Should You Use Leave In Conditioner?

Using leave in conditioner is sometimes viewed as an ‘extra step’ after shampoo and conditioner. You may feel that there is no need to apply a leave in conditioner if you have already applied a traditional conditioner. But should you use leave in conditioner? Here are some reasons why you should, especially if you suffer with dry hair.

Traditional conditioners usually are dense or contain heavy oils that can weigh the hair down, which is why most manufacturers will instruct you to rinse the conditioner out after a few minutes. Leave in conditioner, on the other hand, is designed to be left in the hair. It is usually lighter and less dense, but still provides the hair with additional moisture. Because it is left in the hair, it also can provide protection against environmental damage like sun exposure. A good leave in conditioner will also provide extra slip to make detangling easier, and elasticity during the styling process.

While some styling products may contain the same ingredients as a leave in conditioner, applying leave in conditioner before applying styling products adds additional moisture. If your hair is think, dense, and/or highly porous, it is harder to maintain moisture levels, so a leave in conditioner is a great way to add that additional moisture your hair needs. Most leave in conditioners are light enough that they can be used as daily moisturizers as well.

Here are some of my favorite leave in conditioners! Just click on the links to learn more about them and to purchase. I also talk a little more about all my favorites on my YouTube channel, so check that video out as well; I embedded it right into this post for easy viewing.

Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave in Conditioner, 8.5 Ounce

Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream, 16 Ounce

EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Leave In Conditioner, 8 ounce

Alikay Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner

Natty Naturals Natty Moist, 12 ounce 

Entwine {AFRODISIA 9} Exotique Leave-In Hair Potion, 8 oz.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detagler 8oz

Tree Naturals Rice Flow and Shea Leave In Conditioner

Its Yours Hair Co Leave In Conditioner

Koils by Nature Moisturizing Shealoe Leave In Conditioner

Senica Naturals Senk Conditioner and Hair Lotion