21 Best Leave-In Conditioner for 4C Hair (Guide & Reviews)

Haircare is an essential part of life for many people. We think about it every day, but finding the right products to meet our needs can be challenging. If you have 4C hair, choosing the best leave-in conditioner can seem incredibly difficult. But worry no more. This article will give you an overview of 21 best leave-in conditioners for 4C hair worth considering!

So let’s get right into it!

Our top 5 best leave-in conditioners for 4C hair:

TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer For Natural Hair

TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer is best for moisturizing and shine. You can apply it to wet or dry hair before heat styling. However, it works best when used as a leave-in conditioner on damp, detangled hair.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Glycerin, Shea butter, Coconut oil, Cocoa, Sweet Almond Oil, Aloe, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5.

What We Like

Can use daily without build-up
Formulated with shea butter to lock in moisture
Ingredients such as Vitamin E oil and cocoa butter help to improve shine and softness
Vitamin E also helps to encourage hair growth
It doesn’t weigh down the curl pattern
Hair looks shiny after application
Works well for twists outs and braid outs

What We Don’t Like

May give 4C hair a lot of shrinkage.

Bottom Line: This is best for very thick natural hair that requires a lot of hydration. It is also excellent for styling as it gives hair a good hold.

Camille Rose Naturals Honey Leave-In Treatment

Camille Rose Naturals Honey Leave-In Treatment is best for repairing and moisturizing dry, damaged hair. It is made with natural ingredients, including honey, which helps to add shine and softness. You can apply this product on wet or dry hair before styling. However, when used as a leave-in conditioner, it works best on damp, detangled hair.

Ingredient Highlights:

Honey, Olive Fruit Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Aloe Leaf Juice, Bilberry Fruit, Sugar Cane, Sugar Maple, Sweet Orange Fruit, Lemon Fruit Extract, Optiphen Nd.

What We Like

Honey is a natural humectant and excellent for moisturizing dry hair
Honey is also a natural emollient hair softener and smoother
Its olive fruit oil is rich in Vitamin E, which promote growth
It has a thick honey-like consistency but doesn’t leave build-up
A tiny amount goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

It does not work well as a detangler
May also leave a greasy feel if applied excessively

Bottom Line: This is best for those with low porosity natural hair that needs lots of moisture. It may not work well for styling, but it gives extraordinary shine, softness, and manageability.

As I Am Naturally Leave-In Conditioner

As I Am Conditioner is best for strengthening hair, supporting growth, and preparing your tresses for styling. It contains natural vegan ingredients that remove tangles and ease wet combing.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Coconut extract, Amla, Citric Acid (Natural), Phytosterols (Natural), Saw Palmetto, Green Tea Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Lemon Peel Extract, Sugar Cane Stalk Extract, Beet Root, Fragrance, and Limonene.

What We Like

Seals the cuticle layer and protects hair from humidity
Detangles wet and dry hair quickly and easily
Great for twist outs, braid outs, wash n go’s, Bantu knots
Its lightweight formula doesn’t add weight to the curl pattern
It also has a soft and pleasant coconut scent

What We Don’t Like

It does not work well on dry hair

Bottom Line: This is best for low porosity natural hair that needs to be strengthened and protected from the environment. It detangles quickly and easily, leaving hair soft and manageable.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner is best for repairing and strengthening damaged hair. It contains natural ingredients like honeysuckle, aloe leaf, and lavender that help to nourish the scalp and hair shaft.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Glycerin, Pro-vitamin B5, Lavender, Honeysuckle, Sage, Aloe, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Caramel, Fragrance

What We Like:

It doesn’t contain parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial color
This product will not leave a residue or a greasy feeling
Detangles, repairs damaged hair, and replenishes lost shine
Naturally restores moistures and enhances manageability
You can also use it daily without much product build-up

What We Don’t Like:

Not suitable for hair with protein-sensitivities

Bottom Line: It contains hydrolyzed proteins that help fill in the gaps and porous holes on raised hair cuticles. As such, this leave-in conditioner for 4C hair is best suited for those with high porosity.

Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner

Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner is perfect for detangling and adding shine to your hair. It contains extracts of grapefruit, lavender, aloe vera, and rosemary that help to soothe the scalp and add moisture to the hair shaft.

