If there’s one hair product curly-haired people can’t live without, it’s a moisturizing conditioner. But did you know that you can give your locks a heightened sense of hydration by incorporating a leave-in conditioner into your hair care routine? If you have dry, damaged, colored, or frizzy hair, applying a leave-in conditioner to your freshly washed curls can help restore their moisture, bounce, and shine.
Leave-in conditioners hydrate and strengthen hair, making it easier to detangle. Some also serve to protect your hair from harsh environmental factors, like heat and sunlight. If you want healthier and softer curls, you’ll want to start by applying a good leave-in conditioner to your hair right after the shower.
- What to Consider When Shopping for Leave-in Conditioner
- Top 10 Best Leave-in Conditioners for Curly Hair 2024
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner
- 2. Best Premium Pick: Davines All in One Milk Lotion
- 3. Best Budget Pick: The Honest Company Leave-in Conditioner
- 4. Best Dry Hair Pick: Renpure Coconut Creme Leave-in Conditioner
- 5. Best Damaged Hair Pick: Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner
- 6. Best Natural Hair Pick: Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in Conditioner
- 7. Best Kids Pick: SoCozy Curl Spray Leave-in Conditioner
- 8. Best Dull Hair Pick: Carol’s Daughter Leave-in Conditioner
- 9. Best Hair Growth Pick: Tgin Green Tea Leave-in Conditioner
- 10. Best for Sensitive Scalps: DevaCurl Leave-in Conditioner
- Guide to Buying the Best Leave-in Conditioners for Curly Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Last Thoughts
What to Consider When Shopping for Leave-in Conditioner
We considered the following factors when building our list of the best leave-in conditioners for curly hair.
Curl Type
Consider your curl type when searching for a leave-in conditioner. As we go through our list, we’ll let you know which hair type each product is designed for: wavy, curly, coily, or all of the above. We’ll also let you know if the leave-in conditioner in question is weave-friendly.
Cream or Spray?
Leave-in conditioners come in two forms: sprays and creams. Leave-in conditioner sprays can be used on all hair types but are typically sought out by people with fine hair because of their lightweight formulas.
Leave-in conditioner creams can be used on all hair types, too. However, they have a thicker consistency and may weigh down fine hair types or cause them to appear greasy. Both forms of leave-in conditioners will successfully moisturize your hair. However, people with thick or natural hair may prefer using leave-in conditioner creams because they are better absorbed by dry hair.
Scent
We want our hair to smell as good as it looks, which is why selecting a nice smelling leave-in conditioner is key. We’ll fill you in on the scent of each leave-in conditioner as we go through our top picks.
Features
Leave-in conditioners offer an array of benefits and features that can help repair, treat, and style your hair. We’ll let you know which characteristics they offer as we review each product. Keep an eye out for the following features.
Moisturizing
All leave-in conditioners will add moisture to your hair. However, some contain hydrating ingredients, like aloe vera, shea butter, avocado oil, olive oil, etc. These ingredients play a big role in hydrating your hair and scalp, making for healthier and shinier hair. If you have coily hair, you’ll benefit from selecting a leave-in conditioner that’s jam-packed with moisturizing ingredients. Curly and coily hair tends to lack moisture, making this feature all the more important.
Heat Protection
If you regularly style your hair using a hair straightener or a blow dryer, you can benefit from selecting a leave-in conditioner that offers heat protection. Heat protectants coat your locks and act as a barrier between your hair and styling tools.
UV Protection
UV rays can dry out your hair, making it dull and brittle. If you regularly spend time in the sun, select a leave-in conditioner that offers UV protection.
Color Protection
If you dye your hair, choose a leave-in conditioner that offers color protection. Color-protecting formulas contain conditioning agents that coat your hair, preventing dye transfers.
Frizz Control
Many leave-in conditioners contain anti-frizz serums, which provide hair with the necessary oils to combat dryness and frizziness. Some products strip the hair of its natural oils and proteins, causing frizz and flyaways in the process. If you live in a humid climate, select a leave-in conditioner that contains an anti-frizz serum. Anti-frizz serums will keep your hair moisturized, helping it to retain its silkiness and shininess.
Detangling
If detangling your hair is a challenge, you may benefit from using a leave-in conditioner with detangling properties. Detanglers smooth your hair by coating it with oils, polymers, and/or acidifiers that work together to tighten up the hair’s surface, making it easier to detangle. These ingredients create a positive electrical charge that prevents your hair from sticking together.
