In addition to adding moisture, leave-in conditioners offer many benefits from detangling strands, taming frizz, and keeping curls soft and touchable. Unlike conditioners that are used in the shower, these hair care products are applied afterwards and left in. While regular conditioners are fairly dense, leave-in versions are typically more lightweight. Most offer light hydration and protective benefits acting as a barrier between your hair and the heat from thermal appliances.
Why Use Leave-in Conditioner?
If your hair is tangled or frizzy after regular shampooing and conditioning or if your regular conditioner is too heavy for your fine or thin hair, you will likely benefit from a leave-in conditioner. For the best results you’ll want to choose a leave-in designed for your specific hair type. Here are some of our suggestions:
For Curly Hair
Because of the unique physiology of the hair shape, curly or wavy strands need more hydration than straight hair. They also usually need some “slip” factor when it comes to detangling. If you’ve been blessed with the gift of natural texture, make sure that you are using a leave-in conditioner designed with your coils in mind. Ideal leave-ins include treatment oils, creams or sprays.
Avlon Hair Care KeraCare Leave-In Conditioner
This instant moisturizing complex works like three conditioners in one. It improves the surface properties of hair while protecting against thermal and mechanical damage, offers superior detangling for easy wet and dry combing, and also contains sunscreens to protect against the sun’s UV rays. This hydrating cream leaves hair smooth with lots of sheen.
Deva Curl B'Leave-In Conditioner
This botanical formula is for all those wishing for fine and delicate curls. Enriched with both moisturizers and protein, it moisturizers curly hair and keeps it hydrated. With curl volumizer, it enhances curl fullness, making your locks shiny, manageable and bouncy.
Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner
This lightweight conditioner works to the core of curly hair, providing it with moisture and definition. Good news for animal lovers, as this product has not been tested on animals.
For Damaged Hair
Hair that has been chemically or physically damaged may need some added protection and restructurizing and would therefore benefit from a leave-in conditioner. Because many of these types of treatments contain high amounts of protein, and misuse of protein can cause other issues, be sure to consult your hairdresser before using.
Zotos 180 Pro
Dramatically reduces hair’s worst breaking points and repairs years of hair abuse. Formulated with Pro-Peptide Complex, which makes hair stronger with each use. Hair will be healthier, smoother and shinier.
L’Oreal Leave-in Blow Dry Cream Pro-Keratin Refill
Uses Pro-Keratin Complex, which is a combination of three Amino Acids: Glutamic Acid, Arginin and Serin with the added bonus of Wheat Protein and Incell Technology to strengthen, protect and repair the hair cuticle. The Incell molecule penetrates deep down inside the hair to fill the fragile areas and protects the interior of the hair fiber. This blow-drying cream reinforces weak, fragile hair. Protects against heat damage and smooths the cuticle for a shiny and supple feel.
General Use Sprays
Leave-in sprays typically offer a lighter application of conditioner and are therefore ideal for fine or thinning hair.
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner
Repairs dry damaged hair, adds shine, smooths and controls frizz, seals and protects hair color, detangles, prevents split ends, stops hair breakage, creates silkiness, enhances natural body, flat iron and thermal protector. An excellent nourishing treatment that can be used alone and/or as a restorative styling product that leaves hair soft and bouncy.
KMS Silk Sheen Leave-In Conditioner
Untangles instantly with ultra-lite silkiness - infused with almond and basil, this lightweight spray leaves hair instantly tangle-free, soft and silky. Formulated with IOPS technology, it’s perfect for long or fine hair. Instantly detangles and conditions. Provides shiny, free-flowing manageability.
Kevin Murphy Un.Tangled
A leave-in conditioner formulated with a complex of nourishing Australian Fruit extracts. Helps to detangle, strengthen and restore hair, with added heat protection.
General Use Creams
Cream leave-in conditioners offer a bit more control and taming than spray-in versions but are usually still lighter weight than most regular conditioners. These leave-ins use humectants, which are capable of attracting moisture to keep hair hydrated and shiny.
Amika Leave-in Cream
This leave-in cream contains nourishing ingredients that protect the hair and provide plenty of moisture and shine for all hair types. It gives new life to dry hair and restores a shiny, soft and supple appeal.
Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner
A silicone and oil-free treatment that creates a weightless shield around each hair strand to weightlessly block humidity. This conditioner fights humidity and friction, the cause of frizz, and nourishes while providing optimum moisture levels. It also repels dirt and oil allowing you to wash your hair less often.
Toni & Guy Prep Leave-In Conditioner
Provides advanced all-day nourishment and hydration with increased manageability and frizz control. Ideal for all hair types, this prep cream offers just the right amount of moisture and control.
Added Bonuses
Drybar Gold Mine Shimmering Leave-In Conditioner
An all-in-one formula that packs multiple benefits into one product with a pretty shimmer on top. It conditions, detangles and evens out texture for a polished finish. The protective conditioner prevents hair from future damage, provides moisture and imparts shine while softening and restoring elasticity to hair. Superfine mica adds a multidimensional shimmering effect.
