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If you want to keep your natural hair soft and smooth, check out our list of the best leave-in conditioners for natural hair to choose the right one. These leave-in conditioners protect hair from heat, detangle it, prevent hair fall and breakage, moisturize the hair and scalp, and make the hair smooth and nourished. Over time, they can also improve the natural health of your tresses and promote good hair growth.
Choosing the right leave-in conditioner could be challenging given the many options. So, explore our list to choose a product suitable for your hair type and get shiny, silky hair.
Top Picks
15 Best Leave-In Conditioners For Natural Hair In 2024
1. Best Hydrating: Okay Black Jamaican Castor Oil Moisture Growth Leave-In Conditioner
Moisturize your hair deeply with this Okay black Jamaican castor oil hydrating leave-in conditioner. It provides effective treatment to all hair textures. This results-driven cream strengthens your scalp’s natural oils while also structuring your roots and hair follicles for achieving manageable hair. This product, rich in Vitamin E, omega 6, and 9 fatty acids, stimulates blood circulation to the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. The deep conditioner is rich in emollients and is infused with the goodness of shea butter and argan oil. It does not contain parabens, sulfates, and silicones.
Pros
- Adds luster
- Restores damaged hair
- Eliminates frizz
- Non-greasy formula
Cons
- Scent may be overpowering
- May be slightly thick in consistency
"I've seen a remarkable difference in my hair's elasticity and moisture levels after using this leave-in conditioner. I'm not particularly fond of the scent, but the conditioner, on the whole, has been a good find for keeping my hair soft."
Did you know?2. Best Moisturizing: ArtNaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner
ArtNaturals’ argan oil leave-in conditioner is a natural hair moisturizer that can effectively repair dry, brittle, and damaged hair. This lightweight leave-in conditioner is suitable for men and women and works well on all hair types as it provides weightless moisture to the mane. The product, rich in organic and natural components, can keep your hair hydrated, nourished, and soft while repairing damaged hair. Before buying the product, have a look at this product testing video for more details on its heat protection formula and other features.
Pros
- Infused with shea butter
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Cruelty-free and certified vegan
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Can be applied on wet hair
Cons
- May be a bit waxy
- May be slightly thicker than expected
"This argan oil, aloe, and shea butter blend softens my hair like no other product. Besides, it also doubles as a heat protectant. Although its pump mechanism is tricky, the nourishing formula has made it a repeat buy."
3. Best For Everyday Use: Chi Keratin Leave-in Conditioner
Strengthen the hair’s cuticle with the Keratin infused Chi Leave-in Conditioner. The conditioner, rich in jojoba and argan oil, works to improve the suppleness of your hair and prevents it from breakage. This product is suitable for everyday use as it possesses hair hydration-boosting properties which leave the hair exceptionally smooth and lustrous from the roots to the ends. For a more detailed review of this product, here’s a video showcasing a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Improves hair elasticity
- Restores shine
- Makes the hair manageable for styling
- Free of gluten, sulfate, and paraben
Cons
- May leave residue
- May have a strong fragrance
"This leave-in treatment does wonders for detangling and softening my hair. I even like using it as a protectant while swimming. Its spray nozzle is a little finicky, but its ability to make my hair manageable has made it a staple in my bag."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 5,370 good reviews on Amazon.
Okay Black Jamaican Castor Oil Moisture Growth Leave-In Conditioner Best Hydrating | ArtNaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner Best Moisturizing | Chi Keratin Leave-in Conditioner Best For Everyday Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | All | Damaged |
| Dimensions | 4 x 10 x 4 inches | 8.3 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches | 2 x 2 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 12 Ounces | 6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,215 | 4,964 | 5,370 |
| Price | $7.5 | $17.95 | $8.31 |
4. Best Anti-Bacterial: Mixed Chicks Curl Defining Leave-In Conditioner
Manage your hair with great ease with the curl enhancing formula of the Mixed Chicks non-toxic, comedogenic leave-in conditioner. It is rich in jojoba oil, has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great product for people with a dry or itchy scalp. You can solve several hair problems with this product, such as tangled knots, unruly curls, and dryness. When used daily, you will be able to see visible results as this replenishing formula makes your hair smooth and lustrous. This tangle-free solution provides intense nourishment to the scalp and hair roots.
