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<p>Keep scrolling for the entire list of the 17 best leave-in conditioners along with everything you need to know about using a leave-in conditioner in your at-home hair care routine.</p>” />
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1
Best Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner
Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Spray Conditioner
1
Best Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner
Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Spray Conditioner
Pros
- Vegan, plant-based, and cruelty-free
- Versatile formula can be used on the majority of hair types and textures
Cons
- May not be nourishing enough for super dry or damage hair
Cavalcante (and a ton of stylists, FWIW) is a fan of this leave-in conditioner spray. It’s lightweight yet supremely hydrating, making it suitable for just about any hair type—from fine and straight to thick and curly. Just spray it onto clean, damp hair, comb through, and let the moisturizing plant extracts work their smoothing and softening magic.
- Silicone-free? Yes
- Key ingredients: Guar extract (adds slip and shine); mango extract, basil extract (hydrating)
THE REVIEW: “I needed to find a spray in conditioner after a bad bleaching experience at salon,” writes a tester. “I read the reviews and decided to try this one. This one is perfect for me—not heavy, just hydrating. I recommend it.”
2
Best Multitasking Leave-In Conditioner
Andrew Fitzsimmons AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner
2
Best Multitasking Leave-In Conditioner
Andrew Fitzsimmons AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Lightweight formula won’t weigh down hair or make it feel greasy
Cons
- Some reviewers say the scent can be overwhelming
Save space in your bathroom *and* streamline your morning routine with this 10-in-1 leave-in conditioner. I use it to detangle post-wash, moisturize my hair, smooth stray hairs and flyaways, and help repair breakage and split ends. It also works great as an air dry cream or to prep your hair before heat styling too.
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Bonding technology (strengthening); castor oil (moisturizing)
THE REVIEW: “I finally found my favorite!!! It leaves my hair shiny and silky soft! I love the scent and don’t find it too much at all! I have fine hair and this doesn’t leave it feeling heavy or greasy!
3
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Detangling
Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
3
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Detangling
Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
Pros
- Ideal for waves, curls, and coils
- Makes detangling quick, painless, and easy
Cons
- May be too heavy for fine hair
Another favorite of Cavalcante’s, this leave-in conditioner makes it waaaay easier to smooth out knots and tangles post-wash. It’s filled with plant butters to increase slip and shine and smooth the hair cuticle. It’s even got olive oil extract to soften strands and minimize breakage too.
- Silicone-free? Yes
- Key ingredients: Mango, murumuru, and cocoa seed butters (moisturizing and smoothing)
THE REVIEW: “I cannot even begin to explain just how much I LOVE this product,” reads one tester review. “Bleaching and dying natural hair can take a toll on your curls, but THIS saves the day. I can’t imagine life without it now. It’s creamy and rich, but doesn’t weigh your hair down. My hair stays moist and hydrated for days. No frizzing, no overly dry days, just curls that get compliments.”
4
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Heat Styling
Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Treatment
4
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Heat Styling
Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Treatment
Pros
- Protects hair from heat damage
- Smooths the hair cuticle to improve manageability
Cons
- Some testers say it’s easy to overuse the product
This leave-in conditioner is a must for anyone who heat styles on the reg. It shields hair from thermal damage so, so you can use your blow dryer, flat iron, and curling iron without destroying your strands. Plus the detangling, smoothing, and hydrating benefits make hair easier to style.
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Coconut oil, sweet almond oil (moisturizing and smoothing)
THE REVIEW: “This product is amazing—I have long dry bleached hair and using this makes it soft, shiny and manageable! Well worth the price,” writes one tester.
5
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Air Drying
Verb Ghost Air Dry Whip
5
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Air Drying
Verb Ghost Air Dry Whip
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Helps smooth flyaways and define curls and waves
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for thick, dry hair types
Part leave-in conditioner, part styler, this multitasking cream is ideal for anyone who can’t be bothered with hair dryers and curling irons and prefers to air-dry their hair instead. The formula conditions and smooths hair while creating soft, flexible hold.
- Siicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Moringa oil (moisturizing); mushroom extract (antioxidant protection); vegan protein (smoothing)
THE REVIEW: “Love this so much! The whip brings out my natural waves so easily, and not having to style my hair with heat has been amazing.”
6
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Thick Hair
Ceremonia Guava Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
6
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Thick Hair
Ceremonia Guava Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
Pros
- Helps hydrate hair for a smooth, shiny finish
- Great for curls, waves, and straight hair
Cons
- Some testers say it can make hair a bit clumpy
Like a big glass of water for your hair, this leave-in conditioner from clean beauty brand Ceremonia is an absolute *gift* for anyone for thick, dry hair. The combo of water-loving blue agave extract, repairing avocado oil, and protective guava extract work together to increase your hair’s moisture levels and make it super strong and healthy.
- Silicone-free? Yes
- Key ingredients: Guava fruit extract (UV protection); blue agave (hydrating); avocado oil (strengthening)
THE REVIEW: “This is such a great product—it smells amazing and makes my 3a curls so soft and keeps them hydrated all day long. Plus it doesn’t leave any build-up and you only need a small amount of product to get the job done.”
7
Best Leave-in Conditioner for Medium-Weight Hair
Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream
7
Best Leave-in Conditioner for Medium-Weight Hair
Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream
Pros
- Has heat protection and styling benefits
- Great for smoothing and softening coarse hair
Cons
- Some testers said it made their roots feel greasy
Ideal for medium-weight hair (think: not fine or thin, but not super thick and coarse either), this leave-in conditioner cream leaves waves, curls, and straight hair feeling uber soft and smooth. The magic? Moisturizing shea butter and a humidity-repelling complex that work together to flatten your strand’s outer cuticle and minimize flyaways.
- Silicone-free? Yes
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, beet root extract, castor seed oil (nourishing and conditioning)
THE REVIEW: “I loved this styling cream! It really helped me control any frizz—it really made my hair shiny and moisturized without making it look oily!”
8
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Fine Hair
Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream
8
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Fine Hair
Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Lightweight cream won’t make hair feel greasy or weighed down
- Has heat protectant benefits
Cons
- One of the more expensive options on the list
I get it, leave-in conditioner might seem scary for those with fine hair (hi, me), but this one is super lightweight, so your hair won’t fall flat or get greasy by lunch. I use it on damp hair from mid-lengths to ends to smooth flyaways and give my hair softness and shine, and the end result is always hair that’s healthy and hydrated but never heavy.
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Wheat amino acids (moisturizing); amber extract, soy protein (smoothing)
THE REVIEW: “I have fine, thin, and flat hair,” writes a tester, adding that “it’s color treated also and been looking dull and lifeless. The first time I used this after towel drying I was like WOW! My hair is super shiny, it’s not weighed down at all!”
9
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
Pureology Color Fanatic Multitasking Leave In Spray
9
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
Pureology Color Fanatic Multitasking Leave In Spray
Pros
- Protects hair from up to 450 degrees of heat
- Preserves hair color and vibrancy
Cons
- Some testers say the pump is prone to clogging
Whether you get a single process in the salon or DIY your highlights at home, color-treated hair needs a little extra TLC, and this leave-in conditioner does exactly that. “It doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, SLS or other ingredients that can make bleached or highlighted hair more brittle or prone to breakage,” says Saviano. “The coconut and olive oils in the formula help moisturize and add shine to dull, damaged hair too.”
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Camelina oil (nourishing); olive oil (shine enhancing); coconut oil (moisturizing)
THE REVIEW: “I’ve been coloring my hair for years and this leave-in is the reason it looks so soft and healthy,” writes one tester. “It’s easy to use and makes detangling and styling so easy,” writes another.
10
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Curls and Coils
Pattern Leave-In Conditioner
10
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Curls and Coils
Pattern Leave-In Conditioner
Pros
- Helps define and set curls and coils
- Great for sealing in moisture before a protective style
Cons
- Some testers said they disliked the smell
This leave-in conditioner will give coils and curly hair types the hydration they desperately need, thanks to the formula’s honey, jojoba oil, and biotin—all of which help moisturize your hair and boost elasticity to minimize breakage. It’s also perfect for anyone who regularly colors, heat styles, or perms their hair, since it’s so freaking moisturizing.
