Join the TZR editors for Main press, a series dedicated to sharing the beauty products we love – whether they’re bold, effective, or just plain fun – that make our week just a little bit better. Here, Team TZR presents its favorite leave-in conditioners moment.
Every hair care ritual consists of two non-negotiable steps. During an “all-in shower,” you shampoo your strands to remove excess oil, dirt, and product build-up at the roots, then work conditioner through your strands to restore some moisture. After washing, expect to be left with gentle, shiny racks. So it’s understandable if you feel like leave-in conditioner is an unnecessary extra step. But in reality, these treatments may be what stands in the way of healthier hair.
The best leave-in conditioners go a step deeper than those you operate in the shower. These products usually contain additional nutrients (jojoba, argan and avocado oils are popular) that provide additional moisture to the hair and repair damage. Some even take it up a notch and protect against UV rays and pollution. While breaks can be a revolutionary addition to any routine, not all breaks are created equal. Some may be too bulky for fine strands, while those with thicker, curlier textures may need more decadence.
TZR editors touted leave-in conditioners for a variety of hair types and concerns as the best of the bunch. Find treatments you can add to your routine for even better hair.
“This is the only leave-in conditioner I operate constantly. All the others I’ve tried weigh down my hair and feel like they were never fully absorbed into the strands, but rather settled on the cuticles. After using this, applied to the ends of my humid or arid hair, it gives my hair back its natural movement and lightness, as if it had been brought back to life. – Kathy Lee, TZR editor-in-chief
“Not that I’m completely crazy, but I dye my hair about every five months. I used to go to the hairdresser every two months to deeply condition my hair and refresh my color, but thanks to this leave-in conditioning spray from Pureology, I’ve been able to extend my visits to six months. Just a few sprays on damp hair after a shower detangles my hair, protects it from heat damage and revitalizes my color. – Meguire Hennes, fashion news writer, TZR
“Miracle Actually. No matter how I neglect masks, deep conditioners or heat protectants, this Wella conditioner always returns my hair to its softest and most moisturized version. Like many people, I first learned about this formula when it started gaining popularity on TikTok. But when I got the chance to try it out for myself, I immediately understood the hype. Just a few sprays from the ears down and my arid, wavy, colored hair looks and feels like it just had a salon treatment. I even keep a petite bottle in my travel bag because it has become an absolute necessity.” — Amanda Ross, beauty editor, TZR
“This was the first leave-in conditioner that really changed the look and feel of my hair. Contains a blend of nourishing plant oils that facilitate strengthen, moisturize, polished and repair damaged strands. I also like that it offers UV protection – which is a must-have feature if, like me, you dye your hair murky brown.” – Erin Lukas, deputy beauty editor, TZR
“Hefty leave-in conditioners don’t work for my long, wavy hair because they flatten my texture. Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz is the perfect leave-in conditioner solution – it’s a gentle spray formula that moisturizes and nourishes my strands, leaving them gentle and healthy-looking without weighing them down. It is also useful for combing out hard tangles and knots after a shower. Bonus: it smells amazing, like a vacation.” – Rebecca Iloulian, Director of Revenue and Newsletter Marketing
“Say what you want, but I’ve been a fan of Lush and its aesthetic – and aromatic – products since high school. This Super Milk leave-in is a particular favorite. It nourishes my hair and allows my natural waves to air arid gentle, polished and frizz-free, so it requires little styling. An added bonus is that it also works magic on my hair the second day and gives me a nice refreshment.” — Angela Melero, editor-in-chief of TZR
“I can’t say enough good things about Ceremonia’s Guava Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner. After the first operate, I was amazed at how much softer and healthier my hair looked. Another bonus? Reduces frizz – which is a must in summer.” — Kelsey Stewart, deputy fashion editor, TZR
“As a Taurus, I love to romanticize my daily routine with exclusive products, and this leave-in conditioner from Crown Affair makes my after-shower care feel so luxurious. I was initially drawn to this product because of the opulent bottle and wonderful bergamot scent, but I stuck with it because it reduces frizz and can be used on arid or humid hair.” – Her
“With just one operate of this serum-like leave-in conditioner, it has become a staple in my hair care routine. Even though the formula is so lightweight, it still gives my stout, slightly rough hair a boost of moisture. My hair has become much less frizzy (my biggest problem) since I started using it.” – Luke
“The spray on this mist is simply luxurious – it’s a very fine mist instead of a typical spray, and I swear it covers my strands more evenly and leaves them super silky. I don’t arid my hair without using this mist – it also makes combing great.” – Faith Xue, Executive Director, Beauty, Lifestyle, BDG