Ingredient Highlights:

Purified Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, Citric Acid, Natural Fragrance, Grapefruit, Aloe Vera, Sunflower Seed Oil, Soybean Seed Extract, Lavender, Rosemary, Clary, Thyme, Coltsfoot, and Nettle

What We Like

It’s colour-safe, paraben-free, and cruelty-free
It contains natural ingredients that leave hair feeling soft and manageable
Perfect for detangling, moisturizing, and adding shine
Provides excellent curl definition
Vegan-friendly leave-in conditioner for 4C hair
It’s also cost-effective as a small amount goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

The scent is subtle but may not be pleasing to all users.

Bottom Line: This leave-in conditioner for 4C hair is perfect for those looking to improve manageability, add shine, and detangle their hair. It works best for low porosity hair.

Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner

Aunt Jackie’s leave-in conditioner is perfect for low porosity hair that needs nourishment and hydration. It contains ingredients like shea butter, Argan oil, and glycerin which help to soften the hair shaft while improving manageability.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Glycerin, Aloe Leaf Extract, Marshmallow Root, Argan Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Shea Butter, Olive Oil

What We Like

Includes natural conditioners such as Marshmallow Root, Shea Butter, and Olive Oil
Provides long-lasting moisture, slip, and softness
Light consistency and a little go a long way
Multiple uses such as detangling and moisturizing

What We Don’t Like

It doesn’t work as effectively on dry hair.

Bottom Line: This leave-in conditioner for 4C hair contains hydrolyzed wheat protein. And thus, it is more suitable for high porosity high types.

EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Natural Leave-In Conditioner

EDEN BodyWorks leave-in conditioner is a great daily moisturizer for colour-treated, chemically treated, curly, or straight hair. It’s made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, which help to repair damaged hair while adding shine and luster.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Keratin

What We Like

Coconut Oil and Shea Butter increase the hair’s shine
Natural hydrator that seals in moisture
Lightweight consistency that you can apply daily without build-up
Its creamy texture allows for easy application and distribution
It contains nutrient-rich ingredients that protect against protein loss
It’s also an excellent styling primer

What We Don’t Like

Less effective on low porosity hair types

Bottom Line: Eden BodyWorks leave-in conditioner is perfect for high porosity hair that needs a quick boost of hydration. It contains natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which help to seal in moisture and add shine.

Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner

Mielle organics leave-in conditioner is rich in antioxidants that protect the strands from free radical damage, leaving them shiny and healthy. It contains ingredients like white peony, glycerin, coconut oil, and jojoba seed that help to strengthen the strands while providing long-lasting moisture.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Glycerin, Coconut Oil, Aloe, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, White Peony Tea Extract, Green Tea, Peppermint, Nettle, Grapefruit

What We Like

It’s a lightweight product packed with moisturizing ingredients
Protects hair from heat damage
Formulated with botanical extracts and certified organic ingredients
Provides long-lasting moisture and shine
It tames frizzies and flyaways
It’s gentle enough for daily use
Works well on both natural and transitioning hair

What We Don’t Like

The scent may not be very pleasing to all users.

Bottom Line: This leave-in conditioner is for 4C hair is most effective on low porosity hair types. It is perfect for detangling, moisturizing, and adding shine.

OYIN Handmade Hair Dew Daily Quenching Hair Lotion

OYIN leave-in conditioner is a water-based moisturizer for all hair types. It contains aloe vera, glycerine, and jojoba seed oil to leave the strands soft and hydrated.

Ingredient Highlights:

Purified water, Castor oil, Olive oil, Aloe, Coconut oil, Olive Squalane

What We Like

It has a light consistency that is suitable for daily use
Effective after a cleanse and through your hair care cycle
Reduces dryness and breakage by keeping hair pliant
Features a light sugary vanilla scent
Ideal for both wet or dry hair

What We Don’t Like

Currently packaged with a nozzle (instead of a pump), and can be hard to squeeze the product out.

TGIN Miracle RepiRx Protective Leave-In Conditioner

TGIN leave-in conditioner is a non-greasy moisturizer that contains shea butter and Vitamin E. It penetrates the hair shaft to restore dry, damaged strands with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, Argan oil, and raw black honey.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Raw black honey, Coconut oil, Agave, Papaya fruit extract, Ginger root, Acai, Green tea extract, Shea butter, Argan kernel oil, Sweet almond oil, Rosemary, Pro vitamin b5, Vitamin E

What We Like

Does not contain parabens, sulphates, petrolatum, lanolin, artificial colours
Has a lightweight formulation that leaves no build-up
It contains natural ingredients that replenish hair’s natural oils
Penetrates hair’s cuticle providing through conditioning
Vitamin E promotes healthy hair growth
Adds definition to hair

What We Don’t Like

Its scent may be overwhelming to some users.

