Sometimes, my standard shampoo and conditioner aren’t enough to achieve my hair goals because I want soft, manageable, moisturized, smooth hair. So, I’ve been adding other hair products to my routine, including a leave-in conditioner. Incorporating a leave-in conditioner can help your hair in a couple of different ways, like adding necessary hydration and moisture, and even protecting your hair from aggressors like pollution or heat damage, according to experts.
Typically, leave-in conditioners come in the form of sprays and creams. In addition to minimizing shedding, adding moisture and strengthening your hair, leave-ins can also detangle your hair, add shine, tame frizz and make your hair easier to style, according to hairstylist Tom D’Antuono.
To help you find the best option for you, I spoke to trichologists and hairstylists about how to shop for a leave-in conditioner, the benefits of using one and how to properly use it.
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When shopping for a leave-in conditioner, experts recommend keeping the following in mind:
- Formulation: Leave-in conditioners usually fall under two main categories: sprays and creams. Though both formulation types have the same function, sprays may be easier to apply, while cream leave-ins allow for precise and even distribution. Depending on your preference, hair type and texture, you may be more inclined to choose one over another.
- Hair type: Consider whether you have straight, wavy, curly or coily hair. Some leave-in conditioners are made specifically for a certain hair types, so it’s important to check the label before buying, says D’Antuono.
- Hair texture: Determine if you have fine, medium, thick or coarse hair. If you have thin hair, consider a formula with lightweight oils like jojoba oil to prevent it from weighing down your hair and making it fall flat. If you have medium or thick hair, consider a rich, nutrient-dense formula with ingredients like shea butter, which will lock in more moisture, according to experts.
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Below, I rounded up expert-recommended leave-in conditioners that are made for a diverse range of hair textures and densities. I also included highly rated options as well as NBC Select-staff favorites that align with the guidance I received from experts.
Best spray leave-in conditionersOuai Leave-In Conditioner
What we like
- Prevents hair breakage
- Doubles as a detangling spray
- Safe for color-treated hair
Something to note
- Not silicone-free
This leave-in conditioner spray can create frizz-free waves while adding moisture and shine, says certified trichologist Courtney Foster. It has vitamin E, hydrolyzed proteins and tamarind seed extracts to help strengthen your hair, according to Ouai. It also has a combination of lemon, bergamot, rose and violet fragrance notes, according to the brand. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio uses this leave-in spray on hair wash days and pairs it with the brand’s wave spray. “It leaves my hair silky soft, shiny and it smells great,” she says.
Hair Type: all hair types | Hair texture: all hair textures | Formulation: spray | Heat protectant: yes | Scent: floral and citrus
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-in Conditioning Spray
What we like
- Adds shine to hair
- Has a smoothing effect
- Doubles as a detangling spray
Something to note
- Strong scent
Briogeo’s leave-in conditioner is ideal for thick hair because you can layer it on top of other heavier styling products without making your hair feel greasy, according to hair colorist and trichologist Bridgette Hill. Plus, it has two lightweight fatty acids (rosehip and argan oils) to hydrate your hair, which is great for those with dryness and frizz, according to the brand. Apply this leave-in to damp hair and evenly distribute the product using a comb, according to Briogeo.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair texture: All hair textures | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: No | Scent: n/a
The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler & Fortifying Spray
What we like
- Safe for kids and adults
- Doubles as a detangling spray
- Hypoallergenic formula
Something to note
- No unscented option
This citrus and vanilla-scented option is made with moisturizing shea butter and argan oil, plus fatty acids and proteins that strengthen the hair fiber, says Hill. Spritz the product on wet or dry hair and style as normal, according to the brand. The spray is also available in three additional scents, including sweet cream, lavender and sweet almond.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair type: Hair texture: All hair textures | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: No | Scent: Citrus vanilla
Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier
What we like
- Blocks humidity
- Has a smoothing effect
- Prevents breakage
Something to note
- Higher price point
After using your standard shampoo and conditioner, Foster recommends applying this hydrating Rahua leave-in conditioner. This option has morete oil, which offers UV protection, sacha inchi oil to lock in moisture and rahua oil to strengthen the hair, according to the brand. You can mist the product on wet or dry hair and comb through to distribute the product.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair texture: n/a | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: No | Scent: Tropical
Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave In Milk
What we like
- Prevents split ends
- Strengthens hair
- Preps hair for styling
Something to note
- Strong scent
- Only for 3B, 4A, 4B hair types
Carol’s Daughter is one of Hill’s favorite brands for leave-in conditioners. This lightweight spray moisturizes, repairs and protects your hair, she says. Reviewers say although it has a strong scent when they first apply it, it leaves their curls soft, smooth and robust and they have noticed a difference in their overall hair health. Reviewers also say they love how it doesn’t create product buildup, and many note it becomes a staple in their routine after taking braids out.
