With so many types of conditioners on the market, you may be wondering what a leave in conditioner actually is and how you can use it for your hair. Whether you have curly, wavy, or coily hair, it’s a key part of your routine to achieve healthy and nourished strands. Leave ins are used in a different way to regular conditioners, so we’ve got all the details on exactly what they are, why you need one, and which ones are best for your hair type.
How Does Leave In Conditioner Work?
Unlike a normal conditioner, leave in conditioner is left in the hair with no need to wash out. They can also be referred to as no-rinse conditioners. It comes in a variety of forms from sprays, to creams, to butters - so there is a perfect option to suit your preference. They are designed to provide hair with much needed hydration and moisture. This helps to detangle your tresses, and keep them as healthy as possible.
Our leave in conditioners designed for curly hair use gorgeous natural ingredients, like the amazing Resurrection Flower, Andiroba seed and coconut oil, along with other key actives. Together these ingredients deliver hydration and strength to your tresses helping you achieve your hair goals, all without the use of sulphates, parabens, silicones, or animal ingredients.
The Power of Leave In Conditioner for Curly Hair
Due to the kinks in curly hair, natural oils struggle to transition down the hair shaft. Therefore, hair can become very dry. Hair breakage is more likely to occur when it is dry so we need to add extra moisture to help prevent this from happening. For those dealing with dry hair, leave in conditioner can be a fantastic solution to make your curls feel soft, hydrated, and refreshed. This added moisture from the conditioner also has detangling properties to help make your hair more manageable and some will help protect the hair from heat styling damage. Along with its frizz-reducing properties, it assists with styling curly hair effortlessly so you can maintain your favourite look.
What are the Different Types of Leave In Conditioner
How leave in conditioners work depends on various factors, one of which is their format. A spray is often more lightweight and great for a quick hit of moisture for softness and shine, ideal for those with fine textures. Try our Moisture Memory Release to lightly moisturize your curls, the boost of hydration will work to tame frizz and leave locks feeling hydrated.
Creams are another really handy formula. Our Weightless Air Dry Cream will glide through the hair easily. Simply rake through for an even coating, then use the ‘praying hands’ method to smooth down, taming the cuticles and sealing in the moisture.
For very dry, thirsty hair, our Oil-In-Cream is a must. Again, smooth through damp hair before styling. It deeply hydrates, adds shine, and provides lasting moisture. Suitable for all curl types but best for coarse textures.
Alternatively, For weak or damaged hair, or for those in need of a protein boost, our Multi-tasking Conditioner is ideal. If frizz is your main concern, try our Frizz Control Duo Conditioner. For those that want to enhance fullness in your curls, reach for our Hydrate & Plump Leave In. Scalp or fragrance sensitivities? No problem, we have you covered! We offer a fragrance-free option based on our much loved Weightless Air Dry Cream, but without added fragrance, and has been dermatologically tested for gentle care.
How to Apply Leave In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are used on wet hair before you apply your styler. They are a great option for adding moisture and priming your curls to ensure that they stay moisturised past your initial wash day.
After, rinsing your regular conditioner from your hair on wash day, pick your favourite leave in conditioner and follow the steps below.
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Take a small amount of cream. Start with a dime size and add up if needed, a little goes a long way
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Rake the cream through soaking wet hair making sure you are evenly distributing it and coating every strand.
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Use the praying hands to smooth the strands. This helps sealing the cuticles and reducing frizz.
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Follow with your favourite styler for definition and hold.
How Often to Use Leave In Conditioner
Leave in conditioner is formulated to be left in the hair in between washes. So you would usually simply use it after you have rinsed your regular conditioner from your hair on wash day, and then reapply the next time you cleanse your hair. However, if you’re suffering from very dry hair you may wish to apply it in between washes too. Another factor to consider when it comes to using a leave in conditioner is your hair’s porosity. Those with high porosity hair may find they need to use a product with protein far more often than those with medium, or low porosity hair.
About Curlsmith Haircare
We are the first gourmet hair care brand specifically created for all types of curly, coily hair, and wavy hair. Generations of homemade hair remedies was our original source of inspiration. Since then we have collaborated with world-renowned trichologists, stylists, and beauty experts to create outstanding hair products you will love. Plus, we are delighted to be certified by The Vegan Society and PETA. If you would like help selecting the best leave in conditioner for you, take our curl quiz to receive personalised recommendations.
