23 Best Leave-in Conditioners for 4C Natural Hair In 2023

In a rush? My top 5 Picks

bEST OVERALL
1. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner

This strengthen and restore leave-in conditioner from Shea Moisture is formulated with shea butter, peppermint, and keratin. Peppermint is beneficial as it stimulates your scalp and promotes hair growth.

It contains no sulfates or parabens. Infused with castor oil, it promises to gently soften and detangle your strands. It also eliminates frizz which leaves your hair smooth and easily manageable.

This leave-in is suitable to use on natural, chemically processed, and color-treated hair. This makes it one of the best leave-in conditioners for 4C natural hair.

What I liked: Affordable, feels luxurious and nourishing, and is Curly Girl friendly

What I didn’t like: Very rich product so don’t use if you have oily hair

BEST FOR DEFINED CURLS
2. Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave in Conditioner

This moisturizing and conditioning treatment from Aunt Jackie helps to eliminate dryness, without leaving a heavy feel.

The formula is specially designed to be as natural as possible and is free of sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils. This eco-friendly leave-in conditioner is infused with marshmallow root, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil to offer the utmost hydration to dry hair.

An added bonus is that this buttery conditioner is lightweight and won’t clog your pores or weigh your hair down.

What I liked: Defines, softens and moisturizes curls without the oily greasy look

What I didn’t like: Works best on damp hair

BEST FOR THICK HAIR
3. Curlsmith – Curl Conditioning Oil in Cream

If you’re hoping to bring life back into your dry hair, this oil-in-cream leave-in conditioner is rich in moisture.

Ideally suited to combat extremely dry, porous hair, the formula is designed to hydrate and moisturize thick, curly hair.

The product is lightweight. You will therefore not run the risk of weighing down your hair. Once applied, it offers a nourishing boost. An added advantage is that it can be used as a primer before styling or on its own as part of your hair care routine.

This product is free from sulfates and silicones and is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

What I liked: Extremely nourishing for thick hair and you only need a small amount

What I didn’t like: Can weigh down very fine hair

BEST FOR DETANGLING
4. African Pride Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner

If you’re looking for a product to help combat dryness and add volume to your hair, this leave-in conditioner by African Pride is an ideal choice.

The product includes extracts of shea butter which acts as a source of intense moisture to hydrate your strands and lock in the moisture. Suited to naturally curly, wavy, and kinky textured hair it is one of the best leave-in conditioners for 4C natural hair.

What I liked: Has an incredible smell and can double up as a co-wash

What I didn’t like: The texture is very lightweight so may not suit very thick hair

BEST CONDITIONING SPRAY
5. REDKEN Multi-Benefits Leave-In Conditioner and Treatment Spray

This multi-benefit leave-in conditioner is one of the best products to use for treating 4C natural hair.

It will help to increase your hair’s manageability levels and offer a source of moisture to your locks. The intense smoothing treatment will also help soften any frizz and soften unruly hair.

What I liked: The absolute best spray that conditions, softens, moisturizes, adds shine, and controls frizz

What I didn’t like: It’s pricey (but worth it)

BEST WEIGHTLESS CONDITIONER
6. As I Am Leave-In Conditioner

As I Am leave-in conditioner aims to manage dry, brittle hair and results in hydrated locks with added volume.

It also works great as a detangler so you can enjoy effortless styling after your cleansing routine. The formula is specifically designed to include an organic strengthening agent and consists of all-natural ingredients.

What I liked: Helps detangle and combat frizz without weighing hair down

What I didn’t like: Works best on its own without layering other products

BEST FOR SHINE
7. Giovanni 2chic Ultra Luxurious Leave-in Conditioner

This leave-in conditioner from Giovanni offers instant hydration and also works well to prevent split ends and combat unwanted flyaways.

Your hair will be well-nourished and easy to manage during styling. The formula is infused with heavenly-scented rose petals and cherry blossoms while nodes of honeysuckle, jasmine plumeria, and passion fruit add to the floral aroma.

