Best leave in conditioner for dry ends

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 helps 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 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. 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 

Pros

• Adds shine
• Reduces hair breakage
• Prevents split ends 

Cons

None

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

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Gluten-free
• Cruelty-free
• No synthetic fragrance 

Cons

• 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. 

Key Ingredients: Silk amino acids, Hydrolyzed silk, Amodimethicone, Aloe vera, and Honey

Pros

• Sulfate-free
• Lightweight
• Reduces dandruff
• Prevents static

Cons

• 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 protect the hair from sun damage and pollution. It contains shea butter, keratin, argan oil, and coconut oil that nourish and moisturize the hair. The natural plant extracts and minerals soften the hair and add shine.

Key Ingredients: Organic olive oil, Keratin, Shea butter, Coconut oil, Argan oil, and Vitamins

Pros

• All-natural
• Unisex
• Long-lasting
• Pleasant smell

Cons

• Contains alcohol and chlorine

5. 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 

Pros

• Silicone-free
• Gluten-free
• Organic
• Cruelty-free 

Cons

• 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 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 

Pros

• Lightweight
• Adds shine
• Pleasant smell                 

Cons

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 and freshness of the scalp and hair.

The balanced ingredients moisturize and revitalize the scalp, reduce hair loss, and promote hair growth. This 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

Pros

• Sulfate-free
• Paraben-free
• Salt-free
• Color-safe

Cons

None

8. 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

Pros

• Suitable for daily use
• Cruelty-free
• Natural

Cons

None

9. Best For Hair Growth: Ecru New York Restorative Conditioner

The Ecru New York Restorative Conditioner moisturizes and strengthens the hair. It is infused with biotin that promotes healthy hair growth. The resurrection sap repairs and restores damaged, dull hair. This conditioner detangles unruly hair and imparts luster and sheen. The restorative formula with anti-aging properties protect the hair from further damage. This product is color-safe and free of parabens. 

Key Ingredients: Biotin

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Color-safe
• Adds shine
• Long-lasting

Cons

None

10. 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 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

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Silicone-free
• Mineral oil-free
• Alcohol-free
• Propylene glycol-free
• Polycyclic musk-free
• Phthalate-free

Cons

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 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

Pros

• Prevents split ends
• Strengthens the hair
• Pleasant smell
• Non-greasy

Cons

• 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 repairs 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

Pros

• Sulfate-free
• Paraben-free
• Lightweight
• Unisex

Cons

• 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 hydrates 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 

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Dye-free
• Vegan
• Color-safe
• Lightweight

Cons

• 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 this productin this video. 

Key Ingredient: Jojoba oil and Keratin 

Pros

• Non-greasy
• Non-staining
• Cruelty-free
• Color-safe
• Unisex
• Suitable for all hair types 

Cons

• 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

Pros

• Prevents split ends
• Detangles the hair
• Value for money
• Unisex 

Cons

• Strong fragrance

Let’s go through a few points before buying a leave-in conditioner to make the ideal choice.

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 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 effect your hair and scalp adversely.

• 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.

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 help deeply moisturize the damaged hair strands. They lock in the 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. 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.

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.

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Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified... more