15 Best Leave-in Conditioners For Dry & Damaged Hair – 2024
Unlock tangle-free, smooth hair with these lightweight and deeply nourishing products.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
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Conditioning is a must when it comes to dry, damaged hair. While a rinse in conditioner is enough most days, getting your hands on the best leave-in conditioner for dry and damaged hair can help save you that extra time and effort. Along with being lightweight and moisturizing, a leave-in conditioner helps keep your hair strands smooth, strong, and tangle-free. To help you get started, we have shortlisted 15 best leave-in conditioners to help you nourish your dry and damaged hair.
1. Best For Reducing Hair Breakage:Kerastase Ciment Thermique Resurfacing Strengthening Milk
The Kerastase Ciment Thermique Resurfacing Strengthening Milk aids in heat styling and offers thermal protection to the hair up to 180°C. It speeds up the blow drying process and treats damaged, weak hair. This leave-in conditioner provides intensive care and is powered with a blend of Vita-Topseal, Vita-Ciment, and Sève de Résurrection that helps in the reconstruction of broken hair while reinforcing the hair surface. It contains keratin protein that rebuilds the hair and ceramide with intercellular cementing that strengthens the hair and provides hair protection. This conditioner smoothens split ends and makes the hair shiny. Take a look at this video to know more about the product.
Key Ingredients: Vita-Ciment, Pro-Keratin, Ceramide, and Sève de Résurrection
- Adds shine
- Provides frizz control
- Reduces hair breakage
- Prevents split ends
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 1,103 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
2. Best For Hair Softening:Alaffia Shea & Virgin Coconut Enriching Hair Lotion
The Alaffia Shea & Virgin Coconut Enriching Hair lotion is Fair Trade certified and nourishes the hair. It contains shea butter and coconut oil that hydrate the scalp and hair. Rooibos tea promotes the growth of new hair. This hair lotion enhances hair elasticity, reduces hair breakage, and softens the hair. It is cruelty-free and does not contain parabens, gluten, and synthetic fragrance.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Virgin coconut oil, and Orange geranium
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- Watery consistency
3. Best For Dandruff:B. The Product Leave It In Detangler Shine Spray
The B. The Product Leave It In Detangler Shine Spray protects the hair from heating tools and harsh elements. It contains silk amino acids that penetrate the hair and strengthen and nourish it. The hydrolyzed silk moisturizes and volumizes the hair, making it more manageable.
This conditioner is lightweight and does not cause static buildup. It also contains aloe vera that soothes and conditions the scalp, reduces dandruff, and promotes hair growth. This leave-in conditioner rebuilds the overall structure of the hair and imparts a natural sheen. It is also free of sulfates. Its ability to detangle easily and make hair soft and bouncy has garnered positive reviews online.
Key Ingredients: Silk amino acids, Hydrolyzed silk, Amodimethicone, Aloe vera, and Honey
- Sulfate-free
- Lightweight
- Reduces dandruff
- Prevents static
- Not suitable for thick hair
4. Best Long-Lasting:Frulatte Olive Leave-in Conditioner
The Frulatte Olive Leave-in Conditioner is enriched with a protein complex and organic olive oil, which protects the hair from sun damage and pollution. It contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter, keratin, argan oil, and coconut oil that hydrate and moisturize the hair. The natural plant extracts and minerals soften the hair and add shine. Several reviewers highly recommend this product for its detangling power and frizz-free, sleek finish to your hair.
Key Ingredients: Organic olive oil, Keratin, Shea butter, Coconut oil, Argan oil, and Vitamins
- All-natural
- Unisex
- Long-lasting
- Pleasant smell
- No animal testing
- Contains alcohol and chlorine
Quick Tip5. Best Organic:Intelligent Nutrients PureLuxe Replenishing Leave-In Conditioner
The Intelligent Nutrients PureLuxe Replenishing Leave-In Conditioner contains quinoa, soy, and baobab. These ingredients moisturize the hair and replenish its natural oils. This leave-in conditioner fortifies the hair and enhances hair manageability. It is lightweight and does not weigh the hair down with residue.
The formula also contains geranium, bergamot, orange, and lavender that help rebuild broken and damaged hair. The amino acids strengthen the hair and are good for sensitive scalp. This cruelty-free conditioner has a low pH level that helps reduce color fading. It detangles your hair and does not contain silicones and gluten.
Key Ingredients: Baobab plant protein, Intellimune super seed oil complex, Cupuacu, Shea, and Murumuru butters
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
- Organic
- Cruelty-free
- Strong odor
6. Best Lightweight:Arganicare 10 In 1 Leave-In Hair Repair Conditioner
The Arganicare 10 In 1 Leave-In Hair Repair Conditioner is powered with coconut and argan oils, which provide 10 benefits to the hair. It hydrates the scalp and repairs dry, damaged hair. This repairing conditioner detangles the hair, repairs split ends, and protects the hair from thermal damage. It provides a protective coat to the hair and shields it from UV rays and environmental aggressors. This product adds shine to the hair and makes it more manageable.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil and Organic coconut oil
- Lightweight
- Adds shine
- Pleasant smell
None
7. Best Salt-Free:Sorrel Leave-In Conditioner
The Sorrel Leave-In Conditioner is formulated with a special blend of keratin and sorrel. It prevents hair breakage and repairs split ends. This leave-in conditioner replenishes the freshness of the scalp and hair.
