15 Best Leave-In Conditioners For Natural Hair In 2023, With Buying Guide

If you want to keep your natural hair smooth and soft, check out our list of the best leave-in conditioners for natural hair to choose the right one. These leave-in conditioners protect hair from heat, detangle it, prevent hair fall and breakage, moisturize the hair and scalp, and make the hair smooth and nourished. Over time, they can also improve the natural health of your tresses and promote good hair growth.

Choosing the right leave-in conditioner could be challenging given the many options. So, explore our list to choose a product suitable for your hair type and get shiny, silky hair.

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15 Best Leave-In Conditioners For Natural Hair

1. Best Hydrating:Okay Black Jamaican Castor Oil Moisture Growth Leave-In Conditioner

4.4
Okay Black Jamaican Castor Oil Moisture Growth Leave-In Conditioner Image:Okay Pure Naturals

Moisturize your hair deeply with this Okay black Jamaican castor oil hydrating leave-in conditioner. It provides effective treatment to all hair textures. This cream strengthens your scalp’s natural oils while also structuring your roots and hair follicles for achieving manageable hair.This product, rich in Vitamin E, omega 6, and 9 fatty acids, stimulates blood circulation to the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.This conditioner is rich in emollients and is infused with the goodness of shea butter and argan oil. It does not contain parabens, sulfates, and silicones.

Pros

  • Adds luster
  • Restores damaged hair
  • Eliminates frizz
  • Non-greasy formula

Cons

  • Scent may be overpowering
  • May be slightly thick in consistency

Price at the time of publication: $7.5

protip_icon Did you know?
Castor oil has effective moisturizing and nourishing properties, which may help protect the scalp from fungal and microbial infections (1).

2. Best Moisturizing:ArtNaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner

4.3
ArtNaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner Image:Artnaturals

ArtNaturals’ argan oil leave-in conditioner is a natural hair moisturizer that can effectively repair dry, brittle, and damaged hair.This lightweight leave-in conditioner is suitable for men and women and works well on all hair types.The product, rich in organic and natural components, can keep your hair nourished, soft and hydrated. Before buying the product, have a look at thisvideofor more details.

Pros

  • Infused with shea butter
  • Safe for color-treated hair
  • Cruelty-free and certified vegan
  • Prevents hair damage from heat-styling
  • Free of harmful chemicals

Cons

  • May be a bit waxy
  • May be slightly thicker than expected
Price at the time of publication: $17.95

3. Best For Everyday Use:Chi Keratin Leave-in Conditioner

4.5

Strengthen the hair’s cuticle with the Keratin infused Chi Leave-in Conditioner. The conditioner, rich in jojoba and argan oil, works to improve the suppleness of your hair and prevents it from breakage. This product is suitable foreveryday use and delivers deep hydration to your hair, leaving it exceptionally smooth and lustrous from the roots to the ends.For a more detailed review of this product, here’s avideo.

Pros

  • Improves hair elasticity
  • Restores shine
  • 使头发manageable for styling
  • Free of gluten, sulfate, and paraben

Cons

  • May leave residue
  • May have a strong fragrance
Why It's Worth Buying:The 5,370 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Price at the time of publication: $8.31

4. Best Anti-Bacterial:Mixed Chicks Curl Defining Leave-In Conditioner

4.5
Mixed Chicks Curl Defining Leave-In Conditioner Image:Mixed Chicks

Manage your hair with great ease with the Mixed Chicks non-toxic, comedogenic leave-in conditioner. It is rich in jojoba oil, has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great product for people with a dry or itchy scalp. You can solve several hair problems with this product, such as tangled knots, unruly curls, and dryness. When used daily, this replenishing formula makes your hair smooth and lustrous. The product provides intense nourishment to the scalp and hair roots.

Pros

  • Safe for color- and chemical-treated hair
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Preserves barrier against tough hair styling
  • 定义了curls
  • Alcohol-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May be slightly greasy
  • May not control frizz very effectively
Why It's Worth Buying:With over 4,272 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
Price at the time of publication: $19.99

5. Best Nourishing:Tgin绿茶超级Moist Leave-In Conditioner

4.5

The green tea super hydrating leave-in conditioner, rich in argan oil, penetrates deep into the scalp to nourish the roots and promotes hair growth.It detangles complicated knots, and repairs split ends and cuticles while eliminating dryness and hair damage.The lightweight product restores your hair’s natural oils, making it bouncy, smooth, and shiny. Check out thisvideoand find out more about its features.

Pros

  • Does not cause buildup
  • Reduces scalp inflammation
  • Controls flyaways
  • Prevents hair loss

Cons

  • Consistency may be watery
  • May be less suitable for 4C curls

Why It's Worth Buying:The 3,688 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Price at the time of publication: $13.75

protip_icon Quick tip
You can mix a leave-in conditioner with other products, such as oil and serums, to make a customized blend specific for your hair type.

6. Best All-Natural:Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray

4.4
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray Image:Briogeo

Briogeo leave-in conditioner is an active product rich in natural ingredients, such as rosehip oil, argan oil, and coconut oil, that combat hair damage. The lightweight composition is suitable for all hair types and effectively fights frizziness and tangles.This all-natural hair care product works well to treat chemical-treated hair.It has never been tested on animals and does not contain parabens, artificial colors, sulfates, and SLS.

