15 Best Drugstore Leave In Conditioners For Curly Hair

15 Best Drugstore Leave-In Conditioners For Curly Hair

1. Best Lightweight Formula:Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Leave-In Conditioner

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Leave-in Conditioner is a rich yet lightweight formula designed to suit fine, thick, thin, or coarse hair. It locks in moisture, thereby hydrating your curls and detangling knots while repairing split ends and preventing breakage in the process. The formula is infused with a moisturizing blend of shea butter, avocado oil, and vitamin E that tames frizz and nourishes the hair follicles. Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, Shea butter, and Vitamin E Pros

Ultra-hydrating formula Detangles the hair Softens the hair Adds volume Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free

Cons

Contains fragrance Expensive

2. Best Ultra-Hydrating Formula:SoCozy Kids Curl Leave-In Conditioner+Therapy

SoCozy is a kid-friendly multipurpose leave-in conditioner that restores natural hair balance, reduces hair breakage, and boosts hair elasticity. It is enriched with hydrolyzed keratin that adds a protective layer around the hair shaft, increasing hair strength and minimizing hair damage. The watermelon seed oil adds a natural shine to the tresses, while plum seed oil seals the hair cuticles and increases elasticity, leaving you with shinier hair. This leave-in conditioner can be used as a hair-refresher to revive the curls. Key Ingredients: Keratin, Plum seed oil, Watermelon seed oil, and Olive oil Pros

Detangles the hair Ultra-hydrating formula Adds volume Multipurpose Softens the hair Paraben-free Sulfate-free Formaldehyde-free Dye-free Propylene glycol-free Gluten-free Wheat-free Nut-free Synthetic color-free Pleasant fragrance

Cons

Makes the hair greasy

3. Best Paraben-Free:MopTop Leave-In Conditioner Bamboo Essence Healthy Haircare

This MopTop Leave-In Conditioner is your ultimate solution for detangling pesky knots and fighting frizz. It is one of the best leave-in conditioners for fine, curly hair. The formula is infused with aloe vera, honey, and vitamin B5 to hydrate and nourish your strands, while keratin adds volume to the tresses. This conditioner is designed for all hair types and features a refreshing bamboo scent that lasts throughout the day. It helps restore the natural moisture balance to enhance your curls. Key Ingredients: Keratin, Aloe vera, Honey, and Vitamin B5 Pros

Tames frizz Lightweight Safe for color-treated hair Paraben-free Phthalate-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Dye-free

Cons

Overpowering scent

4. Best Frizz Control:Jane Carter Solution Curls To Go Untangle Me Weightless Leave-In

For people struggling with dry, brittle, frizzy, and unmanageable hair, the Jane Carter Solution Curls To Go Untangle Me Weightless Leave-In is a definite must-have. This lightweight, multipurpose leave-in conditioner is designed for curly and coily hair. You can use this leave-in as rinse-out conditioner or a detangler for wavy hair. The formula is infused with mango butter, slippery elm, and marshmallow root that provide sufficient moisture to the curls without weighing them down. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product. Key Ingredients: Mango butter, Slippery elm, and Marshmallow root Pros

Lightweight Pleasant fragrance Softens the curls Adds bounce Controls frizz Detangles the hair

Cons

Sticky formula

5. Best Eczema-Friendly:Cara B Naturally Leave-In Conditioner/Daily Moisturizer

The Cara B Naturally Leave-In Conditioner/Daily Moisturizer is an all-natural gentle, non-greasy, and weightless formula made especially for children, newborns, and infants. It is enriched with jojoba oil and shea butter that hydrate, detangle, and soften the hair without leaving an oily residue. The formula is suitable for sensitive skin and is free from artificial colors and fragrances. Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil and Shea butter Pros

Clinically-tested Eczema-friendly Tames frizz Detangles curls Softens the hair Tearless formula Vegan Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Petroleum-free Mineral oil-free Cruelty-free Alcohol-free Value for money NPA-certified No artificial color No artificial fragrance Allergen-free

Cons

Thick texture

6. Best Alcohol-Free:Vitamins Keratin Leave-In Conditioner For Thick & Coarse Hair Care

The Vitamins Keratin Leave-In Conditioner for Thick & Coarse Hair Care provides salon-like hair finish at the comfort of your home. This leave-in is designed for natural, relaxed, and thick hair. It is infused with an advanced herbal complex consisting of keratin protein, wheat germ oil, vitamin E, and Moroccan argan oil to give you a natural gloss effect, leaving your hair looking healthier than ever. The nourishing formula tames frizz and adds bounce to the natural hair, giving it a silky-soft texture with beautifully defined curls. Key Ingredients: Keratin protein, Wheat germ oil, Vitamin E, and Moroccan Argan oil Pros