- Silicone-free? Yes
- Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, honey (moisturizing); biotin (strengthening)
THE REVIEW: “This gives me the most beautiful, luscious, and bouncy curls! The formula is hydrating and is great at minimizing frizz and defining my curls.”
11
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Hair
Color Wow Dream Cocktail Coconut-Infused Hydrating Leave In Treatment
11
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Hair
Color Wow Dream Cocktail Coconut-Infused Hydrating Leave In Treatment
Pros
- Helps deeply moisturize dry, brittle hair
- Protects hair against damage during heat styling
Cons
- Some tester said it made their hair feel heavy
Dryness can manifest itself in a ton of ways—split ends, breakage, tangles, you name it. But you can fight the good fight with this intensive leave-in conditioner designed for the driest of hair types. It uses coconut oil, lipids, and keratin to deeply hydrate and moisturize hair and turn straw-like strands into silk.
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Coconut oil (moisturizing and smoothing); hydrolyzed keratin (forties hair)
THE REVIEW: “This works wonders for my coarse, textured, and chemically colored hair,” writes one tester. “It provides manageability and the frizz-free results last until my next hair wash, which is approximately five days after I shampoo.”
12
Best Organic Leave-In Conditioner
Rahua Leave-In Treatment Light
12
Best Organic Leave-In Conditioner
Rahua Leave-In Treatment Light
Pros
- Made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients
- Helps smooth flyaways and seal split ends
Cons
- Not the best option for super thick, dry hair
This lightweight treatment from all-natural hair brand Rahua hydrates hair, protects it from heat-styling, and helps mend split ends, says Saviano. “The organic rahua oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter in the formula adds shine and helps repair damage too.”
- Silicone-free? Yes
- Key ingredients: Rahua oil (repairing and nourishing); quinoa extract, sunflower oil (moisturizing)
THE REVIEW: “My hair is pretty thin, and after getting it bleached recently, my hair has been looking dry and damaged,” says one tester. “After my first use, my hair felt so soft. I’ve been using this for about three weeks now and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in how healthy my hair is starting to look!”
13
Best Bond-Building Leave-In Conditioner
Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
13
Best Bond-Building Leave-In Conditioner
Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
Pros
- The best option for highly processed hair
- Minimizes breakage and split ends
Cons
- Needs to be used with the rest of the Redken bonding system for best results
Bond-building is one of the biggest things in haircare right now because the technology legit works. Get your fix with this leave-in conditioner from Redken—it helps reinforce weak bonds along the hair shaft (weak bonds = breakage, split ends, hair color fading and more) and makes hair softer, shinier, and more resistant to damage in the future.
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Citric acid (bond building)
THE REVIEW: “My hair was in bad shape—like super dry, dead, and over-processed—and this really made a difference,” says a reviewer. “It made my hair look significantly softer and healthier.”
14
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Blondes
Bumble and Bumble Bb.Illuminated Blonde Leave In Spray
14
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Blondes
Bumble and Bumble Bb.Illuminated Blonde Leave In Spray
Pros
- Helps neutralize unwanted brassy tones in blonde or highlighted hair
- Strengths hair and protects from heat damage
Cons
- Some tester say it can stain white or light-colored clothing
Formulated specifically for blonde hair, this leave-in conditioner is infused with purple pigments to help neutralize brassiness and unwanted yellow tones (just like a purple shampoo) to keep your hair color—whether it’s platinum or honey blonde—looking fresh.
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Argania spinosa kernel oil, macadamia integrifolia seed oil (nourishing and protecting)
THE REVIEW: “I quickly wash my hair and use a regular conditioner, and then when I get out of the shower I spray this leave-in on my hair before styling,” says a tester. “It really brightens up my blonde color and makes my hair feel super soft too.”