Bottom Line: TGIN leave-in conditioner is perfect for those with dry, damaged hair. It helps restore the strands with natural ingredients while promoting healthy hair growth. This product works best for low porosity hair.

Camille Rose Naturals Curl Moisture Milk

Camille Rose Naturals leave-in conditioner is a lightweight moisturizer containing aloe vera and avocado oil to hydrate the strands. It also has a refreshing cucumber scent.

Ingredient Highlights:

Deionized Water, Avocado Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Aloe Barbadenis Leaf, Castor Seed Oil, Macadamia Nut Seed Oil, Green Tea, Rice Milk, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Slippery Elm bark

What We Like

Its Acadia seed oil seals strands and helps to prevent hair breakage
The slippery elm bark helps to detangle hair by smoothing the hair shaft
Rice milk is rich in vitamins A, D, and B12, which encourage hair growth
Defines curls and leaves hair soft and moisturized

What We Don’t Like

It has a strong sweet fragrant

Bottom Line: Camille Rose leave-in conditioner is great for low to medium porosity hair. It restores and strengthens the strands with natural ingredients while keeping them moisturized and frizz-free.

Uniqurl Dragon Fruit & Kiwi 5 Minute Moisture Conditioner

Uniqurl leave-in conditioner is a lightweight moisturizer containing aloe vera, shea butter, and almond oil. It also has a unique fruity scent with hints of dragon fruit and kiwi mixed.

Ingredient Highlights:

Distilled Water, Aloe Vera Juice, Babassu Oil, Shea Butter, Almond Oil, Dragon Fruit Extract, Panthenol, GuarSilk, Starfruit, Passionfruit, Kiwi Fruit, Mangosteen Fruit, Lychee Fruit, Jujube Fruit, Guava Fruit, Glycerin, Essential Oil Blend

What We Like

It doesn’t contain harmful ingredients such as silicones, sulfates, and parabens
Suitable for protein-sensitive tresses as it does not contain any proteins
It acts as an excellent primer for styling
It nourishes hair from the inside out by penetrating the hair shaft

What We Don’t Like

Not readily available in stores

Bottom Line: Uniqurl leave-in conditioner for 4C hair is an excellent product for those with low porosity hair. It hydrates and strengthens the strands while leaving them smelling amazing!

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner

Shea Moisture leave-in conditioner contains Jamaican Black Castor oil, known for its nourishing and strengthening properties. It is also infused with mega-hydrating ingredients such as jojoba oil, aloe, and glycerin.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Castor Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Jojoba Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Baobab Seed Oil, Glycerin, Aloe, Macadamia Seed Oil, Peppermint, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Essential Oil Blend

What We Like

Peppermint oil stimulates the scalp, which encourages hair growth
Hydrolyzed proteins help to strengthen hair
Macadamia seed oil leaves the strands soft and moisturized
It contains nutrient-rich ingredients, such as castor oil and shea butter, that moisturize hair and prevent breakage
Effective on natural hair and for those who regularly color, straighten, perm, or heat style their hair

What We Don’t Like

Not suitable for protein-sensitivities
It comes in a jar (instead of a pump) and is thus less convenient to use

Bottom Line: Shea Moisture leave-in conditioner is perfect for high-porosity hair as it contains a lot of proteins. It hydrates and strengthens the strands while leaving them smelling amazing!

OYIN Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner

OYIN Handmade Honey Hemp is a rich and luxurious leave-in conditioner containing honey, known for its moisturizing properties. It also has a botanical blend of organic aloe vera, coconut oil & vegetable glycerine to leave the hair soft and smooth after use.

