15 best leave-in conditioners to transform the health of your hair
As someone who spent their teens opting for a full head of highlights and regularly singeing their hair with straighteners, leave-in conditioners have well and truly become a must-have haircare product for me in my twenties.
While shampoo is essentially the haircare equivalent to a skincare cleanser or exfoliator, your hair conditioner is like the hyaluronic acid serum or ceramide-rich moisturiser that you use afterwards to lock in all that hydration. And a leave-in conditioner provides even more longer-lasting moisturising benefits.
So, it’s well worth adding one to your collection of essential hair products. But to help ensure you pick the right formula for your hair type and concerns, we’ve broken down all the details on some of the bestsellers, below.
SKIP TO: Is leave-in conditioner good for your hair? | Is it okay to use leave-in conditioner everyday? | Our full reviews.
Best leave-in conditioners at a glance — our top picks:
- Best for fine hair: Kevin Murphy Leave-In Repair
- Best for afro hair: Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-in-Cream 237ml
- Best for heat protection: Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique 150ml
- Best for detangling: Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-in Conditioner 200ml
Meet the expert:
- Catherine Leray, Head of Research and Development at THG LABS.
Is leave-in conditioner good for your hair?
Yes. Catherine Leray, Head of Research and Development at THG LABS, where Grow Gorgeous products are expertly developed, tells GLAMOUR: “A well-chosen leave-in conditioner can be beneficial for many hair types – the key is choosing the one best suited to your hair type or concerns. Their primary aim is to detangle and condition hair, but they can be incredibly versatile depending on the formulation, locking in moisture to reduce dryness and frizz. Promoting overall hair health, leave-in treatments such as the Grow Gorgeous Repair Daily Nourishing Leave-In Cream, £25 can also be used as a finishing touch product, for improved manageability and shine.”
They might sound like extra effort, especially if you're already using conditioner in the shower, but the effort is definitely worthwhile. Once you step out of the shower, your hair endures rough drying from bath towels, brushing, combing and lots of heat styling. A leave-in conditioner helps to protect your hair from it all, providing reinforcement when your hair needs TLC.
Leave-in conditioners are also a wonderful solution to dry hair for the time-poor. (Read: all of us). If you don't have time to sit around for 15 minutes waiting for a hair mask to work its magic, a leave-in conditioner will offer an injection of hydration.
Can I use a leave-in conditioner every day?
Leave-in conditioners are designed to be lightweight and provide ongoing hydration and nourishment to the hair without weighing it down. However, it's essential to consider your hair type, texture, and specific needs when determining the frequency of use.
“Using a leave-in conditioner every day is safe and can be good for your hair if you are looking for added moisture, protection, or nourishment in between washes. You need to consider your hair type and concerns as some leave-in conditioners might be heavier than others, weighing your hair down or showing signs of build-up on your hair,” adds Catherine.
It's also worth noting that using too much product or applying it too close to the roots can lead to buildup, so be mindful of the amount and placement of the leave-in conditioner to maintain a balanced and healthy hair environment.
How we tested leave-in conditioners:
The GLAMOUR beauty team has tested hundreds of leave-in conditioners — having reviewed each formula for a minimum period of a month on different hair types. Whether it came down to judging if the formula left our hair soft and shiny and how well it meets any other claims (e.g. detangling, protecting against damage, smoothing frizzy hair, etc) or if the it left sticky residue or an overly greasy feel, we've come up with a definitive guide to the best leave-in conditioners that are worth the hype.
After more hair content? Shop the best hair conditioners, the best conditioner bars if you want to reduce your beauty footprint, the best conditioners for dry hair and the best luxury conditioners.
Ahead, GLAMOUR's full edit of the best leave-in conditioners to add to your hydrating haircare arsenal…
Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique 150ml
- Best for: Damaged tresses that struggle to handle heat stylers and tools.
Why we love it: Designed to rebuild heat-damaged hair from the inside out, this conditioning cream acts as a protective coat on top of your locks. The formula is packed with ceramides for maximum elasticity and water retention, and maelic acid to support shine and softness.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner
- Best for: Dull hair that could do with a dose of shine.
Why we love it: This Charles Worthington leave-in conditioner is an absolute steal at £8.99. Its miracle-working blend of argan, abyssinian, coconut, tsubaki and macadamia oils nourish the hair deeply, and help really define any natural curls and waves.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Boots discount codes.
Grow Gorgeous Repair Daily Nourishing Leave-In Cream
- Best for: Strands that require a little extra bulking up.
Why we love it: Scientifically proven to help reduce damage and breakage by up to 50%, this lovely leave-in cream leaves hair feeling supple and strong thanks to its formula of Bonding Plex technology, Avocado, and Cherry Oil. It works for all hair types — but will definitely make the most difference to those suffering with dreaded brittle strands, split ends, and hair loss.
Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-In Conditioner
- Best for: Waist-length waves that can be tricky to brush out.
Why we love it: This leave-in conditioner spray works as a essential everyday spray that effortlessly tackles multiple hair concerns in one go. It's formulated with an epic fusion of aloe vera (for nourishment and hydration) and Amla (for conditioning) that helps to detangle hair as well as offering heat and UV protection.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave In Conditioner
- Best for: Hair that's dyed on the regs.
