While we love their in-shower counterparts, the best leave-in conditioners do what rinse-out formulas can’t. No matter how moisturizing your shampoo and conditioner claim to be, leave-ins go one step further, sinking deeply into hair follicles to boost moisture levels, elasticity, shine, and provide heat and UV protection. In other words, leave-in conditioners bridge the gap between moisture replenishment and heat-styling damage, so your strands look as healthy as possible. Whether you have wavy, coily, pin-straight, thick, or thin hair, we’ve compiled a list of the best leave-in conditioners so you can find your match.
Our Top Leave-in Conditioners
- Best Overall: Davines OI All In One Milk, $45
- Best Detangling: Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner, $28
- Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Leave In Conditioner, $32
- Best for Curly Hair: Rizos Curls Heat Protection Multivitamin Leave-In, $20
- Best for Bleached Hair: Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner, $29
- Best for Dry Hair: Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner, $48
- Best for Shine: Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-in Conditioner, $30
- Best for Frizz: Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion, $38
- Best for Split Ends: Lush Super Milk Conditioning Hair Primer, $23
- Best for Thinning Hair: Sachajuan Leave-In Conditioner, $40
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Davines OI All In One Milk
Davines
OI All In One Milk
Allure commerce editor Lily Wohlner applying the Davines OI All In One Milk
Lily Wohlner
Why it’s worth it: Davines’ OI All-in-One Milk is basically the Goldilocks of leave-in conditioners. The scent alone—a fresh, clean mix of thyme, pine, musk, and amber that lingers subtly throughout the day—is reason enough to use it, but beyond smelling amazing, it does serious hair-repairing work. The formula is infused with roucou oil, which is packed with carotenoids—the same pigments that give fruits and veggies their bright colors—to help neutralize free radicals that can damage hair. It’s also rich in vitamin A and selenium, offering protection from heat (up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit) and environmental stressors while boosting shine and softness. OI Milk leaves hair silky and hydrated without weighing it down, making it a win for all hair types, even fine strands.
Wohlner before applying the Davines OI All In One Milk
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after applying the Davines OI All In One Milk and air-drying her hair
Lily Wohlner
“I’m such a fan of this product because it makes my naturally curly, frizzy hair so much silkier, shinier, and easier to detangle. Since it offers heat protection, I always reach for it before blow-drying. It has prime real estate on my vanity because of how often I use it—and I’d spritz it just for the scent alone. Davines, if you’re listening, please make a perfume version of this. You’d have a fan for life.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: roucou oil, glycerin, sunflower seed oil
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Detangling: Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner
Milk_Shake
Leave-In Conditioner
Why it’s worth it: Milk_Shake’s Leave-In Conditioner takes the cake (uh, shake?) for our favorite drugstore leave-in. This lightweight, color-protecting formula is bolstered by vitamin E, milk protein, and fruit extracts (hi, strawberry, blueberry, and papaya) for noticeable shine and softness. Plus, the generous size of this bottle (11.8 fl oz.) will last you months. Seriously, though, we’re a couple of sprays away from petitioning for a standalone fragrance. For now, if you’re after something a little less gourmand, spring for the floral-forward Flower bottle.
Allure contributor Annie Blackman before applying the Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner
Annie Blackman
Blackman after applying the Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner
Annie Blackman
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman
“I’ve been using the Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner for almost a year and can’t brush my hair without it. Like, can’t. “It’s a conditioner, yes, but I use it almost exclusively to detangle my damp hair. I can cover my whole head and lightly mist my roots with about eight spritzes. This stuff doesn’t make my hair oily, which is a huge plus, as I’m an over-washer (I know, I know).”—Annie Blackman, contributing commerce writer
- Key ingredients: vitamin E, honey, milk protein, strawberry extract, blueberry extract, and papaya extract
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Leave In Conditioner
Why it’s worth it: Ouai’s Leave In Conditioner blends tamarind seed, vitamin E, panthenol, and hydrolyzed proteins to fight frizz, protect against heat, strengthen bonds, and detangle in one go. Fine hair, don’t fret: It’s super lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your whole head. Use it as a hot-tool primer, a post-shower refresh, or even as a hydration boost on dry curls (Former Allure digital editor Jihan Forbes likes mixing it with a bit of water to smooth and quench her coils). And naturally, it’s scented with Ouai’s signature North Bondi fragrance, which features white musk, bergamot, apple blossom, patchouli, and violet, for an extra sensory boost.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Ouai Leave In Conditioner
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Ouai Leave In Conditioner
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“Did the coconut scent (the brand’s St. Barts) cause a debate around Allure HQ? Maybe. But this leave-in did a bang-up job of controlling my frizz amid a humid week, and made my hair feel so much softer despite my daily washing. (Also: I liked the beachy scent!) I also love that it contains heat protection, so I can spritz it in before diffusing my hair and know that I’m covered.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: tamarind seed, vitamin E, panthenol, hydrolyzed proteins
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Curly Hair: Rizos Curls Heat Protection Multivitamin Leave-In
Rizos Curls
Heat Protection Multivitamin Leave-In
Why it’s worth it: If your curls constantly feel like they’re running on empty, this cream delivers the tall drink of water they’ve been craving. Rizos Curls Heat Protection Multivitamin Leave-In hydrates hair while also keeping frizz in control. The payoff? Softer, shinier, and stronger strands that actually hold their shape, thanks to 13-plus vitamins and amino acids that strengthen hair from within and mango butter to give curls a boost of softness and bounce. And, if you want to use a diffuser, this leave-in offers heat protection, too. Add in a refreshing citrus and amber aroma, and this styler turns hydration into both a treatment and a sensorial experience.
