The 7 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Curly Hair of 2020

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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.

Interested in learning more? Check out our full review of this hair mist.

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.

Read more reviews of the best leave-in conditioners on the market.

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

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.

Looking for more curly hair products? Check out our guide to the best shampoos for curly hair available today.

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.

Check out our guide to the best conditioners for curly hair available for purchase.

Best Cream: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

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

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.

Interested in reading more reviews? Check out our roundup of the best hair products for curly hair.

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

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