Dry hair is a problem that will affect most of us at some point during our lives. And of all the haircare products designed to treat lack of moisture, leave-in conditioners are the most effective. Leave-in conditioners provide long lasting hydration alongside a variety of other benefits - think detangling, defrizzing, UV protection, and styling assistance.
Leave-in conditioners are so beneficial for your locks, that the beauty market is overwhelmed with options. To simplify the selection process, I've shared my favourite leave-in hair products that are perfect for dehydrated hair...
According to Lazartigue, the Huile des Rêves Dry Oil (£32 feelunique.com) is "the first silicone-free and natural-origin oil that nourishes the hair fibre, enhances locks, and gives intense shine without an oily finish".
The hero ingredient in this luxe hair oil is Nectar des Rêves, a calibrated blend of nourishing argan oil, softening apricot oil, strengthening camellia oil, and repairing Egyptian geranium oil. The formula nourishes deep within the strands to leave hair feeling smooth, healthy, and ultra soft. The beautifully scented dry oil is impressively light in both texture and consistency and feels weightless on the hair.
The leave-in Huile des Rêves Dry Oil can be used in four ways - before shampooing - to nourish and soften, before blow-drying - to detangle and soften, after blow-drying - to add shine, or left on over-night - to deeply nourish.
It’s a 10 | Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin
This easy-to-use leave-in conditioner delivers smooth, sleek, and strong hair.
This easy-to-use leave-in conditioner delivers smooth, sleek, and strong hair.
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin (£19 Selfridges) penetrates deep into the hair shaft to repair and rebuild hair that has become dry, brittle, and damaged. It protects hair from humidity, while sealing in the cuticle for mirror-smooth straight styles. It can be used post-wash as a detangler or before styling as a heat-protectant spray.
Formulated with keratin amino acids and hydrolysed keratin, It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin replenishes the same building block proteins that hair is made of, helping to restore lost moisture and strength. Silk amino acids and panthenol are included to restore the hair's natural moisture balance while strengthening the strands. Antioxidant-rich green tea leaf extract and citric acid (vitamin C) protect the hair from environmental damage, while sunflower seed extract acts as a natural sunscreen, guarding against colour fading and/or brassiness.
OUAI | Leave In Conditioner
Created by Jen Atkin, the hair stylist LOVED by celebs, OUAI's Leave In Conditioner (£24 lookfantastic.com) hydrates, conditions, and tames unruly locks to leave hair looking sleek, smooth, and super luxe. The handy spray also fights damage and frizz, protects hair from UV light, and makes detangling a breeze.
The enriching treatment is formulated with tamarind seed extract, panthenol, and vitamin E - moisturising ingredients that hydrate the hair, strengthen strands, and provide antioxidant protection from environmental damage. An exclusive amino acid blend and hydrolysed proteins are also used to help support the hair structure and protect it from regular styling and heat damage.
OUAI's Leave In Conditioner features the brand's North Bondi fragrance - a gorgeous blend of rich florals and sheer white musk that is inspired by Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. The scent features top notes of bergamot, apple blossom, raspberry, and Italian lemon, heart notes of patchouli, sandalwood, and white musk, and base notes of rose de mai, jasmine, and violet.
Designed for all hair types, the QUAI Leave In Conditioner is free from sodium chloride and parabens and is not tested on animals.
Percy & Reed's Give Me Strength Scalp Concentrate (£26 M&S) is designed for hair that is fine, weak, brittle, thinning, fragile, or prone to falling and breakage.
The rescue remedy features a high concentration of sweet white lupine. Rich in peptides and vitamins, sweet white lupine delivers oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, helping to promote new hair development. It also reduces the hormone responsible for alopecia, helping to prevent hair loss. Pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E are also included to leave hair glossy, hydrated, and protected from environmental damage.
The Give Me Strength Scalp Concentrate is infused with Percy & Reed's uplifting blend of essential oils. It features notes of geranium, grapefruit, sweet orange, and rosemary.
The hero oil is vegan, dermatologically tested, and suitable for sensitive scalps. It is also free from sulphates, silicones, parabens, and gluten, and comes in fully recyclable packaging.
L'Oréal | Hydra Hyaluronic 2% Hair Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
L'Oréal's Hydra Hyaluronic 2% Hair Serum with Hyaluronic Acid (£12.99 Boots) is a budget-friendly treatment formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep hair hydrated for up to 72 hours.
L'Oréal's Hydra Hyaluronic 2% Hair Serum with Hyaluronic Acid (£12.99 Boots) is a budget-friendly treatment formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep hair hydrated for up to 72 hours.
The skincare-inspired formula helps treat dehydrated hair, which - interestingly - experts consider the first sign of hair damage. It also nourishes and conditions the hair to leave it looking visibly plumped, bouncy, and shiny.
Suitable for all hair textures, including curly, wavy, straight, and coloured, the Hydra Hyaluronic 2% Hair Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is non-greasy and lightweight, sitting comfortably in the hair throughout the day.
Patrice Mulato | Flow’air Nourishing Leave-in Cream
The Flow’air Nourishing Leave-in Cream (£12.50 patrice-mulato.co.uk) is another affordable-but-effective leave-in hair treatment. It is designed to nourish and deeply hydrate hair, coat and protect fibres, and prevent split ends. And it does all of this without weighing down the hair or leaving a greasy finish.
The rich cream is formulated with macadamia and jojoba oils, two ingredients high in essential fatty acids, that penetrate the hair fibres and scalp to deeply hydrate the hair. Vegetable ceramides are included to restore and smooth the scalp and protect hair fibres, alongside lotus flower, which softens the hair and releases a beautiful floral scent.
Made in France and formulated with 97% natural ingredients, the Patrice Mulato Flow’air Nourishing Leave-in Cream is free from parabens, silicone, PEGs, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), and methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT).