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15 Of The Very Best Leave-In Conditioners For High-Gloss Hair
If your lengths are more parched than perfect, these are the leave-in conditioners you need to try.
If the thought of tearing through tangled ends or watching your freshly styled hair fall flat and frizzy after one gust of wind sounds familiar, it might be time to invest in a leave-in conditioner.
Available in a wide range of tiered textures, from effortless spritzes to intensely moisturising creams, finding the perfect leave-in treatment for your dry, knotted ends has never been easier and could be the key to keeping your strands glossy, tamed and strong, post-wash.
Leave-In Conditioner: The ELLE Top Five
- 1
- 2
Best Leave-In Conditioner for split ends
Hair by Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Balm
Read review - 3
Best leave-in conditioner for specific hair needs
Dyson Chitosan™ Pre-Style Cream (Curly to Coily - Rich Conditioning)
Read review - 4
- 5
Best Leave-In Conditioner for thinning hair
Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Fortifying Leave-in Treatment
Read review
Why should I use a leave-in conditioner?
There are countless reasons to add a leave-in conditioner to your haircare routine, says hair stylist at Hershesons Belgravia, Catherine Ho, but the biggest? 'Hair will be nourished and hydrated, making it more manageable, preventing tangles and giving curls definition' – all of which will make styling so much simpler.
Just as a good moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated beneath make-up, a leave-in conditioner does the same for your hair, explains celebrity stylist, Halley Brisker. ‘Using a leave-in treatment means that you'll have protection and nourishment for your hair underneath your chosen style,’ says Brisker. ‘Something like Olaplex's No. 6 will be building bonds and helping with manageability all while you go about your daily business, as opposed to only when you're in the shower or the bath.’
Creative director at Hari's Hairdressers, Craig Taylor, also hails a good leave-in conditioner for boosting your hair's hydration, providing moisture, supporting elasticity and making your strands malleable and easier to style. 'Fine hair can have a better reaction in terms of styling compared to conventional conditioner, as it is lighter and weighs the hair down less, which means the hair should maintain its body and volume where required.'
How to choose the best leave-in conditioner
It comes down to your hair's individual needs. Just like selecting the best shampoo, all leave-in conditioners have different ingredients and it's important to consider these when choosing the correct formula for your hair type and concerns. Of course, the majority will aim to hydrate hair, strengthen strands and some will even offer heat protection.
'Look out for natural ingredients such as camilla oil, argan oil and coconut oil, as they contain nutrients that can be easily absorbed into the hair' says Ho. 'Avoid leave-in conditioners that contain alcohol, as they can do the opposite of what they're intended for, and dry the hair out.'
How to use leave-in conditioner
A excellent leave-in conditioner will help ease your styling routine by detangling, adding nourishment to the strands and prepping them for styling. While they come in many different iterations, from mists to creams and serums, the application principles tend to remain the same. Most are applied after you've finished your hair wash routine and before you grab the hairdryer. 'Always towel-dry the hair before applying any leave-in products to encourage the hair to absorb the formula, as excess water on the strands can dilute the product' says Ho. Apply your leave-in conditioner through the mid-lengths to ends of the hair, before continuing with your styling routine as normal.
How much product you use depends on the formula and the brand's instructions, so do have a good nosy at the directions on the label. But generally, a light misting is enough to prep the hair for styling and give it the glossy slip you need.
How we test leave-in conditioners
ELLE UK's beauty team have tried and reviewed hundreds of leave-in conditioners to bring you an edit of the very, very best. With a range of hair types and tones, we've sorted the best for restoring colour-treated strands, from the ultimate smoothing elixirs for frizz-prone lengths, to bring you an edit of our most-loved leave-ins. If a product has made it onto this list, you can be sure it's a firm favourite across the beauty desk.
Shop the best leave-in conditioners
JVN Complete Leave-In Conditioning Mist
We're all for a big, bouncy blow dry, but eventually, all that brushing and blasting can leave your hair dull and distressed. Jonathan Van Ness' spray-on glossing treatment is the perfect leave-in moisturiser for tackling that; simply mist into towel-dried lengths for a gentle detangle or use on dry ends as needed, for a taming boost and refresh between washes.
