Sophia Roe's Favorite Deep-Conditioning Masks for Curly Hair

Sophia Roe is a self-described veritable ball of energy. She is a sparkling, wildly talented yet relatable chef, wellness expert, empowerment architect, and beauty bandit whose candid videos and posts on health and mindfulness light up social media. She has a uniquely tolerant and holistic approach to the journey to wellness. Her methods incorporate healthy lump sums of great nutrition and culinary information, beauty tips, and words of personal growth. But also, more comprehensive than that, she’s constantly encouraging her audience to be aware of and kind to themselves and the world around them.

When it comes to curls, moisture is always key. No matter what curl ailment you may be dealing with—dry, dull, and super-parched curls; limp, lifeless, and heat-damaged curls; or, worst of all, the dreaded split-end which ultimately become breakage curls—the answer almost always lies in finding a way to moisturize and nourish your hair with a heaping spoonful of TLC. The best deep conditioners for curly hair contain ingredients that permeate the strands without causing unnecessary buildup or weight.

They’ll also never have phthalates, parabens, or silicones, as those ingredients can actually block the hair strand from absorbing moisture. Prolonged use of products with those pesky no-no ingredients can change your curl pattern, decrease your hair’s ability to repair itself, and make your curls more susceptible to damage. Alas, I’m here to make finding the right deep conditioner for your curls an absolute breeze. Below, find my favorites.

DevaCurl Heaven In Hair Divine Deep Conditioner $58.00

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This formula is excellent for those with dry, dull, or lifeless curls that are in need of an instant shot of hydration. It features cupuaçu butter, which acts as a majorly nourishing emollient. The butter contains essential fatty acids that help promote elasticity and curl durability. This deep conditioner is especially great for when you’re in a hurry but still want to hydrate your curls. Even just five minutes of soaking your hair in this deep conditioner will render unbelievably thirst-quenched and bouncy curls.

Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Luxurious Soothing Hair Mask $10.00

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Top-notch for heat-damaged or chemically treated hair, this particular formula is my favorite as an overnight treatment. I find the more time it has to penetrate the strands, the better the end result. My curls are always incredibly defined when I use this deep conditioner. The aloe vera and vitamin E oil almost instantly revive overworked curls, while the corn silk and floral extracts make it a breeze to detangle parched and knotted curls.

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment $12.00

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If you are suffering from breakage, major split ends, or loss of volume in your hair shaft, your hair may be in need of a protein boost. Human hair is composed of protein, most notably keratin. Protein-centric treatments replenish the moisture that curly hair loses on a regular basis. Brit Watkins, the curly hair goddess herself, says this treatment leaves her hair feeling shiny and ultra-soft. It's excellent to use twice a month to give your hair a hefty dose of protection, rejuvenation, and, of course, moisture.

Kiva Certified UMF 15+ Raw Manuka Honey $38.00

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Let’s face it, we don’t always have the time for a DIY treatment, but when we do, we want that thing to work miracles. Often, I use hair products that feature Manuka honey, aloe vera, castor oil, or coconut milk. So why not mix them all up into one amazing DIY deep conditioner? Manuka honey has amazing antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. It’s incredible for soothing the scalp, and it's my secret weapon for stimulating hair growth.

I love making masks with coconut milk instead of coconut oil, as coconut milk contains various proteins, fats, and minerals, while coconut oil is just composed of fat. Castor oil is an excellent ingredient for those suffering from lackluster curls. I love using castor oil to seal the ends of my hair after washing. Aloe vera features enzymes that may help repair hair follicles, and, added bonus, it’ll help reduce dandruff and leave your hair super silky and shiny.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp. Manuka honey
2 tbsp. castor oil
2 tbsp. fresh aloe

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together and leave the blend in your hair for at least an hour (preferably overnight). Be sure to wash it all out thoroughly and style as you normally would.