Ingredient Highlights:

Purified water, organic aloe vera gel, honey, virgin hemp oil, coconut oil, vegetable glycerine, hydrolyzed silk, citrus essences

What We Like

Honey, a natural humectant, attracts moisture to hair
Infused with hemp oil, rich in fatty acids, nourishes and strengthens hair
It washes out quickly and is an excellent detangler
Multiple uses, including as a pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment
Also effective on dry hair and provides lasting moisture
In addition, it is formulated with natural ingredients

What We Don’t Like

Not suitable for protein-sensitive hair

Bottom Line: OYIN Handmade Honey Hemp leave-in conditioner is perfect for high-porosity hair as it contains proteins. It moisturizes and strengthens the strands while leaving them smelling amazing!

Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner Spray

Jane Carter leave-in conditioner spray is a product for dry and brittle hair. It contains ingredients such as organic aloe vera juice, essential oils, rosemary, and watercress to moisturize the strands without weighing them down.

Ingredient Highlights:

Purified Water, Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Watercress, Myrrh, Essential Oils, Nettle, Rosemary, Henna

What We Like

Provides protection against heat styling and sun damage
It has a lightweight formulation that you can use daily as a dehydrator
Infuses hair with humectants to attract and retain moisture
Formulated with Panthenol that seals in moisture and adds shine
It also acts as an instant detangler and thus creating manageability

What We Don’t Like

It is not readily available online and in stores.

Bottom Line: Jane Carter leave-in conditioner spray is perfect for low to medium porosity hair. It infuses the strands with humectants that help to attract and retain moisture. It also helps to protect the hair against heat styling and sun damage.

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Leave-In

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt leave-in conditioner is a great product to help with dry and damaged hair. It contains manuka honey, yogurt, shea butter, and mafura seed oil, which work together to nourish and repair the strands.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Honey, Yogurt Powder, Yogurt Extract, Baobab Seed Oil, Mafura Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Essential Oil Blend

What We Like

It is fast-absorbing to hydrate, recondition and strengthen damaged hair
Manuka honey and yogurt are natural humectants that attract moisture
It features a spray nozzle to spritz the right amount of product
Protects brittle hair from heat & other styling damage
Does not contain harmful ingredients such as sulphates & silicones
It has a light honey-like pleasant scent
SheaMoisture is a cruelty-free brand
It acts as a primer for easy styling

What We Don’t Like

It may require a generous amount of product to be effective

Bottom Line: SheaMoisture leave-in conditioner is perfect for high porosity hair as it contains ingredients such as hydrolyzed wheat protein. It helps to protect the strands from styling damage while repairing them over time.

As I Am DoubleButter Cream Rich Daily Moisturizer

As I Am leave-in conditioner is a rich and creamy moisturizer perfect for dry hair. It contains shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa seed butter to help nourish and hydrate the strands.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Shea Butter, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Castor Seed Oil, Beeswax, Beet Root Extract, Tangerine Fruit Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Turmeric Root Powder

What We Like

Infused with rich emollient natural kinds of butter & organic oils for maximum hydration
Formulated with pro-vitamin B5 to strengthen and repair split ends
It helps to retain moisture while adding shine to strands
Provides good hold for twist outs and braid outs
It also has a pleasant scent

What We Don’t Like

Pricey for the small jar

Bottom Line: As I Am leave-in, conditioner for 4C hair is an excellent option for those with high porosity hair. It helps retain moisture while adding shine and locking hydration into the strands.

Curlsmith – Curl conditioning Oil in Cream

Curlsmith leave-in conditioner is a rich, intense cream that helps to nourish and moisturize the strands. It contains ingredients such as organic coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera juice, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil which all work together to help hydrate dry hair.

Ingredient Highlights

Water, Shea butter, Glycerin, Andiroba, Coconut, Aloe Vera, Olive, Sesame seed Oil, Sunflower Oil, Carrot Root Extract, Sage, Basil

What We Like

It has a buttery consistency, and thus a little goes a long way
You can use it as a primer for styling products or on its own
It does not contain harmful ingredients such as sulfates and silicones
It doesn’t weigh down hair nor leave a residue
Works well for twist-outs, braids, wash & go, LCO or LOC methods

What We Don’t Like

Pricey for the small jar

Bottom Line: Curlsmith leave-in conditioner for hair is an excellent option to consider if you have super dry porous hair. It helps to retain moisture while strengthening the strands and adding shine.

OYIN Handmade Whipped Pudding

OYIN leave-in conditioner is a whipped pudding that helps to detangle and condition the hair. It contains ingredients such as shea butter, castor oil, and cocoa butter which all work together to help hydrate dry hair.

