My hair is curly and I like to use leave-in conditioner but I do not know how to use leave in conditioner for curly hair. Well, if you have the same issue then this content is for you.
Curly hair needs more care and love than any other type of hair as they face more damage and dryness because of their nature. This article will talk about the leave-in conditioner, which is an essential part of peoples’ curly hair routine. This can help moisturize your rough, coarse, damaged curly hair without any difficulties.
Just take a dollop of leave-in conditioner and apply it to your damp hair. It will reduce dryness, frizziness and also define your curls to make them more healthy. You will find a guideline on how to use a leave-in conditioner for curly hair here as well as some other tips. So, keep reading as we have suggestions for all hair types here. You can see our latest post on the best hair color brands in the world.
Leave-in Conditioner Meaning
The leave-in conditioner is the same as the regular conditioner that you apply to your hair after you have washed your hair. The only difference with this is that you do not rinse the leave-in conditioner. You just leave it in your hair.
After applying it to your damp hair, it acts as a detangler, heat protectant, and moisturizer. It is lighter than the regular conditioner, so it will not weigh down your hair at all. The leave-in conditioner comes in different formulas to find a suitable one for anyone with any hair type. You can see the best flat iron brand for curly hair.
The 3 Types of leave-in Conditioner
1. Milk/Leave-in spray/Mousse.
These leave-in conditioners work best for all wavy hair and soft curls like the 2b, 2c and 3a curly hair. They are super light, so they will not weigh the hair down. Instead, the conditioner will define the curls more and look stylish.
2. Creamy leave-in conditioners.
The thick creamy leave-in conditioner is perfect for 3a curls or hair that are more curly than that.
3. Hair Butters.
The hair butter is perfect if you have extremely coarse hair 4a or 4b curl types. As these hair butters are higher in fat and lipid content, they work amazing on dry hair and make them manageable.
Differences Between Traditional and Leave-in Conditioners
Unlike the traditional conditioners, you do not rinse off the leave-in conditioner. For this, the formula of leave-in conditioners is typically lightweight compared to the traditional ones. They do not form any rigid bonds; they work great as a detangler.
Most beauty experts love to use it before styling the hair because it makes it more manageable while making the style long-lasting. Also, the lightweight formula does not make it look like the hair has a lot of products in it, giving a natural vibe. Let’s see the best makeup brands in the world.
Benefits of Leave-in Conditioner for 6 Different Curly Hair Types
If you have any doubt on leave-in conditioners and hair types then just read the below 06 types of hair and the benefits of the leave-in conditioner among them.
1. Coarse or Curly Hair
Curly hair gets more benefits from a leave-in conditioner than fine hair. As it defines the curls nourishes them and makes them look fuller. However, curly hair can be of many types. It can be dry, frizzy, or color-treated. But either way, the leave-in conditioner for curly hair will make it smoother and softer so that it is well moisturized and healthy.
2. Dry Hair
Dry hair needs the most care and love than any other hair type as it can easily get frizzy and break, which will bring split ends, causing hair damage. A leave-in conditioner can hydrate the dry hair thoroughly and give you soft, smooth hair that will not face any problems.
3. Frizzy Hair
Excessive dry hair causes hair to get frizzy if the weather is humid, too hot, etc. To calm the frizz, apply some leave-in conditioner to moisturize the dry hair and settle it down. Applying a leave-in conditioner will protect the hair from humidity and heat to not dry out and get frizzy again.
4. Damaged Hair
Using heating tools or bleach can strip off the hair’s moisture, leaving it dry and frizzy. It also makes it look dull. The leave-in conditioner can act as a heat protectant while providing moisture to your hair. This will minimize the amount of damage your hair gets from the regular use of blow-dry, straighteners, or curling irons.
5. Bleached or Color Treated Hair
Bleach and color dyes damage the hair, which will look rough and lifeless later on. Look for leave-in conditioners that are suitable for colored hair. They lock in the hair color while moisturizing it.
6. Fine Hair
One common problem about fine hair is that it tends to weigh down the hair no matter what product you use. If you face the same problem with your regular conditioner, try switching to a leave-in conditioner instead. The lightweight formula of the conditioner will not weigh down your hair, and applying only on the ends will make sure your hair does not look limp or greasy.
