How long can you leave in a leave-in conditioner?

Until your next shampoo—a good leave-in conditioner will work instantly to give hair nourishment and shine and promote silky, soft strands. There's no downside to keeping leave-in conditioner in; it gives your hair added hydration and a smoother texture.

Do leave-in conditioners work for curly hair?

Yes. In general, curly hair types will want to look for a lightweight formula that won't weigh down curls. Depending on your hair's porosity, you may be able to use a richer, creamier leave-in.

Can I use a leave-in conditioner every day?

You can, but you might want to alternate or skip days here and there. Leave-in conditioner contains moisturizing ingredients that can lead to buildup on the hair and scalp and greasy-looking hair over time. If your hair is fine or thin and tends to experience buildup, try using leave-in conditioner once weekly or whenever you feel your hair needs extra hydration.

What does a leave-in conditioner do?

Leave-in conditioners give your hair extra hydration while also helping to detangle, control frizz, and in some cases, provide heat protection.

How should I apply leave-in conditioner?

Start with clean, towel-dried hair and smooth a small amount through your mid-lengths and ends. (Remember: You can always add more product if your hair is extra dry.) Brush through with a detangling brush or comb to distribute the product evenly, then dry and style it as you usually would. If your hair is extra dry or getting frizzy throughout the day, you can spritz dry hair and brush through for a quick refresh.

How much leave-in conditioner should I use?

The exact amount of leave-in conditioner you use depends on your hair type, how often you color or heat-style it, and how much product your hair can take. But generally, start with a small amount and add more if needed. It's always easier to add product rather than trying to remove excess once it's already in your hair.

The 20 Best Leave-In Conditioners of 2023

The Best Leave-In Conditioners — Byrdie / Alli Waataja

With all the hairstyling options available today, it’s easy to forget the humble leave-in conditioner. But the truth is that a great leave-in is one of the best ways to detangle, add moisture, and smooth hair with minimal effort.

The thing is, not all leave-in conditioners are created equal. If you use something too rich, you’ll weigh your hair down; if it’s too light, it won’t make a difference. Scent, texture, and ingredients are also things to consider. To help you find the right product for your hair type, we spent hours researching the top options available now for each hair type, consulted with a hairstylist, and surveyed Byrdie editors to get their tried-and-true recommendations.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Christophe Robin Hydrating Leave-In Mist at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioning Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Frizz:

LolaVie Leave-In Conditioner at Lolavie.com

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Hair:

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Conditioning Spray at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Fine Hair:

Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Thick Hair:

Olaplex Reparative Styling Creme at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Marc Anthony Leave In Conditioner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Damaged Hair:

Vernon François Leave-In Conditioner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Color-Treated Hair:

R+Co SUN CATCHER Leave-In Conditioner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Scent:

Ouai Leave-In Conditioner at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ

4.8

Christophe Robin Hydrating Leave-In Mist

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Lightweight
Detangles
Won't irritate the scalp

What We Don't Like

Strong smell

French favorite Christophe Robin rarely gets it wrong (the brand's iconic Salt Scrub is fantastic), and this lightweight mist is no exception. Silicone-free and formulated using ingredients of 98% natural origin, it hydrates and detangles hair without weighing it down. It's also free from parabens, silicones, oxidants, and phthalates, making it great for anyone prone to scalp irritation.

Price at time of publish: $39

Hair Type: Dry, dull | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Garnier Fructis Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Adds shine
Holds up in humidity

What We Don't Like

Bottle can be hard to squeeze

Thick, dry, or frizzy hair types will go weak at the knees for Garnier's rich buttery formula. It delivers moisture and shine and is loaded with citrus protein, vitamins, and argan oil. It works great in hot, humid weather, too—just comb it through damp hair before styling.

Price at time of publish: $5

Hair Type: Dry | Size: 10.2 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

LolaVie

View On Lolavie.com

What We Like

Vegan
Suitable for all hair types
Tames frizz

What We Don't Like

Can weigh hair down

She created one of the most iconic hairstyles in history, and now Jennifer Aniston has her own haircare line, which includes this frizz-fighting leave-in. In addition to conditioning, it also pulls double-duty as a heat protectant. Formulated with bamboo essence instead of water, it's 100% vegan, safe for color-treated hair, and suitable for all hair types.