The balanced ingredients moisturize and revitalize the scalp, reduce hair loss, and promote hair growth. This revitalizing conditioner volumizes your locks, soothes itchy, dry scalp, and imparts a healthy shine to the hair. This product is color-safe and free of sulfates, parabens, and salt.
Key Ingredients: Keratin and Sorrel flowers
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Salt-free
- Color-safe
- No animal testing
None
Pro Tip8. Best For Daily Use:SPApharma Essential Oils Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner
The SPAPharma Essential Oils Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner is a magical concoction of tea tree oil and Dead Sea minerals. These ingredients nourish and rejuvenate the hair and scalp. This leave-in conditioner strengthens and repairs the hair, making it silky. It protects the hair from damage and promotes new hair growth. This product is cruelty-free and suitable for daily use.
Key Ingredients: Dead Sea minerals and Tea tree essential oil
- Suitable for daily use
- Cruelty-free
- Natural
None
9. Best For Hair Growth:Ecru New York Restorative Conditioner
The Ecru New York Restorative Conditioner moisturizes and strengthens the hair. This hair restoration product is infused with biotin, which promotes healthy hair growth. The resurrection sap repairs and restores damaged, dull hair. This conditioner detangles unruly hair and imparts luster and sheen. Its restorative, deep conditioning formula with anti-aging properties protects the hair from further damage. This product is color-safe and free of parabens.
Key Ingredients: Biotin
- Paraben-free
- Color-safe
- Adds shine
- Long-lasting
None
Quick Tip10. Best Alcohol-Free:APIVITA Color Protect Leave In Conditioner
The Apivita Color Protect Leave In conditioner contains sunflower and vitamins that protect the hair from damage and color fading. The detangling formula also contains thyme honey and APISHIELD HS complex, which moisturize the hair and repair thermal damage caused by hot tools and chemicals.
This dermatologically tested conditioner replaces the lost water content of the hair with organic infusions. It also contains rosemary that is rich in antioxidants that preserve the hair’s natural beauty. This product is free of parabens, silicones, mineral oil, alcohol, propylene glycol, polycyclic musks, and phthalates.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower and Honey leaves
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Polycyclic musk-free
- Phthalate-free
None
11. Best For Hair Strengthening:Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Split-End Bandage
The Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Split-End Bandage is a leave-in formula that repairs damaged hair. It is formulated with a phyto-keratin complex that contains active fruit concentrates and plant proteins. This conditioner also contains nourishing ingredients like natural lipids and cupuacu butter, which rejuvenate and strengthen the hair. It reconstructs the hair from root to tip with three times the resistance than before.
Key Ingredients: Phyto-keratin complex and Cupuacu butter
- Prevents split ends
- Strengthens the hair
- Pleasant smell
- Non-greasy
- Sticky
12. Best Unisex:NEXXUS SCALP INERGY LEAVE-IN Treatment
The Nexxus SCALP INERGY LEAVE-IN Treatment contains a blend of ginger root, wheat protein, and vitamin B, which fortifies the hair, reduces dryness, and prevents dandruff. Ginger root and cysteine amino acids energize the scalp and cleanse dirt and buildup. This conditioner nourishes and moisturizes the hair and makes it healthy.
The protein-rich formula treats the hair from the molecular level. This leave-in conditioner exudes proven efficacy in repairing damaged hair, detangles stubborn knots, and makes the hair soft and supple. It is unisex, lightweight, and free of parabens and sulfates.
Key Ingredients: Wheat protein, Ginger root, and Vitamin B3
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
- Unisex
- Strong smell
13. Best Dye-Free:The Good Stuff Complete Repair Balm
The Good Stuff Complete Repair Balm is a no-rinse conditioner that repairs dull and damaged hair. It is suitable for thick and curly hair types. This conditioner is enriched with glycerin, which provides rejuvenation and a hydrating treatment to the hair, helps restore hair smoothness, and adds shine. It detangles the hair and facilitates easy styling.
The lightweight micro-silicones help strengthen the hair and reduce hair breakage. This hair balm forms a protective layer on the hair and shields it from further damage. It softens and smoothens the hair without weighing it down. This product is color-safe, vegan, and free of parabens and dyes.
Key Ingredients: Micro silicones and Glycerine
- Paraben-free
- Anti-breakage formula
- Dye-free
- Vegan
- Color-safe
- Lightweight
- Might feel greasy
14. Best For All Hair Types:Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14-in-1
The Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14-in-1 is a leave-in conditioner that hydrates and repairs chemically-damaged hair. It helps soften your hair, adds vibrant sheen, and makes it more manageable. This leave-in conditioner contains jojoba oil and amino acids that detangle and moisturize your hair. It treats itching and reduces dry scalp symptoms.
