Harper's BAZAAR
You've probably heard about how helpful leave-in conditioners can be for every hair type, but it's time to actually pick one up—and use it routinely—if you've been putting off the extra work. Unlike deep conditioners, which are more of a weekly treatment, leave-ins are applied each time you towel off to add in an extra dose of moisture post-shower.
"It's much easier to keep your hair in good condition than to repair it once the damage is already done," says celebrity hairstylist Rob Talty, who works with Christina Aguilera. And that's exactly what leave-in conditioner does: By regularly adding moisture to your hair, it doesn't have a chance to dry out, snap, and fray. Like the best shampoos, however, "you have to use the right formula," he says. "Otherwise you're just weighing the hair down." Read on for 20 of the best leave-in conditioner formulas, no matter your hair type or concern.
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Best Leave-In Conditioner for Natural Hair
Leave-In Conditioner PATTERN
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Best Leave-In For Damaged Hair
Redken Acidic Perfecting Leave-In Treatment for Damaged Hair Redken
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Best Strengthening Leave-In
AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner Andrew Fitzsimons
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Best Leave-In Conditioner With Vitamin C
Sun Catcher Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner R+Co
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Natural Pick
Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner Playa
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Best Leave-In Conditioner for Natural Hair
PATTERN
Leave-In Conditioner
Best Leave-In For Damaged Hair
Redken
Redken Acidic Perfecting Leave-In Treatment for Damaged Hair
Best Strengthening Leave-In
Andrew Fitzsimons
AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner
Best Leave-In Conditioner With Vitamin C
R+Co
Sun Catcher Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner
Natural Pick
Playa
Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Humidity
IGK
MISTRESS Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Hair Balm
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Curls
Bounce Curl
Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner
Best Leave-In Conditioner With Keratin
COLOR WOW
Dream Cocktail Coconut-Infused Hydrating Leave In Treatment
Best Lightweight Leave-in Conditioner
Daily Dose
Miracle Moisture Leave-In Conditioner
Drugstore Deal
Odele
Leave-in Detangling Tonic
Best Vitamin-Rich Leave-in
Adwoa Beauty
Baomint Leave In Conditioning Styler
Best Leave-in for Shine
OUAI
Leave-In Conditioner
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Frizz
Mielle
White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
Best for Sensitive Scalps
INNERSENSE
Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner
Best-Seller
It's a 10
Miracle Leave-In Product
Best Leave-In with UV Protection
Rahua
Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier
Long-Lasting
Living Proof
No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner
Best for Volume
SACHAJUAN
Leave In Conditioner
Best Between Washes
Briogeo
Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray
Best for Detangling
Carol's Daughter
Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Leave-In Conditioner
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use leave-in conditioner?
You use in-shower conditioner every time you wash your hair, right? Leave-ins are no different. Use it post-shower to detangle and condition your hair, keeping it healthy and soft as it dries.
When should I use leave-in conditioner?
Leave-in conditioners are typically used after you shower. Gently towel-dry your hair, then spray or smooth the product through your hair and brush it through with a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically made for wet hair (like a Wet Brush). Once your hair feels smooth and detangled, style as usual.
Can I use leave-in conditioner before heat styling?
Yes. You should absolutely use leave-in conditioner or a heat protectant before styling your hair with any hot tools. They add a layer of protection between your hair and the high temperatures, helping to prevent added damage to your strands.