Your hair will be left feeling shiny and glossy thanks to the corn silk extract which is specially formulated to deeply hydrate dry locks delivering a salon-quality shine.

What I liked: Leaves an incredible shine, lasts forever, and works great for fine hair.

What I didn’t like: Not as moisturizing as other leave-in conditioners

best moisturizing conditioner
8. Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food 3-in-1 UK

This vegan-formulated hair product from Garnier can be used three ways – as a conditioner, rinse-out hair mask, or leave-in conditioner. Infused with coconut and macadamia, this decadent hair treatment is a major source of nourishment for dry or damaged hair.

It promises to leave hair up to four times smoother after just one application.

Suitable to use on 4C natural hair, it is free from silicones and any harsh chemicals.

What I liked: Lightweight formula so can be used as a co-wash or conditioner as well

What I didn’t like: You need a bit more product than usual so may not last as long

BEST ANTI-STATIC
9. Palmers Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner

If you’re in the market for a leave-in conditioner and would like a moisturizer and detangler in one, this product from Palmers is perfectly suited to you.

The unique formula acts as an all-in-one solution and even serves as a heat protectant for your hair during styling. It features keratin, silk protein, and Vitamin E which is perfect for treating frizzy hair.

It’s also natural and free from sulfates and parabens so it’s gentle and safe to use on 4C natural hair.

What I liked: A little goes a long way and works great for removing static flyaway hairs

What I didn’t like: Can be too heavy for fine hair

10. Kinky-Curly Natural Leave-In Detangler

Free your hair from tangles and knots with this natural leave-in conditioner from Kinky-Curly. It’s specially formulated to be gentle on your curls and contains no harsh chemicals.

This creamy, herbal conditioner is designed to help protect, strengthen, and add moisture back into your damaged locks. It also helps to smooth out any knots and tangles throughout your hair resulting in defined, bouncy curls.

What I liked: Great for low porosity hair

What I didn’t like: Can be heavy on thin or fine hair

11. Noughty Intensive Care Leave in Conditioner

Rescue dry, frizzy, and damaged hair with this leave-in conditioner by Noughty.

The formula is infused with shea butter to add moisture and hydration to your dry locks with argan oil ideally suited to combat frizz and unwanted flyaways.

Designed with a Moroccan argan and almond scent, it will help to rejuvenate your natural hair offering a deep conditioning treatment.

What I liked: Great for frizz control and has a lightweight formula

What I didn’t like: If you need protein in your hair this may not be for you

12. MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner

This leave-in conditioner spray is one of the best for those with low porosity 4c hair.

It repairs damage, moisturizes, and controls frizz while providing a protective shield against heat damage and color fade. It penetrates deep down to the follicle with fennel seed oil and coconut oil.

What I liked: The spray formula makes it great for low-porosity hair

What I didn’t like: Can weigh down curls so not great for thin hair

13. GIOVANNI Eco Chic Weightless Moisture Formula Direct Leave-In

Giovanni’s leave-in conditioner protects your 4c hair throughout the day, giving it more body and leaving it feeling thicker.

It nourishes hair with a rich blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and organic ingredients. A lightweight formula that won’t weigh down the hair.

What I liked: This product is color safe and adds body to hair

What I didn’t like: Not rich enough for very dry hair

14. Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner

This floral-scented, fan-favorite leave-in is versatile and goes well with other products.

It is a lightweight mist formula and will not weigh the hair down. It even protects the hair from heat damage.

Infused with botanicals and natural ingredients, it can be used for daily styling to effectively hydrate the hair.

What I liked: Works nicely with other products, so you don’t have to adjust your entire routine

What I didn’t like: Has a thin consistency

15. Oyin Handmade Hair Dew Daily Quenching Hair Lotion

This sweet-smelling hair lotion smells just like cookies! And the creamy formula is lightweight and nourishing for dry 4c hair.