Softens the hair Minimizes frizz Lightweight Controls volume Adds shine Rebonds the hair shafts Paraben-free Chemical-free Sulfate-free Alcohol-free Cruelty-free Value for money

Cons

Thick formula

7. Best Vegan:Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Leave-In Treatment Air Dry Butter Cream

The Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Air Dry Butter Cream controls frizz and nourishes curly hair. It is infused with an active fruit protein formula consisting of citrus protein and vitamins B3 and B6. The formula strengthens and adds texture to curly tresses. Additionally, the ultra-hydrating coconut oil restores moisture, provides all-day frizz control, and prevents breakage while imparting smoothness and shine in the process. This leave-in conditioner adds more definition to your curls without weighing them down. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product. Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, and Active fruit protein Pros

Softens the hair Moisturizing formula Defines curls Detangles hair Paraben-free Vegan Sulfate-free Refreshing fragrance Affordable

Cons

Contains alcohol May weigh down curls

8. Best Soy-Free:Curlfriends Replenish Leave-In Conditioner

Curlfriends Replenish Leave-In Conditioner is a soft, lightweight formula that strengthens and nourishes delicate curls. This rich, hydrating leave-in has a creamy texture that makes your hair silky without weighing it down. The formula comprises organic ingredients such as sage, rosemary, and birch extracts. They impart softness and add shine to your locks. Additionally, it blocks humidity, defines damaged curls, tames frizz, and moisturizes dry tresses. Here’s a review video to help you get a better understanding of the product. Key Ingredients: Sage, Rosemary, Citric Acid, and Birch extract Pros

Smoothens curls Lightweight formula Controls frizz Moisturizing ingredients Gluten-free Silicone-free Alcohol-free Soy-free No artificial color

Cons

Expensive Thick texture

9. Best Cruelty-Free:Royal Locks Curl Rescue Leave-In Therapy

The Royal Locks Curl Rescue Leave-In Therapy is a daily deep conditioning treatment created for all types and textures. This drugstore leave-in conditioner for curly hair restores hair damage and heals slips ends. It features a quick hair-softening formula that provides gentle hydration and nourishment to unruly hair, making them smooth as ever. It contains a blend of plant-based proteins and wheat amino acid that help seal the cuticle to prevent split ends and tame frizz. Key Ingredients: Wheat amino acid and Vegetable protein Pros

Hydrating formula Thickens curls Imparts shine Affordable Paraben-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free Eliminates frizz

Cons

Weighs down hair

10. Best Petroleum-Free:Novex My Curls Super Curly Leave-In Conditioner

This leave-in conditioner from Novex enhances and defines your curls with its gentle formula. You can use this leave-in to style your curly hair or detangle the knots. It is infused with a blend of seven ultra-moisturizing organic oils – olive oil, argan oil, ojon oil, monoi oil, coconut oil, moringa oil, and shea butter – to hydrate and nourish your tresses while reducing frizz. Ojon oil is rich in amino acids and natural antioxidants that enhance hair manageability, while the monoi oil repairs and protects your locks. Argan oil, coconut oil, and moringa oil hydrate the hair and reduces frizz. Cranberry extracts help style your hair, leaving it looking glossy. Coat your slightly damp hair with this leave-in conditioner before styling to get well-defined curls. You can use this product to refresh your curls on the second or third wash day. Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Argan oil, Ojon oil, Monoi oil, Coconut oil, Shea butter, Cranberry, and Moringa oil, Pros

Moisturizing formula Can be used to refresh curls Tames frizz Adds shine Paraben-free Silicone-free Sulfate-free Petroleum-free Salt-free Cruelty-free Value for money Pleasant fragrance

Cons

Thick texture

11. Best Sulfate-Free:ORS Curls Unleashed Shea Butter & Mango Leave-In Conditioner

ORS Curls Unleashed Shea Butter &Mango Leave-In Conditioner adds hydration to curly and kinky hair, making it more manageable and easier to style. This conditioner is infused with a blend of shea butter, mango, and other hydrating ingredients that wrap your strands in a protective layer to seal in moisture. This leave-in conditioner is rich in hydrolyzed keratin that rebonds the hair shafts and prevents split ends. Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Olive fruit oil, Hydrolyzed keratin, and Mango Pros

Paraben-free Cruelty-free Sulfate-free Lightweight Value for money Softens the hair Pleasant fragrance Adds shine Deep conditions the hair Detangles knots Tames frizz

