Let’s face it. Curly hair can get dry and frizzy at times. That’s because curly hair requires more moisture than other hair types. In other words, finding the right products, and hydrating more than you think you should, is key. Additionally, in the winter months, hair tends to be dryer due to heating systems, cold temperatures, and more heat styling.
That’s where trusted leave-in conditioners come in! Luckily, we spoke with hair experts on the power of leave-ins. Below for tips, product recommendations, and more.
What are leave-in conditioners?
“Leave-in conditioners are typically a cream that goes throughout the hair after you shampoo and condition,” says hairstylist Mick Lewis Denver. “It is applied on wet hair and will help with moisture for dry hair.”
Celebrity hairstylist and Co-Creative Director of ELEVEN Australia, Joey Scandizzo, also notes that they are perfect for giving your hair some extra love aer washing. “Unlike regular conditioners, they stay on your hair, adding moisture, protecting it from damage, and making it way easier to detangle and style.”
What are the benefits of leave-in conditioners for curly hair?
Scandizzo raves that curly hair can benefit from using leave-in conditioners. “Curls tend to get dry and frizzy, so a good leave-in can give them that extra boost of moisture they need to stay so and bouncy all day,” says Scandizzo. “Leave-ins also add a protective layer so your curls stay defined and full of life.”
Why are they important to use for curly hair?
Curly hair takes longer to get natural hydration all the way to the ends. Quia Querisma, hairstylist and owner of Querisma Beauty Studio, also notes that curly hair is prone to dryness and “the most fragile” hairstyles. “Natural oils don’t easily travel down the hair strand,” says Querisma. “Maintaining moisture in the hair helps discourage breakage and leaves the hair feeling softer.”
Scandizzo notes that leave-ins can help give curls the moisture they need to stay healthy “They also add a layer of protection against frizz and environmental damage, keeping curls looking defined and healthy.
Which leave-ins should I try?
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ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment
“It also contains Desert Lime, Quandong, and Wattleseed that provide hydration and protein while nourishing and strengthening all hair types and textures,” Scandizzo notes. Available at Amazon
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Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Moisture Nutritive Leave-in Conditioner
For anyone who wants a sulfate-free product, Denver recommends this leave-in conditioner. “The professional hair care formula will help you regain a healthy appearance while nourishing and making your hair easier to manage.”Available at Amazon
This leave-in conditioner has all the vital ingredients like biotin, vitamin E, castor oil, avocado oil, and extracts of rosemary and honeysuckle to promote hair growth. Available at Amazon
This leave-in conditioner from amika contains hyaluronic acid and squalane, providing three times the hydration and moisture your curls need while detangling, resulting in total volume and definition.Available at Amazon
Celebrity hairstylist Kylee Health shares that this leave-in has an ultra-lightweight formula. “It works magic by repairing broken and damaged hair and with consistent use it will build your hair strands to be strong, not brittle and help with frizz.”Available at Anatomy
Celebrity hairstylist and owner of 821 West Salon, Hanna Oh, swears by the leave-in spray. “It smells so good and is easy to apply with the spray applicator.”Available at Amazon
