13 Best Leave-In Conditioners For Color-Treated Hair, As Per An Esthetician
Protect the vibrancy of your hair color and its health with these nourishing conditioners.
Becky Sturm is a multi hyphenate beauty maven who has been in the salon and spa industry for 30+ years as a hairdresser, esthetician, as well as product development and product expert. After graduating in the HORST/Aveda Institute Advanced Training program in 1985, she went on to do an apprenticeship at The Red Carpet Salons for three years in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and then 1 year at Regis Corporation.
Read full bio of Becky Sturm
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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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: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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If you tend to color your hair often, for need or style, you must occasionally pamper your tresses with the best leave-in conditioner for color-treated hair. Frequent hair dyeing, styling, and chemical treatments might strip your hair of the natural oils and moisture, leaving it looking rough, dry, and brittle. Unless you make sure to condition it well. While a rinse in conditioner might do the work for you, sometimes you may not have the time or patience to take a proper hair bath. That’s precisely when a leave-in conditioner can work its magic for you. Not only does it hydrate and nourish your hair, but also helps maintain the vibrancy of your hair color to last longer. Adding leave-in conditioners to your hair care routine is the key to beautiful and shiny hair. Now that you know the trick, you might be eager to pick one for you. Worry not, with the 13 best leave-in conditioners mentioned below, you can color and pamper your hair stress-free.
In This Article
Pamper Your Tresses With The 13 Best Leave-In Conditioners For Color-Treated Hair
1. Best Moisturizing:Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner Spray
Spray on this rich blend of organic oils (olive oil, coconut oil, and camelina oil) and the brand’s signature aromatherapy to tame the frizz, ease the tangles and protect the hair color. Considering how uneven porosity is one of the main factors that lead to frizzy hair, the loss of moisture also ends up drying the strands and quicken fading. Hence, this blend of enriching ingredients claims to nourish, add shine, balance the porosity, and prime your hair to look healthy and stunning. Several reviewers love that this hair conditioner makes their hair frizz-free and soft without weighing it down. This can also be used as a heat protectant. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review of a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Versatile leave-in conditioner
- Boosts moisture levels
- Improves manageability
- Provides heat protection
- Sulfate-free and vegan formula
- Ideal for damaged and dry hair types
Cons
- Expensive
- Overpowering scent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 8,810 rave reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Nourishing:Redken One United All-In-One Leave-In Conditioner
Prep your hair before styling with this leave-in conditioner, which is ideal for color-treated hair too. Also, given how heat styling can worsen the frizz, quicken fading, and leave your tresses unmanageable, this product ensures to add a protective shield instantly, keeping your hair healthy and soft. Claiming to be an all-in-one treatment for hair care, it’s a must-try for those who enjoy styling their hair frequently and has garnered positive reviews for its multi-functionality. Check out this YouTuber’s review to know more about the tester’s experience of using this product.
Pros
- Tames static hair
- Improves manageability
- Reduces dryness and evens out the porosity
- Nourishes and conditions intensely
- Prevents breakage, detangles, and eliminates split-ends
- Paraben-free and sulfate-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Expensive
- It may weigh down thin hair.
"I've been using this leave-in conditioner consistently and loving the results. It is perfect for managing my curly, frizzy hair. It is lightweight and helps with detangling."
Pro Tip3. Best For Color-Treated Hair:UNITE Hair Leave-in Conditioner
Does your work require you to step out in the sun often? If yes, then you must-try this color-safe leave-in conditioner ASAP! This hair treatment offers much-needed care as it is formulated to protect from UV rays and claims to detangle hair in 7 seconds! Workaholics, where y’all at? Unite Hair Leave-in Conditioner also offers thermal protection during styling and evens out the moisture and nourishment levels as well. The leave-in treatment is sure to revive dry and lifeless hair to make them appear rich and bouncy. Now, can your conditioner do this? Tell, we’ll wait.
