Coconut oil is a product that often has the natural hair community divided. On one hand, you have team coconut oil who swear by coconut oil as a holy grail product and constantly slather it on their mane like it’s the world’s greatest invention. However, as with any product, coconut oil is not for everyone, and in comes team no-coconut oil, whose hair often reacts badly to the product.
Due to its popularity, coconut oil is formulated with many hair products like deep conditioners, and if you are a member of the no coconut oil gang, this can make it quite difficult to find a good deep conditioner that does not contain coconut oil.
In this article, I am going to highlight some of the best coconut oil-free deep conditioners for natural hair.
Does Coconut Oil Cause Hair Loss?
While it is not common, coconut oil can cause hair loss in extreme conditions. For some hair types, such as those with extremely low porosity hair, coconut oil can make the hair dry since it penetrates the hair very easily, it slows down the rate at which your hair absorbs moisture.
This means that your hair will not absorb enough water to keep it hydrated and will become dry and brittle. Over a prolonged period of time, your hair will become drier and start to break. If this is left unattended, you could find that you start to lose hair due to the breakage.
Is Coconut Oil Bad For The Scalp?
Coconut is not inherently bad for the scalp. However, it can be comedogenic which means that it can clog the pores in the scalp and lead to irritation and buildup. This is why some people complain of an itchy and inflamed scalp when they use coconut oil.
How Can I Tell If My Hair Hates Coconut Oil?
If your hair hates coconut oil, there are some key symptoms to watch out for whenever you use it on your hair. Paying attention to these side effects will help keep you know if you need to stop using coconut oil on your hair.
Here are some signs to help you tell if your hair hates coconut oil:
- Extreme dryness
- Red or inflamed scalp
- Itchiness
- Greasy hair
- Too much shedding
What Can I Use Instead Of Coconut Oil?
If your hair hates coconut oil, but you’d still like to incorporate some deeply penetrating oils into your hair care routine. Then there are some great alternatives to coconut oil that you can use either as pre-poos or sealants.
Babassu oil: Babassu oil is a non-drying oil that is made from the seeds of babassu palm. It is lightweight, nongreasy, moisturizes, and repairs hair strands. It has a similar fatty acid composition to coconut oil. So, it is a great replacement for coconut oil.
Palm kernel oil: This oil comes from the kernel or seed of the palm fruit and is similar in composition to coconut oil. It conditions and softens the hair while also adding shine and locking in moisture.
Murumuru butter: This is a natural butter extracted from the seeds of the murumuru palm tree. Just like coconut oil, murumuru butter penetrates the hair shaft. It helps with moisture retention, reduces frizziness, and adds shine to the hair.
Can Protein-Sensitive Hair Use Products With Coconut Oil?
If you have protein-sensitive hair, you can use products with coconut oil. The common misconception that coconut oil is a protein often leads to confusion regarding protein sensitivity and coconut oil. But, coconut is a protein, so it will not have any of the impacts that protein-containing products often cause your hair to have.
However, not all protein-sensitive hair is the same. Some people’s hair may be protein sensitive, but it still loves coconut oil, while others may not. So, for some people, the chemical makeup of their hair may not meld well with coconut oil and will lead to the common complaints most people have against coconut oil, such as dry brittle hair and scalp issues.
In that case, it simply means your hair does not like coconut oil. But, it has nothing to do with protein.
MORE COCONUT-OIL-FREE RELATED POSTS
10 Coconut-Oil-Free Shampoos To Try If You’re Sensitive to Coconut Oil
15 Coconut-Oil-Free Styling Gels for Coconut Sensitive Hair
10 Coconut-Oil-Free Leave In Conditioners For Black Hair
10 Best Coconut-Oil-Free Natural Hair Styling Products
15 Coconut Oil-Free Deep Conditioners For Natural Hair
This post contains affiliate links which means that I make a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase with my link.
If you find a discontinued product on this list, please do let me know so I can keep this post updated. I’d also like to inform you that brands change their product packaging from time to time, which means that the product picture in this post might look a bit different from the retailers website at the time you decide to make a purchase.