Hair Type: curly and coily | Hair texture: thick, coarse, natural hair textures | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: yes | Scent: n/a
Moroccanoil All in One Leave-In Conditioner
What we like
- Prevents hair breakage
- Doubles as a detangling spray
- Nourishes hair
Something to note
- Higher price point
When it comes to helping soften and hydrate her fine, wavy hair, Godio has been using this leave-in conditioner for years now. “I struggle with very dry, frizzy hair, so I use this on my hair wash days to reduce the appearance of damaged, dry strands and flyaways,” says Godio. The leave-in conditioner has ingredients like argan oil and amino acids to strengthen the hair, according to the brand. And because it comes in a spray, it’s easy to apply, says Godio. You can spray it evenly throughout clean, towel-dried hair and then comb through it to distribute the product, according to Moroccanoil.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair texture: All hair textures | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: Yes | Scent: n/a
Virtue Labs Purifying Leave-in Conditioner
What we like
- Lightweight formula
- Improves shine and softness
- Reduces flyaways and frizz
Something to note
- Higher price point
- Not silicone-free
This leave-in conditioner helps soften your hair and repair damage using keratin, a protein derived from human hair, says D’Antuono. The color-safe mist has a citrus fragrance with notes of orange, lemon, tea and flowers, according to the brand. Spray this on damp hair, focusing on the mid-shaft and ends, and comb through to distribute the product evenly before styling your hair, according to Virtue Labs.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair texture: All hair textures | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: Yes | Scent: Citrus
Kevin Murphy Un.Tangle Leave-in Conditioner
What we like
- Maintains scalp health
- Leaves hair soft and silky
- Doubles as a detangling spray
Something to note
- Not for straight hair
Foster likes this Kevin Murphy leave-in treatment because it smoothes the hair and helps moisturize. It’s infused with a blend of six Australian fruit extracts to help detangle and strengthen hair, antioxidant-rich bamboo extract to help protect the hair from damage and soothing Tasmanian pepper, according to the brand. Be sure to shake the leave-in before spraying it throughout wet hair and combing, according to Kevin Murphy.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair texture: Wavy and curly | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: Yes | Scent: n/a
Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment for Curly Hair
This leave-in spray is a great option for curly hair, according to D’Antuono. “It’s a lightweight moisturizer mist that creates beautiful, frizz-free curls,” he says. After using your regular shampoo and conditioner, spray the product on damp hair before air drying or using a diffuser, according to Color Wow. NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin uses this leave-in treatment daily and, for the best results, sections her hair so that each strand gets coated. “‘I lift the upper section of my hair to spray the lower layer first, then put it down and spray the upper layer,” she says. “I’ll spray it from roots to ends and scrunch my curls as I go to shape them.
Hair Type: Fine and medium | Hair texture: Wavy and curly | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: Yes | Scent: n/a
Grow Gorgeous Defence Leave-in Conditioner
What we like
- Protects hair from aggressors
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Doesn’t cause product buildup
Something to note
- Small size
If you have fine hair, you should use a water-based leave-in conditioner, so it leaves the hair feeling soft and manageable without weighing it down, says Hill. This water-based spray is great for all hair types, including fine hair, because it combines soothing green tea extract and panthenol, which helps detangle and hydrate, according to Hill.