Great not just for wash day but also for reinvigorating hair all through your hair care cycle. Made with food-grade, natural and organic ingredients.

What I liked: Lightweight and can be used daily without product build-up

What I didn’t like: The scent can be overpowering for some

16. Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In Treatment

This tropical-smelling leave-in conditioner will leave your 4c hair detangled, soft and frizz-free.

It can be used daily as a leave-in due to its lightweight spray formula.

Blended with coconut oil, coconut milk, and acacia Senegal, along with argan oil and sweet almond oil, it is formulated without nasties like silicones, sulfates, parabens, or petrolatum.

What I liked: Can be used daily and also works as a heat barrier

What I didn’t like: Can be a bit heavy and may weigh down curls

17. TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer For Natural Hair

If you prefer a leave-in for your 4c hair that has the texture of butter or cream, this could be the one for you.

Ideal for naturals who struggle with dry hair, it can be used daily. Shea butter, vitamin E, and cocoa butter deliver moisture without leaving the hair greasy.

What I liked: Ideal for those who prefer a butter or cream formula over a spray-in.

What I didn’t like: Shouldn’t be used daily as it’s very rich

18. NaturAll Nourishing Avocado Leave-In Conditioner

This product is packed with all the benefits of avocados for your 4c hair, including antioxidants and healthy fats.

Expect increased softness, shine, and bounce. It hydrates and seals moisture with a lightweight formula.

What I liked: Loaded with the goodness of avocado and great for sealing in moisture.

What I didn’t like: Very expensive

19. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner

This weightless leave-in conditioner smells amazing and has powerful ingredients with lavender, honeysuckle, sage, and aloe.

It adds strength to your 4c hair with soy protein, pro-vitamin B5, and natural moisturizers. Many believe it also makes their curls more defined. It can be used every day without weighing down your hair.

What I liked: Strengthens hair and made with natural moisturizers

What I didn’t like: Has a strong scent of vanilla that may not suit everyone

20. Pattern Beauty Leave-In Conditioner

This leave-in is an ideal detangler for 4c hair and helps give hair definition.

With a lighter consistency, it lays a base foundation for moisture with a cocktail of oils and honey. It has a light, floral fragrance that is not overpowering.

What I liked:Lightweight formula that won’t weigh down hair

What I didn’t like: Can be a bit difficult to rinse out

21. Camille Rose Naturals Honey Leave-In Treatment

This product looks like honey and has the same emollient and moisturizing benefits, but without stickiness.

It will smooth your hair and provide maximum hydration with honey, olive oil, castor oil, bilberry and orange extract, and pure sugar maple. It sounds good enough to eat and smells delicious.

What I liked: Gorgeous honey and orange scent

What I didn’t like: Not the best for high-porosity hair

22. Imbue Curl Inspiring Conditioning Leave in Spray

Known as the ultimate pick-me-up to help moisturize and detangle your curls, this leave-in spray from Imbue Curl is vegan and Curly Girl friendly.

Designed to be a nutrient-rich mist, the formula is lightweight with zero stickiness. It can be used as a styler for fine hair or even as a stand-alone product to help treat dry ends.

This product includes camellia oil which delivers its signature scent. Other ingredients include coconut and cupuaçu oils. Your hair will be left feeling nourished and manageable with reduced frizz.

What I liked: Excellent for detangling and works great on damp hair

What I didn’t like: The scent may take some getting used to

23. Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner

This creamy conditioner from Bounce Curl offers much-needed hydration to dry, porous hair.

The formula is lightweight, so it won’t leave your hair feeling heavy or saturated with product.

Designed with organic aloe, the formula is vegan and color safe making it suitable to use on most hair types.

It’s also free from silicones and parabens making it one of the best leave-in conditioners to use on natural 4C hair.

What I liked: Lightweight and smells divine

What I didn’t like: very expensive