Top 10 Leave-In Conditioners
If You Only Use One Hair Product Post-Shower, Let It Be One Of These Multitaskers
Fact: if you aren't using a leave-in conditioner, your tresses are missing out. You may think that you don't need one, especially if you're already using a regular one in the shower (Extra steps? No thanks.), but we're here to explain why they're actually a godsend for any lazy-girl haircare routine. Today's formulas not only prime and protect hair from all the damage it goes through on the day-to-day (think heat styling, towel drying, brushing, bleaching, etc.), but they can also take care of tangles, tackle frizz and flyaways, and add shine and strength. In other words, they can pretty much replace every other hair product in your collection.
If you're looking to add one of these multitasking formulas to your routine, look no further than the list below. We've rounded up the 10 best leave-in conditioners on the shelves, including a top-notch formula for every hair type, concern, and budget.
How We Found The Best Leave-In Conditioners
Here’s our promise to you: We’ll never gatekeep insider knowledge (like which haircare products are worth their price tag and then some). In fact, we’re always down to share our findings if it will help our readers make better shopping decisions. And that’s why we’ve called upon our data-powered ranking algorithm once again: To make your search for the best leave-in conditioner a little easier. Factoring in information like user reviews, editorial mentions, and social buzz, our algorithm scanned the web in order to find the 10 best leave-in conditioners available. Ready? Set. Get to shopping.
August 1, 2023
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Overall Score
4.8
10
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
4.49
16381 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS
Two natural ingredients, fennel seed oil and coconut oil, are the main stars behind Mizani’s Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner’s formula. While the coconut oil softens and adds shine, the fennel seed oil strengthens and protects locks from breakage.
WHO IT’S FOR
All hair types will see positive results from using this product, but this is one of the best leave-in conditioners for curly hair in particular.
MoroccanOil All in One Leave-In Conditioner
Overall Score
4.8
09
MoroccanOil All in One Leave-In Conditioner
4.61
6056 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES
Moroccanoil claims their All in One Leave-In Conditioner provides 72 hours of softness. That’s three straight days of smooth strands, but that’s not all: It also detangles your hair and helps prevent breakage and thermal damage.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
After a scroll through the 1,000 five-star reviews for this leave-in conditioner, here’s what we learned: This is one of the best products around when it comes to reviving dead ends and taking down frizz.
Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner Hair Treatment
Overall Score
4.85
08
Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner Hair Treatment
4.65
16927 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS
Here’s what’s behind Pureology’s Color Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner Hair Treatment: Camelina and olive oil to add shine and softness, coconut oil to seal in moisture, and rose, ginger, and cedarwood to provide a floral, spicy scent.
WHO IT’S FOR
If you have color-treated hair, this is one of the best leave-in conditioners for you. And because of its hydrating list of ingredients, it’s also a good option for those with dry and damaged hair.
Cruelty Free
It's A 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product
Overall Score
4.85
07
It's A 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product
4.67
11695 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES
It’s a 10? More like It’s A Miracle, because this leave-in product smooths hair, eliminates frizz, restores shine, and enhances your hair’s natural body. Plus, it’s safe for use on color-treated hair, and it protects your locks from UV and thermal damage.
HOW TO USE IT
For the best results, apply this leave-in conditioner to wet hair before you blow dry or style it. Alternatively, you can also try using the Miracle Leave-In Product as a replacement for styling cream on dry hair for a smooth, controlled finish.
Cruelty Free
Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream
Overall Score
4.85
06
Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream
4.69
3117 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHO IT’S FOR
Those with dry hair will see the best results from this leave-in conditioner. It’s meant to add hold and smooth frizz, but most notably, it’s a deeply nourishing hair cream packed with ultra-moisturizing jojoba oil.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
At $52, this cream isn’t the most affordable option on our list. But it may be worth the investment, because out of 65 reviews, there’s not one under four stars. And users report that a little goes a long way, so there’s one more reason not to shy away from its price tag.
Cruelty Free
Davines OI All In One Milk
Overall Score
4.95
05
Davines OI All In One Milk
4.7
8461 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES
Davines Oi All In One Milk has three goals: 1) Detangle your knots, 2) Soften your strands through moisturization, and 3) Leave you with a luxuriously shiny head of hair.
WHO IT’S FOR
Based on the reviews, this seems to be one of the best leave-in conditioners for curly hair, with one reviewer going so far as to say “I have tried it all! Curl creams, wave creams, mousse, leave-in conditioners, moisturizing sprays, diffusing, etc. etc. etc. This is the ONLY thing that works for me 100% of the time.”
Cruelty Free
Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
Overall Score
5
04
Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
4.68
7538 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS
This best-selling leave-in conditioner is formulated with six featherlight oils (including coconut and grapeseed oil) to help soften, tame, defrizz, detangle, and protect your hair against breakage and UV damage.
WHO IT’S FOR
This product works for nearly all hair types and textures, with the exception of fine strands (which it might weigh down). It’s also safe to use on color-treated hair.
Cruelty Free
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme
Overall Score
5
03
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme
4.68
39238 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES
Haircare obsessed or not, you’ve probably heard of Olaplex. They’ve been gaining popularity as of late for their line of products focused on restoring your hair back to maximum health. The No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme fits into this family perfectly, with a mission to strengthen and protect your locks so that they look (and feel!) their best.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
We looked through the 800+ five-star reviews for this best-selling leave-in conditioner, and we learned that it’s an unbeatable option for frizzy hair. But it’s also great for restoring color-treated strands back to their pre-bleach levels of softness and shine.
Cruelty Free
Ouai Leave In Conditioner
Overall Score
5
02
Ouai Leave In Conditioner
4.61
10365 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES
Ouai is a haircare brand that’s co-founded by celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin. Her years of experience shine through the effectiveness of the line’s products, and the Leave In Conditioner might be the brand’s magnum opus. This best-selling spray conditions, detangles, and fights frizz, leaving you with shiny, smooth, manageable hair.
HOW TO USE IT
Here’s Sephora’s suggested use for this leave-in conditioner: On wet hair, use a microfiber towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Next, hold the bottle about six to eight inches away from your head and spray from your eyeline to the tips of your hair. Finish off your routine by brushing through your strands with a wide-tooth comb.
Cruelty Free
Unite Hair 7Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner
Overall Score
5
01
Unite Hair 7Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner
4.73
10103 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES
This best-selling leave-in conditioner spray from UNITE Hair detangles your locks while infusing moisture, resulting in soft, frizz-free hair. It also provides protection from UV rays and damage caused by heat tools, meaning healthier hair is in your future.
WHO IT’S FOR
The 7Seconds Detangler is approved for all hair types and textures. Bonus: It even works on extensions.
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