The best leave-in conditioners for curly hair to create luscious locks

Curly girls, step right up 👩‍🦱

A picture of six leave-in conditioners on a blue background

by Georgia Scott |
Updated on

Are you in the market for a new leave-in hair treatment to add to your hair care routine? We have the solution. Depending on whether you're looking for hydration, a product to define curls or something to tame frizz - we have a product you should try.

A leave-in conditioning treatment is a great way to nourish and define your luscious curls. It also works best to maintain healthy hair daily without always reaching for a hair mask or hair treatment.

How should you use a leave-in conditioner?

A leave-in conditioner is designed to be applied to wet, clean hair to instantly nourish, hydrate and improve the condition of your natural, luscious curls. Any leave-in hair treatment is best used when going on to dry your hair after washing to see the best results.

A leave-in conditioner is a great solution if you want to...

• Maintain healthy hair

• Protect against heat damage

• Restore the natural condition

• Instantly nourish

• Repair damage

Gallery

SHOP: The best leave-in conditioners for curly hair

A picture of the Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream1 of 10
CREDIT: Cantu

Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream

An intensely hydrating and nourishing leave-in treatment to improve and repair dry or damaged curly hair.
The blend of pure shea butter melts into any dry or coarse curly hair to instantly improve the condition.

Pros: Budget-friendly
Cons: Hair can feel heavy if too much product is used

Review: "I have started to use a few of the Cantu products for Wavy and Curly hair. I use the shampoo and conditioner plus this product Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioning Repair Cream. I have type Type 2B / 2C wavy coloured hair. The first few times I used these products I thought it was leaving my hair crispy, however I have started to use less of the product and my hair has gone from wavy to curly. I don’t think the smell is overpowering in fact the smell is quite bland, but it seems to be doing the job I want it to. My hair is less fizzy and flyaway, and my waves are definitely more defined, soft and bouncy. I would recommend this product."

A picture of the Kevin Murphy Killer Curls2 of 10
CREDIT: Kevin Murphy

Kevin Murphy Killer Curls

Do you find your curly hair feeling and looking frizzy? Give your curls some love with this anti-frizz, leave-in curl cream. Designed to hydrate and strengthen the hair, while smoothing any unruly waves into luscious curls.

Pros: A little goes a long way
Cons: A more expensive option

Key ingredients to note:
Bergamot fruit oil
Watermelon extract
Aloe vera leaf juice

Review: "Am over the moon with this product which is as fantastic as it claims to be. A little goes a long way so this will be excellent value for money. My curls are not crunchy but are bouncy and shiny and the smell is gorgeous too! I would highly recommend for all curly heads out there, so thrilled to have finally discovered Killer Curls!"

Batiste Leave in Dry Conditioner3 of 10
CREDIT: Batiste

Batiste Leave in Dry Conditioner

If you're looking for a simple but effective way of getting conditioner into your hair (especially two or more days after washing), look to this Batiste Leave-In Dry Conditioner. Just pump the foam out and slick through ends for a refresher when you need it.

Review: "Easy to use, perfect for those lazy days where you cant be bothered washing your hair, it's a great little freshen up for your hair. Smells really nice too."

A picture of the Matrix A Curl Can Dream Moisturising Cream4 of 10
CREDIT: Matrix

Matrix A Curl Can Dream Moisturising Cream

A moisturising, leave-in cream designed to hydrate curly hair. If you're feeling like your curly hair is craving some hydration, this is the product for you.

Pros: Mild scent**
Cons:** A more expensive option

Ingredients to note: Manuka Honey extract

Review: Great product. I use it on my 4c curls after using the shampoo and mask from the same line. I don’t need to use a lot to get curl definition, and they stay moisturized and soft for a week. This is the only product I use to style my hair, and I don’t need anything else. I just fluff and go until my next wash and go. I love it!!!

A picture of the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream5 of 10
CREDIT: Moroccanoil

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Looking for a product to define and nourish your natural curls? Try this. Moroccanoil is known for its nourishing haircare range and a curl defining cream is a must-have for any curly-haired gal. Transform your wonderous waves into luscious locks.

Pros: Budget-friendly
Cons: Not as effective for very thick hair

Review: "Would recommend this for my fine and dry hair ladies. After your shower, just flip your hair over, put the product in with prayer hands and scrunch your hair. Apply more onto areas that are limp, and twist braid. Leave it to dry and apply mousse to keep the curls in place."

