Best leave in products for damaged hair

When it comes to building a solid hair-care routine, there’s no easier way to level up your hair game than with the best leave-in conditioner. Unlike traditional rinse-out formulas, these leave-in versions offer an extra dose of conditioning to help detangle, nix frizzy hair and flyaways, resist split ends, protect against heat damage and breakage, and address a multitude of other hair needs.

The main difference between rinse-out versus leave-in conditioners is the latter’s long-term perks, says Clint Wilson, cofounder of and stylist at Salon SCK in New York City. “A leave-in conditioner continues nourishing and protecting the hair throughout the day, while a regular conditioner stops working and actually needs to be rinsed out to prevent your hair from becoming greasy,” he explains. Plus, leave-in formulas tend to be more multitasking than their in-shower counterparts, offering a host of targeted benefits, such as defining wavy hair, protecting color-treated hair, or prepping for a blow-dry (or any kind of heat styling).

Their usage may vary too. Although leave-in conditioners are usually applied to wet or damp hair, some can be applied to dry hair, depending on your hair type. For example, says Wilson, “If you have naturally curly hair and want to refresh your hairstyle the next day without washing, using a leave-in conditioner is a great way to revitalize your style.” 

For wash day, you can either use a leave-in conditioner after your usual wash-out conditioner——or if you’re short on time, skip one, says Wilson, who suggests you keep the leave-in version. However, the amount of product you use depends on your hair type; someone with fine hair should use a smaller amount, since too much product can leave the hair feeling heavy.

Speaking of: If your hair leans fine, Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, recommends using a leave-in conditioner spray. “That way you concentrate on the ends so you don’t weigh the hair down from the scalp,” she says. She also suggests skipping it for a few days if you notice that your hair feels limp, which could be from the weight from product buildup. (If that’s the case, consider avoiding formulas that contain silicones, since these can contribute to buildup.)

Clearly, not all leave-in conditioners are created equal. Keep scrolling for 15 of our favorite leave-in conditioners, along with a slew of expert product recommendations. 

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Our hair goes through a lot in the winter months. From the drop in temperature and dry central heating, to the rise in pre-party heat styling – our hair is often left feeling dry, dull and lacklustre around this time of year. So, if your hair is dryer than Ricky Gervais sense of humour, you'll want to deploy one of the best leave-in conditioners. The big guns of hair care world, these potent treatments offer a heavy dose of hydration when your locks just won't play ball.

But if you're not sure which is the best leave-in conditioner for you, that's where we can help. We've tried and tested a bunch of different formulas (plus asked our hair stylists for their expert advice) to bring you the very best leave-in conditioners of 2022. Keep scrolling to figure out which is the best formula for you…

What is the purpose of leave-in conditioner?

A souped-up version of your normal conditioner, leave-in formulations work to strengthen your strands so that they are better adept at fighting off environmental stressors such as excessive brushing, tight top knots, pollution and heat styling.

Is leave in conditioner good for your hair?

Yes. But not all leave-in conditioners are made equal – the one that work best to restore your crowning glory depend on your hair type and condition. Thin hair needs a formulation that won't weigh it down, while curly girls need a product that will deeply nourish their kinks and keep frizz at bay.

Can I use a leave in conditioner every day?

‘Most leave in conditioners benefit all hair types,’ says Harriet Muldoon, colourist at Larry King Hair. ‘Always apply leave-in conditioner to towel-dried, damp hair.’

Which is better conditioner or leave in?

Conditioners are a vital part of haircare routine and should be used are shampooing. Leave-in conditioners are brilliant add on if your hair needs some TLC. Usage of leave-in really varies.‘How often you use a leave-in conditioner really depends on the state that your hair is in,’ advises celebrity hair stylist Andrew Fitzsimons.

‘If your hair is incredibly dry, brittle, and damaged, opt for 3-4 times a week to ensure your hair does not get weighed down with product build-up. If your hair just needs a little extra TLC, one or two times per week is a great amount. And make sure you only use the leave-in on the ends of your hair or from about ear-down.’

Are there different leave-in conditioners for different hair types?

‘Yes! And you should factor these differences into your decision when buying a leave-in conditioner,’ says Fitzsimons. ‘If you have curly or thick hair, you should look into deep conditioning options. If you colour your hair often, there are leave-ins that have colour protectants. If you have fine hair look for a more lightweight formula, so you don’t weigh down your tresses.

‘If you constantly use heat on your hair, find a leave-in conditioner with a heat protectant like the Andrew Fitzsimons AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-in Conditioner which works for all hair types, and helps to repair split ends as well.’

Andrew Fitzsimons Repair Leave-in Conditioner for Damaged Hair, 150ml

andrew fitzsimons boots.com

What ingredients should you look for / steer clear from with leave-in conditioners?

‘Leave-in conditioners add extra hydration to the hair. You will want to look for a leave-in that has either coconut oil, argan oil, passion fruit oil or castor oil to get the most benefits – such as shine, hydration, strengthening and conditioning properties,’ advises Fitzsimons.

‘Avoid ingredients such as parabens and sulphates, as they can lead to dryness, hair thinning, or hair loss.’

What is the best leave in conditioner?

Below, an edit of the the best 15 leave in conditioners to suit all hair types .

1/ Best leave-in conditioner recommended by hairstylists

‘I personally love Redken's One United Leave-In Conditioner, as it has heat protection and closes the cuticle of the hair, which helps to even out the porosity of hair. This helps lock-in the colour and leaves you with amazing shine,’ suggests Muldoon.

