11 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Curly Hair of 2022

It’s no secret that curly hair is naturally dry, so priming your brittle locks with this oil-rich leave-in is a game-changer. But don’t let the word oil scare you: Bumble and bumble’s formula is so lightweight, your curls will drink it up and it won’t leave an ounce of greasy film. Adding this fan-favorite to your curly hair routine will not only smooth and hydrate your strands, it’ll also help to protect it against UV damage and heat tools, too. “My hair is super soft and I’ve never gotten the oily look or feel while using this spray,” one reviewer says.

Finding a quality leave-in conditioner for curly hair doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. This drugstore option is a cult-favorite with rave reviews — and it’s less than $10. With a consistency closer to a styling cream, this formula is extra rich and hydrating. Fans say it makes their curls feel healthier, plumper and more moisturized. Bonus: Reviewers say adding a dollop of this leave-in to a twist-out delivers bouncy, soft and hydrated twists every single time.

Curly girl-favorite Briogeo claims this leave-in formula is composed of 94% naturally derived ingredients, so it’s basically like green juice for your spirals. Rice amino acids help to keep frizz at bay, while avocado oil adds a kiss of moisture and tomato fruit ferment gives definition that makes your curls pop. “I would give it six stars, if I could,” one reviewer says. “It does not weigh my hair down and is exactly what my porous 3C curls need.”

This do-it-all fixer is a must for anyone who wants to streamline their arsenal of hair products. It’s a frizz-fighter, color-protector, tangle-reducer, dullness-eraser and heat protecting spray in one that will transform your locks for the better. “It has helped so so much with my breakage and just makes my hair look overall healthier and so shiny,” says one Ulta reviewer.

Thanks to a blend of oils and honey, this leave-in conditioner is chock-full of moisture. Yet it’s not too heavy for those with finer locks, say reviewers. Add a few pumps of this to your curls during the cold winter months to prevent knots, tangles and brittleness caused by the freezing cold temps.

Frizz isn’t always a bad thing, but if you do want to nix those flyaways then reach for this conditioning leave-in formula, which acts like a shield to block humidity — frizz no more! It’s also gentle enough to use on color-treated and chemically-processed hair and works as a great leave-in conditioner before a blow out.

If you’ve got tight curls or coils that are always getting tangled up, this leave-in is for you. Not only does it help to prep the hair for styling products, but it makes detangling a breeze. Simply apply from root to tip, rake through with your fingers and say hello to perfectly separated, smooth curls. “It is amazing. I actually get the curl definition I want and very minimal frizz,” raves one Amazon reviewer. “My hair is extremely dry and even on the second day my hair still feels moisturized.”

This leave-in spray’s milky texture brings dry, tired curls to life. It can be used on damp or dry hair and is a true multi-tasker, softening hair, removing tangles and even protecting against environmental damage thanks to an infusion of antioxidant-rich roucou oil. Since I’m a pretty rough sleeper, I like to apply it to my edges and ends before bed and I wake up to soft, shiny hair that’s a whole lot more manageable in the morning.

Split ends, breakage and dullness can all spoil a good hair day. That’s why any hot-tool obsessed, curly-haired person should reach for this leave-in creme. It goes deep to repair damaged and broken bonds in the hair to make it, well, like new. Fun fact: This brand’s bond-building formulas are essentially the reason A-listers can go from platinum blonde to neon pink locks overnight. Plus, it claims to keep frizz at bay for up to 72 hours.

If you’re working with type 4 curls, you need a rich product that will deliver major moisture. This affordable leave-in conditioner is made with thick coils and coarse locks in mind, absorbing quickly into the hair and keeping curls smooth, defined and hydrated. Reviewers love how soft and defined it makes their curls and the coconut scent is amazing.

Formulated with blue sea kale and kelp extract to protect against color-fading and breakage from hot tools, this leave-in conditioner was clinically tested to reduce comb-induced breakage by 50% in just one use, according to the brand’s own data. It’s also super lightweight, so it won’t weigh down fine to medium hair types.