Pros
- Weightless formula
- Primes color-treated hair
- Repairs and conditions
- Protects and strengthen hair color
- Free from sodium chloride and parabens
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Pricey
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 1,156 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner Spray Best Moisturizing | Redken One United All-In-One Leave-In Conditioner Best Nourishing | UNITE Hair Leave-in Conditioner Best For Color-Treated Hair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | Normal | All |
| Dimensions | 1.77 x 1.77 x 7.84 inches | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches | 1.87 x 1.87 x 8.25 inches |
| Weight | 8.01 Ounces | 15.87 Ounces | 9.6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,810 | 17,674 | 1,156 |
| Price | $32.0 | $38.0 | $38 |
4. Best Lightweight Formula:MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner
Curl squads, all eyes on this one! Mizani’s Miracle Milk, with 25 benefits, including coconut oil and fennel seed oil, will make you fall in love with your wavy textured hair or curly crown again. Whether you have kinky, coily, textured, or wavy hair, this leave-in conditioning treatment promises to tackle damage, dryness, and frizz with its ultra-nourishing blend, making your hair softer and more manageable. Yes, from protecting color, and restoring moisture to easing tangles, this one claims it can do it all and has become a favorite among reviewers! Do you think you can handle the gorgeousness? You can also check this video of a tester’s experience for a brief review of the product.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Improves manageability
- Protects during heat styling
- Leaves hair soft and shinier
- Conditions and hydrates follicles intensely
- Primes and delivers a frizz-free finish
Cons
- Slightly sticky
- Overpowering fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 883 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Non-Staining Formula:Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker Leave-in Conditioner
Are you wondering why Hawaiian Silky Leave-in Conditioner claims to be a miracle worker for hair? With 14-in-1 benefits for your tresses, this leave-in conditioner, more like a hair and scalp healer, treats and protects dry, damaged, and color-treated tresses like a knight! Infused with keratin oil, which is deemed to be ultra-beneficial to tame frizzes, the formula also has jojoba oil and amino acids to provide holistic hair care. Also, it adds shine, detangles, relieves itchiness, reduces breakage, defines curls, and gives you silky and smooth hair! Too good to be missed, right?
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Safe for daily use
- Provides thermal protection
- Non-greasy and non-staining formula
- Infused with natural healing properties
- Adds softness, soothes and strengthens hair
- Suitable for men, women, and children
Cons
- Not recommended if you prefer thin consistency
6. Best UV Protection:GLISS Hair Repair Leave-in Conditioner
Nobody enjoys watching their hair color fade earlier than expected, especially when you’ve spent a bomb on your regular conditioners! Hence, you need to try this ultimate color protector that claims to seal in color and keeps it vibrant and stunning for up to 12 weeks! This anti-fade Gliss leave-in conditioner for dyed hair keeps the hair color intact, also eases the tangles, repairs damage, and adds a stunning shine to your mane. Give it a try if you haven’t already!
Pros
- Infused with liquid keratin
- Quickens repair process
- Improves manageability
- Provides UVA/UVB protection
- Suitable for colored, highlighted, and tinted hair
Cons
- Strong scent
- Takes longer to set in
"This leave-in conditioner is great for detangling and softening my hair. It has a pleasant fragrance that lingers for a while. It reduces breakage in my color-treated locks without affecting the hue. It is lightweight and does not cause buildup."
Pro Tip7. Best Cruelty-free:Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-in Conditioning Spray
Do you have damaged and dry hair? How about you switch to a natural and mild option like this leave-in conditioning spray by Briogeo. Made of ethically-sourced ingredients and with no harsh chemicals, this lightweight formula contains coconut oil, vitamin E, rosehip oil, and argan oil for intense hair care. From taming the frizz to detangling knots, this light leave-in conditioner for damaged hair has shine-boosting powers and leaves hair manageable. It is also scientifically proven to reduce frizz for up to 48 hours. Try it and notice a difference.
Pros
- 100% cruelty-free product
- Safe for colored, keratin and chemically-treated hair
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and more
- Ideal for both men and women
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
Cons
- Oily hair may turn slightly greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 317 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
8. Best Strengthening:Earth Vibes Hair Detangler Leave-in Conditioner Spray
Let your color-treated hair bask in Moroccan bliss with Earth Vibes! More like a godsend savior for dry, damaged, and brittle hair, this detangling leave-in conditioner is a must-try for all. Ensuring extra hydration and care with its 100% pure Moroccan oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil blend, watch your hair go from lifeless to livelier with this organic solution. Also, the formula claims to lock in the natural moisture, add sheen, bring back the lost volume and gorgeousness as well! Still, want to stick to your old conditioner now?
