Best leave-in conditioner​ to transform dry hair – reviewed by REAL women

I’ve fallen in love with Sebastian Professional Potion 9 Leave-In Conditioner Styling Treatment. With central heating drying hair out in the winter and the sun leaving it frazzled in the summer, my fine hair can often look feel like it’s been through the wringer. It's dry, prone to breaking and sometimes unmanageable. The professional hair styling conditioner contains nine botanical extracts to help restore lost moisture and rejuvenate healthier-looking hair. Potion 9 also allows the hair to be styled into multiple looks with flexible hold while restoring hair's natural condition and renewing shine.

The best thing about Potion 9 is how versatile it is. I use it as both a leave-in conditioner and a styling serum, and it does the job beautifully. Apply to damp hair for soft movement, blow-dry or air-dry for a silky, touchable look, or use on dry hair for added texture and control. When I’m drying my hair with a diffuser, it’s brilliant for defining my curls. It’s a lightweight orange balm that sorts out the frizz on the crown of my head without feeling sticky or greasy. In the past, I’ve had to rely on mousse and hairspray to keep things in check, but they can leave my hair feeling like cardboard. This, on the other hand, smells gorgeous and leaves my hair feeling soft and touchable, just as the packaging says. Just to say, if you're going for a particular hairstyle that needs to stay in place all day, you will need an additional hair spray to lock it in place.

When I straighten my hair, Potion 9 makes things so much easier. My hair is far more manageable and I don’t need to keep going over it with the straighteners. It looks healthier, shinier and just better all round.

After trying several leave-in conditioners, I noticed that this product also stands out for the way it dispenses products. It's a tiny hole with some sort of widget that allows just enough product to flow through without dispensing too much. It's really clever and economical.

Whether I’m going for a natural look or something a bit more polished, Potion 9 is a brilliant all-in-one product that I now couldn’t do without - at 50ml per tube, I think I'm going to invest in the 500ml bottle next time! If your hair could do with a bit of TLC, I’d highly recommend it.

Paul Mitchell Colour Protect Leave-In Treatment quickly became an essential part of my routine. This protective leave-in treatment not only boosts shine but also helps keep my colour-treated hair looking better for longer. Infused with antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract, it prevents fading caused by environmental exposure. Borage oil nourishes and softens my hair while visibly reducing signs of damage.

What really stands out to me is how this product works so well alongside the Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two and the Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Everyday Leave-In Treatment. Together, they’ve made a noticeable difference in my hair texture. My hair feels more elastic, soft and hydrated, and before I even style it, it appears thicker yet is still incredibly easy to run my fingers through.

The leave-in treatment has a lovely pearlescent colour and a subtle, natural fragrance that isn't overpowering. The formula is made with 94% natural-origin ingredients, plus it’s vegan and packaged in bio-based plastic, making it a more eco-friendly choice. To use, I apply a small amount to clean, damp hair and don’t rinse. When I say a small amount, though, I still managed to get through the tube rather quickly – it's only 150ml.

In the photos, you can see how my hair looks after being straightened without other products applied. It’s soft, shiny and noticeably healthier. If you want more styling hold, it's fine to layer your favourite styling products with this conditioner. Just to say, I have become a bit of a Paul Mitchell fan over the last year, rating Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Hydrating Shampoo the best overall shampoo for dry and damaged hair.

Whether you're catching some sunshine abroad or battling the elements in Blighty, a leave-in conditioner that protects against the elements is essential for hair that's prone to damage. Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner is great for those who find traditional cream conditioners too heavy. This lightweight spray works wonders. I’ve been using it daily before blow-drying and styling, and it makes my hair feel incredibly soft without weighing it down. I also love that there’s no oily build-up on hair, and it helps with frizz control and manageability.

However, this product may not be ideal for thicker or coarser hair types, as it didn’t seem to work well for my mum's hair. She’s a big fan of Philip Kingsley but found this spray didn’t give her hair the same results (she'll happily stick with the Frizz-Free Smooth Serum and Elasticizer). So, it’s worth noting that it won’t suit all hair types.

Although it’s on the pricier side (£30 for 250ml), it’s packed with ingredients like Hydrolyzed Elastin, amino acids, proteins and Pro Vitamin B5, which work together to strengthen, smooth and regulate moisture. If you have finer hair and struggle with frizz or tangling, this is definitely worth considering.

I'm on a journey and I really love that it's turning back the clock on my hair, and it's beginning to look as healthy as it did in my twenties. In the before and after photos, you can see the my un-styled hair is much less frizzy and my curls are more defined after just a couple of weeks use. It's ideal for use pre-styling to achieve a smoother finish. Once again, this is a product I will wholeheartedly continue to use.

The Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Everyday Leave-In Treatment is a lightweight, nourishing product designed to hydrate and transform hair. Infused with organic, cold-pressed argan oil and soothing aloe vera, it provides essential moisture and enhances shine without weighing hair down. The formula is silicone-free, ensuring hair feels light and bouncy while benefiting from deep hydration.

I’ve been using this leave-in treatment alongside the Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two and the Color Protect Leave-In Treatment (above), which I apply right after towel-drying my hair. I work this product through the ends when my hair is still damp. The result is impressive: my hair feels more elastic and manageable. Any potential frizz is tamed into soft, natural waves. Combining these products works wonders for my hair type, leaving it tangle-free, hydrated and smooth from root to tip.

The treatment has a very light texture, and I love how it nourishes the ends of my hair. I can easily run my fingers through my hair without encountering any knots. Hair stays hydrated all day, and the added shine makes it look healthier.

The pump dispenser makes applying just the right amount to damp hair easy. I find it more pleasant than using a spray, as I'm not keen on breathing them in.

This leave-in treatment has made a noticeable difference in managing frizz, flyaways and overall hair texture. I’ve included before and after photos to demonstrate how this product works in action, and I can confidently say that it leaves my hair feeling lighter, softer and more manageable, with no additional styling needed.

The Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Everyday Leave-In Treatment is ideal for all hair types, offering a 90% natural-origin formula that’s vegan, gluten-free and cruelty-free.

As someone who gets their hair professionally coloured, I’m always looking for products that can help maintain the vibrancy and health of my hair between salon visits. This leave-in cream genuinely impressed me despite a one teensy drawback.

Damage Undo Multi Benefits Leave-In Cream claims to balance pH levels, repair hair bonds, control frizz, provide heat protection, and nourishing benefits—and I have to say, it delivers. After using it regularly, I noticed a significant improvement in the texture of my hair. It noticeably changed the texture of that troublesome top layer of hair, making it feel less tangled and more like the softer curls on the sides and back. Even my split ends appeared less obvious, and my hair had more volume, body and shine.

This cream is packed with amazing ingredients like Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, which promotes healthy growth, and Shea Butter, which adds softness while protecting the scalp. Plus, it has Hydrolysed Wheat Protein to strengthen and smooth the hair structure, and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for that glossy shine. The Keraboost technology claims to repair the hair’s structure at a deeper level.

After shampooing and conditioning, I apply it evenly through damp, towel-dried hair, taking several minutes to work the cream into sections of my hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, which is a big plus for me since I dislike oily residue from other products I've used in the past. My hair seemed to "drink it up," so even using a small amount was effective. The cream is a leave-in treatment, which makes it super convenient. It's the tips of my hair that get dry, and I loved being able to apply a little of this leave-in cream anytime for instant hydration.

Now, the fragrance is something I have mixed feelings about. It smells like an intensive treatment you’d get at the salon—like a Keratin treatment—I found it a bit overpowering. Despite washing, the scent also lingered on my hands, which I wasn’t a fan of. Still, I think the overall results made it worth overlooking the fragrance – and some people might love it.

This cream has been a revelation for my hair. It’s versatile, nourishing, and really does what it promises—repairing, strengthening, and protecting my hair. I especially appreciated how it improved my hair’s manageability and texture while controlling frizz. The fact that it’s vegan-friendly and free of parabens and SLS/SLES is important to me as I do my best to avoid cleaning agents that exacerbate my allergies.

It is on the pricier side at full price, so I’d recommend snapping it up when it’s on offer. Considering the results, I think it’s worth it. My hair feels stronger, softer and healthier, and my colour lasts longer. If they toned down the fragrance a bit, it’d be perfect.

I tried the Fudge Professional One Shot Leave-In Conditioner, and while it does have benefits, my experience was a bit mixed. This spray is designed to strengthen and repair hair, making it ideal for coloured, damaged or dry hair. In addition it has hold factor 1, so it does have some application in styling too. It’s formulated with creatine, guarana, wheat and silk proteins to nourish and smooth the cuticle, while a silicone complex helps protect newly coloured hair by forming a shield against unnecessary moisture.

It does work—broken strands are less noticeable, and my hair looks shinier. The texture of my hair also felt more elastic. However, it took some trial and error to get the application right. The first time I used it, I sprayed too much, and my hair ended up sitting in ridges after combing, with a slightly rigid feel when it dried. Less is definitely more here; just 1–2 sprays are enough, as too much can make hair feel overly oily and difficult to dry.

When used sparingly, my hair dried with defined curls, no frizz and a soft, light feel. There was no build-up or greasiness and my hair felt tangle-free. That said, the product has a strong aroma, so I’d recommend being cautious about where you spray it. It's a bit of a 'love it, hate it' fragrance; whilst lots of online reviews comment that they think it smells fabulous, it's just a bit too strong for me as I'm not used to using a lot of beauty products.

