These 23 plus liquid leave-in conditioners are perfect for finer hair and medium-density hair. They’re also ideal for a mid-week boost to a hairstyle.
Liquid leave-in conditioners are slightly different from creamy leave-in conditioners.
The previous article, 23 Best Creamy Leave-in Conditioners for Natural Curly Hair, covered creamy leave-in conditioners.
However, there are instances when a creamy leave-in conditioner isn’t the best for hair.
I’ll be sharing the best liquid leave-in conditioners for natural hair in this article.
I’ll also cover a comparison between creamy leave-in conditioners and liquid leave-in conditioners and when one is preferable over the other.
Creamy Leave-in Conditioners vs Liquid Leave-in Conditioners
There are 3 instances where a liquid leave-in conditioner would come into play for natural hair:
- When in a protective style such as braids or a weave. You can also dilute creamy leave-in conditioners in rosewater in this case.
- If you have thinner hair that’s easily weighed down by products, liquid leave-in conditioners are best.
- If you reside in a hot environment, heavy cream-based conditioners may annoy your hair.
Liquid leave-in conditioners have water or aqua as their first ingredient (as do most creamy conditioners) and are usually sprayed on the hair.
If your hair is properly moisturized, then liquid leave-in conditioners are ideal between treatments with heavier cream-based conditioners.
23 Plus Best Liquid Leave-in Conditioners for Curly & Transitioning Hair
1. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In is infused with essential oils for strengthening the hair shaft and keeping it moisturized.
It has a refreshing lemon zest scent and is 100% natural. BUY HERE.
Keep in mind lemongrass has a tendency to strip hair depending on how you use it. To learn more about lemongrass on hair, check out this article.
2. Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Spray
Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Spray is infused with jojoba oil and sea kelp to give hair extra protection and leave it soft and bouncy.
The spray also has a lovely citrus and musk smell that lingers long after the hair is dry. BUY HERE.
3. Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper provides complete frizz control and great curl definition.
It reactivates when a little water is added to hair and doesn’t cause build-up.
This leave-in is especially great for use in humid environments. BUY NOW.
4. Earth’s Nectar Nourish Conditioner
Earth’s Nectar Nourish Conditioner is enriched with aloe vera juice, castor oil, vegetable glycerine, and meadowfoam oil for a hydrating experience.
It has a light milky texture that conditions, detangles, and increases hair manageability leaving your strands soft and moisturized. BUY HERE.
5. Jane Carter Solution Leave-In Conditioner Spray
Jane Carter Solution Leave-In Conditioner Spray penetrates the hair shaft and helps lock in moisture.
The spray is great to use as a protective barrier before heat application and also doubles as a sunscreen. BUY HERE.
6. Redken Extreme Anti Snap
Redken Extreme Anti Snap is formulated with Redken’s 3D Repair Complex to infuse hair with protein, ceramide, and lipids.
The 5-in-1 formula protects against chemical damage, mechanical damage, thermal damage, surface damage, and breakage. BUY NOW.
7. ApHogee Curlific Leave-In Conditioner
ApHogee Curlific Leave-In Conditioner improves the look and feel of your hair and makes it much easier to manipulate and style your curls. BUY NOW.
8. Curls Quenched Leave-In Moisturizer
Curls Quenched Leave-In Moisturizer revitalizes dry and lifeless curls. It is formulated with certified organic ingredients and is sold as a “curl lifesaver”.
Can be used for styling as well as daily to refresh curls in the morning. BUY HERE.
9. OBIA Naturals Curl Hydration Spray
OBIA Naturals Curl Hydration Spray is light enough to be used as a daily hydration spray without causing build-up.
It can also be used on braids, wigs, locks, and protective styles under a wig.
This product was voted best refresher for type 2 & 4 hair in 2015/2016/2017 by naturally curly. BUY HERE.
10. Roux Fermodyl 619 Leave-In Hair Treatment
Roux Fermodyl 619 Leave-In Hair Treatment is enriched with collagen to restore protein to processed hair and repair any damage.
Over time, it helps prevent breakage and strengthens hair while it imparts moisture, luster, and shine. BUY HERE.
11. As I Am Coco Shea Moisturizer
As I Am Coco Shea Moisturizer is formulated with coconut oil and shea butter for nourishing and softening experience. BUY HERE.
12. Blended Beauty Kick For Curls Conditioner
Blended Beauty Kick For Curls Conditioner is great for detangling hair as well as used to revive curls every day.
The spray can be used alone or in combination with other leave-in products. BUY HERE.
13. Davines OI All in One Leave-In Milk
Davines OI All in One Leave-In Milk is multifunctional hair milk that softens, detangles, controls frizz, and acts as a heat protectant.
It’s a lightweight formula that’s ideal for all hair types. BUY HERE.
14. Infusium 23 Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Hair Treatment
Infusium 23 Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Hair Treatment is one of my best leave-in treatments when I have braids in.
It’s formulated with pro-vitamin B5, castor oil, and amino acids for a great detangling and strengthening experience.
Infusium 23 is lightweight enough for everyday use. BUY HERE.
15. Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries
Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries is a mix of spring water infused with a variety of herbs intended to strengthen hair, promote softness, and aid in detangling.
Perfect for styling as well as moisturizing braids, locs, and cornrows. BUY HERE.
16. Oyin Handmade Greg Juice Herbal Leave-In Hair Tonic
Oyin Handmade Greg Juice Herbal Leave-In Hair Tonic is the second in the Oyin Handmade liquid leave-in trio.
Infused with shave grass and nettle for strength plus aloe vera leaf juice and vegetable glycerine for softness. BUY HERE.
17. Taliah Waajid Black Earth Protective Mist
Taliah Waajid Black Earth Protective Mist coats and protects the hair to prevent split ends and eliminate breakage.
Light enough to be used every day. Olive oil, wheat germ extract, and coconut oil nourish hair and leave a pleasant fragrance. BUY HERE.
18. SheaMoisture Coconut Oil Leave-in Conditioner Treatment
SheaMoisture Coconut Oil Leave-in Treatment is formulated with coconut oil, shea oil, coconut milk, and acacia Senegal for a moisturizing effect.
Improves manageability, protects, and controls frizz on all hair types. BUY HERE.
19. The Roots Naturelle Remi Leave-In Conditioner
The Roots Naturelle Remi Leave-In Conditioner is formulated with olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, wheat germ oil and panthenol.
It’s ideal for moisturizing, detangling, revitalizing, and strengthening curls. Can be used on extensions as well. BUY HERE.
20. Sauce Beauty Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler Tzatziki Taming Spray
Sauce Beauty Leave-In Conditioner boasts a blend of cucumber water, coconut oil, yogurt, and mint for a truly refreshing experience.
This leave-in conditioner provides slip as it protects hair from humidity and frizz. Suitable for all hair types. BUY HERE.
21. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Midnite Train Leave-in Conditioner
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Midnite Train Leave-in Conditioner is specially formulated for dry, dull, and brittle curls.
It softens, reduces breakage, and strengthens hair. Light enough for everyday use. BUY HERE.
22. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner restores moisture and strengthens dry and damaged hair.
Made with natural moisturizers, wheat protein, and pro-vitamin B5 for excellent hydration. BUY HERE.
23. Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
Ouai Leave-In Conditioner provides multiple benefits – heat protection, smoothes dry hair, detangles, and conditions with just a few sprays.
Formulated with a rich blend of amino acids, tamarind seed extract, and vitamin E, this will get your hair from dry to fab in no time. BUY HERE.
24. Curls Lavish Curls Moisturizer
Curls Lavish Curls Moisturizer is a light, daily moisturizer for rehydrating, refreshing, and reactivating dry curls.
Formulated with certified organic ingredients – pomegranate fruit extract, aloe leaf juice, shea butter, jojoba oil, and plant extracts. BUY HERE.
25. SACHAJUAN Leave In Conditioner
SACHAJUAN Leave In Conditioner is light, oil-free, and provides an excellent foundation for hairstyling.
It moisturizes, adds shine, and eases detangling. Notable ingredients include rapeseed oil and plant extracts. BUY HERE.
26. Inner Sense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner
Inner Sense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner is a lightweight, detangling conditioner that also boosts moisture and enhances manageability.
Infused with aloe vera, eucalyptus, rosemary, tamanu oil, and honey. BUY HERE.
27. Amika Vault Color-lock Leave-in Conditioner
In addition to detangling and promoting softness and shine, Amika Vault Color-lock Leave-in Conditioner also protects color from fading.
Formulated with sea buckthorn extract, amino acids, castor oil, glycerine, and vitamin E. BUY HERE.
Whether you choose a creamy leave-in conditioner or a liquid leave-in conditioner depends on your hair needs and requirements at that specific point in time.
If there are any other liquid leave-in conditioners you think should make the cut, let me know in the comments section and I’ll update the list.
Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, product tester, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. HNHP has strict editorial standards and ensures all the information on Healthy Natural Hair Products is the best for natural hair care. Learn more about our Editorial Policies
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