Pros

  • Safe for color- and keratin-treated hair
  • Adds shine to the hair
  • Protects hair from free radicals
  • Seals moisture

Cons

  • Pump may be a bit fragile
  • May have an overpowering smell
Price at the time of publication: $25.0

7. Best Botanical:Design Essentials Natural Kukui & Coconut Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner

4.5

The Kukui & Coconut hydrating leave-in conditioner from Design Essentials is an intense formulation that works well on dry and coarse hair textures. This lightweight leave-in conditioner, infused with botanical extracts, improves the shine of the hair, prevents excessive hair fall, and leaves your hair feeling soft. You can use it every week for effective results.

Pros

  • Prevents hair breakage
  • Revitalizes hair
  • Cruelty-free
  • Free of gluten

Cons

  • May be slightly sticky
Price at the time of publication: $14.48

8. Best For Split Ends:Tgin Miracle Repairx Protective Leave-In Conditioner

4.5

Infused with Biotin, this conditioner strengthens your hair. The protective leave-in conditioner is a high-performance hair care product rich in black castor oil, which helps fight split ends and promote hair growth. With this mild formula, you can replenish the hair’s natural oils. It hydrates and conditions your hair by penetrating deep into the cuticles. It has never been tested on animals and does not contain parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, lanolin, and artificial colors.

Pros

  • Infused with vitamins and antioxidants
  • Leaves no residue
  • Define curls
  • Restores damaged hair

Cons

  • May be slightly thicker than expected
Price at the time of publication: $13.99

9. Best For Dry Hair:Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In Conditioner

4.5
Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In Conditioner Image:Living Proof

Living Proof’s repair leave-in conditioner is a corrective formula that transforms dry, damaged hair into smooth and lustrous locks. Regular use of this product can help prevent split ends. This conditioner adds gloss and polish to your hair without any buildup and shields you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The zesty smell of this mild leave-in conditioner lingers for a long time.

Pros

  • Safe for chemically-treated hair
  • Leaves hair feeling silky
  • Free of silicones and parabens
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May be less suitable for fine hair
  • May be a bit greasy
Price at the time of publication: $30.0

10. Best For Detangling:African Pride Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner

4.4
African Pride Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner Image:African Pride

African Pride’s moisture miracle coconut milk and honey leave-in conditioner is a naturally formulated product that replenishes, softens, and moisturizes your hair while adding shine. It effectively detangles your hair while allowing easy styling and reducing frizziness. The all-natural combination of honey and coconut milk is free from parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, and petrolatum.

Pros

  • Contains vitamin E and avocado oils
  • Lightweight formula
  • Makes hair manageable
  • suitable for curls and coils

Cons

  • Scent may be overwhelming
  • May not be as moisturizing for longer durations

Price at the time of publication: $18.0

protip_icon Pro Tip
Applying a leave-in conditioner to damp hair can help lock in moisture and allow the product to absorb better into hair.

11.最适合卷发控制:Dr. Miracle’s Leave-In Conditioner

4.4
Dr. Miracle’s Leave-In Conditioner Image:Dr. Miracle’s

奇迹博士的离开护发素是一个强有力的组合ture of natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, honey, coconut, jojoba oil, and olive oil that promote healthy hair growth. You can quickly tame tangled hair while nourishing, hydrating, and repairing your scalp and natural hair. The uniquely formulated keratin complex product makes your hair smooth and minimizes frizz and split ends.

Pros

  • Rehydrates the hair
  • Protects the hair against breakage
  • Safe to use on dry hair
  • Supports length retention
  • Suitable for curly hair

Cons

  • May be less suitable for color-treated hair
  • May have a runny consistency
Price at the time of publication: $18.09

12. Best Non-Greasy:Vitamins Leave-In Conditioner Cream

The keratin leave-in conditioner cream is an ultra-hydrating hair moisturizer that restores your hair’s natural moisture while nourishing it. This smooth and gentle protein booster formula detangles hair quickly and leaves it soft and manageable. It also works well against brittle, frizzy, chemically-treated, and colored hair. The non-greasy product revitalizes your hair and ensures luxurious and silky strands. It does not contain parabens and sulfates and has never been tested on animals.

Pros

  • 定义了the curls
  • Restores damaged hair
  • Heals split ends
  • Suitable for thick hair

Cons

  • May be slightly sticky
Price at the time of publication: $19.98

13. Best Lightweight:Stream2Sea Leave-In Hair Conditioner

4.6
Stream2Sea Leave-In Hair Conditioner Image:Stream2sea

The Stream2Sea hair conditioner is a lightweight, non-greasy product that strengthens the scalp while helping in managing knotted hair. This sunscreen moisturizer efficiently restores the natural shine of your hair while protecting it from UV rays. This product, made of biodegradable components, is safe for water bodies and environmentally friendly. Green tea, tulsi, wakame, and olive oil combine to create an antioxidant-rich conditioning treatment for dull, dry, and damaged hair.