Hair Type: all hair types | Hair texture: all hair textures | Formulation: spray | Heat protectant: yes | Scent: fresh
Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
What we like
- Combats frizz
- Strengthens hair
- Easy to spray
Something to note
- Strong scent
This hydrating leave-in conditioner protects your hair against heat damage and UV light, says D’Antuono. This mist has aloe vera to hydrate the hair, amla to provide UV protection and red hibiscus to add shine, according to the brand. For the best results, spray the conditioner on clean, towel-dried hair and comb through the ends, working your way up to the roots, according to Fable & Mane.
Hair Type: Fine and medium | Hair texture: All hair textures | Formulation: Spray | Heat protectant: Yes | Scent: Warm Floral
Best cream leave-in conditionersOlaplex No.5L Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner
What we like
- Easy to apply
- Defines patterns
- Improves split ends
Something to note
- Not travel-friendly
Olaplex recently released their , which repairs and hydrates hair and doubles as a heat protectant. Once you work the creamy leave-in treatment into your hair, you can either style it as normal or wear it naturally — the product helps reduce frizz for an overall sleek and shiny finish, according to NBC Select contributor Michelle Rostamian, who tested it on her dry, thick, curly hair.
Hair Type: all hair types | Hair texture: all hair textures | Formulation: cream | Heat protectant: yes | Scent: n/a
Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
What we like
- Preps hair for styling
- Protects hair from aggressors
- Deep conditioning
Something to note
- Only for curl types 2-4
- Higher price point
This Oribe cream has avocado and jojoba oils, which together help hydrate and soften the hair, according to both Foster and Hill. This leave-in conditioner is helpful for those looking to recreate a salon quality blowout at home, according to Foster. Work the product from the roots to the ends of your hair and comb through using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. You can also use it on dry hair to add moisture to your curls, according to Oribe.
Hair Type: Medium and coarse | Hair texture: Wavy and curly hair | Formulation: Cream | Heat protectant: Yes | Scent: n/a
Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner
What we like
- Repairs hair
- Doesn’t cause product buildup
- Little goes a long way
Something to note
- No heat protection
I use this creamy, lightweight leave-in conditioner from Ceremonia — one of our favorite Latino-owned brands — because it leaves my damaged hair feeling hydrated, soft and frizz-free. The conditioner has guava to help protect hair from sun damage, blue agave to retain moisture and avocado oil to reduce breakage and split ends, according to Ceremonia. You can apply it on dry hair, but I prefer to use a small amount on damp hair and apply it from the middle to the ends. After using this leave-in conditioner, I apply a heat protectant and style my hair as normal. It also leaves behind a subtle fragrance with notes of vetiver, jasmine petals and, of course, guava.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair texture: All hair textures | Formulation: Cream | Heat protectant: No | Scent: Earthy/Floral
Roz Milk Hair Serum
What we like
- Strengthens hair
- Lightweight formula
- Soothes scalp
Something to note
- Higher price point
Although this product is suitable for all hair types and textures, D’Antuono recommends this for those with fine hair because of its lightweight formula. The leave-in conditioner provides both hydration and heat protection, D’Antuono says. You can apply this on towel-dried hair before air drying or styling, or you can apply it on dry hair to control frizz, according to Roz.
Hair Type: all hair types | Hair texture: all hair textures | Formulation: cream | Heat protectant: yes | Scent: n/a
Act+Acre Cold Processed Leave-In Conditioner
What we like
- Has a smoothing effect
- Can last up to 75 days
- Prevents hair breakage
Something to note
- Need more pumps for thick hair
Another leave-in conditioner I have in my current rotation is this one from Act+Acre because it makes brushing my hair easier, leaves it frizz-free and gets my hair ready for heat styling. It uses squalane to detangle and provide heat protection, snow mushroom to hydrate and reduce frizz and meadowfoam seed oil to moisturize and add shine, according to the brand. I typically apply two pumps for my medium hair, but you can apply one pump for fine hair and four to five pumps for coarse hair, according to Act+Acre.