Key Specifications
| Hair type | Suitable for all hair types and textures, including colour-treated hair. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Moisture-boosting tremella mushroom and hydrating hyaluronic acid nourish strands, while hemi-squalane improves hair health and gives strands slip. |
Hair by Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Balm
Somewhere between a styling cream and a leave-in conditioning treatment, this lightweight balm is an essential in our hair styling routine. One pump between your fingers will tame, untangle and defluff both frizz and flyaways, all with the power of vitamin B5 and shea butter. The smoothing, conditioning formula also helps minimise split ends - glossy trims, here we come.
Key Specifications
| Hair type | Suitable for all hair types. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Conditioning pro-vitamin B5 and shea butter work together with mushroom-derived chitosan microcapsules to add softness and shine. |
Dyson Chitosan™ Pre-Style Cream (Curly to Coily - Rich Conditioning)
Dyson's first foray into hair styling products has arrived. The Chitosan range consists of four pre-style conditioning creams along with a post-style serum. The conditioning creams come in a range of formulations, specifically designed for rich or light conditioning and curly-to-coily or straight-to-wavy hair.
The Rich Condition version for curly-to-coily hair softens, smooths, adds definition while deeply nourishing every single strand.
'Dyson's Chitosan contains oyster mushrooms that really helps to add moisture and lock in that shape to the hair' says Hair Stylist and Dyson Brand Ambassador, Larry King. 'It defines hair, gives ultimate shine, flexibility and movement to the curls and coils.'
Key Specifications
| Hair type | There are multiple versions of the Chitosan Pre-Style Cream to suit all hair types and conditioning preferences. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Formulas vary depending on which version of the Pre-Style Cream you opt for, but the Rich Condition version for curly-to-coily hair contains a nourishing blend of argan and castor seed oil. |
From the honey-infused formulas to the addictive gourmand fragrance, Gisou's Insta-famous line was quick to earn a spot in our weekly haircare regimes. Boasting chic packaging, a softening formula and a delightfully floral aroma, this leave-in treatment will have your hair feeling perfected in no time at all. The fine, even mist makes it ideal for fine hair – just be sure to spray from arm's length to ensure an even application.
Key Specifications
| Hair type | Suitable for all hair types, however the weightless formula works wonder on fine locks. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Honey provides vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants to hair, helping strengthen and repair damage, while baobab extract, argan oil and panthenol, soften and condition strands. |
Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Fortifying Leave-in Treatment
Designed to strengthen damaged hair and prevent breakage, this clever leave-in conditioning cream shields strands from temperatures of up to 230°C, while protecting compromised cuticles. Detangled tresses, smoother ends and thicker locks? All from 98% naturally derived ingredients? Add to cart, immediately.
Key Specifications
| Hair type | Ideal for thinning hair types and strands prone to breakage. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | The 98% naturally-derived formula is free from silicones, parabens, mineral oils & synthetic fragrances. |
Luke Hersheson's signature product is dubbed an 'everything cream', but we adore it for it's leave-in conditioning benefits, from smoothing to nourishing and shine-boosting to curl-defining - as the name would suggest, it's a serious multi-tasker.
Oh, and did we mention it also doubles up as a hair mask? Yep, load up strands overnight for a deep conditioning treatment.
Key Specifications
| Hair type | Works well on all hair types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Panthenol (vitamin B5) helps to boost hair’s elasticity, which makes it less prone to breakage and damage when styling. Hydrolized wheat protein, gives major hydration, volume and shine. |
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner
With up to 230˚C heat protection, a line-up of moisture-boosting ingredients and Sol de Janiero's beloved fruity-gourmand Cheirosa ’62 scent, this sunny leave-in spray really does do it all. The perfect pre-styling treatment for lacklustre lengths, this lightweight spritz not only gives the appearance of glossier, healthier ends; it also makes sure you'll leave a head-turning perfume trail wherever you go.
Key Specifications
| Hair Type | Suitable for all hair types, particularly fine, frizz-prone locks. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Selenium-rich Brazil nut oil strengthens and protects hair, while babaçu oil moisturises strands, without weighing them down. |
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hydrating & Detangling Leave-In Conditioner
If your hair is just lacking that little extra glisten, Coco & Eve's nourishing complex of coconut, avocado oil and rice proteins is sure to give it some love. Between its thoroughly hydrating feel and tangle-taming texture, we'd struggle to find a hair type that couldn't reap the benefits of this shine-enhancing creme.
