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
- Camille Rose Naturals Honey Leave-In Treatment
- As I Am Naturally Leave-In Conditioner
- Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner
- Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner
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.