Protein deep conditioners should be a vital part of any healthy hair care regimen especially high porosity hair.
Our hair is made up of 90% protein aka keratin as well as amino acids. Protein strengthens and repairs hair helping it to grow stronger and longer.
However, protein is lost in the course of chemical treatments, heat application manipulation, and undue stress on the hair.
Highly porous hair can also benefit from protein deep conditioners. Read What is Hair Porosity for more on highly porous hair.
Protein deep conditioners help to restore strength to hair and continue strengthening hair over time preventing breakage and hair loss.
Protein deep conditioners also repair, reconstruct, and rebuilds hair.
However, you shouldn’t automatically apply protein deep conditioners for no reason.
5 Types of Protein for Hair
1. Collagen
This protein is derived from bovine bone and cartilage. Some people get these benefits via bone broth as well.
It improves hair elasticity and makes hair softer and more pliable.
2. Keratin
This protein is primarily for strengthening hair and restoring protein loss from hair.
It also coats the hair shaft and prevents further protein loss from hair. It is similar to the protein found in hair.
3. Silk Protein
The primary purpose of this type of protein is to soften and moisturize while strengthening hair. It is aka silk amino acids.
4. Wheat Protein
This protein adds strength and retains moisture. It’s in-between strong and mild, and the type of protein my hair likes best.
When I look up protein deep conditioners, I look out for this ingredient in the top 3. Ideal for protein-sensitive hair types.
5. Soy Protein & Other Plant Proteins (Oat, Corn and Quinoa)
This type of protein is sourced from plants and vegetables and provides moisture retention, protection, and seals, adds shine, body, and manageability.
This type of protein is also ideal for protein-sensitive hair types. I went into greater detail about protein in 365 Days of Moisture for Dry & Parched Hair.
How to Choose the Best Protein Deep Conditioners for Your Hair
All hair types and textures can benefit from protein deep conditioners. However, the type you use depends on what is going on with your hair.
Strong Protein Deep Conditioners
Hair that’s being damaged by chemical treatments and heat application needs protein deep conditioners the most.
The treatments will restore the natural protein that’s being stripped from your hair.
If your hair falls into either or both of these categories, a weekly protein deep conditioning session is recommended with a strong protein deep conditioning session every 8 – 10 weeks.
Mild Protein Deep Conditioners
If your hair is healthy and just stressed from over-manipulation while styling hair, then a mild protein deep conditioner every few weeks is best.
The strong deep protein conditioners will be too much for your hair otherwise.
Listen to your hair and feel your strands. My hair is very healthy and I only do deep protein treatments 2 – 3 times a year.
I also apply henna and indigo every 12 – 16 weeks, which plays a significant role in strengthening my strands as well.
15 Best Protein Deep Conditioners for Damaged Curly Hair
I have graded the protein deep conditioners below from 1 – 5 with 1 being mild and 5 being the strongest protein deep conditioner.
This is based on my experience as well as reviews from curlistas around the web.
They might have a different strength level when applied to your hair but this acts as a good reference point for you.
1. Ouidad Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy
Ouidad Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy is an intense treatment that feeds hair from the inside out with tons of moisture and nutrients as it strengthens.
Fortified with essential amino acids and proteins, it’s one of the best products from Ouidad.
I rate this restoration therapy a 3 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
2. Aveda damage remedy™ intensive restructuring treatment
Aveda damage remedy™ intensive restructuring treatment strengthens damaged hair instantly.
And because it’s formulated with quinoa protein, it’s ideal for protein-sensitive hair.
It also contains nourishing jojoba oil and castor oil in addition to plant and flower extracts.
I rate this treatment a 3 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
3. Ouai Treatment Masque
Ouai Treatment Masque is available for fine to medium hair and thick hair. The masque restores, repairs, and rejuvenates.
Illipe and shea butter conditions and hydrates, almond, olive, and macadamia oil smooths and softens while hydrolyzed keratin and protein prevent breakage.
This treatment masque also boasts a signature velvety-rich rose scent with invigorating fragrance notes.
I rate this masque a 3.5 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
4. Pattern Treatment Mask
Pattern Treatment Mask incorporates a milder form of plant protein, rice protein which strengthens gently and effectively.
It contains other plant extracts that also provide nourishing effects alongside the protein. There have been excellent reviews about this mask.
I rate this mask a 3 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
5. The Mane Choice Green Tea & Carrot Deep Strengthening & Restorative Mask Treatment
The Mane Choice Green Tea & Carrot Deep Strengthening & Restorative Mask Treatment is formulated with plant proteins – wheat protein.
