Keratin Leave-In Conditioner: Your Secret Weapon for Stronger, Healthier Hair.

If you suffer from dry, unruly, or lackluster hair a keratin leave-in conditioner could be the answer to your hair prayers. However, before we explain what a keratin leave-in conditioner is and how it can transform your hair, it’s important to understand keratin and how it makes hair healthy.

What is keratin?

Keratin is a basic protein building block found in the hair, nails, and skin of all mammals. When the outer layer of keratin is damaged, as in the case of over processed or overworked hair, it affects the unprotected new cells beneath it resulting in dry, brittle, and unmanageable hair. Therefore, using keratin based products, like a keratin leave-in conditioner, can be beneficial to repairing the damaged keratin layer and restoring hair’s health.

What is a keratin leave-in conditioner?

When it comes to healthy, shiny hair, hydration is key, which is why we use a rinse-out conditioner after we shampoo our hair. However, when hair is super stressed, a traditional conditioner may not be enough to hydrate your locks, boost shine, and smooth frizz. That’s when a keratin leave-in conditioner can work miracles!

A keratin leave-in conditioner (also called a no-rinse conditioner or leave-on conditioner) is a conditioning treatment that you apply to your hair typically after washing the hair with a keratin shampoo and keratin conditioner. It is usually applied while hair is still damp and, as the name implies, does not need to be rinsed out before styling your hair with your favorite styling products.

A common question when using keratin leave-in conditioners is if they can be used on dry hair, as well? While it’s recommended that keratin leave-in conditioners be applied while hair is damp for better absorption, there are some that can be used on dry hair as a daily moisturizer. When using a keratin leave-in conditioner this way, we recommend applying a small amount to the ends of your hair only to moisturize and smooth strands. A word of caution, though, be careful not to use too much keratin leave-in conditioner on dry hair as it may leave your locks looking and feeling greasy!

What are the benefits of using a keratin leave-in conditioner?

By helping to restore the damaged outer keratin layer of your hair, a keratin leave-in conditioner can provide the following benefits for your hair:

Detangling - If you have trouble with tangles or knots after washing your hair, a keratin leave-in conditioner can provide extra slip and glide, making it easier to work a comb through your locks.

Moisturizing - Unlike traditional conditioners, which you rinse out of your hair, a keratin leave-in conditioner stays in your hair even after it’s dry. This provides continuous hydration throughout the day.

Protecting - If you use heat styling implements on your hair (i.e. flat irons, blow-dryers, curling irons, etc.), a keratin leave-in conditioner can guard against damage from heat styling that can cause further damage to your hair.

Better Styling - Because keratin leave-in conditioners smooth hair and minimize frizz, it will leave your hair in perfect condition for hairstyling. In fact, it can actually boost the styling power of your favorite styling products.

Frizz-free - Since keratin leave-in conditioners “fill-in” the damaged keratin layer of your hair, it will leave your hair less porous. Less porosity means that your hair will be more resistant to humidity and frizziness.

What ingredients to look for in a keratin leave-in conditioner

Keratin leave-in conditioners typically contain keratin and other moisturizing ingredients that not only hydrate your hair but help attract moisture to your locks. Here are a few ingredients to be on the lookout for when trying to find the perfect keratin leave-in conditioner:

Protein - Proteins, like keratin, strengthen hair, prevent breakage, and heal damaged hair.

Glycerin - Glycerin is a humectant that retains and attracts moisture to the hair.

Plant Oils - Plant oils, like argan oil, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil hydrate, repair, smooth, and boost hair’s shine.

Fatty Acids - Fatty acids like stearic acid and alpha-linolenic acid can boost your hair’s ability to grow, make hair shiny, and soothe dry, itchy, and sensitive scalps.

Cationic Surfactants - Cationic surfactants like lactate, citrate, and propionate are the key ingredients to look for if your hair has a tendency to get knotty or tangled. These ingredients provide the slip that’s needed to allow you to comb through the hair.

Silicones - Silicones like amodimethicone and dimethicone are classified as lubricants. These ingredients can help reduce moisture loss and, therefore, make hair less porous and frizzy.

Tips for using keratin leave-in conditioners

Here are some recommendations for getting the best results from your keratin leave-in conditioner

To ensure that your keratin leave-in conditioner absorbs easily and effectively, apply to towel dried hair after washing.

When applying your keratin leave-in conditioner, try focusing on the most damaged parts of your hair. In most cases, that