9 Of The Best Leave-In Conditioners For Luscious Locks

Now, more than ever, time is of the essence. We don’t have time to fluff around with 74 different products to solve our never ending list of hair concerns. Instead, we want a one-stop-product that does all the good stuff for us (and doesn’t need to be rinsed out). Cue: leave-in conditioners.

Designed to slowly release hydrating and nourishing hair care ingredients while you wear (i.e. in-between washes), leave-in conditioners are the sidekicks you need in your hair care arsenal. But, like everything, it’s about finding the right formula for you. “There are so many different types of leave-in conditioners,” says award-winning hairstylist, Barney Martin. “Always go for one suited to your hair type. For example, nothing too oily for fine hair and a product with more oil for curly or damaged hair.”

In terms of where to slot these hard working formulas into your routine, Martin suggests applying to damp hair after washing. “They are also great to take away on holiday, to the gym or anywhere where you’re pushed for time and need a little extra TLC but don’t have time for masks.”

Ok, ok, we’ll get to the good bit now. Here, we roundup 9 of the best leave-in conditioner formulas for hair that deserves its own Pinterest board.

A brand new product for Jonathan Van Ness’s haircare line, JVN, the Conditioning Mist is a godsend for those wanting to manage frizz. Formulated with hemisqualane to improve hair strength and resilience, black spruce bark extract to protect against UV damage and colour fading and brassica seed polymer to help condition and detangle, this leave-in conditioner is hydration in a bottle.

A cult product for a reason, the Ouai Leave In Conditioner is perfect for a pre-heat styling boost of nourishment and protection. Formulated to aid in detangling the hair while also providing thermal protection, think of it like a pre-styling hair primer for smooth, shiny hair.

Designed to intensely nourish and hydrate the hair, the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner reduces frizz while respecting the natural texture or curl pattern of the hair. Formulated with 98 per cent naturally derived ingredients, the inclusion of rosehip, argan and coconut oils means the hair is protected and purified.

A great option as the weather warms up, the R+Co Sun Catcher Vitamin C Leave-In Conditioner is all about longevity. Working to protect against colour fading and moisture loss, this formula is vegan and cruelty-free and detangles while offering a light hold. Quite the multi-tasker, the scent is also to die for.

If breakage is your bone to pick, then the Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment For Damaged Hair is here to help. A fortifying, anti-breakage treatment for stressed or damages tresses, the five-in-one formula protects against chemical, heat, mechanical, surface and damage for healthy hair in a matter of sprays.

Like a warm hug for your hair, the Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment will have your mane behaving in no time. Formulated with 99 per cent naturally derived ingredients, the cream reduces split ends and strengthens the hair while providing thermal protection up to 232 degree celsius.

Humidity making you want to pull your hair out (literally)? The Hair Rituel By Sisley Protective Hair Fluid is here to solve this problem (and your fiery temper). A silky cream-serum texture, this leave-in treatment contains cotton protein to revitalise the protein and lipid structure as well as sunflower seed extract to protect against colour fading. Plus, the scent will have the compliments rolling in.

For when your strands need a big glass of water, the IGK Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner is unmatched. Borrowing from skincare technology, the formula contains patented hyaluronic acid technology which creates a hydration barrier around the hair to protect against environmental aggressors in-between washes.

Working to enhance the hair’s natural body while repairing damage and dryness, the ELEVEN Australia Miracle Spray Hair Treatment is a beauty editor must-have. Taming frizz and flyaways, adding softness and shine to the hair and preventing split ends, there isn’t much this bottle of magic can’t do. Oh, and the fresh melon fragrance is getting us seriously excited for summer.