Pros

  • Protects hair from environmental stress
  • Free of parabens
  • Sulfate-free
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • May be less suitable for tangles
  • May not control frizz effectively
Price at the time of publication: $14.35

14. Best Strengthening:Just Nutritive Leave-In Conditioner

3.9
Just Nutritive Leave-In Conditioner Image:Just Nutritive

滋养和奶油离开护发素,rich in rice and jojoba protein, strengthens your natural hair from roots to tips. This treatment, which contains babassu oil, provides shine to brittle, dry, and damaged hair. The hair conditioner contains natural oils from avocado and meadowfoam, which penetrate deeply to deliver moisture and nourishment to your scalp. This hair care product is devoid of parabens, and other potentially dangerous ingredients.

Pros

  • Prevents split ends
  • Provides healthy shine to the hair
  • Helps detangle
  • Rich, creamy consistency

Cons

  • May be less suitable for fine hair
Price at the time of publication: $4917

15. Best For Breakage Protection:Suave Natural Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner

4.3
Suave Natural Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner Image:Suave

Bid farewell to dry hair with the rich leave-in conditioner that contains the advantages of raw shea butter and pure coconut oil to nourish your hair while also providing breakage protection. This creamy mixture detangles knotted hair and gives you beautiful, manageable curls while preventing extreme frizz and restoring your hair’s natural shine. The hydrating leave-in conditioner nourishes your scalp while promoting hair growth.

Pros

  • Color-safe
  • Delivers long-lasting moisture
  • Softens frizzy coils
  • Spreads smoothly

Cons

  • Consistency may be watery
  • Fragrance may not last long

How To Choose The Right Leave-In Conditioner For Natural Hair?

Below is the list of parameters to consider when purchasing a high-quality leave-in conditioner for natural hair.

1.Ingredients:Choose a product with natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, which can strengthen and nourish your hair.

Dr. Schwarzburg, a renowned dermatologist in New York and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says,“Products that contain too many chemicals can dry out your scalp and strip it of its natural oils, which is why products with natural ingredients are ideal.”

2.Purpose:Various leave-in conditioners cater to different requirements. Choose a product that meets your needs and assists you in combating brittle hair and dry scalp while restoring color-treated and damaged hair.

3.Scent:Pay attention to the scent before finalizing a product. Some conditioners have a mild fragrance, while other products have an overwhelming scent.

4.Chemical-free:A leave-in hair conditioner devoid of hazardous chemicals, parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and artificial fragrances is suitable for all hair types and also provides protection.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag, our in-house writer and reviewer of hair care and skin care products, leaves no stone unturned in recommending the best products to her readers. Here, she has listed the best leave-in conditioners for natural hair after going through the ingredients list of several products and considering the customer reviews. Moreover, she also gives you handy tips on choosing the right product to give your hair the love it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I apply a leave-in conditioner?

Since leave-in conditioners are meant to be left on the hair strands and not rinsed off, they should be applied after shampooing–once the hair has been towel-dried.

2. How should I apply a leave-in conditioner?

You may follow these steps.

  • After shampooing, pat your hair dry.
  • Take a small amount of the leave-in conditioner (as specified on the bottle).
  • Apply the conditioner by massaging it through the hair strands.
  • Now comb or brush your hair and style them as desired.

3. How much leave-in conditioner should I apply?

That would depend on the length of your hair. You need to take a generous amount sufficient to cover your hair from root to tip.

4. Is leave-in conditioner good for natural hair?

The primary function of a good leave-in conditioner is to moisturize your hair to eliminate frizz. Thus, it’s fine to apply it on natural hair, provided they are not oily.

5. Is leave-in conditioner good for African hair?

Not all leave-in conditioners might work on African hair. Opt for ones that are uniquely formulated for African hair types as they have detangling properties.

6. Can I use a leave-in conditioner every day?

  • 如果你有正常的油腻头发,may use a leave-in conditioner two times a week.
  • If you have curly hair, you could use a chemical-free conditioner more often.
  • If you have acne-prone skin, you should use it sparingly.

7. What’s the difference between a traditional conditioner and a leave-in conditioner?

Traditional conditioners are applied to the hair immediately after a shower and washed off after two to three minutes. A leave-in conditioner, on the other hand, is applied post-shampooing, and unlike traditional conditioners, is not rinsed off.

With the help of a leave-in conditioner for natural hair, you can get gorgeous tresses that are nourished and smooth. However, make sure you purchase a product after evaluating your hair type, product ingredients, purpose, and scent. Moreover, avoid products with hazardous chemicals, parabens, and sulfates that may prove to be more harmful than good. So, go ahead and pick a hydrating conditioner that can help you style your hair easily and protect it from heat and damage.

Infographic: How To Apply A Leave-In Conditioner The Right Way?

A leave-in conditioner moisturizes, nourishes, repairs, and controls frizz. Some may even substitute for a regular conditioner. However, applying a leave-in conditioner in the correct manner is crucial for achieving the desired results. So check out the infographic to learn the factors to consider when using a leave-in conditioner.

Step-By-Step Process Of Applying A Leave In Conditioner (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

References:

  1. Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/

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