If your hair is overly dry — even though you're using the most heavy-duty conditioner on the market — you might want to follow up your shower routine with a leave-in formula. The best leave-in conditioners for dry hair will make styling more manageable, while also leaving strands soft and reducing the presence of fly-aways. Many also use proteins and vitamins to strengthen hair that's been chemically damaged.
Since our hair is more fragile when it’s wet — and certainly more prone to breakage when it isn't properly hydrated — a leave-in conditioner is necessary to seal in the moisture from water. The ones containing emollients that work as sealants, filled with moisturizing oils and strengthening proteins, are going to be the most effective. Even if you don't have dry hair, spraying it with leave-in conditioner before you brush it out is an excellent extra step — it'll detangle knots and make it easier to glide through coarse textures. More importantly, the product should coat strands with a strong barrier that keeps the moisture in during heat styling, humidity, cold weather, and other harsh environmental factors.
Regardless of your hair type, there are plenty of options to choose from. Below, you'll find the best leave-in conditioners on the market: Each and every one is filled with high-quality ingredients that help restructure, replenish, and revitalize damaged or brittle strands. Plus, they all smell amazing.
1A Stimulating Leave-In Spray That Smells Like Lemongrass
Alikay Lemongrass Leave-in Conditioner, $10, Amazon
Infused with stimulating lemongrass, repairing aloe, and silk amino acids, this leave-in conditioning spray is a total score for dry, coarse curls. It comes in a spray form, which is particularly beneficial for folks that wash in protective styles, and it penetrates each strand deeply to fully soften and lock in moisture. The lightweight consistency is a great start for styling with the L.O.C method because you won’t have any build-up when you apply the oil and cream. This is a luscious leave-in for dry ‘fros to stay hydrated.
2A Conditioning Three-In-One Spray With UV Protection
Sun Bum Beach Formula 3-In-1 Leave-In Conditioner Spray, $12, Amazon
Even if you're only exposed to the sun for a little while, it's still soaking up moisture from your hair and scalp. But with this leave-in conditioner, your hair will be fully protected. It contains coconut and sunflower oil for hydration and shine, and works wonders for detangling both wet and dry strands. This 3-in-1 formula also has UV color protection that works to protect locks from future dryness and damage. It’s totally free of silicones, dyes, parabens, and alcohol, so it’s a safe option for color-treated tresses, too.
3A Unique Foaming Formula With Milk Protein
Milk_Shake Whipped Leave In Foam, $20, Amazon
Dryness can weaken the hair, making it more prone to breakage — restore its strength with this whipped leave-in foam to make it soft, shiny, and manageable for detangling and styling. It's formulated with natural botanicals, making it a versatile option to maintain maximum moisture and even preserve hair color. Loyal reviewers with fine-textured and thick hair rave about the subtle, light scent and softness of their tresses.
4A Keratin-Infused Leave-In Spray That Offers Maximum Heat Protection
Xtava Leave In Conditioner Spray, $13, Amazon
Just because you color your hair doesn't mean you have to succumb to damage. This hydrating leave-in conditioner contains moisturizing and nourishing argan oil and keratin, which protects strands from future harm. The unique formula also has a dose of Brazilian pequi, and it's also a great option for improving elasticity. Because it also boosts moisture levels, this spray is going to be a wonderful leave-in conditioner for moisture-craving color-treated, curly, or natural hair.
5An All-Natural Leave-In Conditioning Cream With Black Castor Oil
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner, $11, Amazon
Always staying true to providing hearty all-natural formulas, SheaMoisture’s leave-in conditioner will set your hair up for surviving even the driest conditions. This is one of my favorite leave-ins because it’s incredibly moisturizing, providing the perfect amount of slippage for detangling. It keeps my naturally coarse coils soft for a full week without having to add any additional water or product. It’s not just for ‘fros, though: Formulated with shea butter, black castor oil, and apple cider vinegar, this is a luscious (and long-lasting) treat for anyone with seriously dry strands.
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