Editor’s Note: I’m not endorsing this product… I just needed a picture of conditioner.
Let’s start Monday out with a roll call 🙂
So, you’ve co-washed your hair, and you’re on your way out the door. What leave-in conditioner do you apply to keep your hair moisturized and defined throughout the day?
Teel free to warn about bad leave-in conditioners that dry out the hair and/or leave it hard and brittle.
Oh, and please mention the texture of your hair.
for any ladies in the UK/Europe, I love CurlHarmony’s Leave In Conditioner! [www.curlharmony.co.uk] But, now that I’m back in the States … I need a new one … can’t afford that shipping on a college budget! 🙁
My hair 4a/b even though my “kitchen” is 3b-ish.
I liked using Anita Grant Cafe Latte as a leave in and I mositurizing with avocado butter since I love the way it makes my hair feels However, since I don’t feel like paying for international shipping, I would like to try KBB Super Silky and Mozeke Coconut Kokum.
I tried just plain water and condtioner, but my hair needs something with more umpff.
Cantu Shea Butter leave-in. Love it!
I love, love, LOVE Kinky Curly’s Knot Today. I hate, hate, hate, Mixed Chicks Leave in Conditioner.
I was using the mixed chicks leave in, but I stopped not only is it a little pricey but it leaves my 3c/4a hair dry and crunchy.I am currently looking for a better leave in.
I really like Leisure Curl spray to moisturize between conditioning
Love Giovanni Direct Leave-In, and also Kinky-Curly Knot Today when using KCCC.
Sheabutter Cottage’s Rosemary Leave-in
I really love Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla leave in but since its $20 for such a small bottle I usually just use Infusium Moisture(ologie) leave in.
3c/4a
Love Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner as a leave in.
Right now, I’m not using a traditional leave-in. I noticed that the HE Leave-ins are pretty much the same ingredients as the regular condish, so — since I already had a huge bottle of HEHH — I have been using a mix of aloe vera juice, coconut/olive oil, and HEHH.
Am I allowed to say ‘I’m not sure’ to the hair type question? Honestly, I have no idea… and I’m starting to believe it depends on the day of the week. LOL! (4‑something, I think though)
Has anyone tried Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Milk? I’m approaching 8 mths post relaxer and I’m in the market for a good leave in to help with moisture. NTM is what I have now and I like it but I want to know if there is something better and more natural.
Giovanni Direct Leave in with coconut oil
My strands are mostly medium and fine. They are also super thirsty/dry; as soon as I leave the water my hair moves quickly from soaked to damp. I leave in Jessicurl Too Shea conditioner. If I were a rich girl, in the summer I’d use Blended Beauty’s Down & Out Styles, because I love the scent and I got great results with that as well. I tried KBB Hair Milk in the late fall one year. I had a bad experience with it–it made my hair feel gunky, not moisturized once it dried. This could be because I was using it… Read more »
I used the sally’s generic paul mitchell which I loved. I just bought the HE leave in but only used it once. Its good, but the bottle is small for the price so I will go back to generic paul mitchell. If it aint broke, dont fix it! LOL
For my daughter with 4b hair, we love Alaffia Hair Lotion. For my Daughter with 3b hair, we love Darcy’s Botanicals Peach Kernel Hydrating Milk. But I can use either product with either girl if the circumstances are right. Like MP, if I could afford it we would use a lot of Blended Beauty; we’d use Curly Cake Shake and Jelly Cream from the kids line.
I use giovanni direct leave in and loves it can you actually get the huge size at Massagewarehouse.com for a good price. I’m not into hair type I have kinky hair
Although they are know fr face stuff, Neutrogena has a great leave in.
I’m with @luvshea I also use Giovanni direct leave-in and purchase it from massagewarehouse.com (the liter bottle has a pump which I love; I’m on my second bottle in the last year and still have plenty left to last for another 2–3 months). I do keep my eyes open for when it goes on sale at Walmart and/or Wholefoods, sometimes it the 8.5oz will be on sale for $5. I put it as-is on freshly washed hair. During the week if I need to touch-up I have a homemade mixture of 1/2 giovanni, a thin layer of coconut oil and… Read more »
I use Herbal Essence Hello Hydration for detangling and co-wash. After that I oil my strands with EVOO, and I run a dab of Hello Hydration as leave-in and then Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine. Right now I swear by that, plus I don’t have to go to a particular store to get it, and it’s only $5.
