6 Best Leave-In Conditioners For Men – Added Moisture For 2024

You may want to consider adding a leave in conditioner to your arsenal if you find your hair to be dry and hard to manage. I personally can’t go without the added boost of hydration and protection that a leave-in provides, even after conditioning my hair in the shower. What exactly makes the best men’s leave-in conditioners different from regular conditioners, though?

Essentially, a leave-in conditioner is different because it’s formulated so there’s no need to wash it out. Typically, it is added to damp hair that has been towel-dried after conditioning. The two forms of leave-ins are discussed below.

The best men’s leave-in conditioner will do several things at once, including de-frizzing your hair, adding moisture, strength, and shine, and often acting as a heat protectant if you heat style your hair. You may need a leave in conditioner if your hair feels dry, frizzy or coarse. As someone who regularly color treats my hair, I find it returns essential moisture to my hair, keeping it healthy and hydrated so it doesn’t feel stripped.

Before we get into the 6 best leave-in conditioners for men, let’s take a peek at the different types of leave-in conditioners so you know what to expect and look out for.

There are many different types of leave-in conditioners

There are roughly two different types of men’s leave-in conditioners, and the one you choose is typically dictated by your hair type/needs. It’s also worth noting that a leave-in conditioner does not replace your regular conditioner. Think of it as a supplement to your regular conditioner, a way to protect and maintain the health of your hair. This is always applied before styling products, such as waxes or gels.

Sprays: Spray leave-ins are lighter and can be applied to damp hair after a shower. These leave-in conditioners add shine and softness to hair, while also taming frizz. Best for fine, thin hair—though they can work on coarse hair types as well.

Creams/butters: It will be thicker than a spray and, therefore, better suited to coat thick hair or very dry hair. This is great if your hair has a coily or curly texture, and especially if it has a three or four curl pattern. Creams and butters work to smooth out the cuticle. They also repair damaged hair and boost shine.

What you need to know 

To complete this task, I spent hours poring over the reviews of customers, the websites that offer the best hair products, and even the items in my own bathroom cabinet. Finally, I narrowed down the choices to 6 finalists.

Overall, the best men’s leave-in conditioner is Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate because it’s affordable, suitable for all hair types, and highly effective at smoothing hair and reinforcing weak bonds of the hair shaft. Kerastase Chroma Absolu, a slightly pricey spray leave-in condition that uses lactic to exfoliate the hair and reduce oxidative damage, is an excellent option.

Why it’s Great: Redken is my go-to because it’s salon-quality at middle-of-the-road prices. This leave-in conditioning for men has gained a following due to its ability penetrate the cuticle of the hair to reinforce weak hair bonds. If you regularly process or color your hair, if it’s feeling particularly weak/brittle, or if you want to maintain the health your hair already has, you’ll love this one. It’s ideal for distressed hair that has lost some elasticity, but many find it works on all hair types. Citric acid care complex smoothes hair, heals split-ends, and protects against heat.

How to use: After showering, apply the product to clean, wet hair for a soft, shiny finish. As usual, style and dry your hair.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Some say it isn’t the best at smoothing hair or altering the texture, but it definitely strengthens the hair, repairs bonds, and adds shine.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Amodimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-37, Dimethiconol, Parfum/Fragrance, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Trideceth-5, Steareth-20, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Limonene, Ppg-1 Trideceth-6, Trideceth-10, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Sorbitan Oleate, Acetic Acid, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Eugenol | Scent: Not listed | Volume: 5.1 oz | Hair Type: Damaged | Type: Cream

Why it’s Great: My hairdresser recommended this product to me. Kerastase is arguably one of the most expensive hair care products on the market, but it’s worth it. Chroma Absolu, on the other hand, is well worth it. It uses three restoring acid to build the hair fiber and reduce oxidative damage. It also gently exfoliates the hair. It makes my hair feel insanely healthy and strong, even after one use (I’m a couple of bottles deep now). It’s excellent for all hair types but truly works best on sensitized or damaged, color-treated hair. This is a must-have for turning frizz into silky, soft hair.

Use it: If your hair is shorter, then you can get away with using less. Be sure to spritz the hair thoroughly after towel drying it and then distribute from root to tip.

Flaws are not fatal flaws It’s not exactly affordable, especially considering the size of a bottle, but a little goes a long way with this one. If it’s within your budget, it’s worth a try. And because it’s so hydrating, I don’t often feel like I need to apply an oil afterward.

Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Amodimethicone, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-5, Polyquaternium-37, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Arginine, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trideceth-10, Lactic Acid, Ppg-1 Trideceth-6, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Sorbitan Oleate, Acetic Acid, Quaternium-87, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tartaric Acid, Linalool, Propylene Glycol, Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Parfum / Fragrance. N279920/1| Scent: Not listed | Volume: 5.1 oz | Hair Type: Normal | Type: Spray

Why it’s Great: I’ve used expensive men’s leave in conditioners (looking at you, Kerastase) and I’ve used this cheap one from Aussie, and I have to say, for a budget pick, it does a pretty good job at effectively hydrating the hair. It contains ingredients such as jojoba and sea kelp that protect against damage and soften and smooth the cuticle. It also detangles my hair, which makes it easier to comb it through after a shower. Effective for all hair types, but because it’s somewhat light, it’s great for those with oily, thin, or fine hair.

How to use: This lightweight spray can be used by spritzing it onto towel-dried, damp hair, and combing through using a wide tooth comb.

No need to worry about flaws. I will say, those with 4c curls say this lightweight product doesn’t really get the job done. There are many creams and butters that are superior, as highlighted below.