15
Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioner
Pantene Miracle Rescue 10 in 1 Multitasking Leave In Spray
15
Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioner
Pantene Miracle Rescue 10 in 1 Multitasking Leave In Spray
Pros
- Most affordable option on the list
- Multitasking formula detangles, smooths, and protects hair from thermal damage
Cons
- Some reviewers say it made their hair feel sticky
I’ve been a fan of this drugstore brand’s shampoos and conditioners for years, so I had high hopes for this leave-in conditioner. And let me just say it is literally a dream—it smooths, softens, strengthens, boosts shine, protects from UV damage, and detangles hair too. Oh, and did I mention that it’s under $10? An effective and affordable gem.
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Vitamin b5 (conditioning); amino acids (nourishing)
THE REVIEW: “This stuff is so incredible,” says a tester. “It made my hair and my daughter’s hair tangle free and super shiny after styling. It also helps with dryness, dullness, damage, and breakage too.”
16
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Damaged Hair
Virtue Purifying Leave-In Conditioner
16
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Damaged Hair
Virtue Purifying Leave-In Conditioner
Pros
- Helps strengthen and fortify weak hair
- Helps detangle hair and prevent flyaways
Cons
- Some testers say it can make their hair prone to greasiness
I get it—science, when it comes to hair, can be a bit confusing, but bear with me because this is pretty cool. This technology-first leave-in conditioner uses something called alpha keratin 60ku (aka keratin harvested directly from human hair) to help repair weakened follicles and cracks within individual strands. Other pros? It increases manageability, promotes minimal flyaways, and offers protection against environmental damage, like pollution.
- Silicone-free? No
- Key ingredients: Amino acids (nourishing); alpha keratin 60ku (damage repairing)
THE REVIEW: “I really love that this product contains keratin,” writes a tester, adding that “it’s visibly repaired my split ends and damaged hair.” “This product really does everything it claims—I would purchase again!”
17
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Type 4 Hair
Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
17
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Type 4 Hair
Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Ideal for all curl types and patterns, including type 4 hair
- Made with organic, plant-based ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s not hydrating enough for extremely dry hair
Naturalistas across the board swear by this super–hydrating leave-in conditioner that deeply penetrates the hair shaft using a blend of babassu oil and buriti oil. Hair bloggers like Miss Coily Hair and Noire Tropical Beauty also love it for its detangling and moisturizing properties, making it perfect to include during your next LOC-method twist-out.
- Silicone-free? Yes
- Key ingredients: Babassu oil, pomegranate extract, honey (moist
THE REVIEW: “Other organic leave in conditioners I’ve used in the past left my hair feeling sticky or caused my hair to look greasy but NOT this one,” writes one tester. “The texture, the smell, really everything about this is perfect.”
What is leave-in conditioner?
Leave-in conditioners have some similar qualities to the regular conditioner that you use post-wash in the shower, but they’re not meant to be rinsed out of your hair once applied. They’re also different from leave-in cream or curl cream since most leave-in conditioners don’t style your hair or define curls and waves.
Instead, leave-in conditioners help moisturize your hair, add shine, detangle, protect from heat damage, and strengthen your hair too, says Saviano. Hence their reputation for being ~amazing~.
What’s the best leave-in conditioner?
The best leave-in conditioners are the ones that are going to penetrate the cuticle, lock in the water and hydration, and won’t feel heavy on your hair. Every hair type can absolutely benefit from a leave-in conditioner when you use it correctly.
Leave-in conditioners are particularly useful if you use a hairdryer, curling iron, or any other heat-based styling tool because “you should use a heat protectant anytime you are using hot tools on your hair,” says Kinney.
How often should you use leave-in conditioner?
How often you use your leave-in conditioner depends on your hair type and the formulation of the leave-in you’re using, says Saviano. That said, over-conditioning is a real thing, and if your hair tends to get greasy fast or suffer from buildup, you may want to use a leave-in conditioner more sparingly. But if you have dry, damaged, or curly hair (leave-in conditioners are okay for the Curly Girl Method, FYI), you may be able to use ’em more than that.
Deputy Beauty Director
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
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