Hoffmann applying Rizos Curls Heat Protection Multivitamin Leave-In
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying Rizos Curls Heat Protection Multivitamin Leave-In
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“This leave-in makes my hair SO SOFT. No matter what parched state my hair is in before I shower—low-porosity folks know how fried second-day hair can get—a quick shower or spray-bottle refresh and a dime-size dollop of this product always work like a charm to restore shine and shape to my curls. I trust Rizos Curls across the board for curl and wave products because the nourishment and shaping is always top notch.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
“As someone with thick hair who loves a silky-smooth blowout, it’s hard to find a product that truly does it all. But the Rizos Curls Heat Protection Multivitamin Leave-In has become my go-to for keeping my strands strong and healthy—without the damage that often comes from excessive heat styling. It’s also incredibly versatile for days when I want to wear my curls natural, helping to dramatically reduce frizz (which I am highly prone to). And the best part? The scent is light, fresh, and tropical!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
- Key ingredients: vitamins, amino acids, mango butter, rose water
- Who it’s for: those with curly hair
- Fragrance-Free: no
Best for Bleached Hair: Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner
Ceremonia
Guava Leave-In Conditioner
Why it’s worth it: Hair-bleaching can be severely harsh and drying, so when your strands are feeling brittle after a trip to the colorist, slather on a dollop of Ceremonia’s Guava Leave-In Conditioner. This Allure Best of Beauty Award winner packs a moisturizing punch without weighing strands down or leaving a greasy finish—no matter how thin or fragile your hair may be. So, what’s at work? Antioxidant-rich guava extract protects your ‘do against free radical damage while avocado oil and blue agave extract replenish much-needed moisture.
Allure content director Kara McGrath before applying the Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner
Kara McGrath
McGrath after applying the Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner
Kara McGrath
“Leave-ins are tricky for my fine, bleached hair: I need moisture to help deal with the chemical damage, but not too much that it weighs my strands down. Ceremonia hits that balance perfectly; the Guava leave-in makes my hair so soft and shiny.”—Kara McGrath, content director
- Key ingredients: guava extract, blue agave extract, avocado oil
- Who it’s for: dry hair, bleached hair, color-treated hair, and damaged hair
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dry Hair: Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner
Crown Affair
The Leave-In Conditioner
Why it’s worth it: Even the thickest strands can feel weighed down by heavy products—but Crown Affair’s Leave-In Conditioner Cream keeps hair airy and touchably soft. It employs tsubaki seed oil to reduce frizzy flyaways, hydrate, and soften, making brushing and styling easier. Meadowfoam seed oil also steps in to protect hair against high heat, whether from a hot tool or especially dry weather. This rich leave-in combines the best of a hydrating hair mask with added versatility—think heat protection, effortless application, and a weightless, non-greasy finish. Work one to two pumps through fine hair and three to four pumps for thicker strands.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“My ends hate moisture—it’s okay, we’re working through it—so Crown Affair’s leave-in is a welcome addition to my routine. It’s thin enough that I can use it as a gentle detangler while combing through my post-shower hair, and it adds deeply necessary hydration and shine to my parched ends. I’m very sparing with hair products because my hair gets weighed down easily, but this formula is so featherlight that it’s hard to overdo it. More is more.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
- Key ingredients: tsubaki seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Shine: Fable & Mane Maha Mane Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
Fable & Mane
MahaMane Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
Why it’s worth it: The knot-knocking magic behind Fable & Mane’s MahaMane Detangling Leave-In Conditioner comes down to an all-timer of a formula. Aloe vera, amla oil (derived from Indian gooseberry and a staple in Ayurvedic tradition), and red hibiscus extract work together to deeply condition, protect against heat, and boost shine. This formula is effective on all hair types—apply generously to damp strands, from root to tip for thicker textures or mid-lengths down for medium to fine hair. And the scent? Totally divine. Think nutmeg and Indian saffron blended with rose damascena, Indian jasmine sambac, and smoky, sultry incense. Pair it with the brand’s pre-shampoo treatment, HoliRoots Hair Oil, for even more nourishment.