Overall, the One Shot Leave-In Spray has its strengths, particularly for managing frizz, styling and adding shine. But it wasn’t the best product for me due to the strong aroma and the potential for over-application issues. If you’re looking to try it, remember less is more. Just to say, I have tried other Fudge Professional products and I've loved them. In particular, the Fudge Professional Clean Mint Shampoo is now a firm-favourite in my household and Fudge Damage Rewind Reconstructing Shampoo is outstanding for repairing dry and damaged hair.

I tried OSMO Wonder 10 Leave-In Conditioner during winter, and I have to say—it’s wonderful! This keratin-based spray treatment promises 10 amazing effects, and while it didn’t completely solve all my hair challenges, it came pretty close.

The first thing I noticed was the scent—it’s strong but pleasant, which makes the application feel a bit like a trip to the salon. I also love that it includes heat protection, which is always a must when I use styling tools on my fine hair. Also, I noted this leave-in conditioner can be used on hair extensions, which is great for extending their lifespan.

Using the spray is simple—just shampoo, towel dry and spritz. You don’t rinse it out, and you can style hair as usual. I appreciate how easy it is to work into my routine, though I admit I’m not great at figuring out the “right” amount to spray. I tend to start with less and add more to the ends if they feel dry.

After using Wonder 10, my hair definitely felt softer and lighter, with frizz under better control than usual. I could run my fingers through my hair easily, which is a big deal considering how unruly my colour-treated hair can be.

However, my hair type (dry and prone to frizz) felt like it needed an extra boost of hydration. While the spray helped smooth my hair overall, the ends were still a little dry and knotty. Adding a bit of serum after the spray worked well for extra moisture.

This spray is a game-changer for winter when central heating tends to dry out my hair. It’s also great to know that some of these products offer UV protection, which is a bonus for the summer months.

Overall, Wonder 10™ is a versatile and convenient product, especially for managing frizz, adding silkiness and improving manageability. While it didn’t completely eliminate the need for additional conditioning for my hair type, it’s a fantastic leave-in treatment that works well on its own or as part of a layered routine.

Would I recommend it? Yes, at around £10 it's worth a shot for anyone looking for an easy way to improve their hair’s softness, shine and manageability. Just be prepared to adjust depending on your hair’s hydration needs.

I recently tried the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Length Retention Leave-In Conditioner, and it’s clearly a one-of-a-kind product. It's part of a range of hydrating, strengthening and protecting conditioners from Palmer's. In case you're not familiar with the brand, Palmer's was founded over 175 years ago and is one of America's first skincare companies. It has a wide range of skin and haircare products, made with natural oils.

In particular, this leave-in conditioner is enriched with biotin, is designed to strengthen hair and protect against brittleness, breakage and split ends, all while promoting optimal length. It claims to instantly eliminate knots and tangles, protect from splits and breakage and improve manageability and shine.

The first thing I noticed about the leave-in conditioner was its incredibly thick consistency. It comes in a sealed bottle, and when dispensed, it has a stiff, creamy texture with a slightly oily, grainy feel. It also smells distinctly of coconut, which I found pleasant. However, I quickly learned that a little goes a long way. On my first use, I accidentally used too much, and it sat heavily on my fine hair, feeling more like a mask than a leave-in treatment. I ended up washing it off.

For fine hair like mine, it’s important to use only a tiny amount because the formula is so rich. I can see why some online reviews mentioned it felt like it was coating their hair, but I also noticed that users with coils rave about how well it works for their hair type.

Even my hands felt softer after applying the product, so there’s no denying it’s packed with nourishing oils. It’s a product that requires a bit of trial and error to get the right amount, but if you have thicker or more textured hair, this might just be perfect for you. For me, it’s not an everyday go-to, but I appreciate its richness and moisturising properties.

I've been a fan of Hask for a while after discovering their range when I tested the best conditioners for dry hair. Hask has recently rebranded, and I was excited to see the look and feel of their leave-in conditioners, including this Curl Care 5-in-1 spray that’s designed to tackle frizz and enhance curl definition. I have to say, given it's reasonable price, I’m pretty impressed. Living in a hard water area with constant damp weather at the moment, my naturally wavy hair often struggles with frizz and dryness. This spray made an immediate difference, calming my hair and making the frizz much more manageable.

Formulated with a blend of coconut oil, argan oil and vitamin E, this spray is packed with curl-friendly benefits. It promises up to 24 hours of frizz control, and while I didn’t time it, my hair stayed smoother than usual throughout the day. It also detangles to prevent breakage, seals in moisture, softens and adds shine—all without sulphates or silicones, making it safe to use on treated hair.