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Safe for kids and adults
- Strengthens hair from roots to tips
- Improves manageability during styling
- Tames flyaways and frizzes instantly
- Cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free
Cons
- Hair may turn slightly greasy
Pro Tip9. Best Vegan:Keracolor Leave-in Conditioner
Is hard water being tough on your color-treated or fine hair? If yes, then you must try the Keracolor Leave-in Conditioner. Claiming to neutralize the chlorine and minerals in hard water, this leave-in conditioner leaves hair shiny, soft, and healthy-looking with every use. And as for the knots? This deep conditioner helps in detangling and smoothing your hair out! Also, other than hydrating, this coconut oil-infused conditioner provides thermal protection and prevents early fading as well. Give it a try ASAP!
Pros
- Intensely nourishing formula
- Seals in the color
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Paraben-free and gluten-free
- Suitable for thin to medium hair types
Cons
- Strong scent
"I love using this leave-in conditioner to detangle my fine hair. It is lightweight and has a very refreshing scent. It softens my hair and enhances its overall health."
10. Best Gluten-Free:Amika Vault Color-lock Leave-in Conditioner
Lock the color in and the UV rays out with this leave-in conditioner by Amika. Given how sun rays can quicken fading, this chloride-patented formula fights UV-B rays and seals in the hair color with every use. Besides this, it also contains amino acids to improve elasticity and enhance the overall health of the hair. Want more? It relaxes stressed hair and protects it from cuticle damage and keratin breakdown too. Try it!
Pros
- Detangles hair effortlessly
- Adds softness and shine
- Keep the hair color vibrant and healthy
- Paraben-free, gluten-free, phthalate-free, and more
- Safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, and Brazilian-treated hair
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 1,926 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
11. Best Paraben-Free:Framesi Color Lover Primer 11 Leave In Conditioner
Keep your hair color 95% longer with the Framesi Color Lover Primer 11 Leave-in Conditioner. This leave-in spray conditioner offers hair protection and increases shine. It tames frizz, detangles your hair, provides style, and keeps them conditioned. This leave-in conditioner is made with vitamins, quinoa protein, and other emollients that penetrate deep into your strands to keep them healthy and retain moisture for long. In addition, it promotes a healthy scalp and gives you thicker hair.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- DEA-free
- Sodium chloride-free
- Vegan
- UVA/UVB-protectant
Cons
- None
"This detangler is such a versatile product. It is lightweight and does not leave any residue. It is hydrating and can be used as a heat protectant."
12. Best Organic:LMA Leave-in Conditioner Spray
What’s different about this leave-in conditioner? First, it’s a great pick for those with limp or fine hair, and second, it detangles knots instantly! Infused with a combination of the purest water, sea salt, and aloe vera powder, This repairing conditioner protects and enhances the overall health of the hair too. And since the color on thin hair can fade quickly, Loma Leave-in Conditioner Spray promises to protect and extend color vibrancy with every use and gives you a salon-quality finish. Do not skip it!
Pros
- Offers an aromatic therapy
- Contains organic ingredients
- Closes the cuticles and protects hair
- Boosts volume and enhances texture
- Vegan and cruelty-free product
- Soy-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free
Cons
- Not recommended if you are sensitive to smell
"This conditioning spray tames the frizz and makes my hair easy to manage. I love how it does not weigh down even the finest hair. It makes my hair soft and easy to style."
13. Best For Thermal Protection:Enjoy Leave-in Conditioner
Lastly, this leave-in conditioner that your color-treated hair will enjoy! Don’t believe us? Spray it on to watch your hair go from blah to beautiful within minutes. From taming the frizzy and coarse hair, and adding shine and volume to balancing the pH level of your scalp, there’s nothing this leave-in conditioner cannot do! Just the combination you need for the color to last long and tresses to look stunning, do not miss it this season!
Pros
- Color-friendly formula
- Provides thermal protection
- Detangles the knots effortlessly
- Adds softness and boosts moisture
- Intensely hydrating and conditioning
- Ideal for both men and women
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Overpowering floral scent
"This product is one of a kind. It helps me manage my coarse, frizzy hair. It tames tangles, adds softness, and even defines my curls without weighing the hair down."
And you thought your hair coloring days were over! There you go, those are the 13 best leave-in conditioners for color-treated hair. Do you need more assistance with choosing the right one? We’ve listed a few tips for you in our buying guide below.
Buying Guide
How Do I Choose The Best Leave-in Conditioner For Color-treated Hair?
