Why you should try a leave-in conditioner
Want protected hair this summer? Meet your new BFF: the leave-in conditioner.
If you’ve never used a leave-in conditioner before, you’re missing out on some serious hair nourishment. The benefits of using one are almost endless: they help to protect your hair, add moisture, hydrate, de-frizz and detangle your tresses. In other words, they’re such amazing multi-taskers that everyone should consider adding at least one to their existing beauty arsenal.
With sunshine season coming up, there’s even more of a reason to invest in one of the beauty industry’s hero products. Because during the summer, your hair’s more likely to be exposed to natural elements like the sun, sand and sea water (all of which can contribute in causing damage), it’s a good idea to give it that extra bit of TLC. While it won’t directly protect from the damaging effects of heat and sun, a leave-in conditioner will help to keep your locks hydrated – and we all know that well-nourished hair has a better chance of coping in more extreme weather conditions.
Specifically formulated to condition your hair and quench thirsty ends in between washes, leave-in conditioners help keep your tresses looking and feeling healthy. Think about it: by regularly feeding your strands with added moisture from a leave-in product, your hair has less of a chance to dry out and break off.
“When you go on holiday, the sun, the sand and the sea are all quite abrasive, so using extra protection, like a leave-in conditioner, on your hair is absolutely essential,” says Unilever creative director and head stylist Dan Lynes.
They can be used post-wash on damp or dry hair to help provide extra nourishment and hydration, so think of using them as the add-on step to your current shampoo and condition regime. You can still use your regular conditioner in the shower, but just add a moisturising leave-in conditioner afterwards. You can also use it throughout the day to help keep frizz at bay and maintain a healthy-looking sheen.
Tempted to try one yet? Read on to discover our favourite picks and start preparing your hair kit for that big vacay!
Leave-in conditioners that pack an extra punch of hydration
VO5 Nourish My Shine Miracle Mist (£4.28*)
Perfect for: dry, damaged or thin hair.
Benefits: this lightweight leave-in conditioner treatment is infused with vital oils that will help nourish dry or frizzy hair. The handy spray bottle of the VO5 Nourish My Shine Miracle Mist means that you can carry it around with you in your handbag for easy, on-the-go application. Plus, this spray claims to give your tresses added heat protection, too, which is just perfect for those scorching summer days and, of course, those addicted to their heated styling tools!
Toni&Guy Prep Leave-In Conditioner (£6.99*)
Perfect for: frizz-prone hair.
Benefits: when used on damp hair, this leave-in conditioner will help tame frizz throughout the day. A true necessity for summer, the Toni&Guy Prep Leave-In Conditioner will help to protect against harsh humidity, leaving you with smoother-looking tresses without the need to pick up the straighteners.
TRESemmé Platinum Strength Stay Soft Leave-in Treatment (£5.50*)
Perfect for: very damaged hair.
Benefits: not only does the TRESemmé Platinum Strength Stay Soft Leave-in Treatment help to reverse the look of up to 2 years of damaged hair, but it also helps to protect against future heat damage and aids in reinforcing the hair’s natural protective barrier.**
“This water-based spray is so easy to use and super practical. It gives off a really fine mist, which means it can be used on damp or dry hair, and it’ll help detangle as well as soften your hair. Just carry it with you and keep spritzing throughout the day to refresh your hair and add protection, ” says Dan Lynes.
Basically, a hair saviour in a bottle – what more could you want, right?
*RRPs are Unilever suggested retail prices only, it is at the discretion of the individual retailers to set the actual price.
**82% of 150 women agree hair looks healthier.
