Every year there’s one hair product of the year which really stands out above the rest. It’s been so impressive, it doesn’t usually take much thinking about, because its’a hair product that I’ve used and gone back to all year long. Not only giving me consistent results, time and time again. But also giving my clients amazing results consistently too, from recommendations in hundreds of Curl Clinics throughout the year.
So before I do my annual Favourite Curly Girl Products of the Year post. Here’s my single Hair Product of the Year 2021. Why it’s so amazing, how to determine if it will suit your hair and how to incorporate it into your hair routine. Along with a 20% discount code, available worldwide, and lots of tips and tricks.
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Hair Product of the Year 2021
It will come as no surprise to a lot of you who follow me on Instagram @curlmaven or regularly read my blog. But my Hair Product of the Year 2021 is the Joico K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor. Available worldwide from Look Fantastic, and you can get 20% off using code CURLMAVEN. I wrote about the full Joico K-PAK 4 Step Rejuvenating System in How to Maintain Healthy Hair when Colouring. But this post is just about the Step 3: Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor. Because you don’t have to have coloured, bleached or highlighted hair to get the benefits of this hair product of the year 2021!

What is it?
Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor is Step 3 of the K-PAK 4 Step Rejuvenating System. It’s a light weight, repairing and reconstructing, protein-rich treatment. Full of amino acids and protein, essential and beneficial to the hair structure. Protein not only defines a wave and a curl, but also holds it. The Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor improves the health and porosity of the hair, reduces breakage and strengthens weakened, limp and lifeless hair – especially hair that won’t hold a wave or a curl a few hours past washday.

Why I like it
- Cruelty free
- Quick and easy to use
- Suitable for all hair types
- Lightweight, protein-rich treatment
- Quick fix for over-moisturized hair
- You don’t need to deep condition after use (but you still need to condition)
- Salon quality formula made using high quality ingredients
- Supersize makes the cost per use really affordable
- Supersize bottle lasts just over a year with regular use
- Allows you to have bleached/highlighted hair and still maintain healthy hair. Thus making both colour and curls possible without having to sacrifice one for the other. The DREAM!

Who is it for?
The Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor is suitable for all hair types, including straight, wavy and curly hair. But it’s especially beneficial if you have damaged, bleached and/or highlighted hair. Or if you have limp, lifeless waves and curls, with wet frizz or soft frizz when it’s dry. If your hair looks good on washday, but then the curls drop and go limp and lifeless within a few hours, or by the end of the day. Then this would be great for you!
It’s not curly girl friendly, as it contains water-soluble silicones. But if healthy hair is your priority, and you’re clarifying regularly with a proper chelating shampoo once a month, then it’s absolutely fine to use. One of the things I love most about this protein-rich treatment, and why it’s my Hair Product of the Year 2021. Is because it’s so light weight, so suitable for fine hair that gets easily weighed down. Perfect for looser wavy hair too.
How to use it?
Ever since I got my hair bleached and highlighted – two days in a row!! – back in September 2020. I’ve been using this a minimum of once a month, and sometimes once a week for a few weeks if my hair has been a little over-moisturized. To bring it back into a good protein moisture balance.
Apply the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor to damp hair after shampoo. Leave it in for 5-10 mins then rinse out fully then apply conditioner as normal. More is not more with this highly-concentrated, salon-quality product. In my experience, I’ve been able to leave it in my hair for longer when my hair has needed a stronger kick of protein. But I know my hair inside out and I did it very gradually over time and only do it when needed. What works for my hair, may not work for yours. And I highly recommend following the instructions on the back of the bottle if you’re not familiar with this product or know what you’re doing.

How to Fix & Maintain Your Protein Moisture Balance
Another one of the reasons I love this protein-rich treatment so much, is because it can quickly fix over moisturized hair. If you’re trying to fix an issue, you need to do weekly treatments. In that case, I recommend you use the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor once/week for at least 4-6 weeks – but some people may need to go longer. This depends on how over-moisturized your hair is, and what other products you’re using in your routine. If that’s something you’re struggling with, or not sure about, book in for a Curl Clinic. Or find more information here.
You can continue these weekly treatments for longer if you feel your hair is still soft and fluffy and not holding a wave or a curl past your washday. But I don’t recommend this as a weekly treatment long term. Once the ends start to feel dry, reduce this protein treatment to once every other week. Then gradually to once a month, after you clarify, to maintain a good protein moisture balance. Resume/repeat if the hair starts to feel soft, fluffy, limp and lifeless again.