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Simmondsia, Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ecklonia Radiata Extract, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Amodimethicone, PPG-2 Methyl Ether, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-11, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 80, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Citric Acid, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride | Scent: Citrus, florals and musk | Volume: 8 oz | Hair Type: The following are some of the most effective ways to get in touch with each other | Type: Spray

Why it’s Great: Shea Moisture also makes a decent drugstore product. This is a great product for people with curly or kinky hair or those who chemically straighten or perm their hair regularly. This product uses Jamaican black castor, which is rich in omegas to promote healthy hair. It also contains shea butter for deep conditioning. Peppermint oil stimulates hair growth. This thick cream controls hair damage by taming frizz, detangling hair, and supporting its elasticity. This will help to prevent the hair from breaking.

How to use: As with most best leave-in hair conditioners for men it is recommended to comb through towel-dried, damp hair.

Flaws are not dealbreakers When I say this probably isn’t the best for thin hair, I mean it. It’s pretty thick and nourishing, so if you’re questioning if it’s going to be too much for your hair type, steer clear.

Ingredients: Water, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Behentrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Acetic Acid (Apple Cider), Niacin, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Yeast Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid | Scent: Not listed | Volume: 11.5, 20 oz | Hair Type: Curly, relaxed | Type: Cream

Why it’s Great: If you’ve got distressed curly hair and are unfamiliar with Kerastase—you’re welcome. It is worth every penny to buy their curl manifesto creme because it improves curl definition and restores moisture, strength and shine to your hair shaft. The essential ceramides, precious manuka and precious lanolin help to control frizz all day. This may be the best leave in conditioner for your hair if it is very curly or coily.

How to use: The creme is effective on its own but you may get better results if you use the Curl Manifesto System, which also includes a conditioner and shampoo.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The price isn’t ideal but you can get a lot of product for your money, especially if you are a person with short hair.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cetyl Esters, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Tartaric Acid, Mel Extract/Honey Extract, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Citric Acid, Parfum/Fragrance | Scent: Floral | Volume: 5.1 oz | Hair Type: Curly/coily

Why it’s Great: Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin knew what she was doing when she created Ouai. The products have a track record for not only making hair feel healthier but also smelling amazing. This multi-tasking spray is no different. It uses hydrolyzed proteins that act as a heat and UV damage protectant and panthenol and vitamin E to hydrate and condition the hair. It’s great on all hair types too, thanks to tamarind seed extract which provides weightless hydration. Fine hair especially is going to love it.

How to use it: I like this leave-in conditioner for men because it can be applied and combed through damp hair, but can also act as a hydrating refresher on dry hair in between washes. Just be sure to apply before other styling products.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Sure, it’s not exactly cheap, and I don’t love it for tightly coiled hair, but it’s not as expensive as Kerastase, but it’s highly effective and smells downright delish.

Ingredients: Water, cyclopentasiloxane, cetearyl alcohol, fragrance, quaternium-91, phenoxyethanol, adansonia digitata seed oil, argania spinosa kernel oil, evening primrose oil, tocophyeryl acetate, hydrolyzed rhodophyceae extract, tamarindus indica extract, panthenol, hydrolyzed pea protein, arginine, aspartic acid, pca, glycine, alanine, serine, valine, isoleucine, proline, threonine…| Scent: Not listed| Volume: 0.5, 4. 7 oz | Hair Type: Wavy, textured, curly, fine, straight | Type: Spray

Buying Considerations for the Best Leave-In Conditioners For Men

Hair type

Understanding your hair type can determine which men’s leave-in conditioner will work best for you. As someone with moderately thick, straight hair, all I need is a solid spray to properly hydrate my color-treated hair. Those with thin, fine hair may find anything beyond a spray is too heavy. Those with thick, coarse hair, and especially those with curls and coils, will likely need a cream to add in the necessary hydration and strength to maintain the integrity of their ringlets.

Ingredients 

I’m a firm believer in natural whenever possible, but there are plenty of leave-in conditioners out there that use synthetic ingredients and work like a charm. As long as there are no stripping sulfates or harmful parabens or phthalates, you should be good. That being said, some of the most nourishing products do contain ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, avocado, and of course, nourishing oils. A mix of ingredients is a great way to go, but of course, totally natural ingredients can get the job done. I often do a pre-poo mask on my hair with straight jojoba oil and it’s highly effective.

Price

Now there are some pricey leave-ins on this list, among cheaper ones, of course. If you’re on a budget, any of the affordable leave-ins should get the job done. That being said, when it comes to hair care, I’m a firm believer in investing in high-quality products to not only fix damage but prevent it from occurring again. A solid leave-in also keeps from having to do frequent damage control with nourishing hair masks. Essentially, if you can afford it, I think shelling out for a pricey product that you use conservatively is definitely worth it. Just my two cents.

Why you should trust us

I’m a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, meaning I compare, test, and research everything you can carry, wear, and use for healthy hair and body. For this review, I researched a host of trusted sources and even reviewed my own bathroom to understand what makes a great quality product that meets the highest standards in terms of function and current style. I started with over 50 considerations and narrowed it down to the top 10 that will best fit a range of discerning consumers. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find one of the best leave-in conditioners for men for them.

Final Verdict 

The best leave-in conditioners should hydrate the hair and promote shine and strength, acting as hair insurance for your specific hair type. My top pick is Redken Acidic Bond Concentrate because it’s extremely effective at repairing weak bonds in the hair, regardless of hair type. Now go on and treat yourself to some luscious locks!