The Best Leave-In Conditioners Keep My Hair Moisturized and Shiny, Even In the Dead of Winter
Say goodbye to frizz and split ends.
Ariel Baker
Throughout my hair care journey, there's always been one product (aside from shampoo and conditioner) that I simply can't live without: My leave-in conditioners. This miracle product, which moisturizes and styles coils and curls alike, completely changed the game for me when I discovered it as a pre-teen. Whether it was a style refresh or an attempt to tame wayward frizz, my favorite leave-in conditioners gave me newfound love for styling my natural strands.
But what exactly is a leave-in conditioner? Celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos says that a leave-in is "very similar to a normal conditioner, except you don’t have to rinse it out, and it provides extra hydration." In other words, once you're out of the shower and ready to dry and/or style your hair, leave-in conditioners add a boost of extra hydration and sometimes even hold, so you're not meant to wash them out the way you would with your normal conditioning formula. Celebrity extension expert Priscilla Valles adds that leave-ins "provide extra moisture to the hair to protect it from damage and help detangle the hair."
However, not all leave-ins are made equally. In fact, certain products are better suited for specific hair types and needs. Plus, depending on your hair and the leave-in you use, you may need to employ different techniques altogether when working with this kind of product.
Not only have I gone ahead and listed the best leave-in conditioners currently on the market, but Giannetos and Valles also explain the leave-in conditioner essentials you need to know so you can condition your hair with confidence. Get ready to greet the world with your most hydrated, defined hair yet.
The Best Leave-In Conditioners
- Best Leave-In Conditioner Overall: Oribe Hair Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
- Best Leave-In Conditioner for Taming Frizz: Biosilk Silk Therapy Original
- Best Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Hair: Aveda Nutriplenish Daily Moisturizing Treatment
- Best Leave-In Conditioner for Fine Hair: Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner Cream
- Best Leave-In Conditioner Heat Protectant: Curlsmith Heat Protector Styling Serum
Oribe's curl line is woefully underrated, especially this priming lotion. Not only do I use it to moisturize my dry ends, but I also use it as a pre-shampoo detangler, and it works wonders. Murumuru, mango, and cocoa seed butters add moisture and shine to my coils, and olive oil helps with elasticity, which means less breakage and more length retention.
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Murumuru, mango, and cocoa seed butters (moisture); Olive oil (restore elasticity and soften)
What I Like: Detangles; Heat protection
What I Don’t: Can feel like a film on my hands post-application; Might weigh down finger hair types
Review for MC: "I've been a big fan of Oribe's curl line for years, but this leave-in in particular is one of the shining stars of this range. It can take the driest of hair types and detangle them with ease, and my dry strands rejoice every time this formula is used." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
My hairstylist recommended this lightweight leave-in to me for fighting frizz during humid New York summers, and it's done absolute wonders. I always keep a bottle on hand to keep my curls under control on vacation, and it immediately calms and defines my hair without making it look greasy. Plus, it works wonders on a DIY silk press for that extra sleek finish.
Size: 5.64 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (shine); Cyclotetrasiloxane (smooths texture); Dimethiconol (conditioning)
What I Like: Cult-classic formula works for all hair types; A little goes a long way
What I Don’t: Not humidity resistant
Review for MC: "Biosilk is one of my favorite leave-in conditioners, particularly for when I am going to straighten my hair. It adds a gorgeous shine that makes my hair look next-level healthy, and it seals in moisture from the other products I use in my wash-day routine. Plus, the scent is delicious." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Another lightweight option that I love is Aveda's Nutriplenish Daily Moisturizing Treatment. As the name suggests, it can be used daily, but somehow it never feels like my hair is super weighed down by this product. Plus, the ingredients are 99 percent natural, which makes it feel extra nourishing for both my hair and scalp.
Size: 5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Mango butter(shine and conditioning); Sand ginger (UV protection)
What I Like: Provides heat protection up to 450 degrees; Can replace heat protectant
What I Don’t: One of the more expensive options on this list
Review for MC: "Aveda has long been a staple in my hair care routine; however, I've become particularly obsessed with this leave-in conditioner during this harsh New York City weather. I've thrown this formula into my hair for a little treatment bun before wash day, and it's worked just as well as when I use it as a traditional leave-in before heat styling. The versatility is one of my favorite things about it." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
People with fine hair, this one is for you. Crown Affair's leave-in conditioner cream is one of the most weightless formulas on this list, which is key for anyone who has hair that is easily weighed down. Add in the gorgeous glass bottle and fresh scent? It's like a shortcut to wash day.
