10 Best Smelling Leave-In Conditioners – According To A Hairstylist (2024)
Bask in their fragrance and protect your hair from damage caused due to pollution.
Lucie LetzHairstylist
France Lucie is a professional and passionate hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist. She graduated from the Dessange Hair Academy and mastered balayage hair color and French hair cutting techniques. She learned about sophisticated chigno... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 yearsAditi 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 ... more
arshiya syedaBA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Experience: 7 yearsArshiya 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 articl... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you have a thing for best smelling leave-in conditioners, we have a list you will love to choose from. Several people use leave-in conditioners, and while they protect your hair thoroughly against pollution and damage, it also leaves a sweet fragrance that is worth trying. Who knew hair could smell so good! All you need to do is use a leave-in conditioner on your hair after shampooing and let your hair look glossy and smell heavenly. It sounds like a win-win situation, doesn’t it? Lucie Letz, a hairstylist with 20 years of experience, remarks, “Unlike traditional conditioners where you need to wash them out, the leave-in formulas help your hair by staying in all day and adding amazing effects. They give extra moisture to the hair, protecting it from damage while detangling your hair strands.” Go through our list of 10 best smelling conditioners curated after considering their effective formulations and positive reviews online and find the one you like the most.
In This Article
10 Best Smelling Leave-In Conditioners For Women
1. Best Non-Sticky Formula: Marc Anthony Grow Long Leave-In Conditioner
Marc Anthony’s Grow Long Leave-In Conditioner has a strengthening and hydrating formula to moisturize dry and rough strands. Its velvety-creamy texture works extensively on brittle hair to transform it into soft, smooth, and shiny locks. The blend of caffeine, vitamin E, and ginseng in the conditioner nourishes every strand and fights split ends and breakage to make your hair strong, supple, and healthy-looking. This leave-in conditioner for dry, damaged, and curly hair replenishes the hair and promotes growth. Check out this YouTuber’s review featuring the reviewer’s experience of this product.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Ginseng, and Vitamin E
Pros
- Easy to use
- Sulfate-free
- Defines curls
- Non-sticky
- Does not weigh the hair down
Cons
- Not suitable for fine hair
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 4,410 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Lightweight: Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
The Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner from Carol’s Daughter has a weightless formula that adds strength and moisture to your hair. It contains a fortifying blend of natural moisturizers, soy protein, and provitamin B5 to restore natural moisture to the strands. This scented hair treatment helps transform dull, dry, and unmanageable hair and makes the hair softer and smoother. It is designed for natural curls and waves with nourishing ingredients like sweet almond oil, shea butter, and aloe to revive your strands and bring them back to life. You can also check this video out to know about a brief review of the product and a tester’s experience of using it
Key Ingredients: Provitamin B5, Aloe leaf, Shea butter, Lavender, Honeysuckle, Sage, Calendula, and Wheat germ
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- Artificial colorant-free
Cons
- Leaves the hair crunchy and brittle
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 930 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Gentle: Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner
Pamper your hair with theRenpureCoconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner. It is crafted with coconut water’s natural oils that instantly penetrate the hair fibers to condition and moisturize the hair cuticles. The coconut oil in the formula delivers vital nutrients to moisturize damaged hair, leaving it silky and frizz-free. Other ingredients like argan oil, tea tree oil, and shea butter intensely hydrate and nourish every strand. If you need more convincing and like to go through unbiased reviews, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video on the merits and demerits of the product.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil and coconut water
Pros
- Gentle
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- May make the hair stiff
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 17,366 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
| Marc Anthony Grow Long Leave-In Conditioner Best Non-Sticky Formula | Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Best Lightweight | Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner Best Gentle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly | All | - |
| Dimensions | 6.25 x 4.75 x 9 inches | 1.97 x 1.97 x 7.49 inches | 2.75 x 2.75 x 7.63 inches |
| Weight | 8.82 Ounces | 8.01 Ounces | 1 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,410 | 930 | 17,366 |
| Price | $7.64 | $11.98 | $21.99 |
4. Best Long-Lasting:Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner
The Milk_Shake leave-in conditioner is perfect for managing dry and damaged hair. It provides moisture balance, boosts hair volume, enhances hair elasticity, and protects the strands from damage and color fading. It features extracts of papaya, strawberry, and sunflower combined with nourishing ingredients like milk protein, honey, special silicone, and conditioning agents to improve hair health, revitalize the strands, and add shine. It also contains vitamin E and integrity 41 to offer hair color protection and enhance its quality. This aromatic leave-in conditioner maintains the hair structure to offer manageability with intense conditioning effects. Its pleasant scent leaves your hair smelling divine. Lucie Letz, a hairstylist, states, “I love this lightweight leave-in conditioner ideally for blonde or fine hair. The aroma of strawberry and papaya is magic, that will leave you with a nice fragrance on your hair all day.”
