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11 Best Leave-In Conditioners 2020
What Is A Leave-In Conditioner?
There are tons of hair products on today’s beauty market and a fairshare of leave-in conditioners as well. Let’s talk about leave-in hair conditioners.A leave-in conditioner is just what it says – it is a hair product that you leave in your hair so that it can continue conditioning your strands. It can be a spray mist, a cream or a foam blend. So, here is the process:
- You wash your hair with a cleanser of your choice.
- You rinse it thoroughly.
- You might do a light conditioning or a deep-conditioning process at this point.
- You rinse that out.
- Then you proceed to add your leave-in conditioner.
- Style as usual.
It is that simple!
Do You Really Need One?
Well, quite honestly, I think you will at some point in your hair journey. The reasons why:
- the stress of the environment on your hair
- too dry and brittle hair – sometimes due to over-exposure to heat appliances
- an imbalance between your protein and moisture levels
Using a leave-in conditioner is primarily to nourish your hair while it is damp (usually) and then once it dries, it should feel moisturized and should be easier to handle.
How Do You Choose One?
Choosing a leave-in conditioner should not be difficult. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the best one for your hair:
- your hair texture – you have to be mindful of your hair texture and how it will feel once you have added a leave-in (curly or bone straight hair).
- your hair density – in this instance, you need to be aware of the amount that you add to your hair as well as the consistency of the leave-in you are using.
- your hair state – whether it is natural (no chemical processing), color-treated, or permed.
- the porosity of your hair – how well it will handle the penetration of the leave-in.
Let’s take a look now at the options open to you for choosing the best leave-in conditioner for your hair.
11 Best Leave-In Conditioners 2020
1/It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin
It’s a 10 Haircare is a professional hair care line which specializes in hair products where they serve a 10-in-1 multi-purpose for your hair. This leave-in conditioner is not only for normal hair but also for hair that has been treated with a keratin treatment. It has been reputed to:
- help in maintaining and extending the keratin straightening treatment
- protect the natural keratin in your hair
- strengthen your hair structure
- make your hair smooth, sleek, and soft
- make a great detangler
- double as a thermal heat protector
- help to reduce frizz
The leave-in conditioner is light-weight and can be used for all types of hair. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, I think this leave-in conditioner is one to try out.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water/aqua/Eau, Ceteryl Alchohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propyiene Giycol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Keratin Amino Acids, Cyclopentasiloxane, Fragrance/parfume, camellia Sinesis leaf extract, aloe bardadensis leaf juice, butylene glycol, Holianthus Annuus (sunflower) seed extract, penthenol, Quaternium-80, silk amino acides, hydrocycitronellal, benzyl salicyate, hydrooisopexl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, butyicneny methylopropional, linaiool, citronellol, limenene, methylparaben, propylparaben, methychloroisthiazolinone, mthyiisthiazolnone.’
2/Sexy Hair Concepts Healthy Sexy Hair Soy-Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner
Sexy Hair Concepts was founded more than 10 years ago by Michael O’Rourke. This company has a reputation for being able to deliver their product claims and focuses on customer service and needs. Their products can be found in more than 36 countries and more than 60 different hair products.
The formula is a synergistic combination of its two featured ingredients soy and cocoa. It acts as a moisturizer and a protein reconstructor. The soy and tri-wheat proteins penetrate the hair strand while the moisturizing qualities of the cocoa help to soften and detangle the hair.
This leave-in conditioner:
- works as a detangler
- is moisturizing
- is made with protein which penetrates the hair and helps to strengthen it
- is cruelty-free
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water/Aqua/Eau, Amodimethicone, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Quaternium 18, Propylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Polysorbate-20, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Bean Extract, Glycine (Soja) Soybean, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzophenone-4, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Cysteine, Wheat Amino Acids, Methylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol.’