How to Use Leave-in Conditioner for Curly Hair
To get the maximum benefit from the leave-in conditioner, you need to know the right way of using a leave-in conditioner in your hair. Here are some basic and easy steps to help you out-
1. Scrunching After Squish to Condish
This is an easy method of conditioning the hair if you want to accentuate your waves and curls. Take some leave-in conditioner on your palm and apply it to your damp hair bottom-up in a scrunching motion. Gently scrunch and squeeze your hair to get the excess water out from it.
This method will give you big curl lumps and an amazing curl pattern. Many people agree that this has brought a massive change in their hair routine. It has also lowered down the frizz in the hair. Try this out today if you haven’t yet.
2. Rake in / Comb It In
This method is for those who have fine hair or already big curly hair. Divide your hair into two sections, take some leave-in conditioner on your palm, and apply it on your hair like a praying motion, squeezing the hair between your palms and pulling it out to the ends. Let’s see the best makeup products for beginners.
Next, take a wide-toothed comb and start combing the ends first and detangle them. Then, slowly move upwards with a finer comb. This will make sure the conditioner is applied evenly on every strand of hair.
How to Pick Leave-in Conditioner for Curly Hair
It is okay to get confused about which conditioner to invest in when so many leave-in conditioners are available in the market. Well, the basic rule to buy any is simple. Avoid any conditioner that contains alcohol or dyes, as they can dry out your hair.
Usually, the leave-in conditioners have silicones like dimethicone and glycerin, which can easily glide on your hair while protecting it. The leave-in conditioner will not add any excess weight, even though they also contain various natural oils.
Also, these leave-in conditioners contain botanical extracts and vitamins. Choose your leave-in conditioner according to your hair type and how you treat your hair. If you use a lot of heat styling tools, you must choose the one that offers heat protection. For colored hair, select the one that can preserve your hair color.
What Should I Look For in a Formula?
The formula depends on the type of hair you have. There are different kinds of leave-in conditioners available in the market. They come in balms, creams, oils, sprays, and many more. However, if you have fine hair, go for a lightweight leave-in conditioner that comes as foam or spray.
It will make your hair silky and smooth without weighing it down or making it greasy. Now, if your hair is damaged, dry, or over-processed, you need to find a nutrient-rich conditioner that is creamy to hydrate and nourish your hair properly.
Lastly, if your hair is colour treated, avoid using the one that has sulfate in it. Instead, go for a safe color conditioner.
When to Apply Leave-In Conditioner for Curly Hair?
Apply leave-in conditioner after taking a shower and washing your hair with shampoo. You have to apply it while the hair is still damp to spread out evenly and get absorbed easily. The leave-in conditioner acts as a detangler and heat protectant.
So using it before styling your hair with heat will protect your hair from getting damaged. It also works as a protector from sun rays and heat, so it will lock in the moisture of your hair all day long.
How to Use Shampoo and Conditioner in One for Curly Hair
If you feel tired of spending a lot of time washing your hair and conditioning it in the shower? Here I’ll share an easier method for you. Try getting those two in one shampoo, which has both shampoo and conditioner, in one bottle.
Even though the shampoo and conditioner work differently, this idea of putting them together is not a bad one. To apply these two in one shampoo plus conditioner in your hair first, wet your entire hair. Then, take the product in your palm and massage it from roots to the ends all over your hair. After that, rinse your hair nicely.
You will notice soft hair that also feels clean. This also works on curly hair. As curly hair needs more love and care, washing hair can be time-consuming. But washing and conditioning it like this will save your time and make your hair soft and shiny.
Leave in Conditioner for Wavy Hair
If your hair is wavy and dry and you want to add some definition to it while moisturizing it, then go for a lightweight leave-in conditioner. Heavy curl products can weigh down your hair, while the lightweight conditioner will not make your hair greasy. While applying the conditioner, work your way up from the ends of the hair.
Try to use it every time you wash your hair with shampoo to avoid dry and damaged hair. However, if your hair is extra dry, you can add some hydrating hair oil or styling cream to your hair after applying a leave-in conditioner.