Han before applying the Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“After generous spritzes of Fable & Mane’s aloe-infused ManaMane leave-in all the way from my mid-lengths to frayed ends, my hair feels actually moisturized (I recently learned that I have low-porosity hair that doesn’t absorb moisture very easily) and easier to work with. After I blow-dry, I notice my hair is noticeably less frizzy (my biggest gripe!), feels softer, and is all-around healthier-looking. The scent is subtle but quite soothing, too.”—Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: aloe vera, amla oil, Indian gooseberry, red hibiscus extract
- Who it’s for: all hair types, fine to medium hair
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Frizz: Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion
Cécred
Moisture Sealing Lotion
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why we love it: Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion may feel thick at first, but don’t be fooled—once it’s worked through hair, it melts in and leaves behind a hydrating, smooth finish that feels surprisingly lightweight. Created by Tina Knowles (yes, Beyoncé’s mom), this multitasking formula sits somewhere between a styler and a leave-in. Think reduced frizz, a boost of moisture, and softly defined waves that last from morning to night. Apply to damp hair and let it air-dry or style as usual—but since it’s not a heat protectant, be sure to layer something on before blow-drying or straightening.
Calaor before applying the Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after applying the Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion
Jesa Marie Calaor
“Two or three quarter-size dollops of this emollient lotion help smooth my frizz and define my waves. I dispense it onto my hands, massage it into my poofy waves (dry or wet), and loosely tie my hair into a loose, low bun. Whenever I release it, it looks way smoother—staying that way for the rest of the day. It smells amazing, too. I get comments like, ‘What fragrance are you wearing?’ on the woody, clean scent whenever I wear my hair down.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
- Key ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, olive oil
- Who it’s for: thick, frizzy, and curly hair
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Split Ends: Lush Super Milk Conditioning Hair Primer
Lush
Super Milk Conditioning Hair Primer
Allure associate beauty director Sarah Han applying Lush Super Milk Conditioning Hair Primer
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: Lush Super Milk Conditioning Hair Primer has more milk options than your favorite coffee shop—oat, almond, and coconut, to be exact—all working together to drench dry, frazzled strands in moisture. It also has a hint of lemon juice to boost shine and extra virgin olive oil for a nourishing boost. Spritz it on damp hair to detangle and fight frizz, before blow-drying for heat protection, or on dry ends to smooth and seal. Bonus: If you’re a chai latte lover, you’ll be obsessed with its warm, cozy scent.
“Out of all of the products I tested for the 2025 Best of Beauty Awards, this deliciously scented leave-in is the one I’ve restocked the most. It’s creamy but lightweight, and makes my bright blonde strands feel more like silk than straw.” —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director
- Key ingredients: oat, almond, coconut milk, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Thinning Hair: Sachajuan Leave-In Conditioner
Sachajuan
Leave In Conditioner
Why it’s worth it: The Sachajuan Leave-In Conditioner feels like a watery (in a good way) version of its in-shower counterpart. Despite being free of oils and formulated for finer hair, it packs a hair-smoothing punch. Thanks to weightless polymers, ethylhexylglycerin (a derivative of the hydrating glycerin we know and love), and the brand’s proprietary Ocean Silk Technology (derived from hydrolyzed red algae extract), this leave-in adds significant body, gloss, and scalp-loving benefits. Oh, and if an uplifting scent is non-negotiable, this spritz has a light, herbaceous fragrance you’re bound to love.
- Key ingredients: polymers, ethylhexylglycerin, Ocean Silk Technology (hydrolyzed red algae extract)
- Who it’s for: fine hair, thinning hair
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What do leave-in conditioners do?
Leave-in conditioners are miracle workers for those of us perpetually in a rush—we may not have 15 minutes to wait for a hair mask to work its magic, but we still want to give our hair a little extra love. “Think of a leave-in conditioner as a balm that kind of does it all,” says Dimitris Giannetos, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist who works with celebrities like Camila Cabello and Jasmine Tookes, and considers moisturizing leave-ins a styling must. “They can tame flyaways and add shine—even if the hair is a bit dry or damaged,” Giannetos adds.
What ingredients should I look for in leave-in conditioners?
Look out for humectants like hyaluronic acid, says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut.”[Hyaluronic acid] revives dry strands and restores softness in just one minute,” she explains. “Just like your skin, your hair loses moisture daily—from heat-styling, environmental stressors, and even washing. Without proper hydration, it becomes dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.”
“Look for products with lightweight, moisturizing ingredients like hydrolyzed silk, vitamins B and E, and biotin,” New York City-based hairstylist Vanessa Ocando previously told Allure. “They help strengthen the hair, lock in moisture, and support elasticity, all without the heaviness.”
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