Size: 5.1 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Tsubaki meadows (heat protectant and strengthening agent); Sugar beet extract (Natural humectant to hydrate and soften strands)
What I Like: Elevated packaging that offers a more luxurious experience; Stunning scent; Absorbs into hair quickly
What I Don’t: Can feel like I have to use a lot of product to get a soft-to-the-touch feel
Review for MC: "While this leave-in treatment is particularly marketed for fine hair, I've found that concentrating it on certain areas like the ends of my hair makes a huge difference in the way that my hair feels. Even when I use it multiple days in a row, my hair doesn't feel greasy and sticky to the touch, which in turn makes me keep hydrating my hair as frequently as I can. It's a win-win, really." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
A few months ago, I learned that heat protectant creams are best suited for curly hair types. Since then, this styling serum has been one of my go-to products for at-home styling, giving me the perfect blowouts and silk-presses of my dreams. Plus, the vegan collagen in this formula also helps fortify the hair strand, helping combat mechanical styling damage.
Size: 4.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Chickpea seed (curl definition and retention); Vegan collagen (strengthening)
What I Like: Compact packaging that's easy to travel with; Pump applicator
What I Don’t: Can sometimes leave behind a bit of residue if I'm not careful.
Review for MC: "Curlsmith is one of my favorite brands for curly hair care, and this leave-in conditioner is proof that the brand continues to put curly and coily hair types at the forefront. This shield cream not only helps to tame frizz, but it is also a heat protectant (up to 450 degrees), which makes it perfect for diffusing, blow drying, or an at-home silk press, alike." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
I absolutely love this leave-in. It defines my curls without weighing them down, and even though it has great hold, it doesn't leave my hair hard or crunchy to the touch. It's particularly well-suited for type three hair textures (especially wash-and-go hairstyles), but the moisturizing properties of safflower and olive fruit oil can be extended to almost any hair type of texture.
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Safflower oil (deep hydration); Olive fruit oil (moisture and shine)
What I Like: Curl-defining formula; Great for wash-and-gos
What I Don’t: May be too thick for straight, fine hair
Customer Review: "Finally, something that tames my hair! This takes care of the frizz, flyaways, and Florida humidity. Great for beginners going curly. You don't have to be that experienced with curls to make your hair look good with this product. My hair looked pretty good the next day too, with minimal effort and without applying more." -Walmart
For those with thick, thirsty hair, SheaMoisture's castor oil-based leave-in conditioner is just the ticket. It restored the dried-out sections of my hair that once comprised my short-lived bleach, and its smell is pleasing but not overpowering.
Size: 11.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Jamaican black castor oil (promotes hair growth and reduces breakage); Shea butter (natural moisturizer)
What I Like: Great option for kinky, coily hair; Peppermint stimulates the scalp
What I Don’t: May have to pair with another product for optimal detangling
Customer Review: "I have spent upwards of $70 on leave-ins and never experienced the sheer simplicity and just overall feeling of succeeding in 'figuring out my hair' as I have with this stuff. My partner and I use this religiously. I am Caucasian with fine, loose curls, frizz, and excessive breakage, and she is Caucasian/African American with very thick and tightly curled hair." - Walmart
This K18 treatment is beloved by editors and consumers alike—even the pros rave about this formula. "I love this leave-in treatment mask because it's for all hair types," Valles says. She adds that it "clinically reverses damage in four minutes." Still, make sure that you wait the full amount of time to get the full effect of the treatment.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: K18Peptide (repairs damage from bleach, color, chemical services, and heat)
What I Like: Gorgeous soft scent; Takes less than five minutes to work
What I Don’t: Small amount for the cost
Customer Review: "I box dye my roots/whole head every 5 weeks, so my hair takes a lot of damage. Since using K18, there’s clearly less breakage when I wash/brush/style my hair. Worth every penny!" — Sephora
It will likely come as no surprise to you that the woman who has an entire haircut named after her would have a fabulous hair care line. Still, if you don't believe me, the pros are also raving about this line. "I’ve been loving the Lolavie by Jennifer Aniston," says Giannetos. "This is the perfect leave-in for fine hair without adding too much weight to the hair."
