Leave-in conditioners make your hair manageable, moisturize and strengthen them, and add shine. To narrow down your search and take the best care of your hair, we have listed the 18 best leave-in conditioners below. Have a look!
18 Best Leave-In Conditioners – Reviews
1. Best Lightweight:The Honest Co. Honest Conditioning Detangler
The Honest Co. Conditioning Detangler is a light spray that helps detangle the hair and makes it soft and silky. It contains shea butter, argan oil, quinoa extract, and jojoba protein, which nourish and soften the hair and impart shine. This leave-in conditioner spray is gentle, and it eliminates flyaways and tames cowlicks. The product is safe for the entire family and does not contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, parabens, sulfates, silicones, and formaldehyde. Learn more about the product in this video. Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Argan oil, Quinoa extract, and Jojoba protein Pros
Gentle Vegan Lightweight Sulfate-free Silicone-free Paraben-free Dye-free Cruelty-free No synthetic fragrances
Cons
May make the hair sticky
2. Best Frizz-Control:it’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
The it’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is loaded with natural ingredients like green tea leaf extract, silk amino acids, and sunflower seeds. These ingredients are gentle and help bring out the natural luster of the hair. This leave-in conditioner repairs damaged hair and prevents split ends. It protects and locks the hair color and controls frizz. This product detangles the hair and prevents breakage due to combing or brushing. It gives your hair the perfect nourishment it requires while also acting as a styling agent to keep it bouncy and soft. This video gives you more information about the product. Key Ingredients: Green tea leaf extract, Sunflower seed extract, Panthenol, Vitamin C, and Silk amino acids Pros
Contains natural ingredients Color-safe Controls frizz Detangles hair Flat iron and thermal protector
Cons
Too sticky for fine hair
3. Best Non-Greasy:SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner
The SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-in Conditioner repairs and nourishes dry and damaged hair. It works well for frizzy, kinky, curly hair that is unmanageable. This conditioner detangles, controls, and softens the hair. The distinctive blend of organic shea butter and Jamaican black castor oil moisturizes the hair and maximizes hair elasticity to resist breakage while combing or brushing tangled hair. This conditioner forms a protective layer on the hair strands and reduces the appearance of split ends. The peppermint oil in this product stimulates the scalp and invigorates the senses. Have a look at this video to learn more about the product. Key Ingredients: Organic shea butter, Jamaican black castor oil, Peppermint oil, and Apple cider vinegar Pros
Works on color-treated hair Non-greasy Makes the hair soft and shiny
Cons
May weigh the hair down
4. Best For Split Ends:Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
This deep penetrating leave-in conditioner contains pure shea butter and natural oils that repair breakage, mend split ends, and strengthen the hair. The Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream is a good choice for texturized, colored, relaxed, and permed hair. It deeply moisturizes dry, damaged, and coarse hair and makes it soft, shiny, and manageable with every application. Regular use of this product can promote long, strong, and healthy hair. Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Soybean oil, Canola oil, and Glycerin Pros
Repairs split ends Reduces frizz Defines curls and waves Smells amazing
Cons
Contains dimethicone Does not work well with other products
5. Best Quick-Absorbing:Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner
Coconut oil has always been a hair savior for ages. It is rich in minerals, saturated fats, and essential vitamins and is the main ingredient of the Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner. This product gets easily absorbed into the hair and detangles it by providing adequate hydration. It is also a great styling agent. This leave-in conditioner controls frizzy hair and imparts a natural shine, leaving it softer, silkier, and radiant. Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Palm oil, Guar bean, and Rapeseed oil Pros
Does not weigh the hair down Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Formaldehyde-free Gluten-free Dye-free Propylene glycol-free
Cons
May make the hair greasy
6. Best Long-Lasting:Aunt Jackie’s quench! Moisture Intensive Leave-in Conditioner
