Our tester says: “After shampooing and conditioning my hair and using a keratin mask, I applied two pumps of the Ace+Acre leave-in conditioner to damp hair,” says Benton. “The product is very lightweight in texture and has a pleasant light herby smell. It absorbed into my hair right away and did not feel greasy or weigh it down. I then let my hair dry and noticed that the frizz was slightly reduced and my hair did not feel like it was bogged down with product.”
6. Best Leave-In Conditioner for Wavy Hair: Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Leave-In Cream
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Original image courtesy of *Glamour *reviewer Carolyn Todd
Original image courtesy of *Glamour *reviewer Carolyn Todd
Original image courtesy of *Glamour *reviewer Carolyn Todd
- What we love: Strengthens and enhances natural waves; deeply conditions thick hair; heat-protectant
- Worth considering: Fragrance may be too strong for some
“Wavy hair loves lightweight moisture with some protein to define the waves without weighing them down,” says professional hairstylist and curl specialist Chantell Carrtherol. The plant-based proteins in Kérastase’s leave-in seal in moisture, while the anti-inflammatory niacinamide strengthens the hair follicle and helps with breakage. The formula smooths waves without breaking their shape. Celebrity hairstylist Sophie Rose Gutterman recommends the product because it’s easy to layer with other products and is very nourishing for dry, damaged hair. “It’s great for all hair types, has heat protection, and healing properties to repair any previous damage while preventing future damage,” she says.
Our tester says: “I love my wavy hair, but since it’s pretty fine, it’s hard to get enough moisture into it to plump up and define my waves—without it getting greasy,” says Glamour reviewer Carolyn Todd. “I usually stick to lightweight sprays or thin, clear liquids for that reason. Creams can be a little heavy or gluey, so I was pleased at how lightweight this one felt. I scrunch a dime-sized amount into my damp waves post-shower from the ends up to the mid-lengths, and once it’s 50% air-dried, I finish with a diffuser. My waves were significantly softer, smoother, shinier, more defined, and hydrated than usual. And they weren’t weighed by the product at all. Plus, the warm, amber-y perfume-like scent was lovely. I’m a big fan!”
7. Best Leave-In Conditioner for Low-Porosity Hair: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In
Original image courtesy of Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson
Original image courtesy of Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson
- What we love: Super hydrating and curl-defining ingredients for coily, natural hair
- Worth considering: May be too thick for fine curls
“Curly and coily hair is more prone to dryness, so a leave-in is crucial for locking in moisture, fighting frizz, and keeping curls bouncy and shiny,” says Sarah Potempa, a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of The Beachwaver Co. This thick leave-in cream from Briogeo—the brand behind our favorite hair mask and scalp scrub—give low-porosity coils the extra love they need. It features aloe vera and glycerin, humectants that draw water from the atmosphere and into the hair shaft. Keratin and avocado oil, meanwhile, boost elasticity, tame frizz, and help curls hold their shape.
Our tester says: “I really like other Briogeo products, but I wasn’t sure what to expect with its leave-in cream,” says Glamour editorial assistant and writer Monique Wilson. “As soon as I put it in my hair, I knew it would become a part of my daily routine. I used this product followed by Fenty Curl Cream, and this combo worked wonders for my hair and left my curls feeling hydrated and moisturized for the next few days.”
8. Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioner: Pantene Miracle Rescue 3-in-1 Multi-Tasking Leave-In or Rinse-Off Conditioner
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Original image courtesy of *Glamour *reviewer Tegan Plock
Original image courtesy of *Glamour *reviewer Tegan Plock
Original image courtesy of *Glamour *reviewer Tegan Plock
- What we love: Frizz-reducing; lightweight; budget-friendly
- Worth considering: Does not provide hold
Affordable, effective, and easy to work into any routine, this multitasking leave-in is a standout for curly hair in need of repair. Pantene’s multitasking leave-in uses panthenol and panthenyl ethyl ether—two forms of provitamin B5—to help smooth the hair’s surface and improve softness over time. Fatty alcohols like stearyl and cetyl alcohol condition without heaviness. “It’s especially good for those with dry or over-processed curly hair that needs intense nourishment,” says Buechner. Glamour reviewer Tegan Plock agrees that it helped tame frizz without weighing down her curls.
Our tester says: “I’d been looking for a leave-in conditioner to add to my routine, and this one did a solid job,” says Glamour reviewer Tegan Plock. “It distributes nicely into wet hair, and doesn’t feel too thick. My main hope was that it would help keep down frizz, which it definitely did without weighing down my curls, and it has a pleasant, not-at-all overwhelming scent. I would have loved just a bit of hold so I could eliminate having to use gel, but this didn’t offer much.”
9. Best Leave-In Conditioner for Hair Growth: Harklinikken Hair Hydrating Crème
Original image courtesy of *Glamour *commerce editor Malia Griggs
Original image courtesy of *Glamour *commerce editor Malia Griggs
Original image courtesy of *Glamour *commerce editor Malia Griggs
- What we love: Frizz-fighting; natural, minimal ingredients; adds shine to curls
- Worth considering: Very pricey
This fragrance-free leave-in from Harklinikken is made to support healthier hair growth with nourishing oils like organic argan, abyssinian, and sunflower seed. It also includes panthenol and hydrolyzed quinoa to improve elasticity and smoothness over time. The weightless formula absorbs easily, giving your hair the moisture it needs without build-up—excellent for dry, damaged, or fine hair. It works as a heat protectant and styling cream, leaving your hair feeling soft and healthier-looking.