15 Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners For Curly Hair

Bring your curls back to life with these intensely moisturizing and hydrating formulations.

Reviewed by Alexandro VasquezAlexandro Vasquez, Hairdresser
By Shiboli ChakrabortiShiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

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.

Top Picks
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Best Lightweight Formula:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Leave-In Conditioner
Price on Amazon
Best Ultra-Hydrating Formula:SoCozy Kids Curl Leave-In Conditioner+Therapy
Price on Amazon
Best Paraben-Free:MopTop Leave-In Conditioner Bamboo Essence Healthy Haircare
Price on Amazon
Best pH Balanced:OBIA Naturals Curl Moisture Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Repairing Formula: Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Alcohol-Free:Vitamins Keratin Leave-In Conditioner For Thick & Coarse Hair Care
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan:Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Leave-In Treatment Air Dry Butter Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Color-Safe Formula:Renpure Coconut & Vitamin E Hydrate + Replenish Leave-In Conditioner
Price on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free:Royal Locks Curl Rescue Leave-In Therapy
Price on Amazon
Best Petroleum-Free:Novex My Curls Super Curly Leave-In Conditioner
Price on Amazon

15 Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners For Curly Hair

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

4.3

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

Price at the time of publication: $6.0

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

protip_icon 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 It’s Worth Buying: More than 18,051 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $7.99

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

4.1

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

Why It’s Worth Buying: Almost 6,516 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $17.99

Best pH Balanced:OBIA Naturals Curl Moisture Cream

4
OBIA Naturals Curl Moisture Cream Image: Obia Naturals

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
Price at the time of publication: $11.07

Youtube Video Link
https://youtu.be/5c6AcDxqYTU

Best Repairing Formula:Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream

4.5

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
Price at the time of publication: $6.48

Youtube Video Link
https://youtu.be/CAvVy6yvpm0


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

protip_icon 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.

Price at the time of publication: $19.98


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

Price at the time of publication: $14.16

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

4.4
Renpure Coconut & Vitamin E Hydrate + Replenish Leave-In Conditioner Image: Renpure

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

protip_icon 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.

Price at the time of publication: $8.49

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

Price at the time of publication: $26

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

Price at the time of publication: $25.99

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

Price at the time of publication: $6.59

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

4.4

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

Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 5,297 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $8.99

Best Non-Sticky:Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner

4.5

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

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 4,272 rave reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $19.99


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

Price at the time of publication: $10

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

4.4

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

Why It’s Worth Buying: With over 2,845 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
Price at the time of publication: $12.99

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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