The fragrance for this leave-in spray is extremely sweet, which some people might find a bit overpowering, but I didn’t mind it too much. It feels indulgent and adds a nice touch to my morning routine.

To use, I shake the bottle well and spray it generously onto my damp hair, working it through to the ends before styling as usual. The result? Soft, shiny curls with a natural bounce and definition. It even offers heat protection up to 205°C, which is great if you’re using hot styling tools.

Overall, this is a solid addition to my haircare routine, along with a couple of deeply nourishing hair oils. I’m not usually a fan of hair oils, but the Hask Keratin Smooth Hair Oil pleasantly surprised me. Its thick consistency makes it easy to control, and just a few drops worked wonders on my dry mid-lengths and ends. My hair felt soft, hydrated and smooth without any greasiness. The light citrus scent is a nice bonus. Free of sulphates, colour-safe and easy to use on wet or dry hair, it’s a great option for adding shine and smoothing without weighing hair down. I also tried Hask Argan Oil Hair Oil, which strengthens and restores hair, and again was very pleasant.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Amino Bonding Complex Leave-In Treatment is a new addition to Palmer's line that’s already receiving great reviews. As someone who’s been quite harsh on my hair and just getting older in general, I was eager to see if this treatment could help repair the damage and restore some vitality to my dry, over-processed hair.

This leave-in treatment features Amino Bonding Complex, a natural bonding technology designed to restore and protect hair bonds that are severely damaged by chemicals, styling and environmental stressors. It’s fuelled by the ABCs—Amino Acid (Arginine), Biotin and Collagen—which penetrate deep into the hair’s cortex to support the keratin structure and reinforce damaged hair bonds. With each use, it promises to strengthen, soften and add bounce to hair while minimising further damage.

The formula is highly concentrated and claims to deeply condition, strengthen and protect hair from the inside out. It detangles instantly, seals in hydration, minimises frizz, and provides heat protection up to 230°C.

After shampooing and conditioning as usual, I generously sprayed the treatment onto my damp hair. It applies as a fine mist with a strong coconut fragrance, which lingered pleasantly throughout the day. My hair felt pliant, soft and tangle-free, with noticeably more body. The tropical coconut scent is definitely a standout feature—perfect for a winter pick-me-up.

Overall, this leave-in treatment left my hair feeling hydrated, manageable and lightly fragranced. While it’s too soon to comment on the long-term benefits, I’m impressed with the initial results and look forward to continuing its use. For anyone who loves coconut-scented products and needs some serious hair TLC, this is worth trying!

I've been using Hask Keratin Smooth 5-in-1 Leave-in Spray for a few weeks, and I have to say, I'm impressed. This product is perfect if you're straightening your hair and want something that works on multiple levels.

Made with Keratin and Jojoba seed oil, this leave-in spray promises to smooth and protect hair—and it definitely delivers. My hair tends to get frizzy, especially during colder months, but this spray fights frizz and gives my hair a smooth, sleek look. I also love that it offers heat protection up to 205°C, which is a bonus for when I’m straightening my hair.

To use, you simply shake well, spray generously onto wet or dry hair, and comb through. It’s easy and effective, and I’ve noticed a difference in the overall health and appearance of my hair since I started using it.

One of my favourite things about it is how it instantly detangles and smooths my hair, making it feel healthier and stronger. It also boosts shine, leaving my hair looking glossy and vibrant. In fact, in the photo (which was taken after a full day of being out and about in January's chilly weather), my hair still looks reasonably smooth and glossy without any other styling products. I haven’t used hairspray or anything else, just this leave-in spray—and I’m loving the results.

The spray has a sweet, fruity smell that reminds me of Fruit Salad sweets – granted, it might not be everyone's cup of tea. It’s not overpowering but pleasant enough to make the whole hair care experience feel like a treat. I also noticed that when I spritz the conditioner on dry hair, I can feel it softening and smoothing my strands almost immediately, and you don’t need much for it to work wonders.

I’m especially happy that it’s free from sulphates and silicones, which makes it a great option for anyone looking for a more natural product. Plus, it's colour-safe, so I don’t have to worry about it affecting my dyed hair.

Overall, I’d highly recommend this leave-in spray if you’re looking for something that smooths, protects and keeps your hair looking shiny and healthy.

Also, I recommend the Hask Keratin Smooth Deep Conditioner as a treatment for dry hair. It's a fantastic hair mask that's great value for money—each sachet gives you up to three uses. Infused with Keratin and Jojoba Seed Oil, this deep conditioner works wonders on frizz and helps prevent breakage, leaving hair soft, smooth and glossy. After use, my hair feels noticeably smoother and healthier. Highly recommend for anyone needing a quick yet effective treatment for frizz and damage!