Price at time of publish: $29

Hair Type: All | Size: 5.0 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Seals the cuticle
Lightweight
Detangles

What We Don't Like

Results aren't drastic

Dry hair needs all the moisture it can get. This pick from Briogeo contains a unique blend of oils (rosehip, coconut, and argan oil) to seal the cuticle and lock in all the good stuff. Frizz and flyaways will be tamed, and hair will feel softer. Who doesn't want that?

Price at time of publish: $25

Hair Type: Dry, frizzy, damaged | Size: 1.75 oz or 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Detangles
Provides heat protection
Volumizes

What We Don't Like

Small amount

Crowd skincare favorite Drunk Elephant recently moved into hair care, and the results are pretty damn remarkable. This leave-in mist contains nourishing plant oils—like sacha inchi seed, pracaxi seed, marula, and argan—to soften knots and protect against high temperatures. Thin hair types will also benefit from its volumizing perks and the absence of silicone.

Price at time of publish: $27

Hair Type: All | Size: 4 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme

Sephora

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Tames frizz
Safe on chemically treated hair
Strengthens hair over time

What We Don't Like

Might weigh down fine hair

Hair pros swear by Olaplex because it strengthens hair from the inside out. Olaplex No. 6 conditions and repairs hair without increasing density, making it ideal for those with thicker tresses. In addition to creating a protective barrier between hair and heat styling tools, it also reduces drying time.

Price at time of publish: $30

Hair Type: All | Size: 3.3 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Marc Anthony Super Fast Strength Leave In Conditioner

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Affordable
Prevents breakage
Paraben-free

What We Don't Like

Spray dispenser doesn't work well

This wallet-friendly buy is full of caffeine and ginseng, and the brand claims it can help prevent hair breakage and may even encourage growth. Try it on damp hair after shampooing or rehydrate dry strands from mid-lengths to the ends.

Price at time of publish: $9

Hair Type: All | Size: 8.4 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

vernon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sallybeauty.com

What We Like

Adds shine
Strengthens hair
Smells good

What We Don't Like

Can leave a greasy residue

If you're prone to breakage or split ends, Vernon François's keratin-packed mist can help. The formula detangles, adds shine, and strengthens weak, brittle, or colored hair without feeling heavy. Plus, it smells incredible and works equally well on damp and dry hair.

Price at time of publish: $18

Hair Type: All | Size: 6.8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

Protects hair from environmental stressors
Safe for color-treated hair
Detangles

What We Don't Like

Small amount

Vitamin C, collagen, and hyaluronic acid might sound straight out of a face serum. Still, this trio works together here to protect the hair. According to the brand, the formula can help shield color-treated hair from the environment (think pollution, UV rays, chlorine, and the like) that can contribute to fading. Try it over the summer months to preserve fresh highlights, or use it before your salt spray to create perfectly undone waves.

Price at time of publish: $32

Hair Type: All | Size: 4.2 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Detangles
Provides heat protection
Smells good

What We Don't Like

Strong scent

This light, milky spray can ease knots and leave hair feeling soft and contains a blend of tamarind seed extract, hydrolyzed proteins, and panthenol. It also offers heat protection, so it's great for those who commit to a stringent hair-washing and blow-drying routine. But the best part is the scent. It draws on the brand's North Bondi fragrance: a soft, light white floral that perfectly captures the Australian coastal paradise. Think fresh bergamot, violet, and warm white musk. Your hair will smell sweet and salty (without the crunch).

Price at time of publish: $30

Hair Type: All | Size: 1.5 fl. oz or 4.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Detangles
Defines curls
Smells good

What We Don't Like

Could add more shine

This super-lush lotion (it is Oribe, after all) is formulated specifically for curls. Avocado, olive, and jojoba supremely moisturize, while murumuru, mango, and cocoa seed butter soften unruly waves and bends. Slather it through damp hair after washing, then detangle with a wide-tooth comb. Expect smoother, more defined curls (plus that signature Oribe floral fragrance).

Price at time of publish: $38

Hair Type: Curly | Size: 8.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

Ulta Beauty

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Affordable
Prevents breakage
Detangles

What We Don't Like

Unhygienic container

This rich cream is rich in Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter, so it can help nourish, support elasticity, and resist breakage when detangling. Explicitly designed for curly or kinky hair that's been heat-styled, it will add back moisture and restore softness.

