When To Use Protein Deep Conditioners & 10 Best Protein Deep Conditioners for Natural 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 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 continues 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 soft.

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 & Plant Proteins (Oat & Corn)

This type of proteins is sourced from plants and vegetables and provide moisture retention, protect and seal, add shine, body, and manageability. Also ideal for protein sensitive hair types.

How to Choose the Best Protein Treatment 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.

1. Hair that’s being damaged by chemical treatments and heat application needs protein deep conditioners the most to restore the natural protein that’s being stripped from the 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.
2. 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.

When all is said and done, 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.

10 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. It might have a different strength level when applied to your hair but this acts as a good reference point for you. 

AG Hair Cosmetics Conditioner Deep Reconstructing Treatment. Strength Level – 2.

ApHogee Intensive Two Minute Keratin Reconstructor. Strength Level – 3

Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair. Strength Level – 5 

Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Protein Conditioner. Strength Level – 3

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask. Strength Level – 3

Curly Hair Solutions Pure Silk Protein Deep Moisturizing Treatment. Strength Level – 3

Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment. Strength Level – 2. 

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Xtreme Protein Hair Infusion. Strength Level – 4. 

Queen Helene Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream. Strength Level – 3.

Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner. Strength Level – 4.

Do not overdo 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.