Aunt Jackie’s quench! Moisture Intensive Leave-in Conditioner is packed with natural ingredients like shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, and marshmallow root that deliver long-lasting moisture, slip, and softness to the hair. This mega moisturizing and conditioning treatment eliminates dryness from parched hair without weighing it down. It is free of sulfates, petroleum, parabens, and mineral oil. This product is suitable for natural curls, waves, and coils. Key Ingredients: Sheabutter, Extra virgin olive oil, and Marshmallow root Pros
Not does weigh the hair down Long-lasting Paraben-free Sulfate-free Mineral oil-free Petroleum-free
Cons
Contains alcohol
7. Best Hypoallergenic:Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Leave-in Conditioner
If you have knotty, unruly hair, Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Leave-In Conditioner can help you. This product delivers rich moisture to your hair and fortifies it. It is rich in coconut oil that detangles the hair instantly and allows you to run your comb or brush through your hair easily. Other ingredients like monoi oil, silk amino acids, panthenol, and aloe vera hydrate, nourish,detangle, and smoothen the hair, reduce frizz, and add shine. This leave-in conditioner is suitable for all hair types and is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, and dyes. Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Monoi oil, and Silk amino acids Pros
Paraben-free Sulfate-free Color-safe Phthalate-free Dye-free Mineral oil-free Cruelty-free Dermatologist-tested Hypoallergenic Suitable for all hair types Rich coconut fragrance
Cons
May weigh the hair down
8. Best Color-Safe:milk_shake Leave In Conditioner
If you have normal to dry hair, this is the best leave-in conditioner for you. The milk_shake Leave In Conditioner enhances hair moisture balance and protects the outer layer of your hair. It eases the combing of damaged hair that could break easily after using a normal shampoo and conditioner. This conditioner contains milk protein and papaya, strawberry, honey, and sunflower extracts that hydrate and strengthen the hair. The special silicone and conditioning and hydrating agents revitalize the hair and impart shine,while vitamin E and Integrity 41 seal your hair color for a longer period. This leave-in conditioner detangles your hair and leaves it soft and smelling heavenly. Key Ingredients: Milk proteins, Honey extract, Strawberry extract, Honey extract, Papaya extract, Silicone, Vitamin E, and Integrity 41 Pros
Protects the hair from UV rays Color-safe A little goes a long way
Cons
Unappealing smell
9. Best For Damaged Hair:Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment
The Redken One United All-in-One Multi-Benefit Treatment is one of the best conditioners for damaged hair. This leave-in conditioner provides 25 benefits to your hair. The heat protectant spray primes the hair for styling, protects it from damage and external aggressors, controls frizz, static, and flyaways, and detangles the hair. It contains coconut oil that increases hair manageability and protects its vibrancy. This product conditions and nourishes your hair and makes it silky. It can be used as a rinse-out conditioner as well. It is free of heavy waxes, sulfates, and parabens and is safe for regular use. Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Keracare (with xylose), and Cationic Complex Pros
Paraben-free Sulfate-free No heavy waxes Lightweight Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
Strong fragrance
10. Best Detangling:Marc Anthony Strengthening Grow Long Super Fast Leave-In Conditioner
The Marc Anthony Leave-in Conditioner is formulated with anti-breakage properties to reduce split ends and hair breaking. It is infused with ginseng, caffeine, and vitamin E that nourish and strengthen dry, brittle, unmanageable hair and impart shine. This product makes your hair longer, stronger, healthier, and more supple. It does not contain sulfates, phthalates, or parabens. Key Ingredients: Ginseng extract, Caffeine, and Vitamin E Pros
Sulfate-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Detangles hair Smells amazing
Cons
Contains alcohol
11. L’Oreal Paris ELVIVE Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In
If split ends and hair breakage are making you want to cut your hair, try this product. This leave-in conditioner contains a blend of keratin, vitamins B3 and B5, and castor oil that seal split ends and repair damage to protect and strengthen long hair and add shine. It protects the hair against heat upto 450°F. Key Ingredients: Castor oil, Keratin, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin B3 Pros
Paraben-free Heat protection up to 450°F Sweet candy fragrance
Cons
May make the roots greasy
12. John Frieda Frizz Ease Leave-In Conditioner