Hair Type: all hair types | Hair texture: all hair textures | Formulation: cream | Heat protectant: yes | Scent: botanical
Kiehl’s Hair Conditioner and Grooming Aid Formula 133
What we like
- Doesn’t leave hair greasy
- Improves manageability
Something to note
- Not in pump packaging
This is a universally beneficial leave-in conditioner because it’s suitable for all hair types to help lock in hydration and moisture, according to Hill. The lightweight formula is made with hydrolyzed wheat and soy proteins, which help moisturize and smooth hair, according to the brand. You can use this in the shower as your regular conditioner or as a leave-in treatment afterward, according to Kiehl’s.
Hair Type: all hair types | Hair texture: all hair textures | Formulation: cream | Heat protectant: no | Scent: n/a
Derma E 2-in-1 Defining Curl Cream + Leave-In Conditioner
What we like
- Defines patterns
- Non-crunchy or flaky curls
Something to note
- Have to really work product in
Although it’s thicker than other leave-in conditioners in her rotation, this cream from Derma E is a favorite of Malin’s because it softens, hydrates, tames and holds her curls. The leave-in has essential oils to hydrate the hair and amla extract to add shine, according to the brand. Use this cream as the last step in your routine and evenly apply it in sections on slightly damp hair before air drying or using a diffuser, according to Derma E.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair texture: Wavy, curly and coily | Formulation: Cream | Heat protectant: No | Scent: n/a
Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner
What we like
- Pleasant scent
- Works on both wet and dry hair
- Doesn’t leave a residue behind
Something to note
- Need more pumps for thick hair
The hydrating and lightweight leave-in conditioner is great for the days you don’t want to do a rinse-out hair mask or for those looking for a treatment to incorporate into their hair care routine, according to NBC Select staff. “It makes my hair less frizzy and hydrated,” says Malin. This is because it has Tsubaki seed oil to soften, detangle and reduce frizz and meadowfoam seed oil to protect against heat damage, according to the brand. Apply one to two pumps for finer hair or three to four if you have thicker hair, according to Crown Affair.
Hair Type: All hair types | Hair texture: All hair textures | Formulation: Cream | Heat protectant: Yes | Scent: Citrus
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The experts I spoke to recommend keeping in mind a few different factors when shopping for a leave-in conditioner, including ingredients, hair type and hair texture.
Hair typeThere are three main hair types: fine, medium and thick. When shopping for a leave-in conditioner, your hair type matters, according to our experts.
- Fine: Consider spray leave-in conditioners if you have fine hair because they tend to have lightweight formulas that won’t weigh down your hair or leave it looking flat, says hairstylist and salon owner Liana Philips.
- Medium: If you have this hair type, which appears full and holds style well, you can use either a spray or cream leave-in conditioner. Since this hair type falls between both fine and coarse hair, you can be a little heavier with the sprays and can be a little lighter with the creams, according to experts.
- Coarse: Since this hair type tends to be drier than others, consider a cream leave-in conditioner with nutrient-dense ingredients that will help lock in moisture, according to Philips. Creams are not only more precise in terms of application, but they also tend to have a richer formula, says Philips.
A leave-in conditioner may help style your hair based on your specific hair texture, like defining curls on curly hair or maintaining volume for straight and wavy hair.
- Straight/wavy: If you have this hair type, you can use either a spray or a cream leave-in, depending on your preference. However, it’s important to pay attention to the amount you apply and begin applying a little at a time. This is important because you might lose volume or cause your hair to fall flat if you use too much at once, according to experts.
- Curly/coily: Curly and coily hair tends to be drier than other hair textures because the natural oils take longer to move their way down the hair shaft, says Philips. For this reason, you should consider cream leave-in conditioners, which are usually more moisturizing than spray options, according to our experts. ”You can also directly apply the amount of cream you want on the areas that need more love,” says Philips.