A picture of the OGX Miracle Oil Leave In Air Dry Hair Cream6 of 10
CREDIT: OGX

OGX Miracle Oil Leave In Air Dry Hair Cream

If you know and love the magic of coconut oil, then this leave-in treatment is no exception. This product is suitable for all hair types and focuses on transforming and hydrating your hair so it feels silky soft.

Pros: Budget-friendly**
Cons:** Not as effective for fine hair

Review: "I used this after a shower and some other leave-in conditioner, and the result is amazing! I used a little too much at first, but that’s because the pump was a bit stuck initially. Anyway, you can see the result in the photo. Not nearly as frizzy as my hair usually goes without intervention. I love this stuff. I used it again on dirty hair two days later after wetting my hair a bit, and it made my hair feel and smell so refreshed. I can’t recommend this enough!"

A picture of the FYC Leave-in Conditioner for Curly Hair7 of 10
CREDIT: FYC

FYC Leave-in Conditioner for Curly Hair

Define, smooth and hydrate your natural curls with this leave-in conditioner. This product turns frizzy, unruly hair into gorgeous, curly locks - perfect if you're looking for a product that instantly styles.

Pros: Vegan-friendly
Cons: Not suitable for all hair types

Ingredients to note:
Shea butter
Olive oil
Aloe vera

Tried and tested by Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: "I couldn't rave about this product and brand enough. FYC is ideal for my 3c curly hair and the leave-in conditioner is great to use just before wash day. I leave it in for an extra day so it really soaks in and then when I rinse it out my hair feels so soft. It's nice and creamy, not too thick and comes out of the bottle just right!"

A picture of the OUAI Leave In Conditioner8 of 10
CREDIT: OUAI

OUAI Leave In Conditioner

A brand created by the Kardashian's fave hair stylist, Jen Atkin, this hydrating leave-in conditioner also doubles up as a detangler and a heat protectant - winner. Haircare is essential no matter your hair type or style.

Pros: Amazing smell
Cons: A more expensive option

Ingredients to note:
Amino acids
Vitamin E
Strengthening proteins

Review: "My hair is on a journey of repair after lots of heat damage, this product gives it such a nice silky soft texture and feels so much healthier. It’s not heavy at all.  Smells beautiful!  I used it on both my daughters, one has curly hair and the other is wavy and both get tangled. This is the only product I can use, and brush when dry (wavy hair) that enables the brush to glide through without her hating the process.  Love it and will buy it again. Sooner than I’d like now I use it on 3 heads of hair."

A picture of the Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir Leave-in Conditioner9 of 10
CREDIT: Coco & Eve

Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir Leave-in Conditioner

Looking for a product that gives instant shine? The 'Miracle Hair Elixir' brings back your hair to its original, natural condition and defines your natural curls.

Pros: A little goes a long way
Cons: A more expensive option

Ingredients to note:
Hyaluronic acid
Raw coconut oil
Prickly pear extract

Review: "I have wavy frizzy hair and after using the oil it left my hair soft, shiny and very healthy looking. I used it on naturally air-dried hair and flat ironed it. I was greatly surprised when I woke up the day after and it was looking exactly the same. I have a very young baby and don’t have much time to take care of my hair, so this product helps me to look after my hair and keep it for a long time. I highly recommend it."

A picture of the Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream10 of 10
CREDIT: Curlsmith

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream

Flood your curly hair with lots of moisture and improve any damage or breakage with this nourishing leave-in cream.

Pros: Vegan-friendly
Cons: Not suitable for all hair types

Ingredients to note:
Coconut oil
Carrot and sunflower seed oil
Aloe vera

Review: "Great product - I don't normally write much of a review for products but this is the best conditioner I've used for my curly hair. I have fairly long shoulder length hair which is quite dry and very curly. However, it is also frizzy at the ends. I am no spring chicken and as you get older hair does lose its elasticity. This product formed my frizz into lovely shaped curls. It was not heavy and didn't leave my hair limp and had a pleasant smell."

How should you take care of curly hair?

Haircare brand, Function Of Beauty, known for customising its hair products according to your personal concern, believes that caring for curly hair can be tricky and it's easy to make mistakes when looking for the right products. It is advised that when you have curly hair, you should minimise the number of times a week you wash your hair. It advises its customers to avoid washing their hair every day, as textured hair benefits from natural oils.

It went on to say, "For best results, limit your hair washing frequency to once or twice a week. If cleansed too frequently, your hair strands may dry out which can lead to damage and breakage."

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