3/Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream With UV Sheild
Neutrogena is a brand of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. It is a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand. It is marketed all over the world in more than 70 countries. The Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave-In Cream
- is gentle on the hair
- penetrates the strand to make the hair feel smooth and minimize frizz
- conditions the hair
- is easily absorbed into the hair
- is alcohol-free
- can be used to treat even severe symptoms of scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis
The formula features 3 natural extracts:
- olive oil – which penetrates deep into the core of the hair and moisturizes it
- meadowfoam seed oil – also helps in moisture retention
- sweet almond oil – which acts a smoothing agent and helps to close the cuticles to reflect the light and hence give you shiny hair as well as hydrating the hair
- has Neutar Technology which helps to control itching, flaking caused by dandruff
The leave-in conditioner can be used for all types of hair. It is good for extra-dry, over-processed, and color-treated hair. It is also salon-approved.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water, sodium trideceth sulfate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium chloride, cocamide MEA, meadowfoam (limnanthes alba) seed oil, olive (olea europaea) fruit oil, panthenyl ethyl ether, sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, polyquaternium-7, amodimethicone, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, castor isostearate succinate, dimethiconol, sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcis) oil , phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, propylparaben, cetyl alcohol, guar (cyamopsis tetragonoloba) gum, citric acid, tea dodecylbenzenesulfonate, fragrance.’
4/Arvazallia Premium Argan Oil Hair Treatment & Leave-In Conditioner
Arvazallia Premium Argan Oil Hair Treatment & Leave-In Conditioner 
It is reputed to:
- make your hair smooth, silky and easy to manage
- repair, restore, and strengthen over-processed, damaged, and brittle hair
- eliminate frizz
- acts as a heat protectant
- hydrate and moisturize the hair and scalp
- works effectively for all hair types
- nourishes the hair with essential nutrients
- promotes hair growth
- has a synergistic effect when used with other Arvazallia products like its shampoo
, conditioner
, and hair mask
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, cyclomethicone, butylphenyl methylpropional,argania spinosa kernel oil (argan oil),linseed (linum usitatissimum) extract,fragrance supplement,CI 47000 yellow no 11,CI 26100 red no 17,coumarin,benzyl benzoate,alpha isomethyl ionone.’
5/Art Naturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner
As a brand, Art Naturals has some great products, and its Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner 
- uses virgin, organic argan oil which hydrates and conditions your hair
- has awapuhi white ginger extract (a well-known Hawaiian plant that the natives believe ‘is one of the kinolau (multiple forms) of the Hawaii deity Kane. And awapuhi white ginger certainly has a divine effect on hair, as the Hawaiians recognized, using it for both softening and shine‘) which softens and restores the hair sheen
- uses natural moisturizers which penetrate the hair and repairs the damage from hair appliances as well as sun exposure
- is 100% natural plant ingredients like aloe vera and other botanical extracts
- is paraben-free
- is cruelty-free
This leave-in helps to reconstruct the hair when you have very little time to do a deep-condition process. The on-going work of the leave-in does an effective job. The argan oil combined with natural plant extracts like aloe vera, and witch hazel. Vitamins E & B, awapuhi white ginger, and the other botanical rejuvenators ensure that your hair will get the nourishment it needs with each application.
It can be used for all hair types. It is also suggested that you can further create a synergistic effect when you combine the use of the leave-in conditioner with the Art Naturals’ Argan Oil Shampoo 
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Purified water, Awapuhi White Ginger (Hedychium Coronarium) extract, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) extract, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) extract, Henna (Lawsonia Inermis) extract, Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) extract, Citronellol, Horse Chestnut extract, Hamamellis Virginana (Witch Hazel) and Algae, Glechoma Hederacea Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed, Arctium Lappa Root extract, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated. Moringa Oil esters, Behenetrimonium Choloride, cetyl alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Quaternium-80, Cyclomethicone, Silk Amino Acids, Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil ( Argan Oil), Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin e), essential oil (Perfume).’
6/Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream
Well, I can personally say that I LOVE this leave-in conditioner and have used it many times – it delivers!
