It certainly took me a while to accept my curly hair. As an avid heat styler and still dealing with the damage, I had little idea what to do with myself after I put down the iron and went back to the 3c pattern. The first thing I thought was, “What kind of products are you using right now?” The products I used when my hair was straight were no longer providing enough hydration for my curls, so naturally I did some research. The first thing I incorporated into my routine was a leave-in conditioner.
My hair was so dry that rinsing became an absolute necessity. It gives me extra moisture after conditioning, which helps me style my hair and brings my brittle, frizzy curls back to life. It’s still a non-negotiable item in my daily routine. If your hair needs some serious treatment too, keep reading. We asked stylists how to choose the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair and their advice.
What to look for in a leave-in conditioner for curly hair
Celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Kollab says, “I recommend looking for a leave-in conditioner to give your curls the right amount of moisture and reduce frizz. I also recommend looking at the ingredients. . I tend to prefer things with more ingredients.” Natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil Lastly, use a leave-in that’s lightweight and won’t weigh down your curls. ”
If you have thin curls, you need something lightweight that won’t be too heavy or oily on your hair. If your hair is thick and dry, you’ll probably be fine with heavier creams and oils.
How to use leave-in conditioner for curly hair
The great thing about leave-in conditioners is that most of them are designed to be used every day. I like to apply a leave-in conditioner twice a day. Once on wet hair or damp curls in the evening and once on dry hair in the morning. I have noticed that when I apply the product this way, it absorbs better and leaves my hair softer and dryer. If you’re using a leave-in spray, be sure to work it into your curls from top to bottom. If your curls are like mine and tend to get extra dry, don’t be afraid to spritz a little extra product in there.
If you are using a leave-in cream, it is best to avoid the root area. I do this because my hair is thick and tends to build up. Also, these types of formulas are a bit thick and can weigh down your hair if you use too much, so I like to use a light hand.
If you have especially thick curly hair, keep these tips from Korab in mind. “We recommend applying a little at a time from roots to ends, distributing it evenly throughout your hair,” she explains. “Use your fingers and a large-toothed comb to comb through the hair and work it through the product.”
Continue reading below for some of my favorites and Korab’s lecture.
Overall Grand Prize: Bread Beauty Supply Hair Cream
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
My curls after applying Bread Beauty Supply hair cream.
bread beauty supply
hair cream
Pros: Super moisturizing yet lightweight, silicone-free, enhances definition and hold, and detangles thick curls.
Cons: Can be too heavy for thin curls
This is the perfect leave-in conditioning spray for thick, curly hair. I use it daily in the morning and evening and it moisturizes and defines my curls like nothing else. I use all of Bread Beauty Supply’s products and can’t run out of good things to say about them.
Customer Review: “First of all, this leave-in smells really nice, like a cherry lip gloss! I was looking for a decent leave-in conditioner.…Bread exceeded my expectations, because wow! My hair has it all: shine, definition, and hold! If you’re looking for something that won’t weigh your hair down and be soft and manageable, get it!”
Kérastase Curl Manifest Curl Enhancing Leave-in Cream
kerastase
Curl Manifesto Curl Enhancing Leave-in Cream
Pros: Restores, strengthens and moisturizes dry curls. increase clarity
Cons: Expensive
“I love Kérastase Curl Manifest Leave-In. It’s super lightweight, yet provides maximum hydration for frizz-free curls.” — Kollab
Customer Review: “This is the third time I have purchased this product!! My mom has also bought it for me several times. This product is amazing. I have thick curly/wavy hair and However, using this cream will moisturize your hair and reduce frizz.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-in Define Cream
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
My curls after applying Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-in Defining Cream.
Briogeo
Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-in Define Cream
Pros: Provides soft, supple control for curls and instantly boosts hydration.
Disadvantages: Does not retain moisture
Briogeo’s Curl Charisma line gives your hair great slip. I love how the Leave-In Defining Cream instantly moisturizes my hair and leaves it super soft. My only complaint is that the added moisture doesn’t seem to last as long as other options on this list.
Customer review: “Exactly what I needed to give my hair the moisturized, healthy look I wanted.”
