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Nourish, protect, and detangle hair without weighing it down.

Leave-in conditioners side-by-side on an orange background

Photo:Real Simple

This product could be too hydrating for fine hair.

The texture is a thinner lotion that helped to detangle unruly tresses and tame frizz during our testing process.

We also found that this formula made our hair bouncier and more healthy looking after utility.

Sephora Vegamour Detangling and Frizz Reducing HYDR-8 Leave-In Conditioner

PHOTO: Sephora

It is available in two sizes, so traveling with it is a breeze.

The scent might be too strong for some users.

There isn’t a smaller travel-sized option.

A hand holding up the Vegamour Detangling and Frizz Reducing HYDR-8 Leave-In Conditioner in front of a plant

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That said, the niacinamide and plant-based proteins will also work for those with medium hair density.

We noticed a difference after the first use.

Our hair was immediately softer, it straightened more easily and blow-dried smoother.

OUAI Leave In Conditioner

PHOTO: Sephora

We also love that its a heat protectant, so you get two products in one.

Lightweight and easy to apply, this multitasking leave-in conditioner is a hot-tool-lovers' dream product.

It’s more expensive than other options.

A bottle of OUAI Leave-In Conditioner on top of a counter

PHOTO: Real Simple

(Wealso tested the serumwith Tsubaki seed oil, and loved it.)

The heat protection is not as powerful as other options.

It comes with an easy-to-use applicator and is available in two sizes (including a travel size).

A person before and after using the OUAI Leave-In Conditioner in their hair

Take note that while it does provide some heat protection, it’s not as powerful as other options.

The formula might not offer enough hydration for those with overly processed hair.

Pureology is well-loved for its color-safe formulas, and the Color Fanatic Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner is no exception.

A bottle of OUAI Leave-In Conditioner on top of a counter

Those with gluten sensitivities should opt for a grain-free formula.

It takes time to see results.

Damaged and brittle hair needs a leave-in conditioner that strengthens and fortifies individual strands to reveal more resilient hair.

A person before and after using the OUAI Leave-In Conditioner in their hair

We put it to the test and found that it absorbed quickly into our hair.

It also decreased frizz, enhanced shine, and minimized tangles after washing.

The pump bottle is great because it gives you the right amount of product for each software.

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner

PHOTO: Ulta

Just be prepared that it takes time to see strengthening results.

Results may not be noticeable after the first use.

This hair mask promises to rebuild damaged hair bonds to create healthier hair overall.

The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner bottle on a white, shiny background

PHOTO: Real Simple

Our hair looked shiny, soft, and so thick, but the true standout difference was the shine.

It offers more shine benefits than hydration.

It takes a lot of product to distribute evenly into thicker hair.

A person before and after styling their hair with the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner

Drunk Elephant’s Silkamino Conditioning Leave-In Milk will give you shiny, glass-like hair with minimal effort.

It acts as a multitasking styler, protecting from heat as it softens and moisturizes dry and brittle hair.

The brand uses a blend of hydrogenated silk, silk amino acids, and silk sericin but remains cruelty-free.

The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner bottle on a white, shiny background

After testing the formula, we observed a noticeable difference in the roughness and reflectability of our hair.

It brought back our hairs rich, deep-brown color.

The difference between the two formula types comes down to who they benefit.

A person before and after styling their hair with the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner

This same theme applies to those with more oily hair vs. very dry hair.

“Specific ingredients really come down to what the hair needs,” celebrity hairstyleGlenn Ellissays.

He recommends looking for ingredients like natural oils, vitamins, and heat protectant.

Sephora Kerastase Nutritive Heat Protecting Leave-In Spray for Dry Hair

PHOTO: Sephora

Those with curly and coily hair will benefit from rich and defining creams.

Questions You Might Ask

What does a leave-in conditioner do?

“It helps add and lock in extra moisture and nutrients in the hair,” he says.

A bottle of Kerastase Nutritive Heat Protecting Leave-In Spray for Dry Hair on an orange background

Real Simple

Clifford takes it a step further to provide an analogy using skincare.

In essence, leave-ins serve as a protective and restorative barrier for the hair.

How do you use a leave-in conditioner?

Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner

PHOTO: Sephora

program is pretty straightforward when it comes to a leave-in conditioner.

Ellis and Clifford agree that any product should be used on freshly cleansed and towel-dried hair.

Sopping wet strands might cause the product to drip out as excess water escapes the hair shaft.

The Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner bottle on a windowsill

Real Simple

This technique prevents the product from sitting on the scalp, which will make the hair oily.

From there, you’re free to style your hair as usual.

Is it OK to use a leave-in conditioner every day?

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray

PHOTO: Amazon

Yes, Ellis and Clifford agree that daily use of a leave-in conditioner is OK but with precautions.

But specifically, Clifford warns that certain ingredients are the catalyst for heavy hair with daily leave-in usage.

She researched countless sites and brands to find the best leave-in conditioners available.

A hand holding a bottle of Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray in a shower

PHOTO: Real Simple

A person before and after styling their hair with the Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray

A hand holding a bottle of Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray in a shower

A person before and after styling their hair with the Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Amazon Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray

PHOTO: Amazon

A person’s hair in the back after styling with Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray

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Amazon Moroccanoil All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner

PHOTO: Amazon

The Moroccanoil All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner bottle on a countertop

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Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother

PHOTO: Sephora

A hand holding the Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother in front of a furry background

PHOTO: Real Simple

Photos of person’s hair before and after using Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother

A hand holding the Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother in front of a furry background

Photos of person’s hair before and after using Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

PHOTO: Sephora

A hand holding a bottle of K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

PHOTO: Real Simple

Photos of person’s hair before and after using K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

A hand holding a bottle of K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Photos of person’s hair before and after using K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Sephora COLOR WOW Dream Cocktail Coconut-Infused Hydrating Leave In Treatment

PHOTO: Sephora

A hand holding a bottle of COLOR WOW Dream Cocktail Coconut-Infused Hydrating Leave In Treatment

PHOTO: Real Simple

A person’s ends before and after applying COLOR WOW Dream Cocktail Coconut-Infused Hydrating Leave In Treatment

A hand holding a bottle of COLOR WOW Dream Cocktail Coconut-Infused Hydrating Leave In Treatment

A person’s ends before and after applying COLOR WOW Dream Cocktail Coconut-Infused Hydrating Leave In Treatment

Sephora Drunk Elephant Silkamino Conditioning Leave-In Milk

PHOTO: Sephora

The Drunk Elephant Silkamino Conditioning Leave-In Milk bottle on a counter

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