The John Frieda Frizz Ease Leave-In Conditioner contains a blend of green tea extract and vitamins A, C, and E to nourish and moisturize dry hair. It helps detangle the hair and keeps it frizz-free. Before styling, this spray hydrates and creates a protective shield on your hair strands to minimize damage during styling. The formula protects the hair against sun and heat damage. This leave-in conditioner is safe to use on hair that is chemically or color-treated. It can be used daily and along with other styling products. This product will leave your hair shiny, smooth, and frizz-free. Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E Pros
Safe for color-treated hair Protect against heat styling and sun damage Can be layered with other styling products
Cons
Contains parabens Leaves hair sticky
13. Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave In
The Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 In 1 Leave-In Hair Conditioner contains a unique blend of quinoa protein, coconut oil, banana leaf, banana pulp and peel, and sunflower seed oil that instantly penetrates the hair shaft, revitalizing the hair. The lightweight formula works well for detangling unmanageable hair while protecting and conditioning it. It reduces color fading and minimizes split ends. This leave-in conditioner restores and enhances the natural body of your hair, leaving it shiny and silky. It offers a protective shield against harmful environmental aggressors like UV rays, sun, humidity, and wind damage. The product is suitable for all hair types and is free of gluten and parabens. Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Sunflower seed oil, Hemp seed oil, Quinoa protein, Banana pulp Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free Paraben-free Gluten-free Humidity-resistant Offers sun protection
Cons
Strong scent
14. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Air Dry Butter Cream
The Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Air Dry Butter Cream is made of Active Fruit Protein. The blend of vitamins B3 and B6, citrus protein, plant and fruit-derived extracts, and strengthening conditioners makes your hair stronger and healthier. It also contains coconut oil that replenishes your hair with long-lasting moisture and provides 24-hour frizz control. Your hair becomes strong and shiny, and your curls are prominent and softer. This product is the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair. Key Ingredients: Active Fruit Protein, Coconut oil, Glycerin, Jojoba oil, and Macadamia oil Pros
24-hour frizz control Paraben-free Sulfate-free Defines curls Subtle smell
Cons
Crunchy Weighs the hair down
15. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner fortifies your hair with a blend of aloe, pro-vitamin B5, and wheat protein and protects it from breakage during combing and detangling. It restores the natural moisture of the hair and adds extra hydration through natural moisturizers. This weightless leave-in conditioner improves hair manageability, adds shine, and can safely be used everyday. It does not contain artificial colors, petroleum, mineral oil, or parabens. Key Ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, Wheat protein, Aloe leaf, Lavender, Sage, Calendula, and Honeysuckle Pros
Silicone-free Paraben-free Mineral oil-free Petroleum-free No artificial colors Smells good
Cons
May make the hair crunchy
16. UNITE 7Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner
If you are running short of time and need to detangle your hair, the UNITE 7Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner is your magic wand. The award-winning 7SECONDS hair system detangles the hair in just 7 seconds. This formula is a quick fix for chemically treated hair. This product locks in color, fortifies the strands, and seals the cuticles, protecting them against UV rays and heat. It contains hydrolyzed protein, panthenol, and a water-soluble silicone blend that strengthen, repair, and protect the hair and add shine. This hair conditioner spray provides the perfect balance of proteins and moisture to nourish and hydrate the hair. Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Hydrolyzed rice protein, and Water-soluble silicone blend Pros
Instantly detangles the hair Locks in color Paraben-free Thermal and UV protector Suitable for all hair types
Cons
Expensive
17. Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner
This simple infusion of sea kelp and Australian jojoba oil softens and tames wild locks almost instantly. The Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner protects the hair against damage and keeps it bouncy and smooth. This is one of the best-smelling leave-in conditioners with the scents of musk, florals, and citrus. Key Ingredients: Sea kelp, Jojoba Oil, and Coconut oil Pros