Why we love it: Formulated with Black Castor Oil and certified organic shea butter, this leave-in conditioner works to nourish, moisturise, control frizz and reduce breakage. Sulphate and paraben-free, it's great at detangling the hair, too, and can actively reduce appearance of split ends.
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- Best for: A mane with excess flyaways and frizz.
Why we love it: If a sleek and smooth look is what you're after, then this Ouai leave-in spray is just what you need for keeping flyaways and any excess frizz at bay. Enriched with Tamarind Seed Extract, Panthenol, argan oil, and Vitamin E, it'll hydrate and smooth the hair — plus an exclusive amino acid blend and hydrolysed protein to help reinforce the hair structure and protect against heat damage.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
- Best for: Fine strands that can look a little limp and lifeless.
Why we love it: Formulated with fine hair in mind, this weightless spray is great for giving some much-needed volume and body. Enriched with strengthening hydrolysed green pea protein and keratin, and moisturising jojoba seed oil, its impressive formula reduces breakage, and adds strength.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioners with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-in-Cream 237ml
- Best for: Coarse curls and coils that constantly crave moisture.
Why we love it: Suitable for all curl types, this butter-like creme is completely silicone free, and has been designed to deliver maximum moisture and hydration into every single individual ringlet of your curls or coils. Particularly beneficial for dry or coarse hair, it's packed with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter that'll help seal enough moisture into each strand to see you through to you next wash day. Plus, it's also a great moisturising treatment for protective styles, braids, and twist-outs.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioners with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
- Best for: Hair that's well and truly in need of a reset.
Why we love it: Aaahhh, Olaplex! While it's not technically a conditioner, this leave-in treatment has been infused with the brand's patented Bond Building Technology™ that's famous for helping smooth and restore damaged strands. Essentially, it works on a molecular level to eliminate frizz, intensely hydrate locks, and protect all hair types. We wouldn't be without it.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioner with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment
- Best for: Setting your strands up for strengthening success.
Why we love it: Made from 99% naturally derived ingredients, this vegan and cruelty-free formula works to maintain essential bonds in the fibres of your hair. Boasting heat protection up to 450°, it's ideal for anyone who frequently uses hair dryers, straighteners or curling wands to style. And its been enriched with UV protection that acts as a shield against sun damage — while also preserving both moisture and vibrancy of colour.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioners with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
Davines OI All In One Milk 135ml
- Best for: Strands that struggle to stay soft and smooth.
Why we love it: If it doesn't take long for your hair to lose its silky sheen after blow-drying or heat-styling, then this moisturising milk will definitely help you out. A multi-functional product, it adds some much-needed moisture to dry strands, softens and detangles, protects against heat, and controls excess frizz.
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Gisou Honey-Infused Leave-In Conditioner
- Best for: Dull locks that could do with some shine and gloss.
Why we love it: There's no denying that honey is the show-stopping ingredient in this lovely leave-in lotion formula. A natural humectant, this golden nectar helps hold onto hydration within the hair shaft — and is also packed with vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants to impart strength, and help repair damage. Leaving behind a gorgeous shine and heavenly sweet smell, it's essentially a leave-in conditioner and a hair perfume in one product.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioners with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-in Conditioner 200ml
- Best for: Tresses that love to tangle and knot.
Why we love it: For dry and brittle hair that's tricky to get a brush through, it's definitely worth giving this leave-in conditioner a go. Its deeply hydrating formula detangles any pesky knots, smooths out brittle split-ends, and leaves hair looking sleek and fresh — even if you're ditching the styling tools in favour of embracing your natural hair.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioners with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
- Best for: Bleached hair that's lacking in elasticity and bounce.
Why we love it: Far easier to add into your wash-day routine than your typical hair mask, simply shampoo your hair, towel-dry it, and apply this leave-in formula instead of conditioner. Infused with a unique patented K18Peptide that works on molecular level, this science-backed mask is capable of repairing even the most extreme damage. You only need to let it sit for four minutes before you can apply your hair styling product of choice, and carry on with your routine.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioners with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-in Mask 100ml
- Best for: Heat-damaged hair that's lost its shape and style.
Why we love it: Another great mask that you don't need to worry about washing out, this lightweight, leave-in solution deeply hydrates and protects dry strands — while also offering heat protection up to 230°. Great for all hair types, its fast-absorbing formula smooths out split-ends and brittle strands, and visibly enhances elasticity.
Save when you shop for leave-in conditioners with these Look Fantastic discount codes.
How often should does dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair need leave-in conditioner?
If you have dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair, using a leave-in conditioner daily can help replenish moisture and restore health. It can provide ongoing hydration and protection from external factors that may cause dryness or damage. If this is you, applying a leave-in conditioner after each wash or as needed might be more beneficial.
How often should does fine or oily hair need leave-in conditioner?
On the other hand, if you have fine or oily hair, using a leave-in conditioner every day may not be necessary — and could potentially weigh down your hair or make it appear greasy. In these cases, you might consider using a leave-in conditioner less frequently, such as every other wash, or even as a weekly treatment.
