Our tester says: “You can’t go wrong with Olaplex to begin with. The line works wonders on my hair, generally, so I knew it would be a winner,” says Glamour art director Allie Folino, who has 3A colour-treated curls that frizz easily. “This product, more specifically, leaves my curls feeling so hydrated. It’s a cream product and gives my hair a bit of body and shape to the curl while keeping it hydrated. It is on the pricier end, though.”
5. Best for Colour-Treated Hair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
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- What we love: Suits all hair types; brilliant for bleached locks; adds instant shine and smoothness.
- Worth considering: Really pricey.
This iconic leave-in cream is infused with a unique patented K18Peptide which works on a molecular level to reconnect polypeptide chains and disulfide bonds that have been damaged during bleaching, chemical treatments, and heat styling. A hero formula for all hair types, it’s a must for over-processed curls and waves – leaving them soft, smooth, and silky. Plus, it’s also now available in a new limited-edition scent, as part of a K18 x Future Society collaboration.
Seriously easy to use, simply shampoo your hair, towel-dry it, apply this leave-in formula instead of conditioner, and then let it sit for four minutes before following up with styling products of choice.
Our tester says: “As someone who may have dyed my hair one too many times, trust me when I say that the results from this repairing hair mask were almost instant. After just one use, my hair felt stronger and smoother – this is definitely the kind of formula you reach for when your hair needs a serious reset,” says Glamour’s Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.
6. Best for Frizz: Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner
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Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner
Original photo from Glamour art director Allie Folino testing Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner
Original photo from Glamour art director Allie Folino testing Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner
- What we love: Smoothes frizz in fine hair; fruity smell; heat- and environmentally protects
- Worth considering: May be too light for thick, coarse curls
“I’ve been struggling to figure out how to style my wavy hair and lately have been loving leave-in conditioning treatments to tame frizz and define my waves,” Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist said when this leave-in won a Glamour Beauty Award. “The Ceremonia leave-in conditioner helps to give that extra boost of hydration to my hair, and it just smells incredible.”
Infused with antioxidant-rich guava to shield strands from UV damage, with tamarind and safflower seed oil for deep hydration, and with avocado oil to strengthen and reduce frizz, the cream leaves hair soft, shiny, and protected. The lightweight formula absorbs easily without build-up and is especially helpful for medium to thick curls needing moisture and definition.
Our tester says: “This is the product I usually use as my leave-in! It’s definitely a personal fave of mine,” says Glamour’s Folino. “The scent is nice — subtle, not overbearing, and it helps with the overall health of my hair, leaving my strands shiny and soft.”
7. Best for Waves: Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Leave-In Cream
Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Beautifying Anti-Frizz Blow Dry Milk
Original photo from Glamour reviewer Carolyn Todd testing Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Leave-In Cream
Original photo from Glamour reviewer Carolyn Todd testing Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Leave-In Cream
- What we love: Strengthens and enhances natural waves; deeply conditions thick hair; heat-protectant
- Worth considering: Fragrance may be too strong for some
“Wavy hair loves lightweight moisture with some protein to define the waves without weighing them down,” says Carrtherol. This leave-in from Kérastase fits the bill, with plant-based proteins that lock in hydration and niacinamide to strengthen the follicle and reduce breakage. Its formula smooths and defines waves without disrupting their shape. Gutterman also recommends it: “It’s great for all hair types and has heat protection plus healing properties to repair any previous damage while preventing future damage,” she says.
Our tester says: “I love my wavy hair, but since it’s pretty fine, I find it hard to get enough moisture into it to plump up and define my waves—without it getting greasy,” says Glamour reviewer Carolyn Todd. “I usually stick to lightweight sprays or thin, clear liquids for that reason. Creams can be a little heavy or gluey, so I was pleased at how lightweight this one felt. I scrunch a dime-size amount into my damp waves post-shower from the ends up to the midlengths, and once it’s 50% air-dried, I finish with a diffuser. My waves were significantly softer, smoother, shinier, more defined, and hydrated than usual. And they weren’t weighed by the product at all. Plus, the warm, ambery perfume-like scent was lovely. I’m a big fan!”
8. Best for Fine Hair: Harklinikken Hair Hydrating Crème
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Harklinikken Hair Hydrating Crème
Original photo from Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs testing Harklinikken Hair Hydrating Crème
Original photo from Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs testing Harklinikken Hair Hydrating Crème
- What we love: Frizz-fighting; natural, minimal ingredients; adds shine to curls
- Worth considering: Very pricey; may need another hair styling product layered on top for extra hold