There are countless leave-in conditioners on the market for women with dry and/or extremely curly hair. Leave-in conditioners are extremely important for black hair because they add moisture and conditioning to dry, brittle hair. Leave-in conditioners also act as a barrier between your hair and heating appliances such as flat irons and blow-dryers.
When choosing a leave-in conditioner it is important to avoid petroleum and mineral oil because they are not effective at being absorbed by hair and do more to clog your pores than to actually moisturize hair. Furthermore, it’s best to stick with leave-in conditioners that don’t weigh your hair down and allow your hair to still move freely.
Below are the top five leave-in conditioners for black hair that is relaxed and/or natural:
Olive Oil Incredibly Rich Moisturizing Hair Lotion
- What they say: “Organic Root Stimulator® Moisturizing Hair Lotion ™ restores the hairs natural moisture balance. With consistent use, the hair should begin to show improved elasticity, hydration and shine.”
- Why it works: The fatty acids in olive oil do wonders for moisturizing and protecting hair. This moisturizer is not expensive and you can find it at your local beauty supply store. It leaves your hair with a beautiful sheen and your hair feels softer and looks shinier.
Phytodéfrisant botanical hair relaxing balm
- What they say: "The PHYTO Solution: Moisturize and coat the hair to restore shine and softness, and strengthen hair to adapt to external stress factors."
- Why it works: Phytodéfrisant employs botantical ingredients to detangle, moisturize and protect hair. It has won the Allure Readers' Choice Award in the past because it seems to be an excellent product for all hair types. It's a bit on the pricey side but it's well worth it.
- What they say: A solution for beautiful shine that adds softness and a stunning guava, mango and passion fruit scent to all hair types.
- Why it works: The Carol’s Daughter haircare line features great all-natural products. The shine that this product produces is like no other. This product can also be used as a hot oil treatment which is a major plus. It also includes a nice little touch with real lavender, rose, marigold and larkspur flowers in the bottle.
Pink Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion
- What they say: “ ...with rich natural conditioners, Panthenol B5, vitamins and sunscreen – helps guard against the damaging effects of hot combs, curling irons and sun exposure.”
- Why it works: Most all African-American woman have tried Pink Oil Moisturizer at one point in their lives. It is an old standby and continues to prove its effectiveness as a moisturizer and heat protectant. This product is good for relaxed or natural hair and does wonders for both. It's inexpensive and you can find it at any drugstore or beauty supple retailer.
Rose H2O Conditioning Hairdress
- What they say: "An enriched hairdress containing natural oils and botanical extracts formulated to replenish moisture and add a soft, silky sheen to dry, dull hair and scalp."
- Why it works: This product is very light and won't leave a nasty build-up in your hair. It can be used to relieve itchy and tight scalps while also helping protect hair from split ends and styling damage. It leaves hair feeling and looking shiny and healthy. This product is a bit expensive, but it's well worth the splurge.
