SUBSCRIBE
  • Home
  • Watch
  • 2024 Event
    • General Info
    • Presenters & Speakers
    • Tickets
    • Get in Touch
    • FAQ
  • Shop
Home • NaturallyCurly

Curly Girl-Approved Leave-Ins for Ultimate Hydration

Celebrity hairstylists discuss the importance of leave-in conditioners and their favorite, ultra-hydrating ones for winter.
Share this Article
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Curly Girl-Approved Leave-Ins for Ultimate Hydration
Delmaine Donson/Getty Images
By Larry Stansbury · Updated November 21, 2024

Let’s face it. Curly hair can get dry and frizzy at times. That’s because curly hair requires more moisture than other hair types. In other words, finding the right products, and hydrating more than you think you should, is key. Additionally, in the winter months, hair tends to be dryer due to heating systems, cold temperatures, and more heat styling. 

That’s where trusted leave-in conditioners come in! Luckily, we spoke with hair experts on the power of leave-ins. Below for tips, product recommendations, and more.

What are leave-in conditioners?

 “Leave-in conditioners are typically a cream that goes throughout the hair after you shampoo and condition,” says hairstylist Mick Lewis Denver. “It is applied on wet hair and will help with moisture for dry hair.”

Celebrity hairstylist and Co-Creative Director of ELEVEN Australia, Joey Scandizzo, also notes that they are perfect for giving your hair some extra love aer washing. “Unlike regular conditioners, they stay on your hair, adding moisture, protecting it from damage, and making it way easier to detangle and style.”

What are the benefits of leave-in conditioners for curly hair?

Scandizzo raves that curly hair can benefit from using leave-in conditioners. “Curls tend to get dry and frizzy, so a good leave-in can give them that extra boost of moisture they need to stay so and bouncy all day,” says Scandizzo. “Leave-ins also add a protective layer so your curls stay defined and full of life.”

Why are they important to use for curly hair?

Curly hair takes longer to get natural hydration all the way to the ends. Quia Querisma, hairstylist and owner of Querisma Beauty Studio, also notes that curly hair is prone to dryness and “the most fragile” hairstyles. “Natural oils don’t easily travel down the hair strand,” says Querisma. “Maintaining moisture in the hair helps discourage breakage and leaves the hair feeling softer.”

Scandizzo notes that leave-ins can help give curls the moisture they need to stay healthy “They also add a layer of protection against frizz and environmental damage, keeping curls looking defined and healthy.

Which leave-ins should I try?

01
01 ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment
“It also contains Desert Lime, Quandong, and Wattleseed that provide hydration and protein while nourishing and strengthening all hair types and textures,” Scandizzo notes. Available at Amazon
25 Shop Now
02
02 Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Moisture Nutritive Leave-in Conditioner
For anyone who wants a sulfate-free product, Denver recommends this leave-in conditioner. “The professional hair care formula will help you regain a healthy appearance while nourishing and making your hair easier to manage.” Available at Amazon
27 Shop Now
03
03 The Mane Choice The Alpha 3-in-1 Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner has all the vital ingredients like biotin, vitamin E, castor oil, avocado oil, and extracts of rosemary and honeysuckle to promote hair growth. Available at Amazon
27 Shop Now
04
04 amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner from amika contains hyaluronic acid and squalane, providing three times the hydration and moisture your curls need while detangling, resulting in total volume and definition. Available at Amazon
29 Shop Now
05
05 SheaMoisture Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner can repair dry and processed hair thanks to amla oil, fair trade shea butter, and a blend of amino acids. Available at Amazon
13 Shop Now
06
06 ANATOMY Reconstructive Leave-In Conditioner
Celebrity hairstylist Kylee Health shares that this leave-in has an ultra-lightweight formula. “It works magic by repairing broken and damaged hair and with consistent use it will build your hair strands to be strong, not brittle and help with frizz.” Available at Anatomy
55 Shop Now
07
07 Milkshake Curl Passion Leave-in Spray
Celebrity hairstylist and owner of 821 West Salon, Hanna Oh, swears by the leave-in spray. “It smells so good and is easy to apply with the spray applicator.” Available at Amazon
25 Shop Now