So, yes, I am among many who have had very positive results using Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream
- is formulated with Moroccan Argan Oil which encourages hair growth and makes the hair silky smooth
- reduces frizz
- makes dry hair feel more hydrated and moisturized
- adds shine to the hair
- keeps hair looking and feeling fresh for at least 3 days ( and I can attest to this)
- has a nice, sweet apricot smell which I find refreshing
- is light-weight, and not greasy
It is a great leave-in conditioner that will definitely be an asset in your collection of hair products. I have a few leave-conditioners that I rotate using from time to time. Of course, there are some I love more than others.
However, I find that when you rotate the hair products, it breaks up the monotony and in a way it allows your hair to experience a new ‘feeling’ occasionally. This might be a superstitious way but I find that doing things this way (for me) does not give your hair a chance to become accustomed to the product and then ‘stop responding’ to the product.
Fructis Sleek & Shine with Argan Oil
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘1067620FS11 AQUA/WATER/EAU, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, AMODIMETHICONE, CETYL ESTERS, BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, PYRUS MALUS FRUIT EXTRACT/APPLE FRUIT EXTRACT, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, TRIDECETH-6, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, NIACINAMIDE, PYRIDOXINE HCL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, CHLORHEXIDINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE, CITRIC ACID, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM EXTRACT/SUGAR CANE EXTRACT/EXTRAIT DE CANNE A SUCRE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, LINALOOL, AMYL CINNAMAL, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM LEMON PROTEIN, CI 19140/YELLOW 5, CI 15985/YELLOW 6, PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRUS LIMON PEEL EXTRACT/ LEMON PEEL EXTRACT, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT. F.I.L.# D191733/1 U.S. PATENTS: 7,223,385; 7,485,289.’
7/Salerm 21 Leave-In Conditioner Silk Protein 
The Salerm 21 brand has been around for a while and has a great reputation when it comes to hair products. It has a scientific formula which incorporates Pro-vitamin B5 with liposomes and together it makes the hair strong and shiny. This leave-in conditioner will:
- add sheen to the hair
- bring life to damaged, color-treated, porous or dry hair
- give added protection to the hair when out in the sun, in the pool (chlorine), in the sea (salt water)
- penetrate to the core of the strand to repair it with the silk proteins
- help to reduce frizz
- help to detangle
- not weigh your hair down and give that ‘heavy’ feeling and is not greasy
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Aqua (water), propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, glycerin, cetrimonium chloride, cyclopentasiloxane, serica (silk), panthenol, phospholipids, linoleamidopropylp pg-domonium chloride phosphate, acrylates/c-10-30 alkyl acrylates crosspolymer, chondrus crispus (carrageenan), triethanolamine, edta, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, butylparabenm ethylaparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, parfum (fargrance), amodimethicone, sodium methylparaben, citric acid, trideceth-12, disodium edta, c.i.19140 (fd&c yellow n’5).’
8/Premium Nature Coconut Oil Hair Mask Conditioner
I love coconut oil in any form and naturally, I might be biased in my choice for this leave-in conditioner. You can use it as a deep-conditioner after applying to your hair, then covering with a plastic cap, and leaving it for an hour or two, then rinsing and styling as usual, or as a leave-in conditioner to do its job while you go about yours!
Premium Nature Coconut Oil Hair Mask Conditioner
- will protect and rejuvenate your hair with the natural plant extracts in the formula
- promotes healthy hair growth
- helps to reduce dry scalp and dandruff by moisturizing the scalp
- has natural oil extracts like coconut oil, shea butter, rosehip seed oil, Vitamin E which are known oils which help to hydrate and moisturize the hair
- will help to detangle your hair
- adds natural shine to your hair
- reduces split ends and breakage
When you use this Premium Nature’s All Natural Coconut Oil Hair Mask
If you use the leave-in on a daily basis (though you don’t have to, and of course you have to regulate the amount that you use in order to determine how often your hair will need moisturizing), you will notice a change in your hair’s volume, health, and length. The more moisturized your hair is, the easier it is to see hair growth because it won’t be brittle and keep breaking off.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Glycerin, Glycine Betaine, Climbazole, Fragrance.’
9/Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner
Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner is another popular leave-in conditioner by a recognized brand. It has:
- two featured botanical plant extracts – prickly pear cactus extract which works as a humectant to draw moisture from the air and then seal it into the hair for intense conditioning; and green tea extract which is a well-known antioxidant to help reduce dryness and hair shed.
