It definitely took me a while to embrace my curly hair. As someone who heat-styled religiously (and is still dealing with the damage to prove it), I almost didn’t know what to do with myself once I put down the flat iron and was reintroduced to my 3C pattern. My first thought was, What the heck kind of products do I use now? Products I used on my hair when it was straight didn’t necessarily provide enough hydration for my curls anymore, so naturally, I did some research. The first thing I incorporated into my routine was a good leave-in conditioner.
Because my hair was so dry, a leave-in became absolutely necessary. It provided extra moisture after conditioning that helped me style my hair, made it more manageable, and brought life back to my brittle, frizzy curls. To this day, it’s a nonnegotiable item in my routine. If your hair is also in need of some serious TLC, keep on reading. I asked a stylist for tips on how to choose the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair and to provide some recs.
Celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab says, “I recommend looking for a leave-in conditioner with the right amount of hydration for your curls to keep them moisturized and frizz-free,” she says. “I also recommend looking at the ingredients. I tend to like the ones with more natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. Lastly, make sure to use a leave-in that is lightweight so it won’t weigh down your curls.”
Thinner curl types will want something lightweight that won’t be too heavy or greasy on the hair. Thicker and extra-dry hair types can probably get away with heavier creams and oils.
The great thing about using a leave-in conditioner is that most of them are designed to be used daily. I like to apply leave-in conditioner twice a day, once in the evening on wet or damp curls and once in the morning on dry hair. It helps the product to absorb better, and I notice that my hair dries that much softer when I apply it this way. If you’re using a spray leave-in, you’ll want to thoroughly saturate 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 bit of extra product in there.
If you’re using a cream leave-in, it might be best to avoid the root area. I do this because my hair is thick and can accumulate buildup easily. I also like to use a lighter hand with those types of formulas because they are a bit thicker and can weigh down the hair if you use too much.
Pay attention to this next tip from Korab—especially if you have thick, curly hair. “I recommend applying in small sections from roots to ends, distributing the product evenly throughout the hair,” she explains. “Using your fingers and a large tooth comb to ‘rake’ through your hair, working in the product.”
For a few of my favorites, along with Korab’s rec, keep reading below.
Pros: Great for damaged curls, reduces frizz, lightweight but extremely hydrating. Cons: Expensive. This is the best leave-in conditioning spray for thick, curly hair. I use it daily both in the morning and evening, and it detangles my hair in seconds. It also provides heat protection if you like blow-drying your hair with a diffuser. Customer Review: “I’ve used Oi Milk for years but would buy directly from the salon, so I was excited when Nordstrom added the Oi collection. The smell is amazing and addicting alone. My hair is always less frizzy, shiny and looks so healthy after a few sprays. I use this religiously after every hair wash, that I need a new bottle every other month! Please keep this in stock more consistently!!”
Pros: Restores, strengthens, and hydrates dry curls, enhances definition. Cons: Expensive. “I love [the] Kérastase Curl Manifesto Leave-In. It’s super lightweight but has maximum hydration for frizz-free curls.” — Korab. Customer Review: “This is my third time purchasing this stuff!! I even got my mom to buy it a few times. This stuff is amazing. I have thick curly/wavy hair and this cream really leaves my hair moisturized and less frizzy…”
Pros: Provides soft, flexible control for curls, immediately boosts hydration. Cons: Moisture doesn’t last as long. Briogeo’s Curl Charisma line gives so much slip to the hair. I love that the Leave-In Defining Crème immediately hydrates my hair and leaves it extra soft. My only complaint is that the added moisture doesn’t seem to last as long as other options on this list. Customer Review: “It was exactly what I needed to moisturize and give my hair the healthy look I wanted.”
Pros: Affordable, highly rated, detangles and hydrates curls quickly. Cons: None. Highly rated by curlies everywhere, this detangling treatment from Aussie contains coconut and jojoba oil to hydrate hair without weighing it down. Customer Review: “Works well. I have very long hair and was having trouble finding something that would effectively detangle my hair and not weigh my hair down. This does the job. Pleased with the product and will purchase again.”
Pros: Affordable, formulated for 4A to 4C curl types, helps repair damaged strands. Cons: None. Mielle’s leave-in is formulated specifically for 4A to 4C curl types. It helps add shine and deep hydration to dull, damaged hair. It works especially well for thicker curls. Customer Review: “I didn’t know that leave-in conditioner and conditioner were different, hahaha. I used to just leave normal conditioner in my hair which you should not do. This makes my hair so smooth and silky. I have wavy hair that can get a little frizzy, but this makes the frizz go away. It also smells so good. I would have this smell as a perfume if I could, I love it! I always use this after washing my hair, when it’s still very wet I lather it on my ends and then squish my hair with a cotton shirt. 100% recommend!!”
Pros: Affordable, acts as a heat protectant, formulated with a rice curl complex to give extra slip. Cons: Spray bottle can be faulty. Formulated with a rice curl complex, this conditioning spray smooths and hydrates hair, giving it extra slip for styling. It also contains a superfood oil blend, which is rich in minerals and fatty acids that nourish damaged strands. Customer Review: “I have curly hair that is very fine and thin. Most conditioners for curly hair [are] too heavy for my hair and end up just looking greasy. This stuff on the other hand, works great! Helps with frizz without looking greasy and slimy by the end of the day.”
Pros: Acts as a great styling primer, weightless formula, encourages curl formation. Cons: None. I love this leave-in because it can act as a great primer for other curl-enhancing products. It’s totally weightless but encourages your natural curl pattern to do its thing while providing dry hair with some much-needed extra moisture. Customer Review: “This product has helped my dry, frizzy, curly hair soooo much. Takes some time to figure out the amount you need but OMG wow, it works sooo well. Will not be without it. Advice: go to Ouidad’s website and join. You get better deals plus points to use towards products.”
Pros: Affordable, detangles curls quickly, keeps hair soft and manageable. Cons: Strong smell. This moisturizing and detangling leave-in conditioner is perfect for all curl types. It’s lightweight but powerful when it comes to fighting frizz and leaving hair soft and supple. It also really speeds up the detangling process. Customer Review: “Love love love. My curls feel so soft and defined. Paired with the custard is my new fave duo.”
Pros: Great finishing product for styling, softens and defines curls. Cons: Expensive. This styling butter from Oribe has the perfect amount of weight and slip to finish freshly styled curls, and it smells amazing. It also works really well for resurrecting second- (or even third-) day curls. Customer Review: “I live in the south, battling humidity, and this curl creme works to defeat the frizz poofoo hairdo! Great scent, my hair stays curly, soft, and smells great. Worth it!”
Pros: Smooths and defines curls without creating crunch, lightweight texture won’t weigh hair down. Cons: None. This cult-loved curl cream softens and defines curls without causing any crunchiness. As a bonus, it smells like fresh laundry, and if you order on Amazon, you can snag it in a bundle with the brand’s other standout hydration cream, the Baby Buttermilk Cream. Customer Review: “I love this product. It makes your curls and hair so soft. It makes curly hair look natural. Im almost finished, will order more.”
