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Leave-in hair conditioner – a valuable beauty find or a useless tool that takes up space in a cosmetic bag? Let’s figure it out together.
What is a leave-in hair conditioner?
What is a leave-in balm (conditioner) for hair, in general terms, it is already clear from the name: it is a hair care product that does not require rinsing. Instantly refreshes and detangles hair without weighing down strands. It also strengthens, protects against damage and even repels harmful UV radiation. As a rule, such a product has a liquid (less often creamy) texture, most often it is available in a spray format.
The leave-in conditioner makes curls of curly hair more defined.
Let’s analyze the main functions of a leave-in conditioner.
Moisturizes
The functionality of almost any conditioner includes, to one degree or another, moisturizing the hair, protecting it from dryness.
Detangles strands
Our best hair conditioner for frizzy and frizzy hair, leave-in conditioner contains ingredients that smooth and soften hair.
Protects
Aggressive environmental factors: very dry or humid air, pollution, icy wind – dry out the hair, provoke the appearance of split ends, dull color. The leave-in conditioner envelops each strand, acting as a kind of protective barrier. Hair stylists advise applying the composition before visiting the pool (under a cap) and while relaxing on the beach: some of these products can neutralize the harmful effects of chlorine and sea salt.
Facilitates styling
Under the influence of a leave-in conditioner, the strands are smoothed and become more supple. The process of hot styling with a hairdryer or styler is simplified.
Adds shine to colored hair
A leave-in conditioner revitalizes and smoothes damaged, color-treated hair; Helps maintain brilliance, brightness and saturation of the hue. Look for special products marked for colored hair (“for colored hair”).
Fights frizziness
A good moisturizing leave-in conditioner is able to retain moisture in the hair shaft for a long time, leveling the problem of frizz. Also, the tool, as a rule, neutralizes the effects of static electricity.
What’s Included?
Leave-in conditioners usually contain silicones (like dimethicone) and glycerin, ingredients that will take care of your hair without weighing it down. Products in this category may also contain natural oils, herbal extracts, and vitamins.
Can leave-in conditioner cause hair loss?
The opposite is true: leave-in conditioners contain ingredients that nourish the hair and can improve its quality.
Under the influence of a leave-in conditioner, the strands are smoothed and become more supple.
What is the difference between a leave-in conditioner and a rinse-out conditioner?
The products have similar properties – they untangle the strands well, moisturize and nourish the hair, improve their appearance, but have a number of significant differences. Using a leave-in conditioner does not require additional effort, because it does not need to be washed off with water. In addition, it usually has a lighter texture. The main goal is additional care if the hair needs special attention.
Who needs a leave-in conditioner?
In short, everyone. A leave-in conditioner is indicated for any type of hair, however, in some cases, its effect will be especially pronounced.
Dry hair Perhaps the owners of dry hair need a leave-in conditioner the most. It provides the necessary level of moisture, preventing damage and brittleness.
Curly hair Curly hair is often very dry and fluffy. The leave-in conditioner helps fight the problem by moisturizing and smoothing them.
Damaged hair Regular use of a hair dryer, frequent dyeing, dry climate – all this provokes damage to the hair shaft. A leave-in conditioner usually provides thermal protection (check the instructions and remember to apply it before styling) and moisturizes the hair well along the entire length.
Coarse or curly hair Curly hair, due to its porous structure, is naturally prone to dryness and, by default, needs additional moisture. The problem is purely technical: it takes longer for the scalp’s natural oils to reach the ends of the hair along a tortuous path. Applying a leave-in conditioner will help your curls look neater, smoother, and more manageable.
Bleached or dyed hair Look for a leave-in conditioner for color-treated hair that will prolong the color’s durability and add shine.
Greasy hair For oily hair, a leave-in conditioner is also useful: additional moisture is never superfluous. Choose spray conditioners with the lightest texture and do not apply the product to the roots.
Not sure if you need air conditioning? Take a quick test – and find out what condition your hair is in right now.
Types of leave-in hair conditioners
There are many universal leave-in conditioners on the beauty market that suit absolutely everyone. However, some of them are designed for certain types of hair or to solve specific problems. Read the label carefully before buying.
A leave-in conditioner for color-treated hair will prolong the color’s durability and add shine.
For smoothness
Look for a creamy leave-in conditioner that is high in natural oils.
For colored hair
If you color your hair often, look for a leave-in conditioner that’s specifically formulated to keep the color in. As a rule, such products do not contain sulfates.
For sun protection
A leave-in conditioner with UV filters protects against harmful UV rays. In the hot season, always keep it at hand.
For volume
This type of leave-in conditioner thickens the hair, its effect is especially noticeable on fine hair.
For thermal protection
Please note: thermal protection and UV protection are two different things. If you are using hot styling tools such as flat irons or curling irons, look for a heat resistant product.
Leave-in hair conditioners
L’Oréal Paris has three products in the leave-in conditioner category. We at the editors consider them the best in their category. Each has its own advantages.
Express conditioner for damaged hair Elseve “Double Elixir. Full recovery 5″
A leave-in hair conditioner spray is indispensable if you are fond of hot styling. The product levels the surface of the hair and restores damaged texture, adds shine, facilitates combing and neutralizes the effect of static electricity.
Elseve Express Conditioner “Double Elixir. Luxury 6 oils” for hair in need of nourishment
An excellent leave-in conditioner for dry and dull hair. The two-phase leave-in express conditioner contains six types of oils at once and a special serum for phenomenal shine. Moisturizes, nourishes, smoothes and protects.
Express conditioner Elseve “Color Expert” for colored hair
A leave-in conditioner specially designed for color-treated and highlighted hair. Contains ingredients that target color retention and provide a mirror finish. Nourishing elixir with linseed oil creates a laminating effect on the hair, and also makes them more manageable.
How to use leave-in hair conditioner?
A leave-in conditioner is applied to clean hair after shampooing. Follow the step by step instructions:
Use shampoo and rinse-off conditioner or balm, rinse hair thoroughly.
Gently pat your hair dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner. If you have very fine hair, you can use leave-in conditioner on the ends only.
Comb your hair with a brush or wide-toothed comb.
Dry your hair naturally or style it.
The above scheme is considered basic, but it is not necessary to follow it strictly. Most leave-in conditioners can be used on dry hair, right before styling, or throughout the day as desired. As for the frequency of use, consider the condition of the hair.
Summary results
Why do you need a leave-in hair conditioner?
The tool saturates the hair with moisture, detangles the strands, facilitates styling. Some express conditioners also protect against exposure to high temperatures or ultraviolet radiation.
What is the top rated leave-in hair conditioner?
There are different ratings of the best leave-in hair conditioner sprays. However, the main factor in the choice is personal characteristics and preferences. Look for products that are best suited for your hair type and condition.
How to use a leave-in conditioner?
Apply conditioner after washing to slightly damp hair. Or use on dry hair any time of the day as needed.