15 Best Hairstylist Approved Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners For Curly Hair

Different hair textures need individual hair care regimes, and if you are blessed with natural curls, we will help you select the products made especially for your hair needs. If you look for the best drugstore leave-in conditioner for curly hair, this is the right place to get what you want. Curls and leave-in conditioners are made for each other, and nothing transforms your unruly hair into manageable and shiny like a deep moisturizing leave-in conditioner. They not only protect your hair from regular wear and tear but also provide the much-needed intense hydration to keep them tangle-free and glossy.

While it can be overwhelming to find the right product with so many brands offering the same, we have a list of deep conditioners to keep your curls bouncy and perfect. Go through the list and choose your favorite one.

15 Best Drugstore Leave In Conditioners For Curly Hair (Buying Guide)

1. Best Lightweight Formula: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Leave-In Conditioner

4.3

Image: Marc Anthony

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.0

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Leave-in Conditioner is a rich yet lightweight formula designed to suit fine, thick, thin, or coarse hair. It locks in moisture, thereby hydrating your curls and detangling knots while repairing split ends and breakage prevention in the process. The formula is infused with a moisturizing blend of shea butter, avocado oil, and vitamin E that tames frizz and nourishes the hair follicles.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, Shea butter, and Vitamin E

2. Best Ultra-Hydrating Formula: SoCozy Kids Curl Leave-In Conditioner+Therapy

4.4

Image: Socozy

Now 18% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.22

SoCozy is a kid-friendly multipurpose leave-in conditioner that restores natural hair balance, reduces hair breakage, and boosts hair elasticity. It is enriched with hydrolyzed keratin that adds a protective layer around the hair shaft, increasing hair strength and minimizing hair damage. The watermelon seed oil adds a natural shine to the tresses, while plum seed oil seals the hair cuticles and increases curl elasticity, leaving you with shinier hair. This leave-in conditioner can be used as a hair-refresher for curl enhancement.

Key Ingredients: Keratin, Plum seed oil, Watermelon seed oil, and Olive oil

Remember

Use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remove any buildup from your scalp and prevent your scalp from feeling greasy.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 18,051 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

3. Best Paraben-Free: MopTop Leave-In Conditioner Bamboo Essence Healthy Haircare

4.1

Image: Moptop

BUY ON AMAZON | $17.99

This MopTop Leave-In Conditioner is your ultimate solution for detangling pesky knots and fighting frizz. It is one of the best leave-in conditioners for fine, curly hair. The formula is infused with nourishing ingredients including aloe vera, honey, and vitamin B5 to hydrate and nourish your strands, while keratin adds volume to the tresses. This knot-free conditioner is designed for all hair types and features a refreshing bamboo scent that lasts throughout the day. It helps restore the natural moisture balance to enhance your curls.

Key Ingredients: Keratin, Aloe vera, Honey, and Vitamin B5

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 6,516 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

	Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Leave-In Conditioner Best Lightweight Formula	SoCozy Kids Curl Leave-In Conditioner+Therapy Best Ultra-Hydrating Formula	MopTop Leave-In Conditioner Bamboo Essence Healthy Haircare Best Paraben-Free
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Hair Type	Curly	Curly	Wavy, textured, Dry, Curly, Straight
Dimensions	4.29 x 10.47 x 2.83 inches	1 x 2.13 x 7.82 inches	1.75 x 1.75 x 7.25 inches
Weight	8.4 Ounces	9.6 Ounces.	8 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	4,790	18,051	6,516
Price	$6.0	$8.22	$17.99

4. Best pH Balanced:OBIA Naturals Curl Moisture Cream

4

Image: Obia Naturals

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.07

The OBIA Naturals Curl Moisture Cream is a nourishing hair cream that deeply moisturizes curls making them soft and bouncy. This pH-balanced leave-in conditioner is infused with all-natural nourishing ingredients like argan oil, lavender oil, grape-seed oil, vitamin E, and burdock root that help to seal moisture and smoothen the hair. It is a lightweight formula, yet it manages to hold the curls in place and does not weigh them down. It is the perfect cream to moisturize all curl types, including loose wavy curls and tight coils. This product is also free of any harmful chemicals, making it ideal for your sensitive skin.

5. Best Repairing Formula: Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream

4.5

Image: Cantu

Now 13% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.48

The Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream is a nourishing hair cream that helps to repair and restore damaged hair. It is made of natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and argon oil that penetrate deep into the hair shaft, which nourish and repair the hair and add natural shine. The deeply moisturizing formula has repairing properties that strengthens hair, repairs heat styling damage, provides heat protection, and helps prevent breakage and split ends. Regular use of this conditioner can make your hair soft and silky. It can also be used for color-treated curl revitalization. No animal testing has been conducted to determine the product’s effectiveness, which makes it an ideal cruelty-free option.