I have 4b/c hair. I love Jane Carter’s leave-in conditioner. It’s a lightweight water based spray that leaves my hair super soft. I use it on wash and gos, braids, and twists. Another plus is that it is really affordable.
my hair is fine 4a and i love kinky curly knot today
Hair type? i haven’t got a clue. My hair doesn’t shrink up a lot, have a few straight strands dotted about my head. the hair to the nape of my hair is a lot looser than the rest. i discovered shea moisture leave-in and fell for it immediately. I would like to try Giovani’s as i hear great tings about it.
I’m a tight 4b/c and I LOVE Giovanni Direct Weightless Moisture leave-in. I dilute it with water and it keeps my hair soft.
Cantu Shea Butter Conditioning Leave In is perfect on my summer twist and braid outs. Keeps my hair soft without being greasy or sticky or heavy. Even protected my hair when I went swimming.
Me, 4c with dreadlocks: Anything with shea butter. Current fav: 7 Wonders Miracle Oil (the name is hypish but it has a wonderful smell that’s not oppressive and it leaves my locs feeling great.) Since it has a mix of several oils and butters, it’s multi-purpose by nature and can also be used on skin.
9.y.o daughter, 4c with 7″ of growth: Carol’s Daughter Tui Jojoba and Shea Butter Hair Sheen. Despite the “sheen” label, I find this works a as a leave-in. This is likely because I also use their Tui Smoothie in her hair.
forgot to say that I’m a 4a with 10 inches of hair when stretched
Giovanni Direct! It leaves my hair soft and moisturized, has great slip and is available everywhere! I’m going to have to start buying the bulk size.
Alaffia hair lotion on 4b(c? I’m Ghanaian with a very thick curly ‘fro) hair, usually with a little coconut oil on top.
Define ?
I will say moisturized and smooth or softened. A lot of us can not so called ”define”our curls. For us, good leave-in = smoothness. Gel hardly moisturizes but we all agree it defines curls.
My best so far is the Kimmay leave-in aka aloe vera juice. I also like the 50/50 shea butter and castor oil mix ( melt in the microwave)
I have been using Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner and love it. I recently bought Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Milk. I intended it to be used as a moisturizer but I am thinking it will work best for me as leave in. Between those two I am good for a leave in condish.
Oh i forgot to add shine: Softness and shine. That is my criteria.
My absolute staple when it comes to leave-in conditioners is Kinky-Curly’s Knot Today. I have 4a hair that’s fine but very dense. It does a great job of keeping my hair moisturized and keeping my curls clumped.
4a with medium-thick strands and thick density. Takes my hair hours to dry. I have a few go to leave-ins depending on how i feel, giovanni Vitapro Fusion Leave In Treatment Conditioner, yes to cucumbers leave in, or aussie hair insurance.
I love Salerm 21, keeps my hair soft and fluffy! I also like to use the Organix coconut serum for sheen, and the smell is heavenly! I think I’m a 4a/4b, thick strands-fine, I don’t like liquid leave ins.
I love mane n tail the regular kind leaves my hair soft and strong
My crazy 4b/c hair drinks up Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner and Knot Today by Kinky Curly. Sometimes when i’m broke Mane n Tail has a leave in conditioner spray that rivals both of them for less than $2.99 at rite aid!!! along with a dab of 14 in 1 by Hawaiian Silky!
I used to swear by Miss Jessies Curly Pudding but got tired of paying big bucks so now I LOVE Mixed Chicks leave-in. It makes my hair soft, and defines the curls that last for days.
I am disappointing to say once I brought Carols Daughter Hair Milk and it did absolutely nothing to my hair. I used half the bottle, and there was no shine, no curls and by the next day, no moisture either.
I use Say Yes to Cucumbers conditioner. They have a leave-in, but it has the same ingredients as the regular and costs more. My hair type is 3C on the top and kitchen and 4A everywhere else.
4b with some 4a hair- Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave In Conditioner
My favorite thing to use as soon as I finished washing and conditioning my hair is Kinky Curly Knot Today. Hands down the best leave-in I’ve used. My hair type is typically thick and coarse.
can’t function without my KC Knot Today!
and i have coily/curly hair that falls when wet… straight up (literally) afro when dry lol
oh and i think http://www.naturallycurly.com listed it as the Best one, right?
http://www.naturallycurly.com/pages/best-of-the-best?utm_source=NCBob_Homepage&utm_medium=Headerbutton&utm_term=NCbob&utm_content=Homepage&utm_campaign=NC
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I really like Oyin Honey Hemp and Kinky Curly Knot Today.
ooo I’ve got 2 favourites actually. One is African Pride Leave-In-Conditioner and the other is the infamous Giovanni Direct Leave In.