Key Ingredients: Milk protein, Papaya extract, Sunflower extract, Strawberry extract, and Honey
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Does not detangle the hair
5. Best Moisturizing:Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Control frizz and dryness with the Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner. The breakthrough formula contains a blend of fennel seed oil and coconut oil to style, detangle, and repair your hair. The lightweight formula nourishes and provides protection from heat damage to the hair. It is suitable for all hair types, including straight, curly, or wavy. This leave-in conditioner deeply penetrates the follicles to protect, nourish, and moisturize the hair and leave it soft and shiny. Lucie Letz, a hairstylist, remarks, “This is my favorite product for texturized hair, giving it intense moisture and shine. The smell of coconut oil is amazing. ”
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil and Fennel seed oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- For all hair textures and types
- Protects hair color
Cons
- Leaves a sticky buildup
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With 883 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
6. Best Strengthening:Marc Anthony Coconut & Shea Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner
The Marc Anthony Coconut & Shea Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner detangles, strengthens, and moisturizes dry and brittle hair. You can include this conditioner in your hair care routine as its nourishing ingredients include shea butter and virgin coconut oil that fights daily hair problems. This detangling conditioner restores moisture, prevents damage, and reduces breakage and split ends. It imparts bounce and shine and makes your hair tangle-free, sleek, and healthy-looking.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil and Shea butter
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight
- Suitable for finer hair type
- Sulfate-free
- Free from animal testing
Cons
- Sticky
7. Best Color-Safe:SexyHair Healthy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner
The SexyHair Healthy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner moisturizes and smoothens hair while restoring shine. It can be used as a perfect base for hair styling or as a cutting aid. It has a beautiful floral, clean scent and is animal test-free. The formula offers restorative care and provides up to 90% better detangling results to reduce damage and promote easy styling. It contains moonstones and mimosa flower extract that deeply hydrate your hair and leave it soft and shiny. Lucie Letz, a hairstylist with 20 years of experience, opines, “I love this formula for thick hair. It is great for moisturizing and smoothing the hair. The perfume of this leave-in conditioner is floral and delicate. The mimosa and moonstone flowers fill your hair with a subtle essence.”
Key Ingredients: Mimosa Flower Extract and Moonstones
Pros
- Color-safe
- Brushes out well
- Non-greasy
- Easy to use
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Weighs fine hair down
8. Best Vegan:Artnaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner
Experience ultimate hair care with the Artnaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner and restore damaged hair while promoting hair growth. It contains argan oil that repairs dry, brittle, and damaged hair caused due to the excessive use of styling products and sun exposure. The leave-in conditioner contains hydrating minerals and oils to refresh and soften your hair. It eliminates excess dirt and oil without leaving any residue or grease. It also contains nourishing ingredients, such as aloe, white willow bark, rosemary, burdock root, and thyme to activate cell renewal and support a healthy scalp and prevent frizz.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil
Pros
- Leaves no residue
- Non-sticky
- Easy to apply
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Overpowering scent
9. Best Nourishing:Pure Brazilian Leave-in Conditioner
Pure Brazilian’s Leave-In Conditioner has a luxurious moisturizing formula that leaves your hair soft, smooth, and shiny. It contains Bulgarian rosewater, crushed Pink Sea pearls, cocoa seed butter, keratin, Bombyx silk, and quartz that add shine, hydration, smoothness, and softness to your locks. This conditioner offers restorative care, nourishes and protects your hair from damage, breakage, and frizz. It reduces blow-drying and heat styling time and exudes a lovely fragrance.
Key Ingredients: Keratin, Bulgarian rose water, Bombyx silk, Quartz, and Crushed Pink Sea pearls
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Color-safe
- Easy to apply
- For daily use
- Sodium chloride-free
Cons
- Leaves a sticky residue
10. Best pH-Balanced:Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
This leave-in conditioner from Redken has a repairing formula that reinforces weakened bonds. It helps provide heat protection to dry and damaged hair up to 450 degrees, adds shine, tames frizz, and prevents hair breakage. The treatment is a concentrated bonding care complex with citric acid that offers restorative care and protects against the effects of heat styling tools and coloring. The light and creamy formula coats every strand for intense conditioning and preventing your hair color from fading.
