, suitable for all hair types including permed, natural, and curly.

• Pros:

  • Delivers intense moisture and softness.
  • Significantly improves hair texture and manageability.
  • Contains argan oil for added nourishment.
  • Free from sulfates and parabens.
  • Leaves hair with a healthy, natural shine.

• Cons:

  • Some users might find the scent strong, though most describe it as pleasant.
  • Not specifically marketed for protein-sensitive hair, so check ingredients if you have concerns.

• Best for: Dry, damaged, overprocessed relaxed hair needing a significant boost in moisture, softness, and shine.

• User feedback summary: Many users rave about how this mask makes their hair incredibly soft and smooth after just one use, noting how much easier their relaxed hair becomes to detangle and style.

2. Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner Packet

Palmer’s has been a household name for quality products for ages, and their Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner is a testament to that legacy. This little packet packs a powerful punch, offering a super creamy, intensive treatment. It’s perfect for those moments when your relaxed hair feels particularly weak, brittle, or just needs a good dose of love to restore its natural strength and shine. Plus, the botanical scalp complex is a nice bonus for soothing any irritation.

• Key features:

  • Deep Hair Conditioner: Give hair a deep repairing treatment with this super creamy intensive conditioner.
  • Penetrates deep to restore moisture and shine and strengthen weak, brittle, dry, and damaged hair.
  • Natural Factors: Antioxidant rich Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a Botanical Scalp Complex help restore moisture and shine while minimizing breakage.
  • Also helps sooth irritation and relieve dry, itchy scalp.
  • Finest Ingredients: Uses natural, raw ingredients; supports sustainable production.

• Pros:

  • Highly effective for strengthening weak and brittle hair.
  • Affordable and convenient single-use packets.
  • Restores moisture and shine impressively.
  • Includes a botanical scalp complex to soothe irritation.
  • Helps minimize breakage.

• Cons:

  • Packet format isn’t ideal for regular, large-volume use (you might need multiple).
  • Some may prefer a tub for easier application.

• Best for: Relaxed hair prone to breakage, dryness, or a flaky, itchy scalp; also great for a quick, intensive repair treatment.

• User feedback summary: People consistently mention the great value and how effectively it transforms their dry, dull hair into something noticeably softer and shinier, even for heavily processed hair.

3. Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Conditioning Balm | Deep Conditioner

If you’re seeking salon-quality results at home, the Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Conditioning Balm is a fantastic choice. This deep conditioner is specifically formulated to tackle very dry, damaged hair, which is often the case for relaxed strands. It goes beyond just conditioning; it intensely moisturizes and works to strengthen your hair against future breakage. The blend of aloe leaf juice, cupuacu butter, and apricot kernel oil makes it feel incredibly nourishing, and I love that it’s paraben-free and safe for color-treated hair too.

• Key features:

  • Hydrating Conditioner: Professional salon solution to repair very dry, damaged hair.
  • Anti-frizz, deep conditioner intensely moisturizes for healthy looking hair strengthened against future hair breakage.
  • Benefits: Anti-frizz hair conditioner that instantly renews moisture for healthy looking hair.
  • Formulated with aloe leaf juice, cupuacu butter, and apricot kernel to help envelop and smooth dry, coarse, and damaged hair.
  • Additional Benefits: Paraben-free formula is formulated specifically for color-treated hair.

• Pros:

  • Provides professional-grade intense hydration.
  • Excellent for reducing frizz and smoothing coarse hair.
  • Strengthens hair to prevent future breakage.
  • Paraben-free and safe for color-treated relaxed hair.
  • Leaves hair feeling renewed and healthy.

• Cons:

  • Can be a bit pricier than some drugstore options.
  • Recommended for fine to medium hair, so those with very thick hair might need more product.

• Best for: Relaxed hair that is very dry, damaged, prone to frizz, and especially if it’s color-treated.

• User feedback summary: Users often praise its ability to deeply hydrate without weighing hair down, making it feel incredibly soft and manageable, and many note a significant reduction in frizz.

4. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Moisture Boost Deep Hair Conditioner

Another gem from Palmer’s, this time focusing on the power of coconut oil! This deep conditioner is a true moisture magnet. If your relaxed hair is constantly feeling dry, dull, or tangled, this is a fantastic option. It quickly penetrates to deliver deep hydration and helps to restore damaged strands, making detangling a breeze. I particularly appreciate that it’s free from harsh detergents, parabens, and other undesirable ingredients, making it a gentle yet powerful choice for all relaxed hair textures.

• Key features:

  • Deep Conditioner: This intense concentrated conditioning treatment quickly penetrates to deeply hydrate and restore dry, damaged, and dull strands.
  • Detangling while locking in moisture for ideal styling.
  • Deep Hydrating Formula: Ideal for all curl patterns and textures.
  • Deeply hydrates with no harsh detergents, stripping, or tangling.
  • Contains no Parabens, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Gluten, or Dyes.

• Pros:

  • Delivers intense and long-lasting moisture.
  • Excellent for detangling and improving manageability.
  • Free from many common harsh chemicals.
  • Suitable for a wide range of hair textures (including relaxed).
  • Restores dull hair to a healthier, brighter state.

• Cons:

  • Those sensitive to coconut oil might want to do a patch test.
  • While deeply hydrating, it may not be as strong on the “repair” aspect as some protein-rich formulas.

• Best for: Chronically dry, dull, or tangled relaxed hair needing a pure moisture boost and gentle care.

• User feedback summary: Reviewers frequently highlight its amazing detangling properties and how soft and hydrated their hair feels after use, often noting the pleasant coconut scent.

5. Davines NOUNOU Conditioner | Hydrating Deep Conditioner for Processed Hair

Davines NOUNOU Conditioner is a true lifesaver for anyone with chemically processed hair – which, of course, includes our relaxed strands! This deep conditioner is designed to bring stressed-out hair back to life with its deeply hydrating formula. It’s particularly effective at restoring hair that’s been through the wringer, whether from relaxers, bleaching, or perms. Beyond just hydration, it also makes for incredibly easy styling and detangling, which is a huge win for preventing breakage on fragile relaxed hair.

• Key features:

  • Deeply hydrating.
  • Restores chemically processed hair.
  • Makes for easy styling and detangling.
  • Conditioner for bleached, permed, or relaxed hair.

• Pros:

  • Specifically formulated for chemically treated hair.
  • Provides intense hydration to combat dryness.
  • Significantly improves manageability and eases detangling.
  • Helps restore the overall health of processed hair.

• Cons:

  • It’s a premium product, so the price point is higher.
  • Some users might find the scent unique, though generally well-liked.

• Best for: Relaxed hair that is severely damaged, very dry, or feels overly processed and needs serious restoration and easy detangling.

• User feedback summary: Many users consider this a high-quality salon product that truly makes a difference in their damaged, processed hair, leaving it feeling soft, strong, and much more resilient.

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

SheaMoisture is a brand beloved by many, and for good reason. Their Intensive Hydration Hair Masque with Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil is a powerhouse for relaxed hair craving moisture. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like certified organic Shea Butter, Honey, Mafura, and Baobab Oils, plus African Rock Fig – a blend that effectively restores and locks in moisture. This masque is fantastic for fortifying follicles and smoothing over-processed or damaged relaxed hair, making it stronger, healthier, and frizz-free.

• Key features:

  • Infuses hair with a powerful dose of moisture and provides intense conditioning.
  • Fortifies follicles and smooths over-processed, damaged, or color-treated hair.
  • Blends certified organic Shea Butter, Honey, Mafura, and Baobab Oils with antioxidant-rich African Rock Fig to restore and lock in moisture.
  • Apply generously on clean, wet hair, distribute evenly, leave for 5 minutes, then rinse.
  • Ethically traded, sustainably produced, cruelty-free, no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, animal testing, or petrolatum.