In addition to wheat protein, it penetrates and infuses hair with biotin, carrot oil, green tea, broccoli seed oil, avocado oil, and meadowfoam seed oil.
I rate this mask a 3.5 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
6. AG Hair Repair Reconstruct Vitamin C Strengthening Mask
AG Hair Repair Reconstruct Vitamin C Strengthening Mask is intensely rich and luxurious and restores healthy to very dry and damaged curls.
Fortified with vegetable proteins, vitamin C, plant-based squalene, shea butter, and more, it’s sure to strengthen hair from the inside out.
I rate this mask a 3.5 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
7. ApHogee Intensive Two Minute Keratin Reconstructor
ApHogee Intensive Two Minute Keratin Reconstructor is a mild version of protein treatment formulated to provide a protein boost mid-week.
It prevents breakage and split ends while green tea protects hair from further damage. I rate this reconstructor a 3 on the scale of protein intensity.
For more, read my review at ApHogee Intensive 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor: Rock it or Bin it!
8. Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair
Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair is the most serious protein treatment on this list.
It stops breakage immediately after one treatment and the hair continues to strengthen post-treatment.
I rate this treatment protein a 5 on the scale of protein intensity.
For more, read my review Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein Treatment for Natural Hair.
9. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask
Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask penetrates deeply to prevent further damage and restore distressed curls.
In addition to soy protein, it also contains blueberries, aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil and chamomile extract.
I rate this hair mask a 3.5 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
10. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is formulated with wheat, soy, and corn protein.
It’s a great weekly treatment for extremely dry and damaged hair. The mask has been clinically proven to decrease hair breakage after two uses!
I rate this mask a 3 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
11. Curly Hair Solutions Pure Silk Protein Deep Moisturizing Treatment
Curly Hair Solutions Pure Silk Protein Deep Moisturizing Treatment contains an extreme concentration of silk protein.
It’s rich and lightweight, softens and strengthens hair leaving silky strands behind.
I rate this moisturizing treatment a 3 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
12. Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment
When your hair needs a major dose of protein, Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment is one of the best.
Repairs weak and brittle hair with keratin, amino acids, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil and apricot kernel oil.
I rate this reconstructor a 3 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
13. Giovanni Smooth as Silk Xtreme Protein Hair Infusion
Giovanni Smooth as Silk Xtreme Protein Hair Infusion works on extreme damage as it adds body, shine, smoothness and softness to hair.
Enriched with soy protein, shea butter, macadamia nut oil and kukui nut oil.
I rate this hair infusion treatment a 3.5 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
14. FEKKAI Shea Butter Intense Mask For Curly Hair
FEKKAI Shea Butter Intense Mask For Curly Hair delivers an intense strengthening treatment with shea butter, monoi oil and 2 types of protein.
I rate this intense mask a 3 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
15. Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner
Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner can be used as rinse-out, deep conditioner or leave-in hair moisturizer.
It’s enriched with mild proteins (hemp seed and rice) and works well for the moisture/protein balance in your hair care regimen.
I rate this multi-tasking conditioner a 2 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
16. Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Cocoon Mask
Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Cocoon Mask wraps around hair to repair damage, lock in moisture and protect hair from further damage.
The mask contains a nourishing and strengthening blend of castor oil, ginger, black cumin seed and wheat prrotein.
I rate this multi-tasking conditioner a 2.5 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
17. Pacifica Vegan Silk Hydro Luxe Conditioner
Pacifica Vegan Silk Hydro Luxe Conditioner contains vegan silk proteins, shea butter, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin B and vitamin E.
This budget friendly conditioner promotes elasticity, prevents damage and imparts deep hydration and shine.
I rate this multi-tasking conditioner a 2.5 on the scale of protein intensity. Learn more here.
Do not overdo deep protein treatments. Just because they work so well the first few times doesn’t mean you should use them frequently.
Overuse can lead to stiff and dry hair, which will inevitably lead to breakage. Always listen to your hair needs.
Where to Buy Hair Products?
- Aveda Products – free shipping.
- Ulta Beauty – free shipping when you spend $35.
- Sephora – free shipping plus 3 free samples.
- Amazon
- iHerb (worldwide shipping)
Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. Learn more…
This post may contain affiliate links which means we will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.
7 thoughts on “When To Use Protein Deep Conditioners & 17 Best Protein Deep Conditioners for Natural Hair”