23 best leave-in conditioners to transform the health of your hair
Leave-in conditioners are the hair equivalent of the moisturiser you'd apply during your skincare routine. Think of it this way: your shampoo is the cleanser; your hair conditioner is the serum. But if you really want your locks to sustain their moisture long after you've washed your hair, then it's a leave-in conditioner you should be adding to your hair products arsenal.
Unlike the conditioner you use in the shower, the best leave-in conditioners – whether you opt for a leave in conditioner spray or cream – aren't meant to be rinsed away. As such, they'll be absorbed by your hair over a longer period of time, leaving it looking – and feeling – more hydrated. Any hair type can benefit from using a multitasking leave-in hair treatment, from fine her to coily hair, because different formulas target different hair concerns. Here's everything you need to know.
What are the benefits of using leave-in conditioner? | What is the best leave-in conditioner for extremely dry hair? | Can you use leave-in conditioner every day? | Our full leave-in conditioner reviews.
The best leave-in conditioner at a glance:
- Best leave in conditioner for dry hair: Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother, £28, Cult Beauty
- Best leave in conditioner for curly hair: Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream, £25.45, Look Fantastic
- Best leave in conditioner for coloured hair: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave In Conditioner, £12.75, Beauty Bay
- Best leave-in conditioner for detangling textured hair: Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler, £35, Net-A-Porter
- Best leave-in conditioner for strengthening: Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment, WAS £32.50 NOW £26, Look Fantastic
Is leave-in conditioner good for your hair?
Yes. Catherine Leray, Head of Research and Development at THG LABS, where Grow Gorgeous products are expertly developed, tells GLAMOUR: “A well-chosen leave-in conditioner can be beneficial for many hair types – the key is choosing the one best suited to your hair type or concerns. Their primary aim is to detangle and condition hair, but they can be incredibly versatile depending on the formulation, locking in moisture to reduce dryness and frizz. Promoting overall hair health, leave-in treatments such as the Grow Gorgeous Repair Daily Nourishing Leave-In Cream, £25 can also be used as a finishing touch product, for improved manageability and shine.”
They might sound like extra effort, especially if you're already using conditioner in the shower, but the effort is definitely worthwhile. Once you step out of the shower, your hair endures rough drying from bath towels, brushing, combing and lots of heat styling. A leave-in conditioner helps to protect your hair from it all, providing reinforcement when your hair needs TLC.
Leave-in conditioners are also a wonderful solution to dry hair for the time-poor. (Read: all of us). If you don't have time to sit around for 15 minutes waiting for a hair mask to work its magic, a leave-in conditioner will offer an injection of hydration.
What is the best leave in conditioner for extremely dry hair?
If you've got extremely dry hair, make a beeline for the Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother leave-in conditioner. And everything else in the Olaplex range, actually. Olaplex has literally revolutionised the hair industry in a way no other has done before; this leave-in reparative styling cream works on a molecular level to eliminate frizz, intensely hydrate locks and protect all hair types. We wouldn't be without it.
Can I use a leave-in conditioner every day?
Leave-in conditioners are designed to be lightweight and provide ongoing hydration and nourishment to the hair without weighing it down. However, it's essential to consider your hair type, texture, and specific needs when determining the frequency of use.
“Using a leave-in conditioner every day is safe and can be good for your hair if you are looking for added moisture, protection, or nourishment in between washes. You need to consider your hair type and concerns as some leave-in conditioners might be heavier than others, weighing your hair down or showing signs of build-up on your hair.” adds Catherine.
It's also worth noting that using too much product or applying it too close to the roots can lead to buildup, so be mindful of the amount and placement of the leave-in conditioner to maintain a balanced and healthy hair environment.
How often should does dry, damaged or chemically treated hair need leave-in conditioner?
If you have dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair, using a leave-in conditioner daily can help replenish moisture and restore health. It can provide ongoing hydration and protection from external factors that may cause dryness or damage. If this is you, applying a leave-in conditioner after each wash or as needed might be more beneficial.
How often should does fine or oily hair need leave-in conditioner?