• Pros:

  • Delivers truly intensive hydration and conditioning.
  • Strengthens and smooths damaged relaxed hair.
  • Rich in natural, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients.
  • Helps to reduce frizz and improve overall hair health.
  • Free from a long list of undesirable chemicals.

• Cons:

  • Can be quite rich, so those with very fine hair might need to use it sparingly to avoid weighing hair down.
  • The scent, while generally popular, might not appeal to everyone.

• Best for: Relaxed hair needing intense hydration, strengthening, and smoothing, especially if it’s over-processed or prone to frizz.

• User feedback summary: Customers frequently rave about the incredible softness and moisture this masque provides, noting how it makes their relaxed hair feel healthier and more manageable, with less breakage.

7. Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner with Protein

Mielle Organics has quickly become a standout, and their Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner is a fantastic option for relaxed hair that needs a balance of moisture and protein. The unique blend of babassu oil helps strengthen elasticity and reduce breakage, while the mint provides an invigorating scalp experience. What sets this one apart is its inclusion of protein (from wheat, soy, etc.), which is crucial for chemically treated hair that often lacks structural integrity. It not only nourishes but can also help define styles and add lasting shine.

• Key features:

  • The Benefits of Babassu: Fuses invigorating natural oils with healthy fatty acids from pure South American babassu oil to strengthen hair elasticity and reduce breakage.
  • Smoothing ends, frizz, and flyaways.
  • Nourish Hair & Scalp: Nutrient-rich oils and complex amino acids from wheat, soy, and other natural ingredients penetrate and replenish follicles and skin for a healthy scalp and soft, bouncy hair.
  • Sculpt & Define: Intensive blend of proteins and conditioners can be used as a sculpting gel to hydrate and condition hair while adding definition and lasting shine.
  • Safe For All Hair Types: Promotes manageable, radiant hair for all hair types, deeply nourishing types 3A to 4C, color-treated hair, braids, weaves, and both low and high porosity level hair.

• Pros:

  • Excellent balance of moisture and strengthening protein.
  • Reduces breakage and improves hair elasticity.
  • Invigorating mint sensation on the scalp.
  • Versatile; can aid in styling and defining.
  • Safe for color-treated and various hair porosities.

• Cons:

  • Some sensitive scalps might find the mint tingling a bit intense (though most love it).
  • If your hair is protein-sensitive, monitor how often you use it.

• Best for: Relaxed hair that needs both moisture and protein to combat breakage, improve elasticity, and promote a healthy scalp; great for those looking for a versatile product that can also aid in styling.

• User feedback summary: Users consistently praise its ability to make their hair feel stronger and softer simultaneously, with many enjoying the refreshing tingle from the mint and the noticeable reduction in shedding and breakage.

Helpful Comparison Insights

Choosing the right deep conditioner for your relaxed hair really depends on what your hair needs most at the moment.

If intense moisture and softness are your top priority, you can’t go wrong with Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask or Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Moisture Boost. Both are hydration heroes, but Arvazallia leans slightly more into overall repair and luxurious feel, while Palmer’s Coconut Oil is a pure moisture boost without harsh chemicals.

For strength and repair against breakage, especially if your relaxed hair feels brittle, Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner and Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner are fantastic contenders. Palmer’s Olive Oil is a classic for fortifying, and Mielle’s adds the benefit of protein for structural integrity, which is great for post-relaxer care.

If you’re dealing with over-processed or severely damaged relaxed hair that needs a salon-level intervention, Davines NOUNOU Conditioner is a premium choice specifically designed for chemically treated hair, offering deep restoration. Similarly, Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Conditioning Balm provides professional results for very dry, damaged hair and helps with frizz, making it a strong alternative, especially if your hair is also color-treated.

For those who prefer natural and organic ingredients with a focus on holistic hair health, SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque is a standout. It’s packed with nourishing butters and oils and free from many common harsh chemicals, making it excellent for fortifying and smoothing.

Finally, consider your budget. Palmer’s options (Olive Oil and Coconut Oil) offer incredible value and effectiveness at a very affordable price point, making them great staples. Arvazallia and SheaMoisture sit in a comfortable mid-range, offering excellent quality for their price. Davines and Biolage represent more premium, salon-grade options that deliver noticeable results for targeted concerns.