Cruelty-free Protect hair against heat damage Suitable for all hair types
Cons
Overwhelming scent
18. Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner
The Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner conditions your hair and makes it soft and manageable. It contains premium ingredients that control frizz and flyaways, define curls, and lock in moisture. Evening primrose oil strengthens and nourishes the hair, while jojoba oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, non-toxic, protects hair color, and promotes hair growth. The silk proteins and amino acids bind with the keratin in the hair to repair damage and protect it against environmental aggressors. This bond of ingredients creates a protective layer on the hair strands that holds in the moisture and adds luster to your curls. This leave-in conditioner also keeps your scalp hydrated, dandruff-free, and healthy. Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, Safflower seed oil, Evening primrose oil, Silk amino acids, and Wheat amino acids Pros
Non-sticky Lightweight Cruelty-free Alcohol-free Suitable for all hair types
Cons
May make the hair crunchy
Leave-in conditioners are popular hair care products because they nourish the hair and protect against sun rays, environmental damage, heat damage, and pollution. There are various brands available in the market that offer different types and formulas in leave-in conditioners. But there are some essential factors that you must consider before purchasing one. So, here is a buying guide for you to choose the best leave-in conditioner.
How To Select The Best Leave-in Conditioner For Your Hair
Hair Type
Always take your hair type into account before choosing a leave-in hair conditioner. For instance, nourishing leave-in conditioners are ideal for you if you have curly hair. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy, and hydration-rich leave-in conditioner for wavy hair that needs extra hydration. If you have thin, straight hair, select a lightweight leave-in conditioner that can enhance your hair health and boost shine without weighing your hair down.
Ingredients
To protect your hair from exposure to harmful chemicals, use leave-in conditioners with natural ingredients like botanic extracts, antioxidants, natural oils, vitamins, and heat-protectant properties. Also, avoid using leave-in conditioners containing sulfate, silicone, paraben, dry, gluten, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, greasy oils, and synthetic fragrances.
Formula
Leave-in conditioners come in various formulas you can choose from per your preference. For fine and thin hair, use lightweight spray or foam that can retain your silky smooth hair and not weigh them down. You can use creamy leave-in conditioners rich in natural oils for dry and damaged hair.
Scent
We all want elegant and sophisticated-smelling hair. So choose leave-in conditioners that offer mild or overwhelming but natural fragrances. Avoid using conditioners that include synthetic fragrances.
Reviews
Consider the reviews of the product before buying it. If you’ve decided on the best leave-in conditioner for your hair, notice what others say. Products can give you honest reviews. Compare the reviews of different leave-in conditioners and choose the best one.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a hair care enthusiast and loves experimenting with several products that keep one’s hair smooth, shiny, and healthy. To protect your hair from further damage, The author tried out several leave-in conditioners and checked online reviews and feedback to compile this list. These conditioners moisturize, strengthen, and add that extra shine to your hair. Is a leave-in conditioner good for your hair? Yes, leave-in conditioners are good for the hair as they make your hair smoother, healthier, and shinier. Is it OK to use a leave-in conditioner everyday? Although most brands state that leave-in conditioners can be used daily, every product leaves some buildup on the hair. Hence, avoid using it everyday. How often should you use a leave-in conditioner? You can use a leave-in conditioner 2 to 3 times a week. Is too much leave-in conditioner bad? Yes. Too much leave-in conditioner will create buildup and weigh down the hair. How long do you leave in a leave-in conditioner? You can leave it for the entire day. What’s the difference between a deep conditioner and a leave-in conditioner? Deep conditioners are used on wet hair after shampooing, kept for 5-10 minutes, and washed off. Leave-in conditioners are left on for styling and making the hair manageable and do not have to be rinsed off.
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