Best Leave In Conditioners For Curly And Wavy Hair 2024.

Written by Helen Turner Updated on 12/07/2024.

Are Leave In Conditioners Really Worth It?

It took me a while to realise the benefit of a leave in conditioner. Initially I was using too much and it was weighing my hair down, but now I’ve mastered how to use them for my hair type. Make sure your hair is super wet and only use a small amount, followed by a curly hair brush to make sure the product is evenly distributed.

Curly hair is more prone to dryness than other hair types. This is because it has a lot of surface area and thus, absorbs more water and moisture. In order to keep your curls hydrated, you will need to use a leave-in conditioner. Leave in conditioners are great for curly hair because they are light enough to not weigh down the curls but also moisturize them at the same time.

Leave-in conditioners are a type of hair care product that is applied to wet or damp hair and left in for the duration of the hair's styling. It is a water-based product that has conditioning agents, like silicone, panthenol, and glycerin. The product is not rinsed out after application. They fall somewhere between a conditioner and a styling product and can help improve the health and look of your curls. Leave in conditioners also provide vital hydration to keep your waves and curls looking their best. They nourish the hair prior to styling with gels and creams before air or diffuser drying.

Leave-in-conditioner can work with wavy hair and any type of curls, however some products are aimed at certain types of curls. Click here to find your curl type.

The benefits of using leave-in conditioners are:

1) It will make your hair easier to comb through.

2) It will provide deep conditioning.

3) It will hydrate your dry curls and coils.

Here are a few leave-in conditioners I would recommend:

Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler - This silky, leave-in conditioning lotion instantly detangles to ease combing and prevent breakage. Our ultra-hydrating formula moisturises and smooth's strands for healthy, beautiful curls. Contains mango seed oil and jojoba oil to nourish hair.

What I Like - Silicone Free, Heat Protection, Can be used on dry hair. High level of slip aids in combing to prevent breakage.

Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner - A conditioner that creates a balanced, breathable moisture foundation that encourages curls to form and leaves hair soft and silky. Weightless formula infused with prickly pear and green tea to seal in nourishment and encourage curl formation.

What I Like - Free from: Non-Water Soluble Silicones, Parabens, Mineral Oil, Phthalates, Petroleum, Gluten. Vegan and Cruelty-free.

UNITE Hair 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-In Conditioner - Weightless leave-in detangle that conditions, seals and protects hair from UV and thermal damage. This protein-based formula leaves hair strong and healthy. It also seals the cuticle and protects hair from heat and UV. A must-have for all curly hair types.

What I Like - Provides thermal and UV protection, Paraben, sulphate free + vegan, Safe for extensions & chemically-treated hair.

MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner - Moisturizing Detangler Spray, for Frizzy & Curly Hair. For all textures and hair types. This leave in conditioner provides a protective shield against heat damage and primes waves curls and coils for a perfect frizz-free finish. This leave in conditioner penetrates deep down to the follicle to prep, protect and moisturize hair for superior detangling and hydration.

What I Like - ingredients such as fennel seed oil and coconut oil.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado Leave–In Defining Creme - For those with wavy, curly and coily hair texture types - 2A to 4C. Rice amino acids seal the hair cuticle and lock out frizz-causing humidity. Tomato fruit ferment enhances moisture retention to support uniform curl formation. Ultra-hydrating avocado oil creates soft and bouncy curls. 94% naturally derived.

What I Like - hydrating Avocado oil, cruelty free, vegan, 95% naturally derived.

Paul Mitchell Full-Circle Leave-In Treatment -Hydrates thirsty locks and helps protect against damage. Smoothes hair, reduces static, prevents dryness and gets weary strands back in shape. Creamy formula smoothes, detangles and replenishes every curl.

What I Like - paraben free, vegan, gluten free.

AG Hair Moisture Fast Food Leave On Conditioner - Smooths & calms frizzy, thick or coarse hair. Moisturises, mends split ends, weightless condition and shine. Contains aloe, abyssinian oil and potent humectants.

What I Like - free of drying sulfates, are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Redken One United All-In-One Leave In Conditioner - All in one multi benefit treatment leave in conditioner and heat protectant spray for hair. All hair types and textures

What I Like - Sulfate-free, Paraben-free, vegan, recycled plastic.

John Masters Organics Green Tea & Calendula Leave-In Conditioning Mist - Detangles and smooths frizz and flyaway's. A lightweight, nutrient rich mist that provides a daily boost of nutrients for healthy, soft strands.

What I Like - made with green tea, calendula and broccoli seed oil, free from parabens, sulphates, silicones.

SexyHair Healthy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner - Up to 90% Better Detangling, Reduces Breakage, Smoothness, and Shine.

What I Like - Formulated with Mimosa Flower Extract, Contain protein, cruelty free, sustainable packaging.

milk_shake Leave-In Conditioner Spray Detangler - for Natural Hair - Protects Color Treated Hair and Hydrates Dry Hair - Leave In Conditioner For Soft and Shiny Straight or Curly Hair. Milk proteins give strength to the hair's structure and fruit and honey extracts revitalise and give shine. Vitamin E protect from UV rays and help to maintain hair colour.

What I Like - Strawberry extract, milk proteins, honey extract, blueberry extract, papaya extract.

Onesta Quench Leave-In Conditioner Spray - A powerful blend of Organic Rooibus reverses the effects of damage and adds shine. Organic super fruit, Acai contains rich antioxidants to revive, heal and restore damaged hair.

What I Like - Infused with aloe juice to moisturize hair.

• Packed with Vitamin ACD B5 & Polyphenols.

• Scented with a black currant & orange citrus natural fragrance.

Are Leave-In Conditioners Good For Fine Wavy Hair?

It depends on the type of leave in! I would go with a thin spray leave in conditioner to avoid weighing the hair down. Or try applying a leave in foam or mousse at the roots to stop the roots looking flat or weighed down. Or try just applying to the dryer ends of your hair. Start with a small amount until you figure out how much leave-in conditioner your hair can tolerate.

How Often Should You Use Leave-In Conditioner For Wavy Hair?

This depends on your hair type. Finer hair will need less, thicker waves will need more. At least apply a leave-in conditioner after each wash and if you refresh your waves in between washes then you can re-apply a small amount on damp hair then. It also depends how often you wash your hair etc. Play around with different frequencies until you find what works best for your hair. Everyones wavy hair needs something a little different!

Does leave in conditioner make you hair wavier?

Leave in conditioner can make you waves more defined. The conditioner nourishes the hair and proviedes more bounce which can enhance waves and prevent frizz.

Here are some more curly hair blog posts that you might be interested in reading:

Cleansing Conditioners For Wavy And Curly Hair

Best Co-Wash For Curly Hair

Disclaimer: This post does contain some affiliate links which if you do make a purchase I may receive a small commission which helps me to keep writing these posts for you about my curly journey and hair recommendations.

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