Hair Strengthening
Split ends and breakage can make curly hair appear frizzy and unhealthy. Curly-haired individuals are more susceptible to breakage, which is why using a leave-in conditioner that contains hair strengtheners is so important. If you regularly dye, bleach, straighten, or perm your hair, using a hair strengthening serum can prevent it from breaking. Hair strengthening serums infuse the hair with proteins and amino acids that repair hair strands, making them appear thicker and healthier.
We found and reviewed some of the best leave-in conditioners for curly hair on the internet. We weighed out their pros and cons to help you find one that can bring your curls to the next level. We’re excited to share our findings with you but feel free to check out our full guide if you’d like more information.
Top 10 Best Leave-in Conditioners for Curly Hair 2024
1. Best Overall Pick: Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: All curl types + weaves.
- Scent: Alpine Rain (lightly scented)
- Type: Cream
- Features: Moisturizing, heat protection, UV protection, color protection, detangling, and frizz control
The Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner is loaded with moisture, helping to restore dry and frizzy curls to their full potential. If you have colored or bleached hair, this leave-in conditioner will coat your locks, protecting them from environmental factors like heat and sunlight.
No matter your hair type, this leave-in conditioner can restore your hair’s shine and vibrancy. It’s an alcohol-free product that can also be used to hydrate and style hair and weaves.
The Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner is infused with natural ingredients like jojoba seed oil and wheat amino acids. These ingredients combine to hydrate your hair and combat frizz.
This leave-in conditioner is said to smell like Alpine Rain. In reality, however, it is so lightly scented that it borders on unscented. Its versatile and unscented formula makes it a great product for the entire family, no matter their gender or hair type.
The Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner is a natural and cruelty-free hair product. However, it does contain silicones, which can leave a film in your hair, causing it to feel slightly crunchy. To prevent your hair from feeling waxy or crispy, be conservative with the amount of product you use.
If you like the features offered by this leave-in conditioner, but are looking for a silicone-free product, check out the Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner instead.
Pros
- Alcohol and cruelty-free
- Infused with natural ingredients
- Leaves hair feeling soft, shiny, and moisturized
- Can be used to condition or style hair
Cons
- Contains silicones
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: All curl types
- Scent: Citrus
- Type: Spray
- Features: Moisturizing, heat protection, color protection, detangling, and frizz control
The All in One Milk moisturizes and detangles your hair, making it easy to style it right out of the shower. This high-quality product won’t leave any build-up on the hair, and it’ll make frizz a thing of the past.
The Davines All in One Milk Lotion works wonders on color-treated hair. It’ll restore its bounce and shine without stripping it of its dye. However, it can be used on non-colored hair, too.
If you have wavy hair, you can use the All In One Milk Lotion to style your hair. However, if you have curly or coily hair, you may need to follow this product with a styling cream, mousse, or gel.
Although this leave-in conditioner may be on the expensive side, it’s well worth splurging for. It adds shine and moisture to the hair, making it look like you just walked out of the hair salon. If you’re looking for a product that will make frizz a thing of the past, look no further than Davines All in One Milk Lotion.
The All in One Milk Lotion has a strong citrus smell to it and depending on your preferences, you may love or hate its smell. If you’re looking for a similar product but aren’t a fan of citrus aromas, check out the Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner instead.
Pros
- Has a convenient spray pump
- Lightweight and high-quality product
- Doesn’t leave any build-up on the hair
- Adds shine and moisture to color-treated hair
Cons
- Citrus smell may be too overpowering
- A little expensive
3. Best Budget Pick: The Honest Company Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: Wavy and curly hair
- Scent: Sweet Orange Vanilla
- Type: Spray
- Features: Moisturizing and detangling
The Honest Company was founded by Jessica Alba, who has created a line of inexpensive vegan products that are void of chemicals. The Honest Company Leave-in Conditioner is loaded with natural ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, jojoba protein, and much more. It is a gentle and tear-free product that can be used by children and adults.
This leave-in conditioner is affordable and easy to use thanks to its spray pump. The Honest Company Leave-in Conditioner is naturally scented and smells like creamsicles. Although it smells amazing, its scent can be a little too sweet or childish for some adults.
The Honest Company Leave-in Conditioner moisturizes the hair, making it easy to detangle once out of the shower. Although it works well on fine hair, it isn’t as efficient on coily or thick hair.