Key Ingredients: Citric acid
Pros
- Lightweight
- pH-balancing
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Makes the hair brittle
If you are looking to make your after-shower experience more than amazing and come out with your hair looking like you visited a celebrity hairstylist, a leave-in conditioner with an invigorating scent can be just the thing. It will help you achieve salon or professional-grade results at home. It’s the last thing that goes on your hair so once you start using one, it will keep your hair defined, healthy, and smelling wonderful all day long and you in a happy mood as well (your personal aromatherapy!). But, before you choose the best smelling leave-in conditioner for your hair, check out some important factors to keep in mind.
How To Choose The Best Smelling Leave-In Conditioners
- Hair Type
Be aware of your hair type while choosing your leave-in conditioner. Different products suit specific hair types, for example, for fine hair choose lightweight conditioners to ensure it is not weighed down. Whereas for thick and coarse hair look for a formula that is thicker and delivers intense moisturization.
- Ingredients To Look For
Your leave-in conditioner is going to be with you for a couple of days at least, so make sure it is packed with nourishing and strengthening ingredients. Moisturizing oils like coconut, jojoba, almond, and argan oils softens the hair while hydrolyzed protein helps prevent hair breakage. The antioxidant-rich ingredients like guava, sunflower extract, or vitamins A, C, and E provide UV protection.
- Formulation
Pick a leave-in conditioner that will not weigh down your hair. Look for non-greasy and non-sticky products to style your hair comfortably. Your hair should look sleek and healthy, while being frizz and tangle-free.
- Fragrance
Since it is a leave-in, using it every day will weigh down your hair. Therefore, choose one with a lasting and lingering fragrance. Lavender and coconut oils double up to nourish your tresses while imparting gentle fragrances.
- Ingredients To Avoid
Avoid formulas that contain parabens, silicones, petrolatum, sulfates, fillers and formaldehyde. Look for safe and gentle ingredients that will preserve the quality of your hair. If you have a sensitive scalp it is all the more necessary to choose products with natural ingredients and no artificial or synthetic fragrances.
Infographic: Tips And Techniques For Applying Leave-In Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners are a great way to achieve luscious, well-nourished hair. They are game-changers when it comes to hair care, promising a convenient way to moisturize and revitalize your locks and providing salon-worthy results at home. Check out some tips and techniques for applying leave-in conditioners in the infographic below!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Your hair goes through a lot- be it frequent heat styling, color treatments, or experimenting with different hair products. To restore your hair, all you need is a leave-in conditioner. A leave-in conditioner will not only moisturize your hair but also detangle, provide heat protection, add shine to your strands, and smooth frizz. The leave-in conditioners listed above have lightweight, non-sticky formulae free of synthetic chemicals that do not weigh your hair down. The Marc Anthony Grow Long Leave-In Conditioner is ideal for strengthening hair that is prone to split ends and breakage, while the Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner is suitable for reviving dull and dry hair. However, if you want something for color-protection, you can trust the Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner. These products will offer you a salon-like finish and add a heavenly fragrance to your tresses.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast and loves helping people with the right hair product selection for their tresses through her well-researched reviews. She believes leave-in conditioners are a must-have for every woman and has compiled the above list of products that leave your stress smell just heavenly. She has also scrolled through hundreds of reviews posted on trusted online forums to shortlist only the top-rated products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good smell for the hair?
Fragrances of coconut and lavender oil are good for the hair. They also help nourish your tresses.
Does leave-in conditioner make the hair smell?
Yes. Leave-in conditioners leave your hair smelling fresh. They rejuvenate your senses and lift your mood.
Can I use a smelling leave-in conditioner every day?
No. Skip using a smelling leave-in-conditioner daily to prevent product buildup. Frequent usage can also turn your tresses brittle and dry.
Can I use a dry shampoo and a smelling leave-in conditioner?
No. Dry shampoo soaks excess oils from your scalp and is ideal for people with oily scalp. On the other hand, a leave-in conditioner nourishes the scalp and moisturizes the hair, which is more suitable for dry, frizzy hair. Therefore, skip using both products together.
How do I get the conditioner smell out of my hair?
• Untie your hair and let the air pass into your strands.
• Wash the hair thoroughly with a shampoo.
• Mix two cups of water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or vinegar.
• Pour the solution onto the hair. Let the solution sit for a while.
• Rinse the hair with clean water.
How do I keep my hair smelling good all day?
• Wash your hair with a clean shampoo with natural scents.
• Use hair perfumes.
• Wrap your hair with a scarf when out in the crowd to protect your hair from strong scents.
• Wash your pillowcase and hair accessories regularly.
• Keep your brushes clean.
• Use a dry shampoo to soak the excess scalp oil that might release a foul odor.
What is the difference between a leave-in conditioner and regular conditioner?
A leave-in conditioner is meant to be left on your hair after application, whereas a regular conditioner has to be washed off. Also, a leave-in conditioner is lighter than a regular conditioner.
