PERFORMANCE, RECENT
Dec 17, 2024
How To Choose a Leave-In Product
Leave-in’s — they’re not just a hair indulgence, they’re a necessity. From fighting against colour fade to detangling or breathing youth back into your strands, leave-in treatments are one of the best ways to improve the health of your hair in virtually no time at all. Whether you have a multi-step hair care routine or you’re a fan of a low-commitment regimen, we’re breaking down exactly how to choose a leave-in product just for you.
There are so many products to choose from, it can be dizzying to narrow it down to the right one for you. Instead of giving up or just sticking to your current routine, let’s have some fun this season and try something new!
Why Do I Need a Leave-In Product?
Whether you’re always in a rush or are looking to add a targeted step to your routine, leave-in conditioners are the icing on the cake that can rebuild, repair and most of all—protect. From enhancing moisture to building bonds or adding heat protection, anytime you wash your hair, a leave-in treatment should follow.
Consider Texture Patterns & Hair Type
No two heads of hair are made the same. And for this reason, choosing targeted leave-in products that are made for your hair type and texture patterns are key. There are a range of leave-in treatments that go from lightweight to more impactful. Those with finer, thinner hair should always choose weightless formulas and start off with less. While those with thicker, coarser hair will most likely need a more indulgent formula — or perhaps two!
Lightweight leave-in's: STAYING.ALIVE, HEATED.DEFENSE
Leave-in’s for thicker/coarser hair: UN.TANGLED, HEATED.DEFENSE
Are You Air-Drying or Blow-Drying?
Finding a routine that works for your hair type and also your styling habits can come down to the right product choice. When air drying, the biggest issue is usually frizz which is why leave-in’s with anti-frizz ingredients that help define texture patterns are ideal. When blow-drying it’s all about heat protection and enhancing a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Anti-Frizz Leave-In’s: SMOOTH.AGAIN, LEAVE-IN.REPAIR
Smoothing Leave-In’s with Heat Protection: HEATED.DEFENSE, LEAVE-IN.REPAIR
Looking For a Multi-Tasker?
While the main purpose of a leave-in treatment is usually to enhance moisture, hydration and the health of the hair, there are multi-taskers that can also double as stylers as well. These are especially useful if you want a streamlined routine or you’re travelling.
There are a few leave-in’s that make it into this hybrid category and that includes:
EVERLASTING.COLOUR LEAVE-IN: With a bond-building and pH balanced formula, this leave-in strengthens while providing repair and colour protection. A great layer before air-drying or blow-drying, it is ideal to not only rebuild the hair but also provides moisture and a silky soft finish that goes with any hair type.
HEATED.DEFENSE: Lightweight enough to be used on any hair type, but impactful enough to shield against heat damage on temperatures of up to 232˚C / 450˚F, this foam leave-in can be used on any hair type and adds a gorgeous amount of conditioning and moisturising while protecting your strands.
LEAVE-IN.REPAIR: Nourishing and strengthening with the added benefit of heat protection, this leave-in can be used on all hair types whether you’re looking for strength or shine.
SMOOTH.AGAIN: The versatility of this leave-in lies in the ability to be used across a range of styles. Blow drying your hair straight or wearing your natural curl, the power of this leave-in is in its ability to promote a smooth finish no matter what style you’re after.
Looking For a Multi-Tasker?
While the main purpose of a leave-in treatment is usually to enhance moisture, hydration and the health of the hair, there are multi-taskers that can also double as stylers as well. These are especially useful if you want a streamlined routine or you’re travelling.
There are a few leave-in’s that make it into this hybrid category and that includes:
EVERLASTING.COLOUR LEAVE-IN: With a bond-building and pH balanced formula, this leave-in strengthens while providing repair and colour protection. A great layer before air-drying or blow-drying, it is ideal to not only rebuild the hair but also provides moisture and a silky soft finish that goes with any hair type.
LEAVE-IN.REPAIR: Nourishing and strengthening with the added benefit of heat protection, this leave-in can be used on all hair types whether you’re looking for strength or shine.
SMOOTH.AGAIN: The versatility of this leave-in lies in the ability to be used across a range of styles. Blow drying your hair straight or wearing your natural curl, the power of this leave-in is in its ability to promote a smooth finish no matter what style you’re after.
HEATED.DEFENSE: Lightweight enough to be used on any hair type, but impactful enough to shield against heat damage on temperatures of up to 232˚C / 450˚F, this foam leave-in can be used on any hair type and adds a gorgeous amount of conditioning and moisturising while protecting your strands.
For a personalised product recommendation, try our Product Matchmaker — a quick and easy quiz that will deliver results straight to your inbox.
FAQ
Consider your hair's specific needs and texture. Fine or thin hair should opt for lightweight formulas like STAYING.ALIVE or HEATED.DEFENSE, while thicker or coarser hair may need more intensive treatments like UN.TANGLED. The key is to choose a product that provides moisture without weighing down your hair.
For air-drying, focus on anti-frizz products like SMOOTH.AGAIN or LEAVE.IN.REPAIR that help define texture. If you're blow-drying, choose heat-protective options like HEATED.DEFENSE that also provide smoothing and conditioning benefits.
Yes, several multi-tasking leave-in treatments exist. EVERLASTING.COLOUR LEAVE-IN offers bond-building and color protection, HEATED.DEFENSE provides heat protection for all hair types, and LEAVE-IN.REPAIR offers nourishment and strengthening with heat protection.