Pros
- Safe for color- and chemical-treated hair
- Suitable for all hair types
- Preserves barrier against tough hair styling
- Defines curls
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May be slightly greasy
- May not control frizz very effectively
"I’ve noticed a reduction in frizz and brittleness in just a few weeks of using this product. It also enhances my curls and does not feel heavy even when I don't wash my hair. Thus, I’ve been using it almost daily."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,272 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
5. Best Nourishing: Tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner
The Tgin green tea super hydrating leave-in conditioner, rich in argan oil, penetrates deep into the scalp to nourish the roots and promotes hair growth. It detangles complicated knots, and repairs split ends and cuticles while eliminating dryness and hair damage. The lightweight product restores your hair’s natural oils, making it bouncy, smooth, and shiny. Check out this product testing video and find out more about the features of this moisturizing formula.
Pros
- Does not cause buildup
- Reduces scalp inflammation
- Controls flyaways
- Prevents hair loss
Cons
- Consistency may be watery
- May be less suitable for 4C curl type
"This conditioner replenishes the natural oils of my wavy tresses without making them look oily. I wish it had a pump dispenser, but it's manageable. I've noticed that using it on slightly damp hair helps it lock in moisture better."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,688 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
Quick tip6. Best All-Natural: Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray
Briogeo leave-in conditioner is an active product rich in natural ingredients, such as rosehip oil, argan oil, and coconut oil, that combat hair damage. The lightweight nourishing spray is suitable for all hair types and effectively fights frizziness and tangles. This clinically proven all-natural hair care product works well to treat chemical-treated hair. This protective barrier spray has never been tested on animals and does not contain parabens, artificial colors, sulfates, and SLS.
Pros
- Safe for color- and keratin-treated hair
- Adds shine to the hair
- Protects hair from free radicals
- Seals moisture
Cons
- Pump may be a bit fragile
- May have an overpowering smell
"I love how this conditioner keeps the frizz at bay, even in humid conditions. It also doubles as a detangler, offering me a frustration-free experience. However, it can make hair greasy, so I only use a small amount."
7. Best Botanical: Design Essentials Natural Kukui & Coconut Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
The Kukui & Coconut hydrating leave-in conditioner from Design Essentials is an intense formulation that works well on dry and coarse hair textures. This lightweight leave-in conditioner, infused with botanical extracts, improves the shine of the hair, prevents excessive hair fall, and leaves your hair feeling soft. You can make it a part of your weekly hair regime to get visible results.
Pros
- Prevents hair breakage
- Revitalizes hair
- Not tested on animals
- Free of gluten
Cons
- May be slightly sticky
"In addition to moisturizing my locks, this conditioner makes my hairstyles last long. Its consistency is thicker than expected but has never left any greasy residue. Besides, its scent is pleasant, and consistent use has also reduced breakage."
8. Best For Split Ends: Tgin Miracle Repairx Protective Leave-In Conditioner
Infused with Biotin, this conditioner strengthens your hair. The protective leave-in conditioner is a high-performance hair care product rich in black castor oil, which helps fight split ends and promote hair growth. With this mild formula, you can replenish the hair’s natural oils. It hydrates and conditions your hair by penetrating deep into the cuticles. It has never been tested on animals and does not contain parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, lanolin, and artificial colors.
Pros
- Infused with vitamins and antioxidants
- Leaves no residue
- Define curls
- Restores damaged hair
- Can be applied on wet hair
Cons
- May be slightly thicker than expected
"This castor oil-based conditioner keeps my curly hair moisturized without causing any buildup. My hair is now less frizzy and has a subtle glossy finish. Its dispensing pump could have been more user-friendly, but its hair-strengthening and restoring properties make it a good choice for me."
9. Best For Dry Hair: Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Living Proof’s repair leave-in conditioner is a corrective formula that transforms dry, damaged hair into smooth and lustrous locks. Regular use of this product can help prevent split ends. This conditioner adds gloss and polish to your hair without any buildup and shields you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The zesty smell of this hair repair therapy formulation lingers for a long time.
