Thank Us Later: These Leave-In Conditioners Make Curls Come Back to Life

by Hallie Gould
Hallie has worked in beauty editorial for eight years and has been a senior editor at Byrdie since 2016.
Updated 09/27/19

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Dry hair, breakage, frizz—these are all woes those with curls have to go through for their natural texture. Those beautiful curls, coils, and waves come at a price. As such, we're taught to mask, condition, and stay away from heat tools. I even had a few of my favorites share their holy-grail products.

Though, one of the best ways to keep things hydrated is to invest in a product you won't have to wash out. Enter: leave-in conditioners. The smoothing, protecting, and moisture-infusing creams, milks, and serums that do your hair good.

We found the best leave-in conditioners for curly hair on the market below.

Best Overall: Davines OI All in One Milk

Packed with rich roucou oil, amino acids, and ellagic acid, this cream encourages hair growth, protects strands from UV radiation, and fights off free radicals. Spray the formula 10 to 15 times on the roots and ends of your hair after shampooing to keep them soft, hydrated, and strong.

Best Volumizing: DevaCurl B'Leave-In Miracle Curl Plumper

devacurl b'leave-in conditioner

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Use this lightweight gel to add shine, volume, and plumpness to your curls. The formula boasts a conditioning mix of wheat protein, lemongrass, and chamomile—the perfect trio to hydrate and protect your hair.

Best Frizz Control: Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner

living proof no frizz leave in conditioner

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Living Proof's formula conditions the hair to protect against frizz and block humidity from taking its toll. Apply it on dry, parched hair and ends after your shower and let it do its magic.

Best Budget: OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Curling Butter

Ogx Quenching + Coconut Curls Curling in Hair Butter

Courtesy of Ulta

This blend of coconut oil, honey, and citrus oil feels like an indulgence for your sense just as much as it is for your curls. It works both as a rich, leave-in conditioner or you can also rinse it for lightweight moisture. Either way, it'll properly texturize your hair and enhance shine tenfold.

Best Drugstore: SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Reparative Leave-In Conditioner

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

Courtesy of SheaMoisture

Formulated with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and certified organic shea butter to nourish, moisturize, and support your hair's elasticity against breakage, this leave-in conditioner is chock-full of reparative omegas for healthy hair growth. It'll mend your ends, stimulate your scalp (thanks to invigorating peppermint), and detangle without ripping your precious hair out.

Best Cream: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Courtesy of Sephora

Use this argan oil–infused styling and conditioning formula for soft, bouncy curls (never crunchy). It'll smooth, hydrate, and style your hair all in one sweet-smelling product.

Best Spray: Vernon François Leave-In Conditioner

Vernon François Leave-In Conditioner

Courtesy of Sally Beauty

Lupita Nyong'o's long-time hairstylist, Vernon François, developed a comprehensive line of products for every curl. This non-sticky spray defines curls without making them feel heavy while smoothing the hair. You can thank the formula for that, which contains African tulip tree extra and amino acids that nourish and strengthen.

Related Stories