If you regularly apply heat or colour to your hair then read on. A leave-in conditioner is a must try, especially when you’re putting your hair through a multitude of potentially damaging elements.
Designed to detangle and nourish, while adding softness, leave-in conditioners come in various forms, from sprays to creams.
The right leave-in conditioner will provide instant detangling benefits, add softness and shine and make the hair feel smoother. Most also now provide your hair with UV protection too.
Leave in versus Wash Out
Leave in conditioners have a much lower molecular weight than the standard ‘wash out’ conditioners, which essentially means they add softness and shine without weighing down your hair.
This was something I struggled with, especially having such long hair and the reason I started searching for alternative conditioning options.
Having tried in excess of 23 different Brands, Here’s my five favourite.
1. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother £26
A must for coloured, or heat damaged hair, Olaplex’s No.6 Bond Smoother is celebrated for its bond-repairing technology that restores broken hair shafts to better health.
2. Ouai Leave In Conditioner £17.60
Created by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, haircare brand Ouai is inspired by the chic, undone style of French women. Ouai’s leave-in conditioner reduces the appearance of frizz, dryness and helps to reinforce the hair structure.
3. AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER £28
A two in one conditioner, that is also a detangler spray, this treatment is perfect for colour-treated hair and is especially suited for long hair.
The ultimate treatment for dry and ultra-dry tresses, Aveda’s Nutriplenish Leave In Conditioner is formulated to tackle tangles, protect against heat damage (up to 230° C), all while hydrating and replenishing your hair for up to 72 hours!
The conditioning mist also harnesses a naturally derived UV filter to help protect your hair from the depleting effects of the sun plus, it can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment.
4. Moroccanoil All in One Leave-in Conditioner £22.65
This has a lightweight formula, its nourishing blend powered by antioxidant-rich Argan Oil is also packed with fatty acids, helping to keep your hair conditioned while protecting from potential breakages.
Milky in texture, the multi-tasking spray provides softness for up to 72-hours.
5. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate & Repair Multi-Action Leave-In Conditioner £10.99
Certified organic Shea Butter, Manuka Honey and Yoghurt, absorbs quickly into the hair’s ‘thirsty’ patches to prep for fuss-free styling and protect from damage.
Ideal for hair that is prone to breaking, snapping or splitting, the holy grail of hair repair also works to detangle, combat frizz and seal split ends.