When shopping for a leave-in conditioner, you want to look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, squalane, honey and avocado oil because they’ll help infuse the hair with moisture, according to experts. In terms of what to avoid, “you’ll want to stay away from silicones because, over time, they can build up and leave the hair feeling dry, damaged and brittle,” says Philips. “You also want the leave-in conditioner to be free of any parabens, which can cause irritation of the scalp, flakes and even hair loss.”
Frequently asked questions
Leave-in conditioners help minimize strain, tension or damage to the hair follicle and hair fiber that happens when you style or brush your hair, according to Hill. Some leave-in conditioners can also provide heat protection when you’re styling your hair with hot tools like hair dryers, curling irons and flat irons , says Foster.
Because hair contracts and expands when exposed to environmental factors like sunshine, wind and humidity, the process can zap moisture from your hair, says Hill. “The hair fibers on the scalp should be treated like a delicate fabric that requires nourishment,” she says. “Incorporating the proper leave-in conditioner will mitigate this loss of moisture as a result of external and environmental factors.”
The aesthetic benefits of leave-in conditioners vary, like helping minimize frizz, and the results depend on your hair texture and the specific product that you’re using. For example, if you have curly hair, you can use a leave-in conditioner to help enhance your curls, while fine hair can use one to help volumize fine hair.
You should apply your leave-in conditioner after you finish shampooing and conditioning your hair in the shower but before you start any styling, according to our experts. “ It’s important to continue [using your] rinse-out conditioner,” says D’Antuono. “I only recommend replacing a rinse-out conditioner with a leave-in if [your] hair is very fine or limp and applying a small amount to ends only.”
There is no set rule on how often to use a leave-in conditioner, our experts told us. You should consider using one when your hair feels dry, unruly or needs some extra love, says D'Antuono .
Although you can incorporate a leave-in conditioner in your daily routine, be cautious since it can cause excess buildup on the scalp and hair, according to D'Antuono . Overuse of any conditioner can cause swelling of the cuticle, which makes hair brittle and causes the hair shaft to become dry and susceptible to hair breakage, he says.
While certain products will have their own directions, D’Antuono recommends the following steps to properly apply a leave-in conditioner.
- Once you exit the shower, gently pat your head with a towel to avoid removing too much moisture from the hair (keeping some moisture can help prevent frizz and make styling easier, according to our experts). If you have curly or coily hair, however, apply the conditioner on very wet hair, instead.
- Next, apply one to two pumps of your cream leave-in or a few spritzes throughout your hair, and add more if needed. Focus on applying it from your mid-length all the way to the ends of your hair, says Philips.
- To distribute the leave-in conditioner evenly throughout your hair, use a detangling brush, wide tooth comb or rake the product through using your fingers, according to our experts.
If you need to apply your leave-in conditioner closer to the scalp because your hair is damaged or extremely tangled, comb through the ends first and work your way up to the roots, says D’Antuono. However, you typically don’t need to apply a leave-in on your scalp or close to your roots because the natural oils will help condition your hair, says Philips.
Meet our expertsAt NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Bridgette Hill is a certified trichologist and hair colorist. Her area of expertise includes scalp health, among others.
- Courtney Foster is a licensed cosmetologist, certified associate trichologist and cosmetology educator. Her areas of expertise include scalp health and styling, among others.
- Tom D’Antuono is a Miami- and New York City-based hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair. His expertise includes haircuts, styling, blowouts and keratin treatments.
- Liana Philips is a hairstylist and owner of Aurora Salon in Washington, D.C.. Her expertise includes cuts like blunts, modern bobs, and textured pixies, as well as satin-finished blowouts.
I’m an associate reporter at NBC Select covering skin care, hair care and gift guides, including recent stories on the best shampoos for dry hair and shampoo bars. For this story, I interviewed hair care experts, shared their recommendations and researched highly rated leave-in conditioners and NBC Select-staff favorites that met their guidance.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
Bianca Alvarez
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter at NBC Select, where she covers the latest product launches and all things relating to beauty and wellness.
Nicole Saunders
contributed
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