Australian Miracle Curl Detangle Milk
australian
Miracle Curl Detangle Milk Treatment
Pros: Affordable, highly rated, instantly detangles and moisturizes curls.
Disadvantages: Not silicone-free
Highly praised by curlies around the world, this Australian detangling treatment contains coconut and jojoba oils to moisturize hair without weighing it down.
Customer Review: “It worked great. I have very long hair and I was struggling to find something that could effectively detangle my hair and weigh it down. This is all I need. Happy with the product. I will buy it again.”
Mier Pomegranate & Honey Leave-in Conditioner
Mierre
Pomegranate & Honey Leave-in Conditioner
Pros: Affordable, formulated for 4a-4c curl types, and helps repair damaged hair.
Cons: None
Mier’s leave-in is formulated specifically for curl types 4a to 4c. Helps add shine and deep moisture to dull and damaged hair. Particularly effective on thick curls.
Customer testimonials: “I didn’t know there was a difference between leave-in conditioner and conditioner. Hahaha. I used to just leave my regular conditioner in my hair, but please don’t do this. This makes my hair look so much better. It makes my hair smooth and silky.My wavy hair gets a little frizzy, but this will get rid of the frizz and I’d love to have this scent.I always use this after washing my hair. Since it’s still very wet, I recommend lathering it into the ends of your hair and then smothering it with a cotton shirt!!
Not Your Mom’s Curl Talk Leave-in Conditioner Spray
not your mother’s
curl talk leave-in conditioner spray
Pros: Affordable, acts as a heat protectant, and is formulated with rice curl complex to improve glide.
Cons: Spray bottle can malfunction
Formulated with Rice Curl Complex, this conditioning spray smoothes and moisturizes hair, adding extra slip to your styling. It also contains a superfood oil blend rich in minerals and fatty acids to nourish damaged hair.
Customer Review: “I have very fine, thin curly hair. Most curly conditioners are too heavy for my hair and end up looking greasy. This product, on the other hand, is very It’s effective! It helps get rid of frizzy hair without looking at it.” By the end of the day, it’s greasy and slimy. ”
Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner
Ouidad
Moisture lock leave-in conditioner
Pros: Acts as an excellent styling primer and promotes curl formation with its weightless formula.
Cons: May leave buildup in hair
I love this leave-in type because it acts as a great primer for other curl enhancing products. Although completely weightless, it promotes natural curl patterns while giving dry hair the extra moisture it needs.
Customer Review: “This product has helped my dry, frizzy, frizzy hair so much. It takes a little while to figure out how much I need, but wow, it works so well. This You won’t be able to do without it! Tip: Visit the Ouidad website and join to get even more benefits and points towards products.”
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
basics of design
Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
Pros: Affordable, instantly detangles curls, keeps hair soft
Cons: Strong smell
This moisturizing and detangling leave-in conditioner is perfect for all curl types. It’s lightweight, but it eliminates frizz and leaves your hair soft and supple. It also greatly speeds up the detangling process.
Customer Review: “I love, love, love. My curls are so soft and defined. Paired with custard, it’s my new favorite duo.”
Oribe Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Cream
Oribe
Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Cream
Pros: Great finishing product for styling, softens and conditions curls.
Cons: Expensive
This styling butter from Oribe has the perfect weight and glide for finishing off freshly styled curls, and it smells amazing. It is also very effective for reviving 2nd and 3rd day curls.
Customer Review: “I live in the South and struggle with humidity and this curl cream helps me overcome my frizzy pouf hairstyle! Smells great, my hair stays curly and soft. , keeps it smelling great. It’s worth it!”
Miss Jesse’s Pillow Soft Curls
Jesse’s
pillow soft curl
Pros: Smoothes and defines curls without making them look frizzy, and the lightweight texture won’t weigh down your hair.
Cons: None
This cult-favorite curl cream softens and defines curls without causing crunch. What’s more, it smells like freshly washed laundry, and when ordered on Amazon, it comes bundled with Baby Buttermilk, the brand’s other standout moisturizer.
Customer Review: “I love this product. It makes my curls and hair so soft. It makes my curly hair look natural. It’s almost done. I’ll be ordering more.”
This article was originally published previously and has since been updated.
