Since going natural, you’ve probably questioned the importance of having a leave-in conditioner in your regimen. Some leave-in conditioners seem like an extra, unnecessary step in your arsenal of products and many naturals choose not to use them at all. Others, especially those who enjoy using the LOC method, always tend to have a leave-in conditioner handy.

Leave-in conditioners may not seem as important as using a shampoo or conditioner, but they actually serve many purposes: to nourish and moisturize the hair, prevent breakage and split ends, soften the hair, tame frizz, and aid in detangling. Many leave-in conditioners have water as one of their first ingredients: these are mainly great for replenishing dry hair with moisture. Still, others may not even have water listed as an ingredient. The focus of these types of leave-ins is more about sealing in moisture while ensuring easier detangling and smoothness. Both of them can also aid in prevention of damage/breakage, and strength.

For me, personally, leave-in conditioners are definitely a staple when it comes to my hair. Spritzing a leave-in on my hair instantly makes my curls look and feel more moisturized and defined than they do immediately after I’m done washing my hair. One of my favorite leave-ins is the Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner. This product alone defines my curls and gives me immense shine. I follow up with a cream (usually Cantu Shea Butter’s Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream“>and Vatika coconut oil and then style.

If you’re wary about what a leave-in conditioner can do for your hair, here are a few reasons why you might consider including them in your regimen if you aren’t already:

Moisture

Yes, water alone is moisture but a great leave-in conditioner can have many other ingredients that aid in boosting your hair’s moisture. For example: aloe vera, which naturally helps your hair retain water/moisture, rosewater, which also replenishes your hair’s moisture, and glycerin, which will pull moisture from the air into your strands.

Strength

Many leave-in conditioners include protein to help strengthen your hair: for example, hydrolyzed wheat protein, which is small enough to be absorbed into the hair shaft and fortifies the hair against breakage.

Added bonuses

In addition to supplying moisture and strength, a great leave-in conditioner can also provide shine, boost curl definition, eliminate frizz, refresh your curls, and help sustain your hair until your next wash day.

Read more: Top 20 Leave-in Conditioners & Do You Really Need Leave-in Conditioners?

This article was written by Kanisha Parks from BlackNaps.org for CurlyNikki.

What’s your favorite leave-in?!

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