Start with a small amount as too much product can cause product buildup, which can cause more harm than good.
Best Leave in Conditioner for Curly Hair
- Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Leave-In Conditioner
- SoCozy Kids Curl Leave-In Conditioner+Therapy
- MopTop Leave-In Conditioner Bamboo Essence Healthy Haircare
- Jane Carter Solution Curls To Go Untangle Me Weightless Leave-In
- Cara B Naturally Leave-In Conditioner/Daily Moisturizer
- Vitamins Keratin Leave-In Conditioner For Thick & Coarse Hair Care
- Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Leave-In Treatment Air Dry Butter Cream
- Curlfriends Replenish Leave-In Conditioner
- Royal Locks Curl Rescue Leave-In Therapy
- Novex My Curls Super Curly Leave-In Conditioner
Best leave in Conditioner for 4c Natural Hair
- TGIN Protective Leave-In Conditioner
- Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner
- Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
- Oyin Handmade Hair Dew Daily Quenching Hair Lotion
- Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner
- Miss Jessie’s Leave In Condish
- NaturAll Club Nourishing Avocado Leave-In Conditioner
- SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Conditioner
- Taliah Wajid Condition Daily Leave-In
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Leave-In
Best Leave in Conditioner for Dry and Damaged Hair
- Playa Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner
- Amika Vault Leave-In Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
- Verb Leave-In Conditioning Mist
- Oribe Hair Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
- IGK MISTRESS Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Hair Balm
- Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
- Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner
- Briogeo Farewell Frizz™ Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner
- Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray
- Ouai Detangling and Frizz Fighting Leave in Conditioner
Best Leave in Conditioner for Color-Treated and Textured Hair
- Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner Spray
- Redken One United All-In-One Leave-In Conditioner
- UNITE Hair Leave-in Conditioner
- MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner
- Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker Leave-in Conditioner
- GLISS Hair Repair Leave-in Conditioner
- Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-in Conditioning Spray
- Earth Vibes Hair Detangler Leave-in Conditioner Spray
- Keracolor Leave-in Conditioner
- Amika Vault Color-lock Leave-in Conditioner
Best Leave in Conditioner for Bleached Hair
- Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray
- amika: Vault Color-Lock Leave-In Conditioner
- Redken Extreme Bleach Recovery Cica Cream
- Hask Placenta Original Leave-In INSTANT Conditioning Treatment
- SAVE ME FROM Chemical Conflict
- L’anza Healing Blonde Hair Reconstructor
- Argan Hair Leave-in Conditioner Cream
- It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product
- Tresemmé Pro Collection Colour ShinePlex Conditioner
- Sachajuan Silver Conditioner
Best Leave in Conditioner for Wavy Hair
- AMIKA Vault Leave-In Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
- MOROCCANOIL All in One Leave-In Conditioner
- BRIOGEO Farewell Frizz™ Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner
- OUAI Detangling and Frizz Fighting Leave in Conditioner
- PLAYA Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner
- MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
- DAE Cactus Flower Leave In Conditioner
- LIVING PROOF No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner
- GISOU Honey Infused Leave-In Conditioner
- ALTERNA HAIRCARE CAVIAR Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Priming Leave-In Conditioner
Best Leave in Conditioner for natural Curly Hair
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Leave-In
- Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
- It’s a 10 Silk Express Miracle Silk Leave-In Conditioner
- Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner
- Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream
- Leonor Greyl Paris Tonique Hydratant Leave-In Mist
- Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner
- Briogeo Curl Charisma
- Curls Reparative Leave In Conditioner
- SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Conditioner
Best Leave in Conditioner for Black Men’s Curly Hair
- Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Cream
- Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner
- Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner
- Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Leave-In Conditioner
- Marc Anthony Strictly Curls:registered: Leave-in Conditioner
- Design Essentials Kukui & Coconut Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
- African Pride Moisture Miracle Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
- tgin Miracle Repairx Protective Leave-In Conditioner
- As I am Double Buttercream
Cheap Leave in Conditioner
- Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream
- Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner
- Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner
- Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray
- Sun Bum Beach Formula 3-In-1 Leave-In
- Olaplex, No.6 Bond Smoother
- Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner
- It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner
- Pattern Beauty Leave-in Conditioner, 9.8 oz
Leave in Conditioner for Men
The leave-in conditioners are not only for women. Even men need to take care of their hair. Everyone desires healthy, soft, and shiny hair. A Leave-in conditioner is a great way to treat dry and damaged hair and get healthy moisturized hair in return. Here are some of the best leave-in conditioners for men.