Size: 5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract (heat protectant to 450 degrees); Pro3 bond technology (protects and repairs the look of hair aging and damage)
What I Like: Lightweight formula; Absorbs quickly
What I Don’t: Thicker hair types might go through this really quickly
Customer Review: "I have frizzy hair that is challenging to manage in high humidity. With Lolavie Perfecting Leave-In, I style my hair, and it looks great. I've tried other Leave-In conditioners; this one works without leaving my hair feeling heavy." — Ulta
Need an everyday leave-in product? Davines's Dede Hair Mist might do the trick. "I love how light this is," Valles raves. "It’s a leave-on spray formulated to detangle fine hair to favor compatibility and styling. It moisturizes and remineralizes all hair types without weighing them down. It's ideal for frequent use."
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed sweet almond protein (repairs damaged hair by filling in gaps in the cuticle); Panthenol (moisturizing humectant)
What I Like: Deeply moisturizing without weighing the hair down
What I Don’t: Packaging can leak
Customer Review: "I used to love the all-in-one milk from Davines, but after trying this one, I love it even more. It’s lighter than the all-in-one milk, so it's perfect for my fine, wavy hair. I will keep repurchasing it." — Sephora
Giannetos also recommends this option from L'Oreal, calling it "another great leave-in option for a really affordable price." One of my favorite parts? The generous amount you get in the container for less than $10. Plus, it goes a long way, meaning that this product will last you for ages and it's readily available in most drugstores.
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (humectant); Almond oil (moisture)
What I Like: Affordable and easily accessible option
What I Don’t: Can weigh down finer hair types
Customer Review: "I tend to buy expensive hair products/name brands. I tried this hair mask, and I got better results than the more expensive ones. Saw a difference in my hair with the first use." — Target
Worried about maintaining your color-treated hair? Giannetos says he loves this option from Olaplex. "This product is mostly for colored hair, and it makes the hair so smooth," he says. As someone who has long chopped off my color, I can also confidently say that this product also helps to repair any dryness that bleach can leave behind as well.
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate (patented technology that helps to repair broken bonds for stronger hair)
What I Like: Ideal for color-treated hair
What I Don’t: No heat protection; Strong scent
Customer Review: "Love this product. Bleached, straight, fine hair, and this makes it feel luxurious." -Sephora
What Are the Benefits of a Leave-In Conditioner?
If you're a wash-and-go kind of person, you may be wondering what the point of using a leave-in conditioner might be. "If you have dry, brittle, frizzy, or damaged hair or hair that has been chemically treated, then you probably need extra moisture," Valles says. They're also particularly fantastic for curly and coily hair types, which need more moisture and are typically more prone to frizz and dryness.
Still, Valles also says that leave-in conditioners can be helpful for any hair type. "I recommend everyone add leave-in conditioners to their weekly routines to keep their hair healthy and moisturized," she adds.
How Do I Apply Leave-In Conditioner?
There are so many hair products out there, from oils to glosses to masks, that it can be difficult to understand when and how to apply each formula properly. For leave-in conditioner, Valles says you can use your go-to every time you wash your hair.
"After you've shampooed, conditioned, and towel-dried, then you can apply the leave-in conditioner," she explains. "Usually, you want to stay away from the scalp, because it produces oil on its own. Focus more on the ends." For consistent moisture, frizz-taming, and curl definition, she also advises combing the product through the hair for even application.
As for how much product to use, start with a modest amount so you don't overapply, and then work your way up if you feel you need more moisture. "The longer your hair is, I would say to use two quarter-sized pumps," says Valles. "If you have shorter hair, use a dime-sized pump. Less is more with leave-in conditioner."
It's also important to consider the thickness of the formula you're using: If the product contains heavier ingredients like castor oil or if it's particularly rich, you may not need to apply as much. If you're using a lightweight mist, on the other hand, feel free to be a bit more generous.
What Should I Look For In a Leave-In Conditioner?
Speaking of thickness, the formula of leave-in conditioner that you choose should depend on your hair type and needs. "If you have fine hair, use a spray formula," she says. "But if you have more wavy, curly hair, use more of a creme-based option."
When it comes to ingredients, though, there are a few universals. "Any ingredients that you recognize, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, are all fantastic to keep an eye out for," Valles says. On the other hand, she advises users to "stay away from any that include alcohol or silicones."
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Meet the Experts
Originally hailing from Greece and enjoying a successful career there, Dimitris Giannetos has been a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles since 2013. He has worked with a number of haircare brands as a brand ambassador, has collaborated with photographers and magazines, and his client list has included Joey King, Megan Fox, Alessandra Ambrosio, and others.
Priscilla Valles is a celebrity hairstylist and extension expert. She has worked with a number of high-profile celebrity clients, including Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Chrissy Teigen. She is currently based in Los Angeles.
