Though dry, damaged or color-treated Hair can use some extra help to repair it, any hair type can benefit from the smoothing characteristics of a leave-in conditioner. It can help you achieve the manageability you want as well as repairing any damage your hair has sustained.

Why Should You Use a Leave-In Conditioner?

The experts at Schwarzkopf Professional believe there are a few reasons to add a leave-in conditioner to your hair care regimen. Though some are for specific problems, something as simple as waking up late and needing to deal with unmanageable hair is a good use this product. Those with thin hair or who have an oily scalp may find a regular conditioner will weigh their hair down and give it a flat look. A leave-in conditioner can be an after-shampoo solution added after towel drying your hair for spot treatments on the areas that need it most.

Dry hair, or those suffering from the damage of over-treating, will find the opposite use to be beneficial to their hair. They can wash and condition as usual, then use a protein-rich moisturizing leave-in conditioner to help keep the hair soft and repair the damage.                                   

The Different Types of Leave-In Conditioners

There are a few different forms of leave-in conditioners, as well as different ingredients that you can choose from, depending on your hair type and the amount of damage your hair has sustained, according to Lade at Hairducation. The three forms of leave-in conditioners are creams, lotions, or liquid sprays. Which one you choose will depend on your particular hair type.

The creamy leave-in conditioner is best used by those with thick or coarse hair because it will be able to penetrate the thicker hair, coating all of it for even conditioning. The other two options are better for those with finer hair or those with higher oil levels. The sprays and lotions are lighter products and won’t further weigh down your hair or make it look greasy.

There are two types of conditioners in regards to ingredients. They are either moisture-based or protein-based. How to choose the proper one for you depends on the texture of your hair or whether it has suffered any damage.

The moisturizing leave-in conditioners work best if you have rough, dry, or stiff hair as it will help to soften it and add the extra conditioning drier hair needs. It will also help your hair to be more manageable and look great. Protein-based leave-in conditioners work better for those with weaker hair as it will give it back the strength it needs to resist breakage and split ends. Softer hair will also benefit from this because it will give your hair the texture it needs to hold a style.

Your hair may go through stages where you need to use a moisturizing leave-in one month, and a protein-based leave-in the next, so it is a good idea to keep both on hand for any hair emergencies you may encounter.

How to Use a Leave-In Conditioner

After deciding which leave-in conditioner is best suited to your hair type and texture, there are a few simple steps to follow for beautiful hair in an easy to follow guide from Ella and her beauty experts. Once you’ve chosen your leave-in, follow your normal routine of shampoo and conditioning. It is best to use the leave-in on clean hair after washing, so it will do its magic without having to fight its way through excess buildup and oils.

Towel dry your hair to remove as much excess water as possible, so the leave-in conditioner will not wash away as the water drips from your hair. It is easiest to apply the leave-in conditioner by sectioning your hair, so you can apply it evenly. Then use the amount recommended on the bottle and work it through you hair, starting at the ends and moving upwards to the scalp. If you find it easier to use a comb for this process, do so gently.

How much you use in each area depends on your specific hair issues. For drier ends, use a bit more there for extra conditioning where you need it most. If you have an oily scalp, leave it alone free of the leave-in and focus on the ends of your hair instead. When the leave-in conditioner is thoroughly worked through your hair to your satisfaction, style your hair as usual with any hair products you prefer. The leave-in will not hinder their use in any way.

What’s Better: Store Bought or Homemade Leave-In Conditioners?

There is really no difference in which one you use as long as they are made from quality ingredients. The store-bought leave-in conditioners are usually made by professionals or you can buy yours from a salon. The prices range from a few dollars to well over $40.00.

If you’re looking to save some money, it is quite easy to make your own leave-in conditioner at home, says money-saving expert Anna Newell Jones. Just add a bit of your regular conditioner to some water in a spray bottle, and your homemade leave-in is ready to use.

Leave-in Conditioner Final Thoughts

Regardless of your hair type, your locks can use a little TLC in the form of leave-in conditioner. While we have given you a lot of useful information, you will have to decide which type of leave-in conditioner will work best for your hair type. If you are looking for more hair care articles check out our blog and our hair care buyer’s guides.

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