Pros
- Safe for chemically-treated hair
- Leaves hair feeling silky
- Free of silicones and parabens
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May be less suitable for fine hair
- May be a bit greasy
"I noticed improvements from the first application. My hair is silkier and also easier to comb. I've also seen a reduction in my split ends. Although the scent is a bit strong, I'm pleased with its ability to offer long-lasting softness."
10. Best For Detangling: African Pride Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
African Pride’s moisture miracle coconut milk and honey leave-in conditioner is a naturally formulated product that replenishes, softens, and moisturizes your hair while adding shine. This detangling product removes knots effectively while allowing easy styling and reducing frizziness. The all-natural combination of honey and coconut milk is free from parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, and petrolatum.
Pros
- Contains vitamin E and avocado oils
- Lightweight formula
- Makes hair manageable
- suitable for curls and coils
Cons
- Scent may be overwhelming
- May not be as moisturizing for longer durations
"Thanks to the smoothening properties of this conditioner, I can comb through the knots in my hair painlessly. Although hydrating, it does not weigh down my hair and offers a healthy sheen. Hence, I always find myself reaching for it."
Pro Tip11. Best For Frizz Control: Dr. Miracle’s Leave-In Conditioner
Dr. Miracle’s leave-in conditioner is a potent mixture of natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, honey, coconut, jojoba oil, and olive oil that promote healthy hair growth, making it an ideal frizz control solution. You can quickly tame tangled hair while nourishing, hydrating, and repairing your scalp and natural hair. The uniquely formulated keratin complex product makes your hair smooth and minimizes frizz and promotes split end repair.
Pros
- Nutrient-rich, leave-in treatment
- Protects the hair against breakage
- Safe to use on dry, damp, or wet hair
- Supports length retention
- Suitable for curly hair
Cons
- May be less suitable for color-treated hair
- May have a runny consistency
"After experimenting with multiple hair care products, I have finally settled on this one due to its hydrating abilities. It is lightweight and offers almost instant results. It has also boosted my hair growth, which is an unexpected plus."
12. Best Non-Greasy: Vitamins Leave-In Conditioner Cream
The keratin leave-in conditioner cream is an ultra-hydrating treatment that restores your hair’s natural moisture while nourishing it. This smooth and gentle protein booster formula detangles hair quickly and leaves it soft and manageable. It also works well against brittle, frizzy, chemically-treated, and colored hair. The non-greasy product revitalizes your hair and ensures luxurious and silky strands, making it ideal for hair rejuvenation therapy. The professional-grade formula does not contain parabens and sulfates and has never been tested on animals.
Pros
- Defines the curls
- Restores damaged hair
- Heals split ends
- Suitable for thick hair
Cons
- May be slightly sticky
13. Best Lightweight: Stream2Sea Leave-In Hair Conditioner
The Stream2Sea hair conditioner is a lightweight, non-greasy product that strengthens the scalp while helping in managing knotted hair. This sunscreen moisturizer efficiently restores the natural shine of your hair while protecting it from UV rays. This product, made of biodegradable components, is safe for water bodies and environmentally friendly. Green tea, tulsi, wakame, and olive oil combine to create an antioxidant-rich deep-conditioning treatment for dull, dry, and damaged hair.
Pros
- Protects hair from environmental stress
- Free of parabens
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- May be less suitable for tangles
- May not control frizz effectively
"This conditioner protects my hair from everything from sea and pool water to heat-based products. Its consistency is on the thinner end, but its performance is consistent. Hence, it has become a permanent part of my hair care routine."
14. Best Strengthening: Just Nutritive Leave-In Conditioner
The nourishing and creamy leave-in conditioner, rich in rice and jojoba protein, strengthens your natural hair from roots to tips. This leave-in treatment, which contains babassu oil, provides shine to brittle, dry, and damaged hair. It contains natural oils from avocado and meadowfoam, which deliver extra hydration and nourishment to your scalp. This hair-strengthening treatment is devoid of parabens and other potentially dangerous ingredients.
Pros
- Prevents split ends
- Provides healthy shine to the hair
- Helps detangle
- Rich, creamy consistency
Cons
- May be less suitable for fine hair
"This leave-in conditioner has been the perfect find for my dry, frizzy hair. It strengthened the stands and also keeps them from splitting. While I’ve to be careful about the amount of product I apply, it always offers professional-quality results."