I don’t think I’d trade them for any other leave in!
I just started using Bliss Thermal Protector by Nioxin. Although I don’t use heat, it is light, and does an effective job of detangling my hair. It is fine 4a, and I am currently transitioning.
Giovanni Direct Leave-In™ Conditioner. I just bought it and it feels great. I like to seal it with whipped shea butter. 😀
I use a few Giovanni Direct Leave-In is ok, HE Long Term Relationship, SCurl Mositurizer or if I’m in a hurry I’ll use V05 or Suave Humenctant and not rinse them all the way out.
I love the Jane Carter Solution revitalizing leave in!!! It smells so good and leaves my 4b hair soft and manageable and moisturized all day. I spray with water, the leave in, and some stasoffro, then seal w/ coconut oil and I’m good all day, even in heat here in the South.
i use giovanni direct leave in and cantu. but i think i wantto try something other than the cantu. i’m still searching.…
I have 4B but I have some 4A & 4C areas
My friends have been praising Giovanni’s Leave In. I want to try it! Right now I use, Kinky Curly Knot Today — it works great if you plan on following with the Kinky Curly Custard. I also use KBB Hair Milk, which I love!!!! I used Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner.. (it is awesome).. I need to try the leave-in.
where are all the other comments. I use Oyin Honey Hemp mixed with a dab of Oyin Burned Sugar Pomade. I own KBB Honey Oatmeal Hair Milk which does nothing for me. Neither does Giovanni Direct Leave In. Different strokes…
HE LTR Leave-in! I’m newly long-term transtitioning and I love it.
My hair-type is 4a, about 1/2 inch above bra-strap when stretched.
I really like Kinky Curly Knot today and Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner.
GIOVANNI DIRECT LEAVE-IN ALL THE WAY,HANDS DOWN
I use the R&B leave in conditioner by LUSH I’m pretty exited about it,as it hasn’t dissapointed me yet.
Lush is VERY expensive so after I use it up I’ll find out what yes to cucumber leave in conditioner will do for me. Something I did notice was that using plain oil on an everyday basis does not work for me, it left my hair oily but dry. Using oil once a week as a therapy oil mask works better.
My hair is 3C.
You could cocktail LUSH with other ingredients to make it last. I used the Kimmay tube leave in recipe with the R&B. I need to look for something new for winter though. I have 4abcxyz hair.
I’m a 4a/b. Before I started using Kimmay’s recipe, it was Giovanni Direct Leave-In.
SHEA MOISTURES
I have 4A hair and i have a rotation of giovanni direct, abba moisturising leave in, or shea moisture’s leave in conditioner.
4a/b hair. Kinky Curly Knot Today works well but it’s pricey. I’m looking into Kimmaytube’s leave-in recipe to make it last longer. Infusium 23 Moisturologie is my favorite non-all-natural product.
i use Oyin’s Juices and Berries as a detangler/leave in…smells ama zing, and keeps me hair soft and moisturized. Greg’s Juice and Frank’s Juice work just as well…but have different scents.
Jane Carter’s Leave in. Talk about soft hair.
I’m a product junkie but the leave-in that I absolutely love and will stick by is Alba Botanica Leave-in; I get it from my local Whole Foods for about $9. I also use Kinky Curly Knot Today and I have a Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Nectar that I rarely use because 1.) it was quite expensive, & 2.) only when I want to have wonderful smelling hair.
http://www.albabotanica.com/?id=61&pid=523
I love…
1‑Kinky Curly Knot Today
2‑Giovanni conditioner…then the giovanni leave in
3‑A random one I picked up called Jonathan ( had a “different” kind of smell though.
giovanni leave in
Hiya, 4A hair; I use Kiehls but am giving them up (always worked great, but bad customer service means I will no longer support their retail outlets) so I’m back to a Neutrogena triple moisture. I like the product and I like the price.
I’ve used giovanni products and love their rinse out conditioner..silky smooth hair afterwards!!
I have been using Ion Styling Solutions. It’s 100% vegan.
Kimmaytube’s Leave-in w/ Giovanni Direct Leave in instead of the Knot Today.
wow great post i have been looking for a good leave in since i have been natural, i will be sure to try some of these recommended ones. I JUST LOVE THIS WEBSITE its deff my fav
My hair gets so dry. I don’t like how many products feel on my hair and they only leave it oily and dry. The thing about natural hair is that it is so expensive to take care of. I see different styles that look interesting for everyday but they are more expensive than a perm and last only 2 weeks. That frustrates me. I thought that going natural should be easier but it can be just as challenging. I don’t have hair like my mom did otherwise, it wouldn’t be such a bother. My mother had long, thick wavy hair… Read more »
@ nene, have you ever thought of locking it, or even sisterlocking? I am not personally locked up but do admire sister and dreadlocks.