On the other hand, if you have fine or oily hair, using a leave-in conditioner every day may not be necessary and could potentially weigh down your hair or make it appear greasy. In these cases, you might consider using a leave-in conditioner less frequently, such as every other wash or as a weekly treatment.
After more hair content? Shop the best hair conditioners, the best conditioner bars if you want to reduce your beauty footprint, the best conditioners for dry hair and the best luxury conditioners. For more from our Commerce Writer Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx, and for more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona.
Ahead, the best best leave-in conditioners to add to your hair arsenal sharpish.
Best leave in conditioner for heat protection
Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique 150ml, WAS £33.70 NOW £30.33, Look Fantastic
Currently on sale at LookFantastic, this leave in conditioning milk helps to rebuild heat-damaged hair from the inside out while leaving a protective top coat on your locks to prevent against further heat damage.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
Best leave-in conditioner for strengthening
Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment, WAS £32 NOW £26, Look Fantastic
This vegan and cruelty-free leave-in conditioner is made from 99% naturally derived ingredients. It boasts heat protection up to 450°, so it's ideal for anyone who frequently uses hair dryers, straighteners or curling wands to style.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for hydration
Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner, £7.99, Boots
This Charles Worthington leave-in conditioner is an absolute steal at £7.99. It contains a miracle-working blend of argan, abyssinian, coconut, tsubaki and macadamia oils to nourish the hair deeply.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Boots discount codes.
Best leave-in conditioner for textured hair
Pattern Leave-in Conditioner, £9, Look Fantastic
This leave-in conditioner gives a refreshing boots to your curls, curated with a blend of ingredients such as jojoba seed and castor oil that work hard to prevent dryness, frizz and general hair damage. Its lightweight formula allows it to seal in moisture and aid detangling.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
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Best leave in conditioner for thinning hair
Grow Gorgeous Repair Daily Nourishing Leave-In Cream, £25, Grow Gorgeous
This Grow Gorgeous leave-in cream is ideal for all hair types, and can improve the appearance and feel of weakened hair, for healthy-looking glossy starnds. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid that provides moisture and hydration to the scalp.
- TPF STUDIO
Best leave in conditioner for long thick hair
Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-In Conditioner, £28, Fable & Mane
This leave-in conditioner works as a essential everyday spray that effortlessly tackles multiple hair concerns in one go. It's formulated with an epic fusion of aloe vera (for nourishment and hydration) and Amla (for conditioning) that helps to detangle hair as well as offering heat and UV protection.
Best leave in conditioner for pollution protection
Balmain Paris Hair Leave-In Conditioning Spray, £27.65, Net-A-Porter
Every product in Balmain's haircare range is influenced by the best Parisian runway hairstylists - so you know they're going to work wonders. Lightweight and perfect for everyday use, this leave-in conditioning spray gives you volume, bounce and smoothness while protecting your hair from UV rays and environmental stressors.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for curly hair
Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream, £25.45, Look Fantastic
This is one the best leave-in conditioners for curly hair, because it helps to add definition and spring to your curls while hydrating and protecting against heat.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for curly hair
Bouclème Curl Cream, £19, Look Fantastic
This leave in conditioner can be used on wet hair for styling and dry hair for an extra moisture boost. It contains Kukui Nut Oil, Coconut Fruit Extract and Castor Oil which protect against frizz and humidity - and regular use leaves your hair manageable and perfectly sleek.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
Best leave in conditioning mask
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Strength + Moisture Leave In Mask, £25, Beauty Bay
This vegan and cruelty-free leave-in conditioner should be sprayed into damp or wet hair and combed through before styling. It uses essential nutrients from vitamins and oils to restore hydration, leaving the hair healthy, soft and shiny.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for protecting against UV
Virtue Refresh Purifying Leave-In Conditioner, WAS £30 NOW 21, Net-A-Porter
This lightweight leave-in conditioner is one of the most luxurious in this edit, blended with the brand's Alpha Keratin 60ku® protein and Amino Acids which help to hydrate, moisturise and repair damaged locks. It also helps to prevent future damage from UV-rays and pollution.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Best leave-in conditioner for detangling textured hair
Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler, £35, Net-A-Porter