- Davines OI All in One Milk
- Unite Hair Detangle Leave-In Conditioner
- Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream
- Olivina Men Rinse Out | Leave-In Conditioner Cream
- Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream
Precautions and Potential Side Effects of Leave-in Conditioner for Curly Hair
If you are not using any natural product, it is always a good idea to look out for side effects that might occur later on. However, it is very rare to have any allergic reactions from the ingredients of leave-in conditioner, but it is not impossible.
So if your skin or scalp starts to irritate after applying a leave-in conditioner, rinse your hair as quickly as possible and stop using it afterward. If you get any leave-in conditioner in your eyes by accident, be quick and rinse your eyes with cold water.
Also, if you have oily, sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, make sure the conditioner does not touch your skin. Just concentrate on the ends of your hair. Be cautious while applying it to your oily hair, as they are low porosity hair. That means that the oily hair is too dense and takes longer to dry up.
So, if you have naturally oily hair, they can cling on to the conditioner and create product buildup, making your hair more greasy and dull.
Q/A on How to Use Leave-in Conditioner for Curly Hair
Can you use leave-in conditioner everyday at curly hair?
No, you should not use it every day. Even though it sounds like a good idea to moisturize and condition hair every day, it does not work that way. There will be product build-up in your hair, making your hair heavy and greasy. We suggest using it only twice or thrice a week.
How to make leave-in conditioner for curly hair?
If you cannot buy one leave-in conditioner from the store, how about making one by yourself? First, take some distilled aloe vera juice in a container and add your favorite conditioner with avocado oil. Add some glycerin and take any of your favorite essential oil such as lavender and close the bottle. Lastly, shake the bottle, and your DIY leave-in conditioner is ready.
How to use leave-in conditioner overnight
You can apply the leave in the conditioner before sleeping as it does not need to be washed off. Apply it after showering in your damp hair, and let the hair soak in all the goodness while you have a good night’s sleep.
How to use leave in conditioner overnight
The best way to use a leave-in conditioner overnight is by applying it before going to sleep. It can soak in while you sleep and nourish your hair.
Does leave in conditioner make hair curly?
No, it does not. Its job is to provide moisture to your dry hair so that it gets healthy. If you already have curly hair, the leave-in conditioner will make them more prominent and bouncy. But if you have fine hair, it will not make it curly.
Is leave-in conditioner good for curly hair?
Yes, the leave-in conditioner is good for all types of hair. Curly hair, in particular, is rough and dry, so the moisture it gets, the better. A Leave-in conditioner can help bring that moisture into the hair, making the curls more defined and glossy.
How often should I use leave-in conditioner on curly hair?
Normally applying it once a week should be enough for any type of hair. However, if your hair is dry or curly, you might need a more frequent application to moisturize your hair.
When should a curly girl use leave in conditioner?
As curly hair can be thick, you need to section it in several parts to take a small section and apply the leave-in conditioner properly. After sectioning your hair, apply the leave-in conditioner from roots to the ends while gently massaging it into the hair.
Try to avoid pulling or tugging the hair and go as gently as possible. Smooth out the product all over the hair and use a wide-tooth comb to spread it evenly in the hair.
Is leave-in conditioner bad for your hair?
No, they are not. Moreover, they are good for overly damaged or unmanageable dry hair. It can be applied to every type of hair as it nourishes and moisturizes the hair. The leave-in conditioner also works as a heat protectant and a detangler which helps reduce hair breakage and damage.
Try to choose high-quality leave-in conditioners and avoid using too much as that can cause the hair to look oily and greasy.
Best natural leave in conditioner
The best natural leave-in conditioner currently is the Together Whatever Wherever Leave-in Conditioner. It is 95% natural and has sunflower sprout extract with mongongo oil that helps condition the hair without weighing it down.