Maybe you need heavy conditioner to seal in moisture? I’m just learning as a new natural now, I have to go through some trial and error because some of the popular names floating around out there are not available where I live (expensive shipping and or prices). Aloe vera juice has become my friend. Since I added it to my leave in my hair is softer and there is less dryness at the ends.
3c mostly and 4a at the front. I use:
1 — Kinky curly Knot Today
2 — Oyin honey Hemp condish
3 — Yes to Cucumbers Leave-in condish
i have the KBB hair milk and nectar, love them both except the scent (oatmeal), they were a present from a friend.
I love Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer. It is amazing at moisturizing my hair without leaving it feeling oily (oils just don’t seem to soak into my hair) and untangling my hair. I love love love Aveda products! The Dry Remedy, Damage Remedy, and Be Curly lines are my favorite.
Another vote for the Giovanni Leave In! I tried it based on a friend’s recommendation and have fallen in love with it.
Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque! I hope they never stop selling it…
LOL agree! i’m 4a with 3c around the hair line…Deep Treatment Masque is great! My boyfriend loves how it makes my hair smell too :p
I’m currently using Kimmaytube’s (youtube… look her up, she’s a master) leave in recipe. But I am on the market for something else. My hair doesnt really respond to oils aside from coconut oil. I have very tight kinky curls, very prone to dryness and SSKs. I need a thicker cream leave in… any suggestions?
I love love this site! It’s brilliant bravo…
Does anyone know if i can get the giovannj leave in in the uk? I live in London 🙂
I have shoulder length 4b/c hair which I currently wear flat ironed.
Hi Ballerina Girl, fellow LNDer here!
Try Whole Foods! I get my Giovanni shampoos from there, never brought a leave but their stores have a range of Giovanni stuff. I think the High Street Kensington branch is the biggest in the UK, so it’d be your best bet! http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/kensington/
woops, I meant *leave in*
Giovanni Direct Leave In or Giovanni VitaPro Fusion
Doo Gro Mega Thick Anti-Thinning Growth Lotion and Creme of Nature (with Argan Oil) Oil Moisturizer 😀
I’ve tried Aveeno’s Nourish&Condition Leave-In Treatment and fell in LOVE with it!! I co-wash with their Nourish&Condition conditioner and follow up with the leave-in. It makes my curls super soft, defined, and it smells great!! 🙂 I have 3c/4a thick, curly hair
Ekopufa Sako
Oyin Honey hair dew…hands down! I get three days of softness even if I don’t seal. I also like Yes to Cucumbers and Live Clean Replenishing mask!
Original Moxie!! I absolutely love their products. The leave in is the best yet.…it’s only offered online for shipping but it’s totally worth it.
http://www.originalmoxie.com
I have 3c/4a hair, and absolutely love Kinky Curly Knot Today… It’s the best thing ever made!
Suave’s brand.
Cantu Shea Butter Leave In and Hask Placenta Super Strength
Cantu shea butter leave-in.
I use Cantu shea butter as well. It’s quite thick and a little goes a long way for me. Keeps my hair completely moisturized even in the winter time. I also you it as a styling product. I started using it a few years ago and it work great so I haven’t purchased anything else and I love that it only cost $5. I was given a partially used bottle of Giovanni Direct Leave In by someone who it didn’t work for. It worked just ok for me. Got good slip, but didn’t have the moisture I am used to… Read more »
Mostly 4b here. I don’t do too many wash and goes, but my leave in of choice is a mixture of Olive Oil, Avocado oil, Vitamin E oil, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil.….and I think there a couple that I’m missing lol. I rub this mixture through my hair and tie it up and it’s soft for days!!! When I want something a little lighter I use Kinky Curly Custard.….swear by it!
I am a type 4…I use a Bear Fruit Hair leave-in! (I love Bear Fruit Hair) mixed with jojoba oil, castor oil & Aloe Vera Juice. I don’t do to many co-washes anymore, but this is what I use whenver I have to touch up a hair style or when I do my weekly wash.
I use a combination: Henna Placenta & AG Fast Food. The results are undeniable. My hair feels great and well hydrated.
I have 4‑type hair and so far all I know is that Cantu Shea Butter and Parnevu for Extra Dry Hair are NOT working for me. :/ Need some suggestions.