If you’ve got natural hair, you’re no stranger to the benefits of moisture. From deep conditioners to hydrating serums, your strands drink up moisture like nobody’s business. But what’s the deal with leave-in conditioner? Is it a conditioner or a treatment? Should it be used on wet or dry hair? Is it really necessary? Here, we’ll break down all the answers and tell you about our favorite leave-in conditioner for natural hair.
What Is Leave-in Conditioner?
As the name implies, leave-in conditioner is conditioner that doesn’t have to be washed out after you use it. You just spray it on or finger-comb it in and go about your day, just more moisturized. And unlike regular conditioner, it lives on your bathroom counter instead of in your shower.
Most leave-in conditioners are intended to be used on wet hair as a treatment before styling. But our tip is that if you’re restyling day 2 or 3 hair, you can spray a little more on your dry strands and gently work them through with your fingers to extend the life of your style.
Why Does Natural Hair Love Leave-in Conditioner?
Because of the shape of curls and coils, natural hair is more prone to dryness than straighter strands. The natural oils and sebum that collect on the scalp take longer to wind their way through curly hair, which means that the middle and ends of natural hair tend to be dry if we don’t help them out with product. That’s where leave-in conditioner comes in: it can help moisturize those thirsty strands, leaving them less likely to break.
Gold Series Leave On Detangling Milk
Our favorite leave-in conditioner is, naturally, one we make ourselves. Specially crafted for relaxed, natural or transitioning hair, Gold Series Leave On Detangling Milk is a moisturizing crème that preps and strengthens* hair for styling by detangling and softening curls. It also smoothes the cuticle for easier combing and helps tame frizz for more defined curls or sleeker strands. Plus, it’s sulfate- and dye-free! What’s not to love?
*Strength against damage
Looking for more tips on how to care for your relaxed, natural, or transitioning hair? Head over to our blog!