Redken One United Multi-Benefit Treatment (150ml)

2/ Best leave-in conditioner for split ends

Got a severe case of split ends? Reach for this, stat. Formulated with Amazonian rahua oil that crammed with omega-9, its able to turn tresses around so that ends look far less unruly. Organic quinoa helps to promote healing and hold onto moisture so that hair looks shiny and nourished from root to tip. You'll go wild for the vanilla scent, too.

3/ Best leave-in conditioner for afro hair

Tight coils and textured kinks will benefit from castor oil infused treatment. A real heavy-hitter in the moisture department, it'll make textured hair much more manageable and easier to style.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner 312g

Shea Moisture lookfantastic.com

4/ Best leave-in conditioner for fine hair

This leave-in conditioner is really lightweight, making it perfect for thin hair types. Created with reparative and nourishing amino acids, as well as detoxifying white harehound extract, it works to undo the damage caused by pollution and UV rays.

Refresh Purifying Leave-in Conditioner

5/ Best leave-in conditioner for coloured hair

This is a leave-in conditioner and then some. Boasting an impressive 21 benefits, it detangles, conditions, primes, protects, reduces breakage and nourishes all thanks to sugar-derived xylose, natural antioxidant fennel seed extract and a blend of camelina, coconut and olive oil. Yet it's the AntiFade Complex we love the most for keeping your colour alight and eking out the time in-between colourist appointments.

Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier

Pureology cultbeauty.co.uk

6/ Best leave-in conditioner for frizzy hair

Constantly fighting frizz in the heat? Reach for this on the regs. Cleverly formulated with the brands patented ‘Healthy Hair Molecule’ (OFPMA), it works by blocking humidity up to 70% more effectively than traditional oils. You'll never have to worry about your hair ending up like Monica's during that Barbados trip a la Friends.

No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner

Living Proof cultbeauty.co.uk

7/ Best leave-in conditioner for long hair

Long hair. Looks epic. Tangles like a betch. If that sounds familiar, then check out this epic detangling spray courtesy of Drunk Elephant. Silicone-free, it feels super lightweight and yet it still manages to coat strands with enough moisture and protection to keep it healthy and swishy.

Drunk Elephant cultbeauty.co.uk

8/ Best leave-in conditioner for dry hair

This is a cult classic for a reason. Brimming with Australian Blue Mountain eucalyptus it imparts a veil of moisture onto hair so that strands look less frazzled over time. What with it's signature scent and change left over from a fiver, what's not to love?

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Detangler Spray 250ml

9/ Best leave-in conditioner for brittle hair

If you swim or workout regularly, then your hair has probably been put through it paces. Thankfully this conditioning treatment helps to strength train your hair. Formulated by

Brittle hair is the result of severe dryness, but all is not lost if you reach for this moisture rich mist. It's star ingredient is hyaluronic acid and if you know how brilliantly is works on skin, then you can imagine the wonders it does for your hair. The thirstiest hair will be thoroughly quenched.

Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-in Conditioner 24-Hour Frizz Control

10/ Best softening leave-in conditioner

Blessed with super thick hair? Then you'll know that, alongside an swish to make a Pantene model jealous, it can leave your locks prone to dryness. Enter: Kérastase Nutritive Creme Magistral. This balm works to de-tangle and smooth down the hair shaft, for a softer vibe.

Kérastase Nutritive Creme Magistral 150ml

Kerastase lookfantastic.com

11/ Best leave-in conditioner for use with extensions

If you have extensions, you'll want to keep leave-in conditioners away from your roots and bonds, so this this leave-in spray is a great option. The fast-absorbing formula avoids a heavy build-up being left behind, while macadamia oil and hydrolyzed rhodophycea extract work to minimise split ends and flyaways.

Sachajuan Intensive Repair Leave In Conditioner 150ml

Sachajuan lookfantastic.com

12/ Best leave-in conditioner for summer holidays

Ok so unless you're heading away for some winter sun, this one might not be at the top of your list right now – but it's still worth a mention. The formula helps to protect precious tresses against UV damage, dryness and colour fade. Plus, the dreamy holiday scent will instantly transport you to the tropics.

Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 In 1 Leave In Conditioner

13/ Best leave-in conditioner for curls

Whether your hair is curly, coily or textured – curls often require extra moisture to help them retain their shape and banish unwanted frizz. This moisture-locking leave-in conditioner is perfect. It hydrates hair without weighing it down, leaving your locks bouncy and fresh.

Twist By Ouidad Curl Goals Leave In Conditioner 310ml

14/ Best smelling leave-in conditioner

If you're someone who loves it when your hair smells freshly washed, this is the leave-in for you. Enriched with one of the brand’s most-loved signature fragrances, it's laced with sweet salted caramel and vanilla. Not only that, the formula really is fab as it helps to detangle and defend from fly aways, plus it also offers up to 230-degrees of heat protection. An all rounder.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner 210ml

Sol de Janeiro lookfantastic.com

15/ Best leave-in conditioner for daily use

If you're going to use a leave-in conditioner every single day, make it this one. The lightweight formula protects against daily environmental wear, such as UV rays and heated stylers – without building up and weighing down your strands.

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner 125ml

Philip Kingsley lookfantastic.com

Strawberry Clearly Glossing Shampoo

the body shop thebodyshop.com

Body care parfumdreams.co.uk

Pureology Hydrate Colour Care Shampoo 250ml

Pureology lookfantastic.com

Faith In Nature Lemon & Tea Tree Shampoo 400ml

Green People Intensive Repair Shampoo

Green People lookfantastic.com

Superfood Shine Natural Shampoo

Redken Nature + Science All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

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