Cons None

12. Best Silicone-Free:Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Milk

The Maui Moisture Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl Milk provides ultimate hydration for shiny and bouncy curls. It is enriched with rich coconut oil, papaya butter, and plumeria extract that work together to tame frizz, detangle knots, and define your curls. It helps make your hair more manageable and controls excess volume. Aloe vera formula adds shine to the tresses. You can top this leave-in with a gel for better results. Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Aloe vera, Papaya butter, and Plumeria extract Pros

Paraben-free Silicone-free Sulfate-free Vegan friendly Silicone-free Value for money Softens the hair Moisturizing formula

Cons None

13. Best Non-Sticky:Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner

If you are struggling with frizz, tangles, split ends, and hair breakage, then look no further. The Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner is a non-sticky and lightweight leave-in treatment designed to suit all hair types. It is infused with organic ingredients like evening primrose oil, silk amino acids, jojoba seed oil, wheat amino acids, and safflower seed oil. While the natural proteins in the formula rejuvenate, nourish, and protect your scalp and hair, the blend of nourishing oils hydrates the hair and protects it against damage caused by heat styling or environmental aggressors. The rich, creamy formula does not weigh your hair and can be used as a refresher. Key Ingredients: Evening primrose oil, Silk amino acids, Jojoba seed oil, Wheat amino acids, Safflower seed oil Pros

Alcohol-free Cruelty-free Non-sticky Lightweight Safe for color-treated hair Safe for chemically-treated hair Moisturizing formula Softens the hair Pleasant fragrance Detangles the hair Defines curls

Cons None

14. Best Long-Lasting:Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner

The Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner is your answer to long-lasting silky-smooth hair. The formula is designed to give your dull and frizzy hair a boost of hydration. It protects your hair from styling products and heat damage. The botanical extracts of arnica and prickly pear provide moisture, while vitamin B5 and green tea lend protection to your hair and boost overall hair health. This formula works by nourishing and hydrating every single hair strand, leaving you with tangle-free, lustrous, and silky hair. Key Ingredients: Arnica, Prickly Pear, Green tea, and Vitamin B5 Pros

Softens the hair Detangles curls Makes hair healthier Gentle Enhances texture Defines curls Controls frizz Lightweight Moisturizing formula Mild fragrance

Cons

Contains silicone

15. Best Refreshing Formula:Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler

The Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In/Detangler is a rich formula created for thick hair to smoothen curls and detangle knots. The formula gives you softer and more manageable tresses. It contains organic fruit extracts and herbs that help restore hair’s natural moisture balance and smoothen out frizz to give your curls definition and bounce. Slippery elm extracts add slippage that detangles hair, while mango extracts add moisture to the curls. Additionally, it doubles as a regular rinse conditioner for wavy hair. Key Ingredients: Mango extract, Slippery elm, Marshmallow root, Lemongrass, and Citric Acid Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free Softens the hair Moisturizing formula Refreshing fragrance Adds bounce Detangles the hair Defines curls Non-greasy

Cons None Now that we have discussed the best options out there, it is time to choose the best leave-in conditioner for your curly hair and get salon-like tresses in the comfort of your home. We hope that our list helps you get tangle-free, frizz-free, and hydrated curls that stand out.

Why Trust Stylecraze

The author of this post, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast who loves finding products that improve hair quality. In this article, she lists the best leave-in conditioners to maintain curly hair. She poured over many products and their reviews on multiple forums, vetting the best from the mediocre, to bring you this carefully curated list. Each of these leave-in conditioners was selected based on their key ingredients, hair care benefits, absence of harmful elements, and more. How long should you use a leave-in conditioner for curly hair? Apply the leave-in conditioner at the ends of your curly tresses and leave it for 30 minutes. Then, style your tresses according to your needs. How often should you use leave-in conditioners for curly hair? Use a leave-in conditioner three to four times a week to achieve shiny, bouncy, and well-defined curls. Can I use olive oil as a leave-in conditioner for curly hair? Yes. Olive oil locks the moisture in the curly hair and enhances its overall shine. So, olive oil can be used as a leave-in conditioner. Should I use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream? Leave-in conditioners lock the moisture in your curls, and curl creams smoothen hair cuticles, prevent tangles, and hold the style of your curly tresses. Choose a product based on your requirement. Does the leave-in conditioner hold curls? Yes. Leave-in conditioners enhance the look and feel of your curly hair. They rejuvenate curls, improve texture, and support their shape and bounce.