It’s also worth noting that brands sometimes change their product formula for reasons best known to them. This means that the product formula might have changed by the time you decide to make a purchase. If such happens, please let me know so I can keep the post updated.
1. Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix – Moisturizing Conditioner
Product Review: Revitalize your hair with the moisturizing and hydrating properties of the anti-oxidant rich Hibiscus flower and Brazilian Cupuacu and Murumuru butters. It provides penetrating moisture to all hair types without being too heavy.
Customer Review: “This is amazing. It really does repair the hair and it is VERY moisturizing. I am transitioning and all your hair treatments work well both on my low porosity natural and relaxed ends. I love your hair treatments so much I recommend it to anyone who ask me for hair treatment. I recommend it in all hair groups I am in. I am just so pleased, It’s a bit pricey but it last along time and I don’t mind paying for quality.”
2 Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Cocoon Hydrating Hair Mask
Product Promise: If you’re looking for a repairing deep conditioner with some protein in it, then this deep conditioner is perfect for you. It is a creamy formula with a lot of slip that repairs and strengthens dry, damaged hair while locking in moisture and hydration. It is great for detangling and softens the hair after application.
Customer Review: “I bought this about 2 months ago and I just used it. I’m sorry I waited so long. This is the best mask i have ever used my hair felt so smooth and was very easy to comb. I will stock up on this and definitely recommend this product. And it smells delicious!”
3. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Masque
Product Promise: This moisturizing deep conditioner is enriched with a host of conditioning oils and butter. It conditions, softens, and restores the natural lipids of the hair. It is also great for chemically treated or transitioning hair. Unlike most shea moisture products, it isn’t too thick and has really good slip to help with detangling.
Customer Review: “I bought a single-use packet of this masque, and I just tried it (I left it on for 30 minutes), and my hair loves it.
4. Camille Rose Nangai And Tsubaki Protein Treatment Conditioner
Product promise: If your hair needs a good strengthening protein treatment, then this deep conditioner is perfect for you. It restores and smoothens any breakage and damage that may be on the hair strands. The slip on this product is also amazing and will actually leave the hair soft and shiny after use.
Customer Review: “Wow! First let me say that I will be repurchasing this hair treatment! I’m usually put off by protein conditioners/treatments because many leave my hair feeling like straw and extremely dry (even after using a moisturizing conditioner). Not this one! This conditioner has incredible slip; it left my hair feeling pleasantly strong (not hard as if it’s going to break off), it brought the shine back, and my tight curls were springy again! I feel like this is the one product I’ve been missing in my routine for a long time. I’m so glad I took a chance to purchase this! I highly recommend it!”
5. Mielle Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
Product promise: This protein-based deep conditioner, replenishes dry damaged hair by infusing the strands with protein and moisture. It reduces frizz, smooths the cuticles, and adds shine to the hair. It is a great deep conditioner to help manage your hair’s moisture-protein balance.
Customer Review: “I was looking to restore hydration, length, and thickness in my hair after such a stressful year. This is the best investment in myself; it does all three and more. A plus is the minty fragrance I get to walk around with all day. Make sure you grab it.”
6. Mane Choice Peach Black Tea & Vitamin Fusion Anti-Shedding & Intense Volume Therapy Mask
Product promise: This deep conditioner strengthens the hair while delivering much-needed moisture and hydration. It also helps reduce excessive shedding and leaves the hair soft and smooth after rinsing. The smell of this product is also super luxurious and will make your wash day feel like a spa day.
Customer Review: “The smell is amazing, making my hair luxuriously smooth and soft.”
7. Tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask
Product promise: This luxurious deep conditioner is a cult classic among type 4 naturals. It softens and nourishes the hair while locking in moisture and shine. The consistency of the product is also fairly slippery, making it great for detangling and absorbing into low-porosity hair very easily.
