The shower is designed for “aha” moments, but a few years ago, I found my hair-washing regimen still resulted in uninspired strands. After extensive study, I discovered the best leave-in conditioners for detangling, heat protection, and frizz control post-wash; my hair was given new life. In contrast to a rinse-out conditioner, which you leave in for a few minutes before washing away with water, hair stylist and educator Karen Miller explains that a leave-in conditioner “adds moisture and hydrates without weighing the hair down, and it’s applied after the hair is cleansed and before styling begins.”
I interviewed many expert hairstylists and, with the InStyle team, tested dozens of the most popular, buzzy leave-ins to see how they fared on different hair types, textures, and concerns. Discover why you should never neglect this important hair care procedure.
Why We Love It: I’ve been using Crown Affair’s deceptively lightweight, water-based product for almost a year, and it never fails to nourish my dry hair. I only need a half-pump of product to have pillow-soft, frizz-free hair that holds moisture for days. In fact, I didn’t apply any other oils or hair serums while using it.
Who It’s For: This product is especially effective for adding volume to finer strands and allowing hair to air-dry easily and look exceptionally sleek. This product’s characteristic aroma of bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass is less overpowering than in others. The smooth, semi-opaque matte glass vase and stylish black font elevate the overall experience.
Worth noting: Very dry, damaged hair may require additional hydration and richness.
Irene Richardson, associate editor at 3A Hair, says, “After a stylist harped on my thinning hair, I self-consciously picked up this gorgeous bottle, and wow—consider it a hair-thickening miracle worker.”
Why We Love It: The Odele leave-in conditioner saved InStyle tester Jackie’s brittle, damaged, and knotted hair. Despite its thin, serum-like consistency, it nourished dry strands more effectively than thicker creams and swiftly detangled damp hair.
Who It’s For: The consistency allows you to easily work through knotted strands. Jackie only required approximately two full pumps to coat her thick strands, but we’d recommend even less for thinner hair.
Worth noting: Although our tester noted reduced frizz, her regular static soon returned—consider sealing it in with a hair oil for longer-term benefits.
Jackie, a tester with type 2B hair, said, “My hair is very brittle, and it felt smoother and softer overall.” After looking at the images, I notice that my hair appears shinier and healthier than it did before I started using this conditioner.”
Why We Love It: It’s difficult to put into words how well the Kristin Ess anti-fade shampoo and conditioner revitalized my dry, limp, and thinning winter hair. This leave-in conditioner is the cherry on top of an already excellent formula. I’m so glad I brought this third alternative to the party—and not just because it has the same alluring woody aroma as previous goods. The spray seals in moisture, resulting in less frizz. Most significantly (for me, anyway), it provides heat protection, allowing me to skip that step and use the hot tools without concern.
Who It’s For: This is a fantastic reset for me after I’ve crisped my hair with hot tools and need to pamper it before using the curling iron. Anyone with dry, fine, or colored hair will benefit from using this lightweight spray since it retains a rich, creamy texture while dispersing in an almost unnoticeable mist that melts instantly into strands. The color-protecting solution ensures that your highlighted or lowlighted hair retains its intended tint, making it an especially more appealing alternative for anyone who frequently sits under foils.
It’s worth noting that this is more of a shine and hydration spray than a detangling spray.
