While many of us have no problem applying moisture to our natural hair, retaining moisture is a different story. This is where leave-in conditioners come in. Since curly, coily, and kinky hair textures are prone to dryness, your strands can use as much moisture as possible. You may have heard of the L.C.O. and L.O.C. methods. This is where you apply a leave-in first, then a cream or oil in the order of your choosing. Either way is going to help retain moisture for longer. The best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair in this list are formulated to condition and soften the hair for easier manageability as well as provide an additional layer of moisture with your styles.
What we looked for in the best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair:
Leave-in conditioners can serve different functions. Whether you use leave-ins to fight frizz, trap moisture, or to help with detangling, there are a few common qualities the best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair should have. A leave-in conditioner should provide enough coverage to fully coat the hair strand and reach all of your hair. This will aid in smoothing the hair strands, helping to limit frizz and seal moisture.
For those with thicker hair textures, the thicker your leave-in should be for better results. For those with thinner hair textures, you do not want a leave-in that is too heavy as it can weigh down your hair. Leave-in conditioners with lots of slip will be good for detangling. Some healthful and moisturizing ingredients to look for include shea butter, honey, natural oil blends, etc.
Here are 10 of the best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair of all hair types:
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1) KINKY-CURLY KNOT TODAY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Containing a blend of moisturizing and softening ingredients, the Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner melts tangles while still providing a layer of moisture. The creamy consistency additionally helps to smooth and lay the hair cuticle, limiting frizz. Use this leave-in as a style prep to help keep frizz at bay in humid weather.
2) EDEN BODYWORKS COCONUT SHEA LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Featuring coconut oil and shea butter, this product is another beneficial choice of the best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair. Coconut oil and shea butter consist of fatty acids that are able to penetrate the hair shaft to provide and retain moisture. The moisturizing blend also helps to smooth the hair strands, reducing frizz. To add to this, there is a good amount of slip with the Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In. You can easily glide your comb through to detangle as this conditioner forms a nice coverage.
3) AUNT JACKIE’S QUENCH, MOISTURE INTENSIVE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
As it states in its title, this leave-in conditioner from Aunt Jackie’s is formulated to bring much needed hydration to dry strands. There is shea butter to help with providing moisture, and olive oil to help seal and add shine. The bottle size is quite generous, providing an ample amount of long-lasting hydration. It is also fit for all hair types, from wavy to kinky-coily. You’ll also like the fact that this leave-in is lightweight and won’t cause too much build-up or weigh your hair down.
4) CAMILLE ROSE HONEY HYDRATE LEAVE-IN
Honey has been found to provide many health benefits, including benefits for the hair. The Camille Rose Honey Hydrate Leave-In presents honey as its main moisturizing component. It has a sticky consistency, but your hair strands will love it. There is also a blend of castor oil and aloe leaf juice in this choice of the best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair. Not only will your strands feel hydrated, but they will look hydrated as well. Use this product for luscious twist-outs and braid-outs as well.
5) NAIROBI SOFT-FINISH LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
If you’re looking for a soothing leave-in conditioner with lots of slip, this one makes a good choice. The Nairobi Soft-Finish Leave-In Conditioner brings slip, shine, and softness to dry strands. It is an economical choice of the best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair that you will get plenty of use out of. Additionally, it is lightweight enough to not cause visible or heavy build-up and can be used as another layer of moisture with your styling products.
6) SHEA MOISTURE JBCO LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
For naturals with thick, dense hair, the Shea Moisture JBCO Leave-In Conditioner will provide you with much benefit. Featuring heavier sealants like Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter, this product will aid in retaining moisture for longer. The apple cider vinegar component provides a natural cleansing addition and other conditioning properties. The peppermint oil additive helps to stimulate the hair follicle and in turn help to promote growth.
7) CURLS BLUEBERRY BLISS REPARATIVE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
As mentioned in our foods that promote healthy hair growth article, blueberries make that list. The Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In contains organic blueberry extracts. Within these blueberry extracts are a certain type of plant chemical called Proanthocyanidins, which help to stimulate blood flow at the hair follicle. In addition to the promotion of hair growth, this choice of the best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair contains other nourishing ingredients.
Coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft to provide moisture (with the aid of water). The hydrolyzed quinoa ingredient in this leave-in is derived from a high-protein source, which can help to increase the strength of the hair strands. All of these ingredients work to gradually alleviate problem areas of your hair, helping your strands to longer retain moisture.
8) TALIAH WAAJID SHEA COCO DAILY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Use this leave-in conditioner spray from Taliah Waajid to give a boost of moisture to your hair. Upon application, it helps to soften the strands, improving manageability. Those wearing protective styles and who wear their hair in locs will find much use with this product. The shea butter and coconut oil blend will help to reach the hair shaft and retain moisture.
9) AS I AM LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
With a blend of varying natural extracts, the As I Am Leave-In Conditioner definitely conditions and moisturizes the hair. It has a lightweight application that makes it suitable to be used with other styling products as a moisture sealant. The consistency of the product helps to smooth the hair cuticle, creating softer, shinier hair strands.
10) THE ROOTS NATURELLE BRAID SHEEN BRAID SPRAY AND LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
This leave-in conditioner is kind of different. It is especially useful for those who may have their hair in a current protective style. As we all know, protective styles like box braids or faux locs can cause drier hair underneath and an itchy, dry scalp. The Roots Naturelle Braid Sheen Spray seeks to provide your strands with an essential source of moisturizing ingredients while underneath your protective styles. The blend of shea butter, natural oils, extracts, and vitamins, work to give shine and moisture to your strands.
Trying to look for other ways to keep your natural hair moisturized? With the best leave-in conditioners for dry natural hair in mind, here is how you can further keep your natural hair moisturized for days:
