The natural hair products we use form an important part of our hair journeys. The right products keep our hair healthy and help us slay those fierce hairstyles. However, the wrong products can have ill effects on our hair and leave us with undesired results.
This sentiment gains even more importance when speaking about products left on your tresses like leave-in conditioners for natural hair.
Since natural hair care involves a significant amount of trial and error to find the best-fit products for your unique head of hair, you must stay vigilant and experiment with new products when necessary.
Experimentation is key with leave-in conditioners for natural hair because not all leave-ins are appropriate for all natural hairstyles. Sometimes you may desire a creamy leave-in while at other times a liquid leave-in would work better.
Well, you know me . . . I want to help as many naturals as possible reach the best results in their natural hair journeys. So, in this post, I am sharing the pros and cons of the 5 leave-in conditioners for natural hair I routinely use.
These products have a permanent place in my 4C regimen as I have yet to find better quality (results & cost) items to take their places. That said . . . let’s dive in and take an up close and personal look at each one.
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Leave-in Conditioners for Natural Hair #1: Shea Moisture JBCO Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner
Pros:
- SheaMoisture brand produces wonderful quality products
- Contains Jamaican Black Castor Oil to help nourish and restore hair and scalp to its best health
- Also has peppermint (stimulates hair follicles) and apple cider vinegar (balances pH)
- Promotes increased moisture, softness, and manageability
- Average performance as a detangler
- Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and petrolatum
Cons:
- Product consistency (loose cream) may not be desirable for individuals who prefer a thicker cream
- Generous application amounts may be needed to get wanted results
- Product claims of increased shine, in my opinion, are overrated
Despite the cons, I still routinely use this product as the consistency does not concern me and I tend to be heavy handed with my product application anyway. Therefore, Shea Moisture JBCO Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner continues to receive a favorable review from me. This should be near the top of your list of next products to try if you have not already.
Leave-in Conditioners for Natural Hair #2: Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
Pros:
- Contains argan oil, which protects hair from damage and improves manageability and shine
- Made with canola oil, which is high in Vitamin E, thus supports hair growth
- Has sage, nettle, and rosemary extracts to further promote hair growth and help reduce hair loss
- Average detangler
- Low Cost
- Deeply moisturizing
- Good frizz control
Cons:
- Does contain some isopropanol so some naturals may actually experience dryness from the product
- Consistency may cause hair to become weighed down for some
- Product may leave a slight residue
I continue to get impressive moisturizing results from this product, thus, its continued inclusion in my regular regimen. Since I predominantly wear protective styles and clarify regularly, the slight residues are not a concern for me. Moreover, my oil sealing regimen has more of a chance of weighing down my hair than this product. As such, I will continue to enjoy Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream as part of my routine and encourage you to give it a try.
Leave-in Conditioners for Natural Hair #3: Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner Detangler
Pros:
- Has marshmallow root and slippery elm, giving the product excellent slip for detangling and promoting shine
- Contains emollients to assist with softening the hair
- Ingredients include mango fruit extract, which contains antioxidants and other essential vitamins and nutrients for healthy hair growth
- Has “Goldilocks” consistency – not too thin, not too thick, it’s just right
- Can be used as a rinse out (recommended for wavy hair types) or leave-in conditioner
Cons:
- The ingredients list does not contain water (i.e., not water based according to the label). As such, it is recommended you utilize with water
- Ingredients do not include any humectants. So, the product won’t attract additional moisture to your hair
- Has the highest per ounce cost on the list
Given the particular cons associated with this product, you may be wondering why this remains on my natural hair products list? Simple . . . this product detangles extremely well, and my hair has not suffered from using it. I have done my research and, thus, know I have to combine this with other products to get the best results for my hair. Therefore, Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner Detangler serves its purpose in my regimen. If you need a top-notch commercial detangling conditioner for your hair, put this one up for consideration.
Leave-in Conditioners for Natural Hair #4: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler
Pros:
- SheaMoisture brand produces wonderful quality products
- Solid detangler
- Great moisturizing properties with glycerin and water as the first two ingredients
- Also, contains argan oil, enhancing softness, shine, and manageability
- Certified organic shea butter serves as a great emollient to help condition
- Excellent smell
Cons:
- The product is thick and can get gummy & sticky if used to excess
- Those with fine or low porosity hair may not get the best results with this product due to its consistency and amount of emollient
This product works well to moisturize my high porosity hair. It makes detangling much easier and does enhance my hair’s shine. Moreover, I (and my nephew) are in love with the smell. It’s almost fruit like! SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler is worth a try, especially if you are a fan of SheaMoisture.
Leave-in Conditioners for Natural Hair #5: Infusium 23 Original Formula Pro-vitamin Leave-in Hair Treatment
Pros:
- Contains panthenol for increased penetration and moisture retention
- Laced with amino acids to aid in hair shaft strengthening and repair
- Ingredients enhance hair’s manageability and softness
- Solid detangler
- Lightweight, so does not weigh down hair
- Suitable for all hair types from straight to kinky, natural to chemically processed
Cons:
- Liquid consistency may be too messy for some
- The product lacks in the emollient department, so I usually use in conjunction with other products to retain moisture for longer periods
I was using this leave-in way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. That was before I regained my natural status and definitely before I started sharing natural hair tips. The product works so well in adding softness to my hair. It helps keep my split ends at bay, and it’s a product I can use with every hairstyle I wear. Infusium 23 Original Formula Pro-vitamin Leave-in Hair Treatment is an oldie, but goodie. I have yet to meet its equal.
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Let’s Wrap It Up
Remember, your natural hair journey results depend heavily on your hair handling practices, protective styling regimen, and the products used. Natural hair products serve as key support to healthy hair. The leave-in conditioners for natural hair covered here can provide an important fundamental component to your overall product collection.
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