Our best leave-in conditioner for curly hair

Curly hair is a crown of natural beauty, but maintaining its health and vitality requires special care and ultimate hydration. Enter the hard-working leave-in conditioner for curly hair. Once the underdog of hair care – a nice-to-have, used only for those moments when you wanted to save time or space in your gym bag – the leave in conditioner for curly hair has been promoted to indispensable hero status.

Bouclème offers a range of leave-in conditioners that stand shoulder to shoulder with their wash-out counterparts: Intensive Moisture Treatment, Curl Cream and Seal + Shield Curl Cream. Here, we explain why this trio should be permanent residents in your bathroom. 

What is a leave in conditioner for curly hair?

Essentially, leave-in conditioners step in to replenish the moisture stripped away by shampoos. They’ve evolved beyond mere hydration providers; they are now multi-functional wonders. Particularly for those grappling with dry and brittle hair, leave-in conditioners are just the ticket. They: 

• excel in detangling
• combat frizz 
• double as pre-shampoo treatments
• establish a robust protective barrier against heat and challenging climates.

Now, you might wonder: “Can’t we just use a regular conditioner as a leave-in?” The answer is yes! You can use our normal Curl Conditioner as a leave-in conditioner for curly hair – it will moisturise without causing build-up and won’t leave your hair feeling crunchy. However, we would recommend using the more nourishing Intensive Moisture Treatment for drier, thirstier strands and damaged curls.

Why do curls need extra hydration?

Curly hair, with its unique structure, often struggles to retain moisture. The twists and turns create more surface area, making it prone to dryness and frizz. So what’s the best conditioner for curly hair? One that provides extra hydration: the secret sauce to well-defined, luscious curls. Enter Bouclème’s arsenal of leave-in conditioners, each tailored to cater to the specific needs of curly locks. 

1. Deep-conditioning hydration elixir: Intensive Moisture Treatment

Bouclème’s Intensive Moisture Treatment stands tall as a deep conditioner for curly hair. It’s not just us who think it’s the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair. It’s turned beauty industry heads, too, winning the Best Product For Afro Hair in the Marie Claire Hair Awards 2019 and Best New Hair Product in the Pure Beauty Awards 2020.

This powerful deep conditioning treatment enhances and strengthens curls and bids farewell to dry and lifeless locks. The nourishing formula makes detangling a breeze while restoring moisture, definition, shine and health. 

Packed with natural ingredients like argan oil and aloe vera, it provides intense hydration, repairs damage and restores your curls’ natural vitality. Marula oil softens and moisturises, mafura butter rejuvenates damaged hair, while wheat bran extract enhances definition and strengthens. The relaxing aroma – a soothing blend of rose geranium, patchouli and rose – adds to the spa-like experience.

Indulge your curls with this game-changing treatment once a week, for whatever your hair needs at the time. Here are three ways to use our best deep conditioner for curly hair: 

Pre-shampoo treatment > for fine curls

1. Apply on wet hair before shampooing.
2. Leave on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse.

Deep conditioning mask > for byweekly treatments

1. After cleansing, apply on soaking wet hair.
2. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Rinse.

Leave-in conditioner for curly hair

1. After cleansing, apply on soaking wet hair.
2. Leave in, and revel in the juicy goodness.
3. If your hair needs an extra protein boost, turbo-charge your Intensive Moisture Treatment with a few drops of Protein Booster – a shot of nourishment for stronger curls that bounce back, improving elasticity and providing strong bonds that protect against breakage. For very dry and thirsty curls, it can also be mixed with Curl Conditioner. 
4. Follow up with your preferred stylers.

2. Everyday moisture layer: Curl Cream

Crowned as the Best Curl Defining Product in the Beauty Bible Awards 2023, this ultra-nourishing, leave-in conditioner offers unrivalled moisture for shiny and perfectly defined locks. 

Castor oil hydrates and strengthens, organic shea butter seals in moisture and coconut fruit extract smoothes. Infused with grapefruit, rosemary, palmarosa and patchouli, this wonder cream uplifts and nurtures the spirit. For those with sensitive skin, the Fragrance Free Curl Cream is a tender alternative, ensuring your curls revel in nourishment without compromise. 

This leave-in conditioner transcends ordinary routines. Apply it to damp hair to unveil velvety, bouncy curls with a soft, frizz-free finish or to dry hair for added moisture and shine. Here’s how to use it:

Leave-in conditioner for curly hair

1. Apply to soaking wet hair for best results.
2. Rake it through section by section.
3. Layer on your favourite styler.

Refresh and define dry hair

1. Mix it with a little water.
2. Squeeze into hair or spot treat individual strands.
3. Revel in your beautiful curls.

3. Frizz nemesis: Seal + Shield Curl Cream

In the perpetual battle against frizz, Bouclème’s Seal + Shield Curl Cream emerges victorious as a must-have leave-in cream for smooth and defined curls.

Voted Best Curl Cream in the Popsugar 2023 Beauty Awards, and Best Curl Cream in the New Beauty Awards 2023, this glycerin-free lightweight cream hydrates thirsty locks for next-level shine, even in high humidity. Curls are super-soft and beautifully defined, whatever the weather.

Embrace the calming and uplifting blend of sweet orange, ylang-ylang and cinnamon as you fortify your hair against the elements, while wheat bran extract enhances definition and strengthens, capuachu butter promotes elasticity and protects against UV rays, and marula oil softens and moisturises. 

Apply it in two ways for defined curls, coils and waves, whether you’re battling wintry winds or dealing with humidity in warmer climes.

Leave-in conditioner for curly hair

1. Apply to clean, wet hair in sections, smoothing in a downward motion.
2. Smooth over section by section in a downward motion for a soft-hold finish.
3. Enjoy hydrated, defined curls.

Moisture boost 

1. Use on dry hair between washes for a moisture boost.
2. Relish smooth, long-lasting curls!

Curly hair deserves nothing less than the best, and Bouclème’s leave-in conditioners deliver just that. From the award-winning Intensive Moisture Treatment to the everyday luxury of Curl Cream and the frizz-taming Seal + Shield Curl Cream, your curls are in for a treat. Elevate your hair care routine, embrace your natural beauty, and let your curls command attention.