The right leave-in conditioner can do wonders for afro textured hair. It hydrates, strengthens, and detangles your natural hair, making it easier to comb and style. It also makes your curls softer and smoother. But with so many products out there, which is the best natural hair leave-in conditioner? Regardless of the brand, here are the top 5 ingredients you should look for.

1.   Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its healing properties. It appears in many beauty products today mainly as a moisturizer. For natural hair particularly, aloe vera has two main advantages:

• Treating dandruff: If your afro textured hair tends to dry out, you may also struggle with dandruff. Use an aloe vera leave-in conditioner as an antifungal and antibacterial treatment.
• Preventing hair loss: If your afro textured hair is brittle and breaks more than you’re comfortable with, aloe vera can help. It may contain enzymes that strengthen your hair and promote growth.

2.   Shea Butter

Shea butter is a popular natural moisturizer in hair and skin care products. A shea butter leave-in conditioner can give you that curl definition you want, especially if you have type 3 natural hair. Apply it when your hair is wet or dry and watch the magic happen. It also offers a layer of protection if you want to heat-style your afro textured hair. Allow the shea butter leave-in conditioner to sit in your hair for a few minutes before blow-drying or using a flat iron.

3.   Coconut Oil

Similar to aloe vera, coconut oil can help manage dandruff and heal your scalp. However, it’s a great all-round ingredient to have in your leave-in conditioner. It will soften your curls for easy styling and add a healthy sheen to your natural hair.

Tip: Try making your own coconut oil leave-in conditioner: in a spray bottle, mix half a cup of distilled water with two tablespoons of melted coconut oil, a tablespoon of glycerin, and a teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Shake the bottle well, spray the mixture onto damp hair and comb it through gently.

4.   Jojoba Oil

If your scalp is sensitive to hair products, try using jojoba oil as your leave-in conditioner. Jojoba oil has a similar composition to your scalp’s natural oils, so it’s less likely to irritate. You can use plain jojoba oil or choose a leave-in conditioner with it as a main ingredient. You’ll get the shine and smooth curls and sooth your scalp, too.

5.   Avocado Oil

We know how African American hair can take ages to grow; avocado oil is one natural remedy you can try. Avocado oil is packed with nutrients, so use it in your leave-in conditioner to boost your hair growth. This oil has vitamin A, D, E, and antioxidants that make your hair healthier and stronger.

Consistent Use = Excellent Results

As with all natural products and remedies, follow these three guidelines:

First, try out different products. Maybe your natural hair responds better to coconut oil than jojoba oil leave-in conditioners. Maybe a blend is better for your specific needs. Test each product for about a week and see how you like it.

Next, choose your ideal leave-in conditioner. Commit to using one brand or ingredient from here on out.

Finally, stick with it. Hair growth and repair take time, and switching your leave-in conditioner may reverse your progress. Your natural hair is a living, breathing crown. Once it responds positively to the products you apply, keep going. You’ll see incredible results after several weeks or months.

Happy styling!