13 Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners In 2020
1. Best Vegan: The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler Spray
Infused with shea butter, jojoba protein, quinoa extract, and argan oil, this formula nourishes and softens your hair with these organic extracts. This The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler Spray detangles the most persistent knots with ease and is suitable for all hair types. This leave-in conditioner silkens and separates hair strands for a fuller appearance and makes them manageable. This video will provide you with added insights about the product. Pros
Vegan Dye-free Cruelty-free Gentle formula Free of silicones Sulfate and paraben-free Free of synthetic fragrances
Cons
May be a bit greasy
2. Best Quick-Absorbing: Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner
Indulge your hair in the nourishing formula of natural oils derived from coconut water, extracts of tea tree oil, shea butter, and argan oil to rejuvenate your tresses. This strengthening leave-in conditioner formula absorbs quickly, smoothening the outer hair cuticles. It gently cleanses your strands while also moisturizing and creating a natural silky finish. It allows for leave-in conditioning, where you won’t have to think twice before applying a small amount of this product for a quick hair fix. Take a look at this video to know more about the product. Pros
Dye-free Restores strength Makes hair frizz-free Free of propylene glycol Sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free
Cons
May not work on tough knots
3. Best Frizz Control: Aunt Jackie’s Quench
Are your curls feeling parched lately? Apply a gentle dose of this Aunt Jackie’s Quench to get luscious curls in a few minutes for that shiny and smooth curly hair girl look. Enriched with deep conditioning properties of shea butter, marshmallow root, and extra virgin olive oil extracts, this drugstore leave-in conditioner is ultra-hydrating and eliminates dryness with its deep moisture therapy. All you have to do is gently massage it into your curls, coils, or waves for that fresh out-of-the-spa look. You may check more about this product in this video. Pros
Controls frizz No mineral oils Long-lasting finish Sulfate and paraben-free
Cons
May weigh hair down
4. Best For Curly Hair: Palmer’s Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner
Down with dull hair? Make your lovely curls manageable by smoothening your tresses with this Palmer’s Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner. It instantly detangles, allowing you to comb through easily and experiment with a range of hairstyles. Rich with extracts of extra virgin coconut oil and Tahitian Monoi, this formula fortifies your strands, nourishes them, and reduces split ends. This leave-in conditioner for natural hair is deeply hydrating and lends healthy-looking luscious curls in a few minutes. Pros
Dye-free Tames frizz No mineral oils Rich in vitamin E Free of sulfates and parabens
Cons
The fragrance may be a bit overwhelming for few.
5. Best Lightweight: Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment
This Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment is a multi-purpose conditioner that detangles your most persistent knots and primes your hair for styling. Infused with coconut oil, this hydrating formula reduces dryness and prevents breakage while also protecting your hair from environmental damage. It works on all hair types and makes your hair shiny. Pros
Lightweight Sulfate-free Paraben-free Heat protection factor Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
May not be suitable for sensitive scalp
6. Best Color-Safe: milk_shake Leave-In Conditioner
Tired of combing through unruly tresses? Try this milk_shake Leave-in Conditioner that will gently detangle and nourish your hair. Infused with a blend of milk protein and extracts of honey, sunflower, strawberry, and papaya, this formula will soothe and cleanse your hair without drying it out. This formula is rich in vitamin E, which along with silicone and other conditioning agents, boost shine and deliver a lasting glow. Pros
Hydrating formula Preserves hair color Protects hair from UV damage Conditions normal to slightly dry hair
Cons
May be a bit sticky
7. Best For Damaged Hair: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths
Save that last inch from damage with this L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths. Powered with castor oil and vitamins B3 and B5, this formula helps seal split ends from the first use. This leave-in conditioner for damaged hair strengthens your hair length and protects your hair from the damaging heat of styling tools. It also has a lovely sweet candy fragrance with hints of milk sorbet, caramel orchid, and pomegranate notes. Pros
Dye-free Detangles knots Makes hair manageable Sulfate and paraben-free 450°C heat tolerance
Cons
May be a bit drying
8. Best Fragrance: Paul Mitchell The Conditioner
Got unruly weary strands? We hear you! Smoothen it all out with this Paul Mitchell The Conditioner. Apply it gently on your damp hair and style it the way you like. Rich in soy-derived extracts and Hawaiian awapuhi, this formula is an excellent moisturizer and eliminates frizz right away. This product has a refreshing scent of rosemary and lavender entwined with leaves. Pros
Reduces static Hydrating formula Improves hair texture Suitable for oily, dry, and normal hair
Cons
The fragrance may be a bit overwhelming for a few.
