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Co-washing, conditioning, or deep conditioning hair during a shower is one thing—but you're missing an entire piece of the puzzle if you aren't using leave-in conditioner afterwards, too. Sprays, serums, and creamy conditioners help natural hair retain moisture, wave away breakage, and add a bit of ease (and de-tangling) to your styling routine. Ahead, 11 editor-approved leave-in conditioners for curls, coils, and natural hair of any style.
1
2021 Hair Award Winner
Pattern
Pattern Leave-In Conditioner
2
Mielle
Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner
3
Curls
Blueberry Leave In Conditioner
4
Mizani
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
5
Jim And Henry
Eight Leave-In Hair Conditioner
6
Ranavat
Fortifying Hair Serum: Mighty Majesty
7
EVOLVh
SmartCurl Leave In Conditioner
8
As I Am
Leave In Conditioner
9
Oribe
Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
10
Carol's Daughter
Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Leave In Conditioner
11
Briogeo
Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-in Conditioning Spray
12
Bumble and bumble
Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
Madge Maril Madge Maril is a writer, editor, and creative covering beauty at Harper's Bazaar and The Zoe Report. She received a BFA in Electronic Media and a Certificate in Creative Writing through University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.
Say goodbye to dryness and hello to moisture💖
Do you often find that your natural hair is crying out for a much-needed moisture boost? We hear you.
Afro hair requires a lot of TLC. First comes shampooing, then a good deep condition, followed by what feels like a lifetime of trying to gently detangle the hair.
So, after a lengthy wash routine, you'll be tasked with keeping your luscious locks moisturised. And if you're rocking your natural hair, you'll know all too well how often dryness can occur.
It’s always good to have a routine in place with products that really nourish and keep your hair in great condition.
What works for one hair type may not work for another, and when it comes to afro hair, there are so many beautiful textures that will require different products.
Thicker hair types will benefit from richer products because let’s face it, getting through a bottle of leave-in conditioner within a week is not ideal.
©Photo: Unsplash
Thinner hair types will require lighter products to prevent the hair from becoming too heavy with product. A good leave-in conditioner must have a firm place in your haircare routine to keep your tresses looking and feeling healthy.
Introducing a leave-in can truly change your haircare game, as they help stop breakage and can even refresh curls leaving them looking defined. Sounds good to us.
Take a look at some our favourites to help leave your hair feeling refreshed.
CHECK OUT: Best leave-in conditioners
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
The best leave-in conditioners for afro hair
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner
This product is truly an all-rounder when it comes to fulfilling all your hair care needs. If like a lot of us, you're living with the consequences of too much heat or too many colour treatments, donu2019t worry - this works perfectly to help nourish damaged hair. Plus, it includes one of our holy grail products, Jamaican Black Castor Oil. ud83dudc4f
Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
This leave-in conditioneru2019s a firm fave. Its thick and creamy texture is just perfect for thick hair, leaving it nourished and softer. This will make the nightmare that is dryness a thing of the past. Itu2019s a yes from us.
Aunt Jackies Quench Moisture Intensive Leave In Conditioner
There's nothing worse than having to make your way through a sea of tangles. Aunt Jackie has come to the rescue with this nourishing treat for our tresses. This leave-in helps to loosen hair and make the task of detangling so much easier whilst giving your hair the moisture it craves.
Sofnfree Naturals Leave-In Conditioner with Manuka Honey & Avocado Oil
This leave-in conditioner by Sofnfree contains a blend of Manuka Honey and Avocado Oil to seal in moisture, add shine and reduce split ends. It can be applied daily to dry or damp hair. Tested by Storytelling Executive, Tayo Andoh: "This leave-in conditioner has changed my hair for the better. It left my hair feeling soft, nourished and my curls looked super defined and bouncy. I particularly loved applying this to my hair when it needed a bit of a boost and it definitely did the job. This also smelt amazing."
Read more:
10 of the best products you absolutely need for afro hair
Black-owned businesses to inspire your shop on Black Pound Day
The best hair dryers you won’t believe you lived without
Cruelty-free and vegan make-up brands you'll love
How often you choose to apply a leave-in to your locks is definitely down to personal choice and what works for you.
You may feel that your hair has all the moisture it needs after one use, but a leave-in may have to be applied a few times before your next wash if you feel like your hair is lacking.
Leave-ins can also be used regularly as a styling product to help revive curls.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us