If you have thick curly hair, you’ll need a leave-in conditioner that strengthens your hair and reduces frizz. If this is you, check out Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in Conditioner instead. It can be used on all hair types but works wonders on curly and coily hair.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Made with natural ingredients and is tear-free
- Moisturizes and detangles hair
Cons
- Doesn’t work well on thick curly hair types
- Has a very sweet smell
4. Best Dry Hair Pick: Renpure Coconut Creme Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: All curl types
- Scent: Light fresh scent
- Type: Cream
- Features: Moisturizing, detangling, frizz control
The RENPURE Coconut Whipped Leave-in Conditioner is loaded with conditioning oils and vitamins that turn dry hair into soft and supple locks. It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or phthalates and is cruelty-free and ethically produced.
The RENPURE Coconut Whipped Leave-in Conditioner is a great choice for anyone with dry and damaged hair. It contains tea tree oil, argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oils which keep frizz at bay while making it easy to detangle and style your curls.
It has a very light and pleasant scent that will make your hair smell amazing without overpowering your senses. This product is for you whether you have wavy, curly, or coily hair. However, it does work best on thick and coily hair, as these hair types are strong enough to support the cream’s thickness.
A little bit of RENPURE Coconut Whipped Leave-in Conditioner goes a long way. So if you have fine hair, you’ll want to use a very small amount to prevent your hair from looking flat and greasy. If you’d rather not chance it, we recommend using a lightweight spray like the Davines All in One Milk Lotion as opposed to a cream.
Pros
- Cruelty-free and ethically produced
- Has a light and pleasant scent
- Free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, gluten, phthalates, propylene, and glycol
Cons
- Hair can become greasy if too much product is applied
- Thick product may be too heavy for fine hair
5. Best Damaged Hair Pick: Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: All curl types
- Scent: N/A
- Type: Cream
- Features: Moisturizing, strengthening, detangling, and frizz control
The Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner is one of the most hydrating leave-ins on our list. It’s made with Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter, which add moisture to dry and damaged hair. If you regularly dye, perm, or use heat to style your hair, this leave-in conditioner can help restore your hair’s moisture and shine.
The Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner is cruelty-free and sustainably made. It is free of chemicals that dry out your hair and is easy on the scalp. It’s gentle enough to use on children and can be used as a detangler, too.
This leave-in conditioner is quite thick and may weigh down fine hair. If you have fine hair and damaged hair, you can always use this product as an overnight leave-in conditioner as it can strengthen your locks and improve the appearance of split ends.
The Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner doesn’t have a specified scent, but it does smell like shea butter and castor oil. Its scent isn’t the best, but it will disappear once the product dries.
If you’re looking for a natural leave-in conditioner that won’t weigh down fine hair, we highly recommend the Honest Company Leave-in Conditioner.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any silicones or parabens
- Hydrates, conditions, and restores damaged hair
Cons
- Doesn’t have the best scent
- The product is very thick
6. Best Natural Hair Pick: Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: Curly and coily hair
- Scent: Olive
- Type: Cream
- Features: Moisturizing, strengthening, detangling, and frizz control
Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in Conditioner brings dry hair back to life. It’s enriched with shea butter and olive oil, which hydrate your locks making them feel soft to the touch. It’s a great product to apply to your hair post braids, as it will replenish and strengthen your curls, making them easier to detangle therefore causing less breakage.
If you have natural hair, which tends to be a little dry, Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in Conditioner will be your new go-to. It tames frizz without getting rid of volume, and it smells delicious, too.
Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in Conditioner works wonders on thick and natural hair. However, it can weigh down thin and wavy hair, making it look flat and slightly greasy. Although its formula does contain natural ingredients, it’s important to note that it also contains a few different types of alcohol, which can dry out your hair in the long run. If you’re looking for an alcohol-free product, check out the Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner instead.
Pros
- Makes hair feel soft
- Smells amazing
- Controls frizz and makes it easy to detangle hair
Cons
- Product is too heavy for fine hair
- Product contains alcohol
7. Best Kids Pick: SoCozy Curl Spray Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: Wavy and curly hair
- Scent: Sweet-Pea
- Type: Spray
- Features: Moisturizing, strengthening, detangling, and frizz control
The SoCozy Curl Spray Leave-in Conditioner was created for children with curly hair. It contains vitamin B5, jojoba oil, and olive oil, which hydrates, strengthens, and detangles hair respectively. It comes in a convenient spray bottle, making it easy to apply it to your child’s hair. Although it is made for children, adults can use it too — as long as they don’t mind its fruity smell.
The SoCozy Curl Spray Leave-in Conditioner is tough on frizz but gentle on the skin. It’ll leave your little one’s hair feeling soft to the touch. A few sprays of this leave-in conditioner make it easy to brush through the hair without causing breakage. However, be sure not to apply too much product as it can turn hair stiff once dry.