Final Verdict: My Top Picks for Relaxed Hair Health

Navigating the world of deep conditioners for relaxed hair can feel overwhelming, but after trying these 7 gems, I can confidently share my favorites for different needs.

For an all-around powerhouse that consistently delivers on moisture, softness, and repair, the Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask is my personal go-to. It’s a reliable choice that leaves hair feeling incredibly luxurious and manageable every time.

If your relaxed hair is crying out for strengthening to prevent breakage and you want an affordable, effective treatment, Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner is a must-try. It’s a classic for a reason.

And for those seeking a balance of moisture and protein to truly fortify and revitalize chemically treated strands, I highly recommend the Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner. The added protein and invigorating scalp experience make it a standout for long-term hair health.

Ultimately, the “best” deep conditioner for your relaxed hair will depend on its unique needs. I hope this guide helps you find your perfect match and keeps your beautiful relaxed hair thriving!

FAQ Section: Best Deep Conditioners for Relaxed Hair

Q1: Why is deep conditioning so important for relaxed hair?
A1: Relaxed hair has undergone a chemical process that alters its natural structure, making it more porous, prone to dryness, and susceptible to breakage. Deep conditioners provide intense moisture, protein, and nutrients that penetrate the hair shaft, helping to repair damage, restore elasticity, prevent frizz, and strengthen the hair, which is crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of relaxed strands.

Q2: How often should I deep condition my relaxed hair?
A2: Generally, it’s recommended to deep condition relaxed hair at least once a week or every two weeks. If your hair is severely dry, damaged, or you’ve just had a fresh relaxer, you might benefit from deep conditioning more frequently, perhaps every wash day for a few weeks, then tapering down as your hair’s condition improves. Listen to your hair – if it feels dry or brittle, it’s probably time for a treatment!

Q3: What’s the difference between a moisturizing and a protein deep conditioner, and which one do I need?
A3: Moisturizing deep conditioners focus on adding hydration and softness, often containing ingredients like natural oils, butters, and humectants. They’re great for dry, brittle, or stiff hair. Protein deep conditioners contain ingredients like keratin, collagen, or wheat/soy proteins, which help to rebuild and strengthen the hair’s structure, reducing breakage and improving elasticity. Relaxed hair generally needs a balance of both. If your hair feels mushy, overly stretchy, or breaks easily, it likely needs protein. If it feels stiff, dry, or lacks shine, it needs moisture. Many of the best deep conditioners for relaxed hair offer a good blend.

Q4: Should I use heat when deep conditioning my relaxed hair?
A4: Yes, applying gentle heat can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your deep conditioner. Heat helps to lift the hair cuticles, allowing the product’s ingredients to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. You can use a hooded dryer, a steaming cap, or even wrap your hair in a warm towel (heated in the microwave) after applying the deep conditioner. Just ensure the heat isn’t too high to avoid further damage.

Q5: What key ingredients should I look for in deep conditioners for relaxed hair?
A5: Look for ingredients that offer intense moisture, repair, and strength. These include natural oils (argan oil, olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, mafura oil, babassu oil), nourishing butters (shea butter, cupuacu butter), humectants (glycerin, honey, aloe vera), and sometimes proteins (hydrolyzed wheat protein, keratin) if your hair needs strengthening. Also, look for formulations that are free from sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil, as these can strip moisture or cause buildup on relaxed hair.

Q6: Can I leave a deep conditioner in my relaxed hair overnight?
A6: While some people do this, it’s generally not recommended for all deep conditioners. Leaving a deep conditioner on for too long, especially those rich in protein, can sometimes lead to over-conditioning or protein overload, making the hair stiff and brittle. It’s usually best to follow the product’s instructions, which typically recommend 5-30 minutes. If you want a longer treatment, opt for products specifically formulated for overnight use or those with a very high moisture content and minimal protein.