15 Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners For Curly Hair
Bring your curls back to life with these intensely moisturizing and hydrating formulations.
Alexandro VasquezHairdresser
Expertise: Hairdressing & Hair Color
Experience: 24 years
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 special... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
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 hydration to keep them tangle-free and glossy. Hairdresser Alexandro Vasquez says “Curls are back now and there is a high demand for perms around the salons, these products are hot now and they will definitely help you to settle that amazing look for your curls.”
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.
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners For Curly Hair
Best Lightweight Formula:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Leave-In Conditioner
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 preventing breakage 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
Pros - Ultra-hydrating formula
- Detangles the hair
- Softens the hair
- Adds volume
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Contains fragrance
- Expensive
Best Ultra-Hydrating Formula:SoCozy Kids Curl Leave-In Conditioner+Therapy
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 elasticity, leaving you with shinier hair. This leave-in conditioner can be used as a hair-refresher to revive the curls.
Key Ingredients: Keratin, Plum seed oil, Watermelon seed oil, and Olive oil
Pros
- Detangles the hair
- Ultra-hydrating formula
- Adds volume
- Multipurpose
- Softens the hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Dye-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Gluten-free
- Wheat-free
- Nut-free
- Synthetic color-free
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Makes the hair greasy
RememberBest Paraben-Free:MopTop Leave-In Conditioner Bamboo Essence Healthy Haircare
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 aloe vera, honey, and vitamin B5 to hydrate and nourish your strands, while keratin adds volume to the tresses. This 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
Pros - Tames frizz
- Lightweight
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- Overpowering scent
Best pH Balanced:OBIA Naturals Curl Moisture Cream
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 natural 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.
Pros - No drying alcohols
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petroleum-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Free of synthetic colors
- Hydrates hair
- pH balanced conditioner
- Vegan
Cons
- Has a flaky texture
- Not fragrance-free
Youtube Video Link
https://youtu.be/5c6AcDxqYTU
Best Repairing Formula:Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
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 strengthens hair, repairs heat styling damage, and helps prevent breakage and split ends. Regular use of this conditioner can make your hair soft and silky. It can also be used to revive color-treated curls.
Pros - Alcohol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
- Nourishes hair
- Repair damaged hair
- Detangles hair
- Strengthens hair
- Adds shine
Cons
- Too much product can weigh down curls
Youtube Video Link
https://youtu.be/CAvVy6yvpm0
Best Alcohol-Free:Vitamins Keratin Leave-In Conditioner For Thick & Coarse Hair Care
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 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 nourishing formula tames frizz and adds bounce to the natural hair, giving it a silky-soft texture with beautifully defined curls.
Key Ingredients: Keratin protein, Wheat germ oil, Vitamin E, and Moroccan Argan oil
Pros
- Softens the hair
- Minimizes frizz
- Lightweight
- Controls volume
- Adds shine
- Rebonds the hair shafts
- Paraben-free
- Chemical-free
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Value for money
Cons
- Thick formula
Fun Fact
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, and prevents breakage while imparting smoothness and shine in the process. This leave-in conditioner adds more definition to your curls without weighing them down. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, and Active fruit protein
Pros
- Softens the hair
- Moisturizing formula
- Defines curls
- Detangles hair
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Refreshing fragrance
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains alcohol
- May weigh down curls
Best Color-Safe Formula:Renpure Coconut & Vitamin E Hydrate + Replenish Leave-In Conditioner
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 for color-treated tresses. The conditioner makes dry hair smooth and soft, giving it a nourished and healthy shine. 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
Pros - Organic formula
- Vegan
- Anti-frizz benefits
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
Cons
None
RememberBest Cruelty-Free:Royal Locks Curl Rescue Leave-In Therapy
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 restores hair damage and heals slips ends. It features a quick hair-softening formula that provides gentle hydration and nourishment to unruly hair, making them smooth as ever. 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
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Thickens curls
- Imparts shine
- Affordable
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Eliminates frizz
Cons
- Weighs down hair
Best Petroleum-Free:Novex My Curls Super Curly Leave-In Conditioner
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. 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. You can use 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,
Pros - Moisturizing formula
- Can be used to refresh curls
- Tames frizz
- Adds shine
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petroleum-free
- Salt-free
- Cruelty-free
- Value for money
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Thick texture
Best Sulfate-Free:ORS Curls Unleashed Shea Butter & Mango Leave-In Conditioner
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 conditioner is infused with a blend of shea butter, mango, 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
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Softens the hair
- Pleasant fragrance
- Adds shine
- Deep conditions the hair
- Detangles knots
- Tames frizz
Cons
None
Best Silicone-Free:Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Milk
The Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Milk provides ultimate hydration for shiny and bouncy curls. It 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. Aloe vera formula adds shine to the tresses. You can top this leave-in with a gel for better results.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Aloe vera, Papaya butter, and Plumeria extract
Pros - Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan friendly
- Silicone-free
- Value for money
- Softens the hair
- Moisturizing formula
Cons
None
Best Non-Sticky:Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner
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 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.
Key Ingredients: Evening primrose oil, Silk amino acids, Jojoba seed oil, Wheat amino acids, Safflower seed oil
Pros - Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Safe for chemically-treated hair
- Moisturizing formula
- Softens the hair
- Pleasant fragrance
- Detangles the hair
- Defines curls
Cons
None
Best Long-Lasting:Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner
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
Pros
- Softens the hair
- Detangles curls
- Makes hair healthier
- Gentle
- Enhances texture
- Defines curls
- Controls frizz
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing formula
- Mild fragrance
Cons
- Contains silicone
Best Refreshing Formula:Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler
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. Additionally, it doubles as a regular rinse conditioner for wavy hair.
Key Ingredients: Mango extract, Slippery elm, Marshmallow root, Lemongrass, and Citric Acid
Pros - Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Softens the hair
- Moisturizing formula
- Refreshing fragrance
- Adds bounce
- Detangles the hair
- Defines curls
- Non-greasy
Cons
None
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.
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 in the curly hair 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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