Despite being made with natural ingredients and being free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors, and dyes, this leave-in conditioner isn’t alcohol-free. This can be a deal-breaker since alcohol can dry out hair in the long run. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend using this product on children with natural hair.
If you’re looking for a detangling and moisturizing spray for kids and adults with coily hair, check out the Carol’s Daughter Leave-in Conditioner instead.
Pros
- Contains vitamin B5, jojoba oil, and olive oil
- Minimizes frizz and leaves hair feeling soft
Cons
- Contains alcohol
- May cause hair to be stiff if too much product is applied
8. Best Dull Hair Pick: Carol’s Daughter Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: All curl types
- Scent: Vanilla
- Type: Spray
- Features: Moisturizing, detangling, and frizz control
The Carol’s Daughter Leave-in Conditioner is made with natural and hydrating ingredients like soy protein, pro-vitamin B5, aloe vera, shea butter, and sweet almond oil. Its formula is free of silicones, parabens, and other harmful chemicals that can dry out your hair.
If your hair is dry and dull, Carol’s Daughter Leave-in Conditioner can help restore its moisture and shine. This product is very moisturizing and is known for combating frizz and making it easy to detangle your hair. However, this product may strip your hair of dye, so it’s best to avoid it if you have colored hair. It may also cause thin hair to feel crispy if too much product is applied.
If you have thin and colored hair, check out the Davines All in One Milk Lotion instead. These two products offer similar perks. However, the Davines All In One Milk Lotion is a lightweight product that offers color and heat protection.
Pros
- Restores hair’s natural moisture and shine
- Made with natural ingredients and does not contain any silicones, parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, or artificial colors
Cons
- Can turn hair crispy if too much product is used
- May cause dyed hair to fade
9. Best Hair Growth Pick: Tgin Green Tea Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: All curl types
- Scent: Green Tea
- Type: Cream
- Features: Moisturizing, strengthening, detangling, and frizz control
The Tgin Green Tea Leave-in Conditioner contains green tea and argan oil, which combine to promote hair growth. These ingredients encourage a healthy amount of blood flow to reach the scalp and are a great option for anyone trying to grow out their curls.
The Tgin Green Tea Leave-in Conditioner moisturizes the hair, softening it and making it easier to comb and style. You can use it on its own or pair it up with other hair products. However, if you do use it on its own, be sure to use a conservative amount because its texture is quite heavy and can cause flakes.
This leave-in conditioner has a light green tea scent that’ll leave your hair smelling fresh and clean. Its ultra-moisturizing formula reduces frizz and decreases breakage and flyaways. Although many of the ingredients found in Tgin’s Green Tea Leave-in Conditioner are skin and hair-friendly, it does contain phenoxyethanol, which has been known to irritate sensitive scalps.
If you’re looking for a creamy leave-in conditioner but have a sensitive scalp that may react to phenoxyethanol, check out the DevaCurl Leave-in Conditioner instead.
Pros
- Promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss
- Softens and moisturizes hair, making it more manageable
Cons
- Contains Phenoxyethanol, which may irritate sensitive scalps
- May flake when used alone
10. Best for Sensitive Scalps: DevaCurl Leave-in Conditioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Curl Type: Wavy and curly
- Scent: Floral
- Type: Cream
- Features: Moisturizing, strengthening, and frizz control
The DevaCurl Leave-in Conditioner contains fewer chemicals and irritants and leaves your hair feeling soft and revitalized. It’s made with quinoa oil, pequi oil, and chufa milk, which combine to strengthen hair, making it less susceptible to breakage.
Despite being a cream and not a spray, it is lightweight enough to be applied to thin hair without making it appear greasy or flat. However, its formula isn’t hydrating enough for people with thick natural hair. If you have thick or coily hair, we recommend siding with the RENPURE Coconut Whipped Leave-in Conditioner instead.
The DevaCurl Leave-in Conditioner has a light and floral scent that isn’t too overbearing. You can apply it to your hair right out of the shower, but it isn’t very successful in refreshing second-day hair. Spending extra on a high-quality product isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this leave-in conditioner is a little pricey considering its results.
If you’re looking to splurge on a high-quality product that works like a charm, we highly recommend the Davines All in One Milk Lotion. It’s suitable for all hair types and offers heat and color protection.
Pros
- Non-greasy and cruelty-free formula
- Non-irritating and dermatologist tested
Cons
- A little expensive for results
- Doesn’t refresh hair
- Isn’t moisturizing enough for natural hair
Guide to Buying the Best Leave-in Conditioners for Curly Hair
In this section, we’ll discuss the benefits of leave-in conditioners and give you tips and tricks on how to properly apply them to your locks. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about leave-in conditioners.