- Vitamin B5 which helps to promote shine
- is a lightweight leave-in conditioner which also smells great
Using this leave-in conditioner is an easy way to add moisture and to revitalize your hair. It is simple and efficient if you just want an easy way to enhance your hair regimen without too much fuss.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Polyquaternium-59, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) Tuna Flower Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Butylene Glycol, PVP, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.’
10/Garnier Whole Blends Leave-In Conditioner with Coconut Oil
Garnier Whole Blends Leave-In Conditioner with Coconut Oil 
It:
- controls frizz
- closes the hair cuticle to allow the hair to better reflect the light and thus making your hair shine with health
- also acts as a moisturizer making your hair feel smooth and silky to the touch
- is very gentle with your hair and makes it feel soft
And in addition to the coconut oil, there is the moisturizing West African cocoa butter which adds its own set of emollients to the formula. This leave-in conditioner will leave your hair:
- smelling good
- feeling smooth and soft to the touch
- moisturized and less dry
- frizz-free and reduced fly-aways
- nourish the scalp as well as the hair strands
- absorbs easily
- helps to detangle your hair
- works well as a synergistic combination with the Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing system of shampoo
, conditioner
, and leave-in treatment
You can use the leave-in on dry or damp hair. It can be used daily as well. It is paraben-free and is formulated with natural products.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘1041706 PS6 AQUA / WATER / EAU CETEARYL ALCOHOL AMODIMETHICONE CETYL ESTERS ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL GLYCERIN TRIDECETH-6 BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE ALOE BARBADENSIS / ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE COCOS NUCIFERA OIL / COCONUT OIL THEOBROMA CACAO SEED BUTTER / COCOA SEED BUTTER ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL CITRIC ACID PHENOXYETHANOL CHLORHEXIDINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE CI 17200 / RED 33 CARAMEL PARFUM / FRAGRANCE LINALOOL COUMARIN LIMONENE CITRONELLOL F.I.L. #D180612/1.’
11/It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product
The leave-in is:
- for both men and women
- doubles as a heat protectant for heat-related hair care
- helps to repair dry and damaged hair
- helps to prevent split ends by infusing the hair with moisture to make it supple and prevents breakage
- imparts shine to your hair
- smooths and helps to detangle your hair
- reduces frizz
- is good for color-treated hair because it helps to maintain the color
- helps to ‘pump up’ the volume of your hair
This formula is made with a lot of natural ingredients which help to nourish and replenish lost natural oils needed to keep your hair moisturized, soft, strong, and shiny. Here are some of the featured botanical extracts which are a part of the formula:
- magnolia grandiflora leaf extract which helps to restore limp and dull hair
- citric acid which adds shine and lightens the hair color (just like lemon juice)
- linalool which helps to make your hair soft and it also adds a gentle fragrance
- panthenol which is a well-known hair strengthener
- sunflower seed extract which is a natural sunscreen and it helps to reduce color fading
- green tea leaf extract which helps to protect your hair from environmental damage with its antioxidant properties
- silk amino acids which help to restore moisture to your hair and increase shine
- vitamin C which is also an antioxidant helping to increase your hair’s strength
With all the botanical hair extract in this leave-in conditioner formula, I think your hair should get some benefit with consistent use.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Fragrance, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Panthenol, Quaternium 80, Silk Amino Acids, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3 Cylcohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropianal, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methychloroisothiazolinone.’
My Final Thoughts About 11 Best Hair Leave-In Conditioners 2020
Of course, using a leave-in conditioner is optional for anyone and their hair care, but for me, I think it a must-have. You need to be able to enhance the moisture balance of your hair at all times, and a leave-in conditioner does a great job!
The decision as to which one to use may be a bit more daunting because of all the choices available – but achievable. These leave-in conditioners that I have highlighted will give you a place to start. I welcome your feedback and if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear!
Much success with your hair care regimen!
Updated Feb 2020.
Images courtesy of Pixabay, UnSplash and Pexels.
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