Customer Review: “This conditioner feels like butter! I didn’t have time to leave it in too long, so I only waited less than 5 minutes before rinsing it out, and my hair was so soft with great slip. It was as if I had let it sit for 20 minutes. A new staple!”
8. Curl Dynasty Pumpkin Mint Deep Treatment Masque
Product promise: This deep conditioner will melt away your tangle and leave your hair soft and manageable. It is a restorative deep conditioner that penetrates the hair shaft to deliver nourishment that keeps the hair healthy, facilitates hair growth, and prevents breakage. It is great for all hair types and has amazing slips for detangling.
Customer Review: “I was very shocked at how good my hair looked after. I’ve tried deep treatments before but nothing had my hair feeling or looking that good.”
9. Soultanicals Afro Tastic Curl Elastic
Product promise: This nutrient-rich deep conditioner hydrates and softens the hair while delivering essential botanical nourishment to the strands. It is made in a creamy and slippery texture meant to help with detangling the hair. It leaves your curls defined and repaired after use.
Customer Review: “I am obsessed with this deep conditioner! Whenever I use it, my curls come out super defined and soft! Definitely one of my favorite botanicals products :)”
10. Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
Product promise: This rich deep conditioner is packed with great ingredients that help soften and moisturize the hair. It is great for restoring hydration to dry hair and leaves it shiny and defined.
Customer Review: “I can’t sing enough praises about this product. It is by far the best conditioner I have ever tried. It makes my hair feel fantastic. I am finally experiencing that soft feeling I heard so many speak of when using a deep treatment. I don’t think I can ever do without this now!”
11. JessiCurl Too Shea Moisturizing Conditioner
Product Promise: Together, they combine to make a thick, moisturizing conditioner that isn’t too heavy and not at all greasy. It makes your curls so soft you’ll have difficulty keeping your hands out of them.
Customer Review: “This always leaves my curls shiny, moisturized, bouncy, and frizz-free. A lot in the shower, a little as a leave-in, and my curls are as happy as can be.”
12. Miche Beauty Indulge Deep Conditioner
Product Promise: Indulge is a moisturizing deep conditioner. It does not contain any protein. It is an intense, super moisturizing deep conditioner for all hair types, especially dry, damaged, and color-treated hair. It makes hair more manageable, softer, and healthier, which enables hair to retain length and grow.
Customer Review: “It really helped bring my hair back to life after being in this Florida hot sun and me being lazy not keeping it hydrated in less than a week!! Love this product.”
13. Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner
Product Promise: Delivers weightless moisture and hydration. Enriched with proteins at low dosage, it can be used frequently without the risk of protein overload. Excellent cream for braids, twist-outs and other protective styles.
Customer Review: “It instantly defines my curls, it smells good I use this product on my kids hair after washes and it makes my curls last.”
14. Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque
Product Promise: This moisture treatment is infused with the nourishing properties of Almond and Avocado oils to strengthen and soften hair. It Helps reduce breakage and improve hair elasticity.
Customer Review: “This mask is so thick, creamy, & moisturizing!! I’m obsessed!! I have 3C/4A curls & I recently bleached my hair. I was looking for something to add much-needed moisture to my hair & this exceeded my expectations completely! My new favorite hair mask.”
15. Nature’s Little Secret Rose Hydrating Deep Conditioner
Product Promise: A creamy hydrating conditioner with MAJOR SLIP! This super moisturizing conditioner helps to melt tangles away and leaves hair soft and manageable. The combination of rose water and agave nectar come together to create a hydrating and nourishing experience your hair will love!
Customer Review: “It is so hydrating, so moisturizing it’s hard to believe. My hair soaked this up so quick, my hair started coiling almost immediately. I love it. And the slip is out of this world.”
Conclusion
Deep conditioners are an essential product to include in your haircare routine. So, you must find one that works for your coconut oil-sensitive hair. With the help of this list, you can now access some amazing deep conditioner that nourishes and benefits the hair in multiple ways.
Depending on your hair needs, be sure to choose some of the deep conditioners and coat them on your strands with the assurance that they are coconut oil-free.