What Are the Benefits of Leave-in Conditioners?
Leave-in conditioners contain hydrating ingredients that combine to tame and moisturize the hair. Their hydrating qualities make it easier to comb and style curly hair without causing breakage. Since curly hair tends to lack moisture, incorporating a leave-in conditioner into your hair care routine can prevent further damage, especially if you dye, bleach, straighten, or perm your hair.
A good leave-in conditioner will offer UV protection, preventing sun damage while also limiting the stripping of color-treated hair. Due to its ability to lock in moisture, leave-in conditioners can also decrease frizz, giving your hair a healthy appearance and restoring its shine in the process.
How Is a Leave-in Conditioner Different From a Regular Hair Conditioner?
A regular hair conditioner is applied to the hair after it has been shampooed and washed. Conditioners have a thick consistency and need to be washed out after every use to allow the scalp to breathe and prevent the hair from taking on a greasy appearance. Conditioners hydrate our locks, making it easier to comb through them once out of the shower. However, some brands may contain harmful ingredients, like alcohols, that strip your hair of its natural oils, which is why it’s best to wash them out after a few minutes.
Leave-in conditioners, on the other hand, are meant to be applied to the hair after it has been shampooed and conditioned. Leave-in conditioners have a lightweight and non-greasy consistency, which allows your hair and scalp to breathe. Their hydrating ingredients tame and quench dry hair types, making it easier to comb and style them. Leave-in conditioners don’t need to be washed out and can sometimes double as a hair styling product for curly hair
How Do You Apply Leave-in Conditioners?
Applying a leave-in conditioner is as easy as applying a hair gel or mousse. However, there are a few important steps to follow to get the best possible outcome.
- Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
- Apply the specified amount of leave-in conditioner to damp or towel-dried hair.
- Work the product through your hair, from root to tip. If you have thin hair, avoid applying the leave-in conditioner to your roots and tips, as this can cause your hair to look greasy or weighed down.
- Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle and brush your hair. This will help to evenly distribute the product.
- Style your hair.
*Tip: Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair — it’ll help to combat frizz!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We answered some of the most frequently asked questions about leave-in conditioners down below.
What Leave-in Conditioner Is Best for Curly Hair?
The Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner is one of the best leave-in conditioners for curly hair. This product works well on curl types and porosities. Not only does it moisturize and detangle your hair, but it also offers heat and UV protection.
The Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner is tough on frizz but gentle on colored hair; it won’t cause colored hair to lose its vibrancy. What makes this leave-in conditioner stand out amongst all others is how it can also be used to style your hair, replacing the need for other expensive hair products.
What Is the Best Leave-in Conditioner for Damaged Hair?
If you have dry and damaged hair, you’ll want to avoid using a leave-in conditioner that contains fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and alcohol, as these ingredients can affect your hair and health. These ingredients may quench your hair temporarily, but they can dry it out in the long run.
Our favorite leave-in conditioner for damaged hair is the Shea Moisture Leave-in Conditioner. It’s made with natural ingredients and is void of any silicones, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, and petrolatum.
Can You Use a Leave-in Conditioner on Second-Day Hair?
Leave-in conditioners are usually applied to damp or towel-dried hair. However, some leave-in conditioner sprays can be applied to second-day hair without making it appear greasy or flaky. If you’re looking for a leave-in conditioner that can revive and hydrate second-day hair, we highly recommend the Davines All in One Milk Lotion.
How Many Times a Week Should You Use a Leave-in Conditioner?
You can apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair after every shower. However, hair stylists recommend washing your hair one to three times a week to prevent it from drying out. You can use leave-in conditioners to revive your hair throughout the week, but be sure to spray your hair with water first to avoid product build-up and flakes. We recommend using a leave-in conditioner every other day, but since every product is different, it’s best to read and follow the brand’s instructions.
Do Leave-in Conditioners Help With Hair Growth?
Some leave-in conditioners are infused with natural ingredients that promote hair growth. If you’re interested in growing out your hair, check out the Tgin Green Tea Leave-in Conditioner. This product contains green tea and argan oil, which have been proven to improve your scalp’s health, reducing hair loss, and promoting new hair growth in the process.
Last Thoughts
It can take years of trial and error before you concoct the perfect hair care routine for your gorgeous curls. But when you finally find the right products, your curls will shine and bounce like never before. Once you find the right leave-in conditioner for your hair, you’ll wonder how you managed without it for so many years.
We hope our guide has helped you find the best leave-in conditioner for your curly hair. And remember, by giving your curls the moisture they crave, you can have a good hair day for the rest of your days.