15. Best For Breakage Protection: Suave Natural Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner
Bid farewell to dry hair with the rich leave-in conditioner that contains the advantages of raw shea butter and pure coconut oil to nourish your hair while also providing breakage protection. This creamy conditioner helps detangle knotted hair and gives you beautiful, manageable curls while preventing extreme frizz and restoring your hair’s natural shine. The hydrating leave-in conditioner nourishes your scalp while promoting hair growth.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Delivers long-lasting moisture
- Softens frizzy coils
- Spreads smoothly
Cons
- Consistency may be watery
- Fragrance may not last long
"Consistent use of this conditioner has made my hair more manageable and silky. It hydrates the strands without leaving a greasy residue, and I love the pleasant fragrance. However, I’d recommend using a pea-sized amount to keep it from feeling heavy."
How To Choose The Right Leave-In Conditioner For Natural Hair?
Below is the list of parameters to consider when purchasing a high-quality leave-in conditioner for natural hair.
1. Ingredients: Choose a product with clinically proven or natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, which can strengthen and nourish your hair.
Dr. Schwarzburg, a renowned dermatologist in New York and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “Products that contain too many chemicals can dry out your scalp and strip it of its natural oils, which is why products with natural ingredients are ideal.”
2. Purpose: Various leave-in conditioners cater to different requirements. Choose a product that meets your needs and assists you in combating brittle hair and dry scalp while restoring color-treated and damaged hair.
3. Scent: Pay attention to the scent before finalizing a product. Some conditioners have a mild fragrance, while other products have an overwhelming scent.
4. Chemical-free: A leave-in hair conditioner devoid of hazardous chemicals, parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and artificial fragrances is suitable for all hair types and also provides protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I apply a leave-in conditioner?
Since leave-in conditioners are meant to be left on the hair strands and not rinsed off, they should be applied after shampooing–once the hair has been towel-dried.
2. How should I apply a leave-in conditioner?
After shampooing, pat your hair dry. Take a small amount of the leave-in conditioner (as specified on the bottle). Now, apply the conditioner by massaging it through the hair strands. Finally, comb or brush your hair and style them as desired.
3. How much leave-in conditioner should I apply?
That would depend on the length of your hair. You need to take a generous amount sufficient to cover your hair from root to tip.
4. Is leave-in conditioner good for natural hair?
The primary function of a good leave-in conditioner is to moisturize your hair to eliminate frizz. Thus, it’s fine to apply it on natural hair, provided they are not oily.
5. Is leave-in conditioner good for African hair?
Not all leave-in conditioners might work on African hair. Opt for ones that are uniquely formulated for African hair types as they have detangling properties.
6. Can I use a leave-in conditioner every day?
If you have normal to greasy hair, you may use a leave-in conditioner twice a week. While those with curly hair can use a chemical-free conditioner more often. However, if you have acne-prone skin, use the conditioner sparingly.
7. What’s the difference between a traditional conditioner and a leave-in conditioner?
Traditional conditioners are applied to the hair immediately after a shower and washed off after two to three minutes. A leave-in conditioner, on the other hand, is applied post-shampooing, and unlike traditional conditioners, is not rinsed off.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, our in-house writer and reviewer of hair care and skin care products, leaves no stone unturned in recommending the best products to her readers. Here, she has listed the best leave-in conditioners for natural hair after going through the ingredients list of several products and considering the customer reviews. Moreover, she also gives you handy tips on choosing the right product to give your hair the love it deserves.
With the help of a leave-in conditioner for natural hair, you can get gorgeous tresses that are nourished and smooth. However, make sure you purchase a product after evaluating your hair type, product ingredients, purpose, and scent. Moreover, avoid products with hazardous chemicals, parabens, and sulfates that may prove to be more harmful than good. So, go ahead and pick a hydrating conditioner with proven efficacy and style your hair easily and protect it from heat and damage.
Infographic: How To Apply A Leave-In Conditioner The Right Way?
A leave-in conditioner moisturizes, nourishes, repairs, and controls frizz. Some may even substitute for a regular conditioner. However, applying a leave-in conditioner in the correct manner is crucial for achieving the desired results. So check out the infographic to learn the factors to consider when using a leave-in conditioner.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/
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