Mad about our OG Hair Masque or addicted to our Elixir? Then we know for sure you’re going to love our Leave-In Conditioner. Providing daily hydration and protection, while detangling and de-frizzing strands, our lightweight conditioner delivers major hair benefits with next-to-no effort. And what’s not to love about that.
It also slots super-easily into any hair care routine, but we realize that with extra choice often comes some confusion. For instance, you might be wondering when you should use the Leave-In Conditioner versus the Elixir. Or if the Cream Conditioner and Leave-In Conditioner can be used on the same day without overloading your locks.
To help clear up these questions and more, we’ve created this essential Like A Virgin routine guide. Read on to learn how to combine the Leave-In Conditioner with our other products in your daily and weekly hair routine—depending on your hair type and the overall state of your strands.
When to use the Leave-In Conditioner versus the Cream Conditioner
The Leave-in Conditioner is an ultra-lightweight product designed for daily hydration and protection for all hair types. It gives hair an instant hydration boost and detangles hair in seconds. It can be applied on wet or dry hair and can be used after the cream conditioner without weighing strands down. Unlike regular conditioner, it doesn’t need rinsing—remaining on the hair all day long to deliver lasting protection.
That's right. Thanks to our antioxidant charged Ultra-Protect Complex, it also helps combat UV radiation, exhaust gas, and other pollution. Meanwhile, a nourishing complex of coconut extract, rice proteins, and avocado oil helps reduce breakage while minimising split ends.
The Super Hydrating Cream Conditioner, on the other hand, is ideal for normal to dry and damaged hair and can be used every time you shampoo your locks. Thick and creamy, it's designed to deeply hydrate and detangle strands in the shower. Delivering 26 times the hydration of a regular conditioner with hyaluronic acid, it also helps repair and reduce damage with pea proteins.
When to use the Leave-In Conditioner vs the Nourishing Masque
Now, let’s look at our best-selling Masque. Ideal for dull, frizzy hair seeking shine, it revives your hair's natural strength by providing nutrients deep into the hair fiber. Its intense restorative treatment will give your hair the ultimate silky smooth finish and an overall boost of moisture it needs. It should be applied to hair once or twice weekly after shampooing (skip the leave-in conditioner when using) and left to work its magic for 10 minutes. It can also be left overnight to relieve seriously stressed-out locks
(Psst. This article explains the difference between a hair masque and conditioner in more detail.)
When to use the Leave-In Conditioner vs our Miracle Hair Elixir
This next hair regime is for you if you want gorgeously long, healthy hair. We call it the Miracle Hair Elixir for a reason. It’s a versatile, lightweight hair oil perfect for anyone looking to revitalize, tame frizz, and protect from breakage. Whether you’re repairing, pre-styling, or adding the finishing touches, your scalp will thank you. It’s also your essential product before heat styling—shielding strands against heat up to 220°c.
As the elixir’s oil-based, a little goes a long way. Think just a few drops for a glossy, not greasy, finish.
So, how do you choose between the Leave-In Conditioner and hair oil? Simple. The conditioner’s our go-to for daily detangling and lightweight hydration, while the Elixir’s our pick for polished styles and buckets of shine. It’s also a non-negotiable when using a straightening iron.
If you can’t decide which product your hair needs most, you can layer the two—applying the hair oil as your last step. However, if your hair is very fine or oily-prone, it’s generally best to streamline your routine.
Now that you know how our leave-in conditioner compares to our other products, let’s talk about usage and routines.
How should you use Leave-In Conditioner?
Leave-in conditioner is an optional no-rinse conditioner you apply after washing your hair. Right out of the shower, towel dry your hair. If you find your hair is still a bit dry, depending on your hair length, apply one to four pumps of our leave-in conditioner into your palms and rub them together. Gently run your hands through damp hair to spread the rich formula evenly. Not only does it create a weightless shine, but it also smooths down flyaways, prevents split ends, and keeps your curly mane nice and springy.
Using Leave-In Conditioner Daily for Thick or Fine Hair
For shiny, healthy, hydrated hair, use the Super Hydrating Shampoo and Cream Conditioner daily—or as often as you like to wash your hair*. Next, apply the Leave-In Conditioner through your strands to continue to moisturise, smooth and protect. All day long.
For extremely thick and dry hair, we recommend doubling down on hydration by using the leave-in conditioner daily—even on non-washing days.
For oily and fine hair, the leave-in conditioner is also fine for daily use. It’s free from silicones, so it won’t weigh hair down or make oily hair oilier. Just ensure you apply it to the mid-lengths and ends only, avoiding the root area.
(*Not sure how clean is too clean? Check out our previous article, How Often Should You Actually Wash Your Hair.)
Using Leave-In Conditioner Weekly for All Hair Types
A nourishing routine at least once a week is beneficial for all hair types. And it’s especially important for dry or coloured hair, or strands subjected to frequent heat styling.
To deeply moisturise your hair from the inside out, use our Nourishing Hair Masque after washing with the Super Hydrating Shampoo. (Skip a cream conditioner when using a masque!) Apply the masque and leave on for 10 minutes. Use 1-3 times a week, depending on your hair type.
For dry or damaged hair, we recommend 2-3 times a week.
For normal hair, 1-2 times weekly.
For oily hair, masque up once a week.
Rinse off the masque, then apply the Leave-In Conditioner to damp strands for instant manageability. And protection against pollution and UV.
Can I Use a Leave-In Conditioner before Heat Styling?
Before blow drying your hair or creating killer curls, cleanse and hydrate strands with the Super Hydrating Shampoo and Cream Conditioner. Our tip? Skip the Leave-In Conditioner in favour of the Elixir on heat styling days, as this luscious hair oil delivers protection up to 220°c.
You might also like to swap in the Elixir on those days you want an ultra-smooth and polished finish. Or, if your hair is ultra-dry or prone to tangling, you can definitely use both.
Using Leave-in Conditioner FAQs
Can I use leave-in conditioner every day?
Yes, leave-in conditioner can be used daily, especially if your hair is dry, damaged, or prone to frizz. However, consider your hair type and the specific product instructions, as some hair types might benefit from less frequent use.
What are the benefits of leave-in conditioner?
Leave-in conditioners are good for the hair and offer a range of benefits, including hydration, detangling, frizz control, heat protection, and added shine. They can also help prevent breakage and protect against environmental damage.
Is it better to put leave-in conditioner on dry or wet hair?
Leave-in conditioner is generally more effective on damp, towel-dried hair. This allows for better absorption and distribution of the product. Applying it to dry hair might not provide optimal results and could make the hair appear greasy.
Does leave-in conditioner cause hair loss?
No, leave-in conditioner does not cause hair loss. Hair loss is usually caused by other factors like genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or certain medications.
How to properly apply leave-in conditioner?
Start with a small amount of leave-in conditioner and apply it to damp, towel-dried hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to distribute the product evenly. Avoid applying it directly to the scalp, especially if you have an oily scalp.
To start detangling, hydrating, and protecting those strands from daily stress, shop our Hydrating & Detangling Leave-In Conditioner now! And for more hair, skin and tanning tips and tricks, head to the blog.
Written By: Pip Jarvis
Edited by: Iris