This conditioner coats the hair with a protective layer and repels heat that can cause further damage. It nourishes and strengthens the hair from root to tip, adding a radiant shine. This product is unisex, cruelty-free, color-safe. It is suitable for all hair types and can be used daily. You may check more about the tester’s experience of using the product in this video.
Key Ingredient: Jojoba oil and Keratin
- Non-greasy
- Non-staining
- Cruelty-free
- Color-safe
- Unisex
- Suitable for all hair types
- Contains chemicals
15. Best For Split Ends:INFUSIUM PRO 23 Leave-in Treatment
The InFusium PRO 23 Leave-in Treatment is a Pro-B5 vitamin formula that penetrates the hair and repairs damage. It transforms dry and brittle hair into healthy and strong locks without weighing them down. This leave-in treatment improves hair quality and maximizes shine. It comes with a sleek steel anti-static rat tail comb for easy application.
Key Ingredients: Pro-B5 vitamin and Essential amino Acids
- Prevents split ends
- Shine-enhancing formula
- Detangles the hair
- Value for money
- Unisex
- Strong fragrance
Let’s go through a few points before buying a leave-in conditioner to make the ideal choice.
In This Article
Things To Consider Before Buying A Leave-in Conditioner
- Hair Type – Find a leave-in conditioner according to your hair type. If you use hair styling tools regularly, pick a leave-in treatment that offers heat protection. For color-treated hair, pick a product that preserves the hair color and prevents fading. Fine, straight hair needs a volumizing conditioner, while thick curly hair needs one with natural oils.
- Ingredients – It is always safe to pick any hair care product made of natural oils, organic and nourishing ingredients, vitamins, and botanical extracts.
- Chemical Content – Most conditioners contain silicones and glycerin, which form a protective layer on the hair without weighing it down. But chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, alcohol, and dyes, damage the hair in the long run. Find a leave-in conditioner that is free of such elements to maintain your hair health.
- Allergies – Scan through the ingredients list of the conditioner to ensure that you are not allergic to any of them, as they might affect your hair and scalp adversely. Instead, opt for dermatologist-recommended products.
- Hair Porosity – Oily hair generally has low porosity. This means the conditioner cannot penetrate the hair easily, making your hair sticky and heavy. Thus, people with oily hair should avoid leave-in conditioners.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are infused with nourishing butter, protein, and oils that help reduce hair damage, promote hair growth, and make it look healthy. The infographic below contains a list of these ingredients and their benefits. Look for them when buying a leave-in conditioner for your hair. Scroll down!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Hairstyling with chemical treatments can damage your hair. Regular conditioners may not completely rejuvenate the hair follicles. But, the best leave-in conditioners for dry hair offer restorative care and help deeply moisturize the damaged hair strands. They lock in moisture and protect the tresses from environmental pollution to make your hair tangle-free, strong, and manageable. These conditioners are lightweight, paraben-free, and provide long-lasting results. The Kerastase Ciment Thermique Resurfacing Strengthening Milk works to fortify and protect your hair from damage, while the Intelligent Nutrients PureLuxe Replenishing Leave-In Conditioner is the best for frizzy and tangled hair. You can try The Product Leave It In Detangler Shine Spray to reduce dryness and dandruff. However, some products might have a strong fragrance and may not suit all hair types. Consider factors like hair type, ingredients, and hair porosity before investing in one of these products. Choose a product that has received numerous positive reviews online and opt for a patch test before application to check for allergic reactions.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
A certified skincare coach, Shiboli Chakraborti is passionate about reviewing skincare, haircare, and beauty products. She understands and values the importance of using the right products. She poured through user reviews and applied her expertise on hair and skin matters to analyze the ingredients in leave-in conditioners to shortlist the best of the lot. The products listed here are lightweight and moisturizing and keep the hair strands smooth, strong, and tangle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leave-in conditioner good for damaged hair?
Yes, they help moisturize the strands and nourish the hair to strengthen it and make it look silky and smooth.
How often should you apply a leave-in conditioner?
Apply a leave-in conditioner once a week if you have fine hair and twice a week for curly, dry hair.
How long can you leave in a leave-in conditioner?
Leave a leave-in conditioner on till the next wash day. Leaving it on for more than two days can cause buildup and greasiness.
What is the difference between a conditioner and a leave-in conditioner?
Leave-in conditioners are lightweight and suitable for overnight treatment. They are packed with nourishing ingredients and moisture that condition your hair deeply. Regular conditioners, on the other hand, are thicker and need to be rinsed out after a few minutes in the shower.
Do leave-in conditioners work for curly hair?
Yes! Leave-in conditioners hydrate the curls and keep them well-nourished, shiny, and bouncy all day long.
How do you apply leave-in conditioner?
• Shampoo your hair.
• Wipe it till it’s damp but not too dry.
• Apply the leave-in conditioner from the middle to the ends of the strands.
• Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product evenly.
• Leave it on.
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