MANILA, Philippines—When I was in grade school, I would watch my yaya squeeze the juice out of the meat of what looked like grated dry coconut bought at the wet market.

Then she would get a cotton ball and a comb, section my hair and dip the cotton ball in the warm coconut juice and apply it on my scalp.

It wasn't the most pleasant experience because I had to sit primly until she was done. Luckily, this ritual was something she did when she felt my hair needed a boost.

She told me this was the secret why, even when I had spent hours playing patintero under the sun, my hair didn't get dry. More importantly, I never got lice!

I don't know if coconut milk is still used nowadays for hair. I also don't know anyone who actually uses real coconut milk on her hair. I'm sure there were already deep conditioners available then.
From my yaya's example, I now always have a pot of hair conditioner ready when my hair needs that TLC. Besides, having a pot is so much cheaper than paying for hot oil treatment in the salon. And you are in the comfort of your home!

Here are the top deep conditioners in the market today:

1. Série Expert Expert Absolut Repair masque. Available only in L'Oreal Professionnel salons, this product promises to help damaged and color-treated hair. Just a dollop will go a long way.

2. Elseve Nutri Gloss Mask/L'Oreal Paris Elseve. It has Pearl Protein, a technological innovation that gives natural pearls their brilliant shine and resistance. The protein penetrates to give targeted nutrition to the hair fibers, balanced from root to tip so as not to weigh down the hair. Available in all major supermarkets, department stores and beauty stores.

3. Kérastase Chroma Riche Masque. One of brand's top-selling products, though only launched this year. This product fills the hair with moisturizing micro-prisms and an anti-humidity film. The fiber fills with light, to reveal beautiful color depth. At the same time, vitamin E and UV filters protect the hair against free radicals and oxidation. The hair rediscovers its softness and splendor. Available only in certified Kérastase salons.

4. Matrix Biolage Hydra Therapie. This Biolage variant/range provides intense essential moisture powered by customized botanicals. It replenishes very dry, coarse hair with a dose of intense moisturizing care. The range is infused with a complex of nourishing natural ingredients to help restore hair's natural moisture balance.