Key Specifications
| Hair Type | Suitable for all hair types. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Made with coconut, avocado oil and rice proteins to moisturise, strengthen, smooth and add shine to dull, dry hair. |
Pattern Leave-In Conditioner
When it comes to coils and curls, hydration will forever be their best friend. Looking for soft definition, light hold and a blend of deeply nourishing ingredients (we're talking coconut, sweet almond, tea tree and avocado oils)? All wrapped up with a light floral neroli, rose and patchouli scent? Yep, this is the leave-in conditioner for you.
Key Specifications
| Hair Type | Specifically tailored to nourish kinky, curly, coily and textured tresses. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Made with a natural blend of oils, including coconut, sweet almond, tea tree, avocado - and honey all of which work together to deliver moisture to the strands. |
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
Finding Olaplex's iconic No.6 on this list should come as no surprise. The OG of health-boosting haircare, this reparative styling creme is the perfect leave-in conditioner for those battling dry, damaged and generally disastrous feeling hair (we've all been there). It works a treat on damaged strands, helping to rebuild broken bonds for stronger, healthier hair.
Key Specifications
| Hair Type | Suitable for all hair types, particularly colour-treated hair. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Formulated with the brand's proprietary, patented Bond Building Technology, this works a treat at repairing and preventing hair damage. |
Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
If your hair's day-in-the-life usually consists of a battle with the hairbrush, stubborn rogue flyaways and inevitable split ends, this is the leave-in conditioner for you. Powered by Living Proof's epic hair technology, this perfecting mist protects your tresses from environmental damage and heat-frazzled tips, all while making your locks look incredibly sleek.
Key Specifications
| Hair Type | Ideal for all hair types, including chemically and colour-treated hair. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Amino acids smooth and soften the hair, beetroot extract provides heat protection up to 232°C, while Marine algae extract offers UV protection. |
Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
Dyeing, bleaching and generous heat styling can all make a recipe for dry and damaged strands, so it's important to keep your hair protected as you go. This perfecting and pH-balancing leave-in conditioner is ideal for hair types prone to breakage, giving it shine, smoothness and, most importantly, a coat against heats of up to 230 degrees.
Key Specifications
| Hair type | Suitable for all, particularly colour-treated or heat-damaged hair. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Citric acid and a conditioning complex offer intense nourishment and smoothness to weak hair. |
Briogeo Superfoods Avocado and Kiwi Mega Moisture 3-In-1 Leave-In Spray
Another curl-favourite formula, this superfood leave-in treatment is way more than just a hair moisturiser (although, it's a pretty exceptional moisturiser, we must say). Protecting from UV rays, environmental damage and tension from brushing are just a few of the benefits this 3-in-1 spritz brings to the table. Pair that with a cocktail of shine-boosting plant extracts and green smoothie-inspired phytonutrients, and you have yourself a truly conditioning multitasker in one easy-to-use bottle.
Key Specifications
| Hair type | Works well for all hair types, particularly dry, curly lengths. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Chia seeds, spinach and cocoa seed butter give intense hydration while soothing any stubborn tangles. |
Augustinus Bader The Leave-In Treatment
You might already be familiar with Augustinus Bader's cult skincare line, but did you know about its venture into haircare? Packed with its renowned TFC8 Complex, this luxurious leave-in treatment undoes the damage that heated tools leave behind and preps your hair for a glossy and sophisticated styling session.
Key Specifications
| Hair type | Suitable for all hair types, particularly dull, dry or listless hair. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Formulated with the brand's famous TFC8® complex, it also includes oat kernel oil, rambutan extract and shikakai extract to strengthen the hair and reduce the appearance of damage. |
Moroccanoil All In One Leave-In Conditioner
This effortless multi-tasking mist is a must-have for fine hair, offering antioxidant protection, lightweight hydration and a mirror-like shine, all delivered via a weightless milky mist. All the benefits of Moroccanoil's signature line, neatly packaged with a barely there glossy finish.
Key Specifications
| Hair Type | Suitable for all, particularly fine hair thanks to the lightweight formula. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Argan oil offers deep nourishment to dry hair, while amino acids increase strength and prevent excess styling damage. |
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
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