Ingredient Highlights:

water, shea butter, organic aloe vera gel, cocoa butter, castor oil, coconut oil, sweet almond & olive oils, vegetable emulsifier, beeswax, vegetable glycerine, honey

What We Like

Adds moisture and pliability to parched hair
It’s long-lasting as it keeps hair supple for days at a time
It’s an excellent pre-shampoo treatment when mixed with honey
It has a light, pleasant chocolatey scent
Multi-purpose use, including moisturizing skin

What We Don’t Like

It may not be effective for low porosity hair.

Bottom Line: OYIN leave-in conditioner for 4C hair is an excellent leave-in styling product to consider if you have dry hair.

Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler

Kinky Curly Knot Today is a creamy herbal conditioner and detangler that you can use on wet and dry hair. It is best for detangling, improving shine, eliminating frizziness, and providing a barrier from heat damage. This product works best when you apply it to soaking wet hair from root to tip before using any styling products or heat appliances.

Ingredient Highlights:

Organic mango fruit extract, organic slippery elm, organic marshmallow root, organic lemongrass, citric acid, and natural fragrance.

What We Like

Smooths the hair cuticle and removes knots, snarls & tangles from 4C hair
It gives hair excellent curl definition
It has a refreshing light scent
A little goes a long way, and it lasts a long time
It does not leave build-up in hair when used moderately

What We Don’t Like

It’s more of a detangler than a moisturizer. It requires other products to hydrate hair.

Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice if you have very curly or kinky hair and need something to help detangle it.

MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner is best for protecting hair against heat damage, improving hydration, and controlling frizz. This product penetrates deep down to the follicle for superior detangling and hydration.

Ingredient Highlights:

Water, Coconut Oil, Fragrance, Sunflower Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Olive Fruit Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Fennel Seed Extract, Melanin.

What We Like

Works well as a detangler, leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, and heat protectant
Coconut oil is a natural conditioner that softens hair and provides shine
Protects against pollution and UV rays
It is non-greasy and weightless
Preserves the longevity of colour-treated hair
You can use it on both dry and wet hair with great result
It is also a multi-use haircare leave-in conditioner for 4c hair and other hair textures

What We Don’t Like

It contains non-water-soluble silicones, which may prevent hair from absorbing other products.

Bottom Line: This is best for natural hair with low porosity that needs to be hydrated and protected from heat damage and frizz. It’s a great leave-in conditioner for detangling and adding shine.

FAQs

What is a leave-in conditioner?

A leave-in conditioner is a styling product that you apply to your wet or dry hair after washing it but before styling it
It helps condition and detangles the hair while adding shine and locking in moisture

Best Ingredients to look for in a leave-in conditioner for 4C hair?

The most suitable leave-in conditioner for you will depends on whether you have high porosity or low porosity hair.
The best leave-in conditioners for high porosity hair contain hydrolyzed protein. Hydrolyzed proteins (keratin) help seal the open cuticles present in porous hair. This prevents loss of moisture from the hair shaft.
The best leave-in conditioners for low porosity hair are the ones that contain humectants such as glycerin, honey, and propylene glycol.
Humectants help attract water molecules to the hair shaft, which helps moisturize the hair.
As low porosity hair does not absorb products easily, leave-in conditioners may act as styling products for this hair type.
Apply leave-in conditioners to wet hair for best moisturizing results on low porosity hair.

Best leave-in conditioner for 4C hair during winter?

You may want a leave-in during the cold weather that will help seal in much-needed hydration into your strands
Shea butter is very beneficial when the temperatures are low as it helps lock in what little moisture there is in the air

Best leave-in conditioner for 4C hair during summer?

During the hot, humid weather, you may want a leave-in that will help seal out extra hydration from your strands
Glycerin and aloe vera juice are beneficial when it’s warm outside as they work to seal in the moisture. They also prevent your hair from being weighed down.

What is the difference between a leave-in conditioner and a detangler?

A leave-in conditioner is generally used after you’ve shampooed and conditioned your hair. It helps to keep the strands moisturized, healthy, and manageable.
A detangler is a product used before shampooing and conditioning your hair. It helps to detangle the strands, making it easier to comb through.

Do I need a leave-in conditioner?

If you have dry hair, you will likely need a leave-in conditioner to help add hydration back into the strands.
If you have oily hair, then a leave-in may not be necessary as it could weigh down your strands.