Price at time of publish: $13

Hair Type: Damaged, kinky, curly, wavy | Size: 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Defines curls
Safe for color-treated hair
Recyclable packaging

What We Don't Like

May weigh down fine hair

Anything Tracee Ellis Ross touches turns to gold, and this delicious leave-in treatment is no different. Curly or coiled hair is more porous by nature, so the more nourishing ingredient, the better. The Pattern leave-in contains oils (like jojoba, castor seed, and avocado) and honey to seal in moisture while giving curls serious bounce and definition. Apply to soaking wet hair at the beginning of the drying process.

Price at time of publish: $25

Hair Type: Curly, coily, textured | Size: 3 fl. oz, 9.8 fl. oz, or 25 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Prevents breakage
Lightweight
Safe for color-treated hair

What We Don't Like

Not as hydrating as other options

Creamy formulas can often feel too much, but not this one from Verb. Instead, it's light but seriously nourishing, thanks to coconut, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil. It's designed for curly and wavy hair and works best when applied to damp strands before styling. Those with thinner hair types should apply from the mid-lengths to the ends only.

Price at time of publish: $20

Hair Type: Curly, fine, coily, thick, wavy | Size: 6 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

balmain-hair-couture-standard-leave-in-conditioning-spray

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

What We Like

Smells good
Adds shine
Protects hair from environmental stressors

What We Don't Like

Small bottle

Balmain's luxury iteration is made for you if your bathroom habits are more bougie than basic. Aside from smelling like a dream, it delivers on its promise of moisture and shine, smoothing hair thanks to a blend of silk protein and argan oil. It's also formulated with UV filters to help protect your locks from environmental damage. Expect glossy shine and extra swishiness.

Price at time of publish: $50

Hair Type: All | Size: 1.69 fl. oz or 6.76 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Walmart

View On Ulta View On Walmart View On Ecosmetics.com

What We Like

Detangles
Nourishes with green tea and sunflower extracts
Adds shine

What We Don't Like

Has a strong scent

It's A 10 has the formulation of a high-end leave-in with a drugstore price. In addition to nourishing silk amino acids, the brand's Miracle spray contains keratin, which makes hair smoother, glossier, and easier to style.

Price at time of publish: $23

Hair Type: All | Size: 4 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Walmart

What We Like

Product won't transfer to pillow
Repairs split ends

What We Don't Like

Fragrance may be too strong for some

If you consider yourself a Kérastase loyalist (and many of us), this overnight leave-in is for you. Apply the serum to damp or dry hair—avoiding the roots and focusing on mid-length to ends—before bed and wake up to find it soft, shiny, and strengthened. To ensure frizz-free results, pile your hair into a loose top knot or braid before you drift off.

Price at time of publish: $59

Hair Type: All | Size: 3.04 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Courtesy of Augustinus Bader

View On Dermstore View On Violet Grey

What We Like

Packed with nourishing ingredients
Fast absorbing
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Contains alcohol

Like the brand's luxury skincare line, this leave-in treatment contains TFC8, a complex containing natural amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules. The proprietary formulation supports hair growth, minimizes breakage, and boosts thickness. It also repairs, protects, and soothes the scalp.

Price at time of publish: $52

Hair Type: All | Size: 50 ml or 100 ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ceremonia.com View On Credo Beauty

What We Like

Helps protect against UV damage
A little goes a long way
Light scent

What We Don't Like

Shouldn't be applied to scalp

Whether your hair is fine or coarse, curly, coily, or straight, more hydration is always a good thing. Ceremonia's Guava Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner is the perfect balanced formula for all hair types. With guava extract, blue agave, and avocado oil, it helps prevent breakage and provides moisture without weighing hair down. It has a creamy texture and intoxicating scent that isn't too overpowering.

Price at time of publish: $24

Hair Type: All | Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Cream

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Jvnhair.com

What We Like

Great scent
Smooths hair
Defines waves and curls

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to get product from tube

Air-dried styles are tricky to nail, but JVN's cream makes it a lot easier. This jelly-like cream helps define wavy textures and add shine and manageability to hair. We love that it has a light hold, making it easier to sculpt your hair into a style. It's also full of goodies like squalane, chia seed extract, and moringa oil, so it nourishes while it strengthens hair without using silicones. And the scent is herbal and clean.