9. Best Cruelty-Free: SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Leave-In Treatment
You know this, and so does your grandma, that coconut oil is the best conditioner for your curls. However, we all know how oily it can get. But this SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Leave-In Treatment is nothing like that. It has the goodness of 100% virgin coconut oil blended in coconut milk and acacia senegal that will nourish you tresses, without making your hair super greasy. This leave-in conditioner softens your hair, making it more manageable and easy to style. It is also an excellent detangler, tames frizz, and makes hair soft, while its fragrance will remind you of a lovely coastal coconut breeze. Pros
Cruelty-free No mineral oil No petrolatum Sustainably produced Free of sulfates, parabens, propylene glycol, and phthalates
Cons
May not last long
10. Best Heat Protection: John Frieda Frizz Ease
Frustrated with the frizz? Try this John Frieda Frizz Ease to eliminate wild flyaways and style your hair the way you have always wanted to. Infused with green tea extract and vitamins A, C, and E, this formula deeply conditions and smoothens your tresses. This leave-in conditioning spray eliminates surface dryness and gives your hair an appearance of healthy, bouncy hair. Pros
Repels humidity Repairs hair damage Heat protectant spray Safe for color and chemical-treated hair
Cons
May be a bit heavy on the hair
11. Best Long-Lasting Effect: Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Leave-In Treatment
Dry curls wearing you down? This Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Leave-In Treatment is formulated with a nutritious blend of jojoba, macadamia, and coconut oils, and glycerin, which deeply moisturizes your hair from roots till the ends for a long-lasting shine. This leave-in conditioner smoothens your hair and leaves you with luscious and soft curls. Pros
Tames frizz Defines curls Adds volume Strengthens hair
Cons
May leave residue
12. Best For Detangling: Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner
Powered with a formula rich in pro-vitamin B5, soy proteins, aloe vera, sage, whey protein, honeysuckle, and natural moisturizers, this leave-in conditioner will transform your unruly curls into manageable and soft hair. If your hair texture falls between 4C to 1C, then this product will work wonders for you. Pros
Lightweight No mineral oil Strengthens hair No parabens and sulfates
Cons
May not be suitable for sensitive scalp
13. Best Non-Sticky: Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner
Define your curls and moisturize them with this Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner. It will replenish your hair by deeply conditioning while also promoting a healthy scalp. Infused with safflower seed oil, silk amino acids, jojoba seed oil, wheat amino acids, and evening primrose oil, the formula creates a protective shield around your strands to prevent damage during styling and from environmental factors. Pros
Non-sticky Lightweight Locks in moisture Safe for color and chemically-treated hair
Cons
May not work well on thick hair
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this post, loves to discover new hair care products. She dedicates hours to research the products on the market to bring you the best. She went through umpteen reviews to bring you this hand-picked list of the best drugstore leave-in conditioners. She recommends each of these products based on the ingredients added and the absence of harsh elements. Is a leave-in conditioner good for damaged hair? From detangling knots to protecting from damage and offering extra moisture, damaged hair can really benefit from a good leave-in conditioner. Should I use a leave-in conditioner every day? Every day maybe a bit too much. You may want to use it sparingly to avoid product build-up and spending long hours in the shower to rinse it all off at the end of the week. Is too much leave-in conditioner bad? Using too much of a leave-in conditioner can weigh your hair down. Can I use a leave-in conditioner as a daily moisturizer? A leave-in conditioner is a lighter formula, but it will be best to refer to the ingredients in your product before replacing your moisturizer with it. What’s the difference between a leave-in treatment and a leave-in conditioner? Leave-in conditioners boost hydration into your dry locks and add shine to them. On the other hand, leave-in treatments moisturize and soothe your scalp and thicken each strand of your hair. One added benefit of leave-in treatments is that their formula is usually suitable for all hair types. How long should you leave in a leave-in conditioner? Do as the instruction of the product says. Usually, you can let your leave-in-conditioner set in for 10 to 20 minutes and let it air dry. Later, style your tresses according to your choice. Can I put leave-in conditioner on dry hair? Yes, you can use a leave-in conditioner on dry tresses. However, avoid using it every day as it can lead to additional product buildup. Do not spray it on your scalp. Is leave-in conditioner a heat protectant? No. A leave-in conditioner is different from a heat protectant. A heat protectant protects your strands from the damage caused by heated styling tools, whereas, a leave-in conditioner nourishes your hair, tames frizz, and adds shine to it.
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