Does it replace my Modified Rice Water Treatment?
I get asked this questions so many times! Especially in Curl Clinics, and the answer is yes – and no. I’ve tried incorporating both the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor AND my Modified Rice Water Treatment. And I’ve tried just using one treatment on it’s own for a few months, then switching to the other treatment for a few months. For me, I can always see a difference in my hair when I regularly use my Modified Rice Water Treatment that I just don’t see when I ONLY use the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor.
The Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor is a protein-rich treatment, that’s quick and easy to use with zero prep, mess or clean up. My Modified Rice Water Treatment is so much more than just a protein treatment! There are so many other benefits to my Modified Rice Water Treatment, especially if you have any kind of scalp issues or you’re trying to focus on hair growth, both in length, and density.
If you’re too busy or don’t have the time or patience to cook up my Modified Rice Water Treatment every week. And you need a good, quick and easy kick of protein in your routine. Then the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor is definitely for you. Don’t forget you can get 20% off at Look Fantastic using code CURLMAVEN.

Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor vs Curlsmith Bond Curl
Another question I get asked a lot is how does the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor compare to the Curlsmith Bond Curl. To me, these are two completely different products! The Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor is a light weight, protein-rich protein treatment. The Curlsmith Curl is a protein treatment – but not as protein-rich as the Joico. But it’s also a bond repairing treatment more similar to Olaplex No.3 than the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor. You can get 20% off Joico, Curlsmith and Olaplex at Look Fantastic using code CURLMAVEN.
The biggest difference I’ve found between the two products is how often I can use them, and how long I can leave them in for. I can use the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor weekly, for anywhere between 5 mins to 30 mins, and it doesn’t dry my hair out. I can’t do the same with the Curlsmith Bond Curl. If I leave it in my hair for any longer than 15-20 mins, it really dries my hair out after just once use. I can’t use it two weeks in a row.
Don’t get me wrong, the Curlsmith Bond Repair is an amazing product! But it’s not as user-friendly as the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor – in my experience and opinion.

Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor
You can get the 150ml tube of Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor for £20 at Look Fantastic. But I highly recommend the 1000ml supersize bottle which is worth £130, but you can get it at Look Fantastic for just under £55! That’s incredible value for money and cost per use. My supersize bottle lasted 14 months with regular use, and I’ve got a lot of long, high density hair!
There’s also the 300ml Joico K-PAK Liquid Reconstructor in a spray. I love this stuff! It’s a super light weight, liquid protein leave-in spray. Perfect for fine or low density hair that needs a small kick of protein without getting weighed down or over moisturized. Or if you are really stuck for time and can’t even manage the 5 mins between shampoo and conditioner using the Deep Penetrating Reconstructor.
The Joico Liquid Reconstuctor spray with give your hair strength, shine and elasticity, without adding weight, drying out the hair or making it crunchy or crisp. It’s also been clinically proven to show benefits equal to Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor! I personally don’t use it every washday, but you can. You can use it more often than the treatment. Just same rules apply, if your hair feels dry, brittle or just a bit angry looking – pull back on the protein. Get 20% off using CURLMAVEN at Look Fantastic.