Formulated with textured hair in mind, this Oribe leave-in conditioner makes even the tightest of curls and coils easy to maintain. Formulated with Murumuru, Mango and Cocoa Seed Butters plus Avocado, Olive and Jojoba Seed Oils, it moisturises the hair and prevents against dryness and breakage. Plus, it smells divine.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for coloured hair
Formulated with Black Castor Oil and certified organic shea butter, this leave-in conditioner works to nourish, moisturise, control frizz and reduce breakage. Sulphate and paraben-free, it's great at detangling the hair, too, and can actively reduce appearance of split ends.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for smoothing
Ouai Leave In Conditioner, £26, Look Fantastic
Ouai's leave-in conditioner is enriched with Tamarind Seed Extract, Panthenol and Vitamin E to hydrate and smooth the hair, plus an exclusive amino acid blend and hydrolysed protein to help reinforce the hair structure and protect against heat damage.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for coils
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray, £21.50, Beauty Bay
Black-owned beauty brand Briogeo ensures that all of the ingredients used in their every product are cruelty-free and 90-100% naturally derived, drawing attention to the care they put into making sure your natural hair is the best it possibly can be. This leave-in conditioner works to deeply nourish hair, hydrating right down to the cuticle. It's an ultra lightweight mist, making it a super simple addition to your haircare routine.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for dry hair
Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother, £28, Cult Beauty
If your hair is in need of some serious TLC, make a beeline for the Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother leave-in conditioner. And everything else in the Olaplex range, actually. Olaplex has literally revolutionised the hair industry in a way no other brand has done before; this leave-in reparative styling cream works on a molecular level to eliminate frizz, intensely hydrate locks and protect all hair types. We wouldn't be without it.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for frizzy hair
Aussie SOS Instant Humidity Saviour Hair Spray, £6.99, Boots
For under £10, this leave-in conditioner does an amazing job and hydrating the hair, as well as protecting against frizz and other unwanted effects of humidity. Plus, it smells amazing. As with all Aussie products, tbf.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Boots discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for afro hair
Cantu Leave In Conditioning Cream, £7.95, Beauty Bay
This leave-in conditioning cream helps to protect curled hair types against breakage, split ends and frizz. It has been formulated with dry, textured or coarse hair types in mind and uses pure shea butter and other natural oils to deeply moisturise your locks.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for lightweight locks
Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner, £29, Beauty Bay
Designed for use on both wet and dry hair, this leave-in conditioner shields the hair during heat styling at the same time as boosting its elasticity and glossiness. It is formulated with hydrolyzed elastin to add strength and body, protein packed sweet almond seedcake extract to strengthen and smooth, and pro vitamin B5 to regulate moisture and plump the hair.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner on Amazon
KeraCare Leave-In Conditioner 240ml, £7.25, Beauty Bay
Best applied to clean, wet hair before you brush it, this leave-in conditioner is made using a blend of natural ingredients including amla and shikakai botanicals, Argan oil, Abyssinian oil and fruit extracts. Perfect for prepping your hair for heat styling, it helps to moisturise, reduce frizz, balance pH and preserve elasticity.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for protecting against humidity
Toni & Guy Leave In Conditioner, £7.75, Boots
Formulated to protect hair against the effects of humidity (goodbye, frizz!) this leave-in conditioner will be your new best friend on holidays of the future. Suitable for all hair types, you'll simply need to squeeze a small amount of the leave-in conditioner into the palm of your hand before spreading it evenly through damp hair. It penetrates deep into the hair fibres and leaves hair super soft.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Boots discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for dry hair
Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm by IGK Hair, £25, Space NK
One of the best leave-in conditioners we've tried, this formulation contains shea butter, coconut and Argan oil to leave your hair insanely shiny. Smooth it into your damp tresses before styling. It's that simple.
Save when you shop for the best leave-in conditioner with these Space NK discount codes.
Best leave in conditioner for shine
Sachajuan Leave-In Conditioner, £25, Net-A-Porter
Another luxurious and must-have leave-in conditioner is the Sachajuan leave-in conditioner which is super lightweight and powered by the brand's exclusive Ocean Silk Technology. It's oil-free and conditions and detangles incredibly effectively.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
