13 Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners, According To A Hairstylist (2024)
Wave goodbye to unruly hair with the help of these affordable hair care essentials.
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He specializes in traveling and training hair salon staff around the world.
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
Read full bio of Swathi E
Image: Shutterstock
Drugstore conditioners often get sidetracked because people assume they aren’t as good as your “branded” conditioners. However, this could not be further from the truth. If you’re on a budget and looking for a quick fix with promised results, these conditioners can be your best friends! If you want to know which are some of the best leave-in drugstore conditioners, you are in the right place. A good leave-in conditioner will help improve your hair health by hydrating and detangling it. While these conditioners are may not be as pricey as your regular go-to conditioners, they can surely get the job done. With umpteen conditioners that are there for your taking, picking the best drugstore leave-in conditioner can become quite the task. As we promised you earlier, we’ve come up with our list of the 13 best drugstore leave-in conditioners of 2024 for you! So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down, find out more and pick the perfect one!
In This Article
13 Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners For Smooth And Manageable Locks
1. Best Vegan:The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler Spray
Infused with shea butter, jojoba protein, quinoa extract, and argan oil, this natural ingredient 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 softening leave-in conditioner silkens and separates hair strands for a fuller appearance and makes them manageable. It works well for wavy hair too. Apply on wet hair and massage into the strands to improve hair nourishment. Check out this video that details a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Vegan
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Gentle formula
- Free of silicones
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Free of synthetic fragrances
Cons
- May be a bit greasy
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 39,248 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
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. This drugstore hair care product 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. It leaves the hair softer and more manageable as it offers extra hydration in comparison to regular conditioners. Take a look at this video to learn more about a reviewer’s experience with 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 17,366 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
3. Best Frizz Control:Aunt Jackie’s Quench
Are your curls feeling parched lately? Apply a gentle dose of this volume-boosting 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 smoothing drugstore leave-in conditioner for dry hair is ultra-hydrating and eliminates dryness with its deep moisture therapy. All you have to do is gently massage it into your wet hair 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
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 48,942 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler Spray Best Vegan | Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner Best Quick-Absorbing | Aunt Jackie’s Quench Best Frizz Control | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | - | Curly |
| Dimensions | 4.88 x 3.5 x 7.38 inches | 2.75 x 2.75 x 7.63 inches | 4 x 5 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 4 Ounces | 1 Pounds | 11.22 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 39,248 | 17,366 | 48,942 |
| Price | $6.49 | $21.99 | $6.97 |
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 revitalizing 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. It leaves the hair softer.
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. This lightweight formula 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,578 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
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 and provide UV protection. This lightweight formula is rich in vitamin E, which along with silicone and other conditioning agents, boost shine and deliver a lasting glow. It also protects hair from heat damage.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Preserves hair color
- Protects hair from UV damage
- Conditions normal to slightly dry hair
Cons
- May be a bit sticky
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 11,329 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
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 strengthening leave-in conditioner for damaged hair strengthens your hair length and protects your hair from the damaging heat of styling tools, and offers thermal protection. It also improves the natural texture of the hair and promotes healthier locks. This drugstore hair care product 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 shine-enhancing formula is an excellent moisturizer and eliminates frizz right away. This quality leave-in conditioner has a refreshing scent of rosemary and lavender entwined with leaves. It is great for both itchy scalp and oily scalp. It offers moisturizing benefits without making the hair look greasy. This one is surely a favorite among users as multiple reviews claim that it is effective in taming dry ends and rejuvenating the hair texture.
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 for curly hair 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 hair treatment aids in healthy hair growth and strengthens the hair shaft. This curl-defining 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. It leaves you with smooth hair and frizz-free curls.
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 for frizzy hair to eliminate wild flyaways and style your hair the way you have always wanted to. Infused with nourishing ingredients like green tea extract and vitamins A, C, and E, this repairing formula deeply conditions and smoothens your tresses. This color-safe leave-in conditioning spray eliminates surface dryness and gives your hair an appearance of healthy, bouncy hair. It revitalizes colored hair and prevents color fading.
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 to the ends for a long-lasting shine. This frizz control leave-in conditioner smoothens your hair and leaves you with luscious and soft curls. This intensive formula also offers proven efficacy in retaining perfect curls for a long time. It prevents moisture loss, promotes hair nourishment, and leaves hair healthy.
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 natural ingredients such as pro-vitamin B5, soy proteins, aloe vera, sage, whey protein, honeysuckle, and natural moisturizers, this anti-breakage leave-in conditioner will transform your unruly curls into manageable and soft ones. If your hair texture falls between 4C to 1C, then this product will work wonders for you. It works for mixed texture hair.
Pros
- Lightweight
- No mineral oil
- Strengthens hair
- No parabens and sulfates
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive scalp
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 930 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
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 restorative formula creates a protective shield around your strands to prevent damage during styling and from environmental factors. Additionally, this product has garnered positive reviews that celebrate its efficacy in boosting hair health.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
- Locks in moisture
- Safe for color and chemically-treated hair
Cons
- May not work well on thick hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,367 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
Infographic: Things To Consider Before Buying A Drugstore Leave-in Conditioner
An excellent leave-in conditioner will contribute to the betterment of your hair by moisturizing and detangling it. To help you choose the best from among the numerous products on the market, check out the infographic below. It lists the factors to consider when purchasing a drugstore leave-in conditioner. Scroll down for more information.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Managing your locks can be a great task in itself! To maintain the shine of your tresses, there are many hair care products available in the market, which can turn out to be your go-to item for every haircare woe. In this, drugstore leave-in conditioners rejuvenate dull tresses and allow your hair to be properly nourished. For those who prefer vegan, organic products, the Honest Company Conditioning Detangler Spray is an excellent choice. The Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner is perfect for adding a natural shine, whereas the SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Leave-In Treatment gives you a grease-free finish. These leave-in conditioners detangle stubborn knots in your hair while separating your hair strands for a better appearance. The gentle formula in these leave-in conditioners can smoothen damaged tresses and provide a naturally silky finish! However, while choosing the best drugstore leave-in conditioner for yourself, it is better to opt for professional-grade products and steer clear of the ones that are way too greasy for natural hair and have overwhelming fragrances. Alexandro Vasquez, an expert hairdresser says, “Always apply a quantity just enough for the length of your hair avoiding the scalp. And remember to not sleep with products on your hair and never cover your head with hats, caps or Hijabs while the hair is still wet after applying Leave-In conditioner. “
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Swathi E
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.