Texture & Consistency
Well firstly, the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor smells like bananas! Which I quite like. But I’ll be honest, the consistency is bizarre. I’ve had quite a few messages from people who’ve purchased it because of my recommendation, asking if it’s meant to look a little bitty and curdled. And yes, it does. I’ve checked with hair salons who regularly use, stock and sell it and yep – it’s totally normal for it to look like that! Just give the bottle a good shake before you use it.
Did you like this Hair Product of the Year post?
I really hope you’ve enjoyed this post and this new Hair Product of the Year format. I’ve had products of the year for the last few years, but I’ve never done a dedicated post to them before. So let me know if you’d like me to go back and do the same for previous Hair Products of the Year, which include the TréLuxe Hi! Definition Gel in 2020. The Silke London Hair Turban in 2019 – which you can also get 20% off at Look Fantastic using code CURLMAVEN. And I think the Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo was my Hair Product of the Year in 2018.
If you have any questions pop them in the comments below. You can follow me on Instagram @curlmaven for more daily curl chats and lifestyle content. I’ve also got lots of helpful info in my stories, highlights, reels and videos. Or Check out my YouTube channel for more tips & advice, washdays and tutorials. And follow me on Pinterest! Or check out my Facebook page here.
Feeling overwhelmed?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tips, advice and product recommendations. Click here for more information on my Curl Clinics™. A completely bespoke curl consultation service tailored to suit you and your hair. Designed to help get your waves and curls back and achieve your healthy hair goals. Or book in here!
*This post may contain some gifted items and affiliate links. Which means I get paid (a very small) commission on any products you purchase through my links. This in no way affects you, the price you pay or the way in which I write about products featured on this site. My content and opinion is not influenced by advertisers, sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, brands or PRs.
Sounds like exactly what my hair needs! Thanks for the thorough review!
Thank you for this post. I always look forward to reading your product reviews etc.
Would you say this product is similar to the hairfinity amino masque? I am looking for a protein treatment to include in my routine because my hair is over moisturised but I’m unsure which I’ve to choose. I have fine, low porosity loose curls and waves so ideally I’m looking for something that don’t weigh down my hair xXx
Hi Lucy, it’s only similar in terms that they both contain protein and some moisturizing ingredients too. But the Joico is more lightweight and contains more protein and it not a deep conditioner/hair mask. From what you’ve described that you’re looking for, I’d recommend the Joico over the Hairfinity. Hope that helps.
Hello Gabriella,
Thank you so much for all of your content. It has been incredibly helpful to me. I was wondering if you would be able to do a post on how to care for curly hair in the winter. I’m having an awfully hard time keeping mine moisturized and I’m finding that it won’t last very long between wash days. Any tips/tricks you could offer would be so great! Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much! I’ve got a Monthy Curl Clinic with all my tips, advice, technique and product recommendations which you can purchase the playback link from my shop. x
Hi Gabriella,
Have bought this based on your recommendation. Just wondering approx how much product to apply to hair. Thanks
Hi Jenny, you don’t need loads as it’s just a treatment, not a hair mask or deep conditioner. It really depends on how thick and long your hair is. For my hair, I use about 2 teaspoon sized amounts on wet hair, maybe a little more. I hope that helps
Hey Gabriella! I bought this and the hydrator! Just wondering if I need to condition after using these two products or if the hydrator acts like a condition (or even deep conditioner?)
Many thanks!
Hi Jade, the Intense Hydrator is a conditioner so you don’t need anything else x
Thank you for your review! Would you recommend using this product after regular shampoo or only after clarifying? Or can it be done with either? Thanks!
You can use it after either x
Hi bought the Joico products you recommended and the hydrator both contain glycerine which I’m trying to stay away from as I also live in Ireland can you advise want to use but worry about the glycerine
You don’t need to worry about glycerin in your washday products, it’s only in your styling products, or even just your final styling product/gel that you need to be mindful if it’s particularly humid or dry outside. But I live in Ireland too, and the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor and Liquid Reconstructor are absolutely fine to use here, all year round.
Hi Gabriella I’ve been using the reconstruct I’ve always used Joico and I do love this mask my hair loves protein when I use it my hair curls and is less fizzy and fluffy I think I caused it to be like that doing co wash with conditioner for months I’m back to shampoo sulphate free and Kodak conditioner but my hair will only behave when I’ve used the Joico mask would like to use every wash day 2 x week but worry that might be too much my hair is highlighted blonde and loves protein
Hi Deborah, it may just be that your hair is really over moisturized and needs that big kick of protein. If you use the Protein Deep Penetrating Conditioner once/week and then use the Liquid Reconstructor every washday would that work for you? Alternatively, use it once/week but leave it in for longer – say 20-30 mins…I don’t think using the DPR would be advisable long term for every washday.
Hi Gabrielle!
New to all of this.. is joci recommended for low porosity hair?
Hi Gabriella! I recently bought this treatment after reading through your blog posts/watching your videos (all of your content has been a total lifesaver, so informative, thank you so much!!) as I realised that my loose high porosity curls are over moisturised and need protein. I followed the product instructions (leaving it on for 5 minutes on damp hair after shampooing, rinsing, conditioning) and my hair was supppper soft and beautiful while wet, but then I got a huge amount of halo frizz as it dried. The rest of my washday products remained the same (bounce curl clarifying shampoo, matrix biolage conditioner, pantene mousse, boucleme light hold gel) as did my technique, and I don’t usually get this much frizz so I know that it must have been a result of the treatment. In order to reduce the frizz from now on, should I either decrease the amount of time I leave it in for, or else just use it once a month only (instead of once a week as I had planned to do)? Sorry for the very long comment, I’m just lost!!
(Oh and just one more thing- I clarify using the bumble and bumble Sunday shampoo once a month/after I’ve been swimming, so I know it’s not related to that)
well yes and no… if your hair is over moisturized, which it sounds like it definitely is. I’d recommend clarifying with the BB Sunday Shampoo for the next 2-3 consecutive washdays to knock back those moisture levels in the hair.
whoa whoa whoa….I was reading your comment and nodding along then whoa! Hold up, you’re using Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner – THE MOST potently moisturizing conditioner on the market!!! No wonder your hair is over moisturized, AND using the Bouclème gel, which is also quite hydrating. So a) it’s totally expected that your hair is over moisturized and b) you’ve cancelled out the benefits of the protein, by following with the Matrix Biolage. It’s the conditioner that needs to change, not the Joico.
Oh I never thought about it like that, okay thanks so much, I’ll try that! (And sorry, I asked my friend to make a comment for me too with with the same question because I thought my email address wasn’t registering so just ignore that query!!)