6. Best Alcohol-Free:Vitamins Keratin Leave-In Conditioner For Thick & Coarse Hair Care

4.2

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.98

The Vitamins Keratin Leave-In Conditioner for Thick & Coarse Hair Care provides salon-like hair finish at the comfort of your home. This leave-in is designed for natural, relaxed, and thick hair. It is infused with an advanced herbal complex consisting of intensive care keratin protein, wheat germ oil, vitamin E, and Moroccan argan oil to give you a natural gloss effect, leaving your hair looking healthier than ever. The weightless nourishing formula delivers restorative care to the tresses. It tames frizz and adds bounce to your natural hair. It also offers a silky-soft texture with beautifully defined curls.

Key Ingredients: Keratin protein, Wheat germ oil, Vitamin E, and Moroccan Argan oil

Fun Fact

You can use your leave-in conditioner as a styling cream as well. Just apply some leave-in conditioner on your damp hair and style as desired.

7. Best Vegan:Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Leave-In Treatment Air Dry Butter Cream

4.4

Image: Garnier

BUY ON AMAZON | $1671

The Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Air Dry Butter Cream controls frizz and nourishes curly hair. It is infused with an active fruit protein formula consisting of citrus protein and vitamins B3 and B6. The formula strengthens and adds texture to curly tresses. Additionally, the ultra-hydrating coconut oil restores moisture, provides all-day frizz control blocks humidity, and prevents breakage while imparting smoothness and shine in the process. This leave-in conditioner adds more definition and helps in curl separation without weighing them down. Need more information? Watch this review video to make an informed decision about the product after learning more about a reviewer’s experience using it.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, and Active fruit protein

8. Best Color-Safe Formula:Renpure Coconut & Vitamin E Hydrate + Replenish Leave-In Conditioner

4.4

Image: Renpure

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.49

The Renpure Coconut & Vitamin E leave-in conditioner is a natural, plant-based formula. It is perfect for dry hair as coconut oil and vitamin E lock in moisture and provide ultra-hydration to the strands. It is also a detangler which protects the hair from heat and keeps it frizz-free. It repairs damaged hair and can be used on colored hair as it prevents color fading. The conditioner makes dry hair smooth and soft, giving it a nourished and healthy shine. However, conduct a patch test on your scalp before using it regularly. This spray has a fragrance of white peach, orange, and refreshing florals which rejuvenate the senses.

Key Ingredients: Sage, Rosemary, Citric Acid, and Birch extract

Remember

Never detangle your curly hair when it is dry or you may ruin the curl pattern. Wet your hair and use a leave-in conditioner for smooth and tangle-free hair.

9. Best Cruelty-Free:Royal Locks Curl Rescue Leave-In Therapy

4.2

Image: Royal Locks

Now 25% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.5

The Royal Locks Curl Rescue Leave-In Therapy is a daily deep conditioning treatment created for all types and textures. This drugstore leave-in conditioner for curly hair types restores hair damage and heals slips ends. It features a quick hair-softening formula, infused with nourishing ingredients, that provide gentle hydration to brittle hair. The formula makes curly or coily hair smoother and more manageable. It contains a blend of plant-based proteins and wheat amino acid that help seal the cuticle to prevent split ends and tame frizz.

Key Ingredients: Wheat amino acid and Vegetable protein

10. Best Petroleum-Free:Novex My Curls Super Curly Leave-In Conditioner

4.3

Image: Novex

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.99

This leave-in conditioner from Novex enhances and defines your curls with its gentle formula. You can use this leave-in to style your curly hair or detangle the knots. It is infused with a blend of seven ultra-moisturizing organic oils – olive oil, argan oil, ojon oil, monoi oil, coconut oil, moringa oil, and shea butter – to hydrate and nourish your tresses while reducing frizz and promoting hair growth. Ojon oil is rich in amino acids and natural antioxidants that enhance hair manageability, while the monoi oil repairs and protects your locks. Argan oil, coconut oil, and moringa oil hydrate the hair and reduces frizz. Cranberry extracts help style your hair, leaving it looking glossy. Coat your slightly damp hair with this leave-in conditioner before styling to get well-defined curls. Reviewers on Amazon have suggested using this product to refresh your curls on the second or third wash day.

Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Argan oil, Ojon oil, Monoi oil, Coconut oil, Shea butter, Cranberry, and Moringa oil,

11. Best Sulfate-Free:ORS Curls Unleashed Shea Butter & Mango Leave-In Conditioner

4.5

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.59

ORS Curls Unleashed Shea Butter &Mango Leave-In Conditioner adds hydration to curly and kinky hair, making it more manageable and easier to style. This hair treatment conditioner is infused with a blend of mango, shea butter, and other hydrating ingredients that wrap your strands in a protective layer to seal in moisture. This leave-in conditioner is rich in hydrolyzed keratin that rebonds the hair shafts and prevents split ends.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Olive fruit oil, Hydrolyzed keratin, and Mango

12. Best Silicone-Free:Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Milk

4.4

Image: Maui Moisture

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.99

The Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Milk provides ultimate hydration for shiny and bouncy curls. This hair product is enriched with rich coconut oil, papaya butter, and plumeria extract that work together to tame frizz, detangle knots, and define your curls. It helps make your hair more manageable and controls excess volume while helping in humidity protection. Aloe vera formula adds shine to the tresses. Some reviews on Amazon note that you can top this leave-in with a gel for better results.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Aloe vera, Papaya butter, and Plumeria extract

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 5,297 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

13. Best Non-Sticky:Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner

4.5

Image: Mixed Chicks

Now 14% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.99

If you are struggling with frizz, tangles, split ends, and hair breakage, then look no further. The Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner is a non-sticky and lightweight hold leave-in treatment designed to suit all hair types. It is infused with organic ingredients like evening primrose oil, silk amino acids, jojoba seed oil, wheat amino acids, and safflower seed oil. While the natural proteins in the formula rejuvenate, nourish, and protect your scalp and hair, the blend of nourishing oils hydrates the hair and protects it against damage caused by heat styling or environmental aggressors. The rich, creamy formula does not weigh your hair and can be used as a refresher for hair and scalp health.

Key Ingredients: Evening primrose oil, Silk amino acids, Jojoba seed oil, Wheat amino acids, Safflower seed oil

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 1,367 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

14. Best Long-Lasting:Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | $10

The Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner is your answer to long-lasting silky-smooth hair. The formula is designed to give your dull and frizzy hair a boost of hydration. It protects your hair from styling products and heat damage. The botanical extracts of arnica and prickly pear provide moisture, while vitamin B5 and green tea lend protection to your hair and boost overall hair health. This formula works by nourishing and hydrating every single hair strand, leaving you with tangle-free, lustrous, and silky hair.

Key Ingredients: Arnica, Prickly Pear, Green tea, and Vitamin B5

15. Best Refreshing Formula:Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler

4.4

Image: Kinky Curly

Now 15% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.99

The Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler is a rich formula created for thick hair to smoothen curls and detangle knots. The formula gives you softer and more manageable tresses. It contains organic fruit extracts and herbs that help restore hair’s natural moisture balance and smoothen out frizz to give your curls definition and bounce. Slippery elm extracts add slippage that detangles hair, while mango extracts add moisture to the curls and help in curl revival. Additionally, it doubles as a regular rinse conditioner for wavy hair.

Key Ingredients: Mango extract, Slippery elm, Marshmallow root, Lemongrass, and Citric Acid

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 1,182 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

Now that we have discussed the best options out there, it is time to choose the best leave-in conditioner for your curly hair and get salon-like tresses in the comfort of your home. We hope that our list helps you get tangle-free, frizz-free, and hydrated curls that stand out.

Infographic: Ingredients To Look For In Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners For Curly Hair

Drugstore leave-in conditioners enhance the look, feel, and health of your gorgeous curls. They contain nourishing and strengthening ingredients that help you get salon-like hair at home. Check out the infographic below to learn about these ingredients and their benefits.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Why Trust Stylecraze

The author of this post, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast who loves finding products that improve hair quality. In this article, she lists the best leave-in conditioners to maintain curly hair. She poured over many products and their reviews on multiple forums, vetting the best from the mediocre, to bring you this carefully curated list. Each of these leave-in conditioners was selected based on their key ingredients, hair care benefits, absence of harmful elements, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you use a leave-in conditioner for curly hair?

Apply the leave-in conditioner at the ends of your curly tresses and leave it for 30 minutes. Then, style your tresses according to your needs.

How often should you use leave-in conditioners for curly hair?

Use a leave-in conditioner three to four times a week to achieve shiny, bouncy, and well-defined curls.

Can I use olive oil as a leave-in conditioner for curly hair?

Yes. Olive oil locks the moisture by repairing protective barrier and enhances its overall shine. So, olive oil can be used as a leave-in conditioner.

Should I use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream?

Leave-in conditioners lock the moisture in your curls, and curl creams smoothen hair cuticles, prevent tangles, and hold the style of your curly tresses. Choose a product based on your requirement.

Does the leave-in conditioner hold curls?

Yes. Leave-in conditioners enhance the look and feel of your curly hair. They rejuvenate curls, improve texture, and support their shape and bounce.

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Alexandro VasquezHairdresser

     

Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He specializes in traveling and training hair salon staff around the world. He is adept at adapting to different styles and cultures and speaks 3 languages –...more

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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 skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more

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Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products. She has previously worked as a scriptwriter for an educational technology company and...more

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Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more