Here are a few tips you must remember before choosing a leave-in conditioner for your hair:
Hair type: Make sure the product you are choosing is suitable for your hair type and texture. Straight hair needs are not the same as curly hair needs, it is as simple as that. For example, a leave-in conditioner for thick hair may weigh down fine hair, and those for thin hair may not work on thick hair.
Ingredients: The milder the ingredients are, the better they will be for your color-treated hair. Hence, most of the leave-in conditioners on our list contain naturally sourced or organic ingredients that can lock in color and prevent fading without being tough on your hair. They also can contribute to hair growth.
No chemicals: Chemicals can wash off hair color quicker than any other ingredients out there. So, opt for a leave-in conditioner that is free from harsh chemicals such as paraben, sulfate, silicone, phthalates, and more.
UV & Heat protection: Another factor that can cause color damage is sun or heat exposure. Hence, pick an option that guarantees thermal or UV rays protection for the best results.
Deep conditioning: Lastly, all your color-treated hair needs is extra care, love, and pampering, which is why you must choose an intensely conditioning and hydrating product with nourishing ingredients. After all, only if your hair is healthy and nourished will the hair color shine and look gorgeous.
Infographic: How To Pick The Right Leave-In Conditioner For Color-Treated Hair
Leave-in conditioners are absolute lifesavers if you use them regularly for your color-treated hair. They not only prevent your hair color from fading but also keep your locks nourished and healthy. Check out the infographic below to understand how to choose the best leave-in conditioners before investing in a product. Scroll down for more information. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Coloring your hair can be fun but managing color-treated hair is tough. Frequent dying damages the hair and fades away hair moisture, leaving your hair dull and damaged. Invest in these best leave-in conditioners for color-treated hair to pamper your tresses and bring them back to life. The Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner Spray reduces frizziness and protects your colored tresses, while the Redken One United All-In-One Leave-In Conditioner hydrates your hair and protects it from heat damage. The MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner improves hair texture and shine while strengthening your tresses. They work like magic and will help you achieve rich and bouncy, wavy hair. These conditioners are cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free. However, some products may have an overpowering fragrance and can be slightly greasy.
Becky Sturm, an esthetician, says, “For fine hair, apply your leave-in conditioner to the ends and comb-through hair to mid-shaft. This will minimize over-conditioning and weighing hair down. Apply styling products and then style.” Consider hair type, ingredients, UV protection, and conditioning capability before investing in one of these products. Even celebrity hairstylists recommend using leave-in conditioners to keep your hair healthy and looking its best. So what are you waiting for?
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author, Medha Deb, loves everything skincare and haircare. After considerable research and analysis, she has created this list of the best leave-in conditioners for different hair types, along with their pros and cons. She handpicked the products with good reviews and ratings so that you can enjoy the best conditioning for your hair type without worrying about hair damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Leave-in Conditioner Good for Colored Hair?
Yes, there are umpteen leave-in conditioners available for color-treated hair that has vibrancy-enhancing capabilities and help seal in color, and prevent early fading. So yes, leave-in conditioners are great for colored hair.
Which Is the Best Leave-in Conditioner for Damaged and Color-treated Hair?
Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-in Conditioner Spray, Briogeo Leave-in Conditioning Spray, and Earth Vibes Leave-in Conditioner Spray are some of the best leave-in conditioners for damaged and color-treated hair.
Is a Leave-in Conditioner Good for Fine Hair?
Yes, there are leave-in conditioners that are suitable for fine hair, such as Keracolor Leave-in Conditioner and LOMA Leave-in Conditioner Spray. These will not weigh down your tresses and will add volume, shine and protect your color-treated hair too.
Should I Use a Leave-in Conditioner Every Day?
No, avoid using leave-in conditioner daily because it may lead to residue build-up and greasiness. However, if you are dealing with extra damaged hair, Hawaiian Silky Leave-in Conditioner claims to be safe for daily use.
How Long Should I Leave the Conditioner In Hair?
A post-shower conditioner should be left in for three minutes before rinsing out, whereas the leave-in conditioner should take around a minute to set before you can start combing or styling your hair.
How to use a leave-in conditioner on colored hair?
Rinse your hair and apply a color-safe leave-in conditioner to your damp hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to spread the product evenly throughout your hair before styling it.
How do you keep color-treated hair moisturized?
Limit your washes to once or twice a week to retain color and moisture. You can also use hydrating products such as serums, leave-in conditioners, or deep condition your hair once a week.
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