Price at time of publish: $26

Hair Type: All | Size: 1 / 5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Christophe Robin Hydrating Leave-In Mist is our favorite all-around leave-in conditioner. It hydrates and detangles hair without weighing it down, and is free of common irritants. And the Garnier Fructis Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream is a cheaper counterpart that also moisturizes and prevents hair from fluffing up in humidity.

Meet the Expert

Kelly Macedo is a hairstylist and the owner of Interior Hair in Los Feliz, California. Her specialties include precision haircuts with a focus on bangs, face-framing bobs, pixie cuts, lived-in layers, and enhancing her clients’ natural textures.

What to Look For in a Leave-In Conditioner

Nourishing and Protective Ingredients

When shopping for a leave-in conditioner, hairstylist Kelly Macedo recommends looking for a formula containing nourishing and protective ingredients, like our best budget pick from Garnier Fructis. ”I would look for some sort of oil, such as almond, coconut, jojoba, argan, or roucou oil,” she says. “All are super moisturizing and will help to soften the hair shaft.” Another must? An ingredient that will help protect against breakage and damage is hydrolyzed protein. Lastly, she recommends a formula containing antioxidants (or antioxidant-rich ingredients) to protect against UV damage, such as sunflower extract, guava, or vitamins A, C, and E. R+CO Sun Catcher Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner contains vitamin C and other actives, for one example from this list.

The Right Formula for Your Hair Type

Leave-in conditioners aren’t one-size-fits-all, so be sure you’re shopping for the right formula for your specific hair type and needs. If your hair is on the finer side, Macedo recommends opting for products that are lightweight in texture yet still hydrating to ensure your hair won’t be weighed down. When it comes to coarse, thick hair or curly textures, she recommends reaching for something that’s richer. “Curly hair naturally tends to be dryer, so I’d recommend a milkier leave-in with a little thickness to it,” she says. Leave-in products are designed to suit an array of needs, whether it's heat protection, detangling, or refining texture when air-drying hair. Many on this list, like the hydrating and heat protecting LolaVie Perfecting Leave-In Conditioner, are multifunctional.

Free of Silicones and Fillers

When it comes to leave-in conditioners—and all hair care products, for that matter—Macedo recommends avoiding formulas that contain silicones, sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde. Our best overall pick, the Christophe Robin Hydrating Leave-In Mist, is free of silicones and fillers, making it the ideal choice for anyone with a sensitive scalp.

FAQ

How long can you leave in a leave-in conditioner?

Until your next shampoo—a good leave-in conditioner will work instantly to give hair nourishment and shine and promote silky, soft strands. There's no downside to keeping leave-in conditioner in; it gives your hair added hydration and a smoother texture.
Do leave-in conditioners work for curly hair?

Yes. In general, curly hair types will want to look for a lightweight formula that won't weigh down curls. Depending on your hair's porosity, you may be able to use a richer, creamier leave-in.
Can I use a leave-in conditioner every day?

You can, but you might want to alternate or skip days here and there. Leave-in conditioner contains moisturizing ingredients that can lead to buildup on the hair and scalp and greasy-looking hair over time. If your hair is fine or thin and tends to experience buildup, try using leave-in conditioner once weekly or whenever you feel your hair needs extra hydration.
What does a leave-in conditioner do?

Leave-in conditioners give your hair extra hydration while also helping to detangle, control frizz, and in some cases, provide heat protection.
How should I apply leave-in conditioner?

Start with clean, towel-dried hair and smooth a small amount through your mid-lengths and ends. (Remember: You can always add more product if your hair is extra dry.) Brush through with a detangling brush or comb to distribute the product evenly, then dry and style it as you usually would. If your hair is extra dry or getting frizzy throughout the day, you can spritz dry hair and brush through for a quick refresh.
How much leave-in conditioner should I use?

The exact amount of leave-in conditioner you use depends on your hair type, how often you color or heat-style it, and how much product your hair can take. But generally, start with a small amount and add more if needed. It's always easier to add product rather than trying to remove excess once it's already in your hair.

The 22 Best Anti-Frizz Products of 2023 For Smooth, Silky Hair

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