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The best leave-In conditioners for 2024 to help your hair this spring
Early spring weather can spell disaster for your hair. Lingering winter dryness can lead to breakage, not to mention that pesky static electricity that makes your hair feel charged and frizzy. Damaged hair is no way to head into spring, so it’s time to get serious about adding some moisture to the mix. Whether you have thick hair, thin hair, curly hair, wavy hair or something in between, you’ll benefit from a little added protection and care from a leave-in treatment and heat protectant.
My hair stylist was pretty adamant that I start using leave-in hair conditioners regularly to protect my blonde locks from additional damage. It's a simple step added to your shower routine, but it is just the little extra love your hair might need, and it’s smart for all hair types, from dry hair to fine hair and even color-treated hair. As the name suggests, leave-in conditioner is a nourishing spray you leave on your damp hair to work its magic. A good leave-in conditioner will make hair feel softer, combat tangles, frizzy hair and flyaways and protect against heat styling and chlorine damage.
Some leave-in conditioners stand out against the rest because of one added perk: how great they smell. The five listed below are particularly known for their hair protection power against blow-drying and other forms of heat styling, but it's their smells that will have people asking what perfume you’re wearing. So, go ahead and shop for the best-smelling leave-in conditioners below.
In the meantime, we have tons of suggestions for growing your hair faster with the right shampoo, or treating thinning hair with the correct product as well. Take a look!
Active ingredients: Tamarind seed extract, panthenol, vitamin E, hydrolyzed proteins | Formula: Spray | Hair types: All types
This OUAI Leave In Conditioner is worn, and loved, regularly by one of our editors.
OUAI’s Leave In Conditioner is one of our editor's personal favorites. Not only does it make her hair feel soft and protects it from heat damage, but the floral, musky scent with notes of bergamot, sandalwood, lemon, jasmine and rose de mai are heavenly. It’s OUAI’s signature North Bondi scent, which the brand also sells as a perfume. Yes, it really does smell that good.
Active ingredients: Babaçu oil, Brazil nut oil, cupuaçu butter | Formula: Spray | Hair types: Straight, wavy, curly, coily
All of Sol de Janeiro's products are out of this world when it comes to scent and this one is no exception.
This leave-in product comes from TikTok’s favorite beachy body mist and moisturizer brand, Sol de Janeiro. Unsurprisingly, its hair products are just as moisturizing and fragrant. This product smells like the popular Cheriosa ’62 fragrance with sweet notes of vanilla, salted caramel and pistachio.
Active ingredients: Guava leaf extract, guava fruit extract, aloe vera leaf powder | Formula: Cream | Hair types: All types
This Ceremonia Guava Leave In Conditioner has won so many awards, especially for its intense hydration.
Ceremonia uses the superpowers of the guava fruit to protect hair from UV rays and free radicals and combines it with avocado, safflower extract and tamarind to hydrate hair and combat frizz. The guava scent stands out, though: It’s sweet, fruity and almost has notes of pineapple and mango.
Active ingredients: Mirsalehi honey, argan oil, baobab extract | Formula: Cream | Hair types: All types
This is a great version if you are dealing with split ends, plus it acts as a detangler.
The founder of Gisou has a long family tradition of beekeeping, and that’s why honey is at the core of her business. In the leave-in conditioner, honey attracts and retains moisture for stronger, shinier hair. The product smells amazing, too, especially because the scent mixes honey notes with spring florals, inspired by the Gisou Mirsalehi Bee Garden.
Active ingredients: Vitamin E, panthenol | Formula: Spray | Hair types: Frizzy, dry
At $24, this is one of our more affordable suggestions, but you'll feel like you just stepped out of an expensive spa every time you use it.
You don’t need me to tell you that Paul Mitchell products are legit. Its Tea Tree Lavender Mint Conditioning Leave-In Spray conditions hair while fighting frizz, and it smells like an expensive spa. The lavender and mint fragrance provides a little aromatherapy with each spritz.
Leave-in conditioner FAQs
Can I use leave-in conditioner on dry hair?
Leave-in conditioner is great on dry hair because it’s a product designed to infuse moisture, reduce annoying frizz and help manage your mane. It’s also suitable for wet hair, so you can apply in the shower or afterwards.
How long should leave-in conditioner stay in hair?
How long you keep leave-in conditioner in your hair will depend on the product. In general, these conditioners are designed to leave in until your next wash. Some products might require that you leave the product in for an extended period before rinsing. Just be sure to read the bottle.
How often should you use leave-in conditioner?
Most leave-in conditioner can be used as frequently as you think your hair needs it. While some people might need a daily boost of moisture and conditioning, others will find that using it every few days or weeks is best. This will depend on your hair type, especially if your locks are on the oily or greasy side.
What is the difference between hair conditioner and leave-in conditioner?
Regular hair conditioner is typically used in the shower and must be rinsed out after a brief period. It provides deep conditioning benefits even after it’s removed. On the other hand, leave-in conditioner is specially formulated to be left in your hair while offering ongoing moisture, protection and styling benefits throughout the day.
Factors to consider when choosing a leave-in conditioner
Active ingredients: As you choose your leave-in conditioner, carefully consider the active ingredients on the bottle and packaging to ensure they align with your hair's specific needs. Look for ingredients that offer added hydration like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Other ingredients such as proteins, vitamins and natural oils can help to improve your hair's texture, whether it's curly, straight, dry or damaged.
Formula: The formula of your preferred leave-in conditioner is really up to you and how you’d like to apply it to your hair. These products come in foams, sprays, creams and serums. If you have greasy or fine hair, you might find you need a formula that’s more lightweight. Thicker hair might benefit from one that is heavier. It’ll be trial and error to find your best match.
Hair types: Whether you have curly hair, pin straight hair, damaged hair or colored hair, there’s a leave-in conditioner for you. Most of these products are geared toward a specific type of hair and will say so on the label. Others might claim to benefit all types. If you have a particular concern about your hair, look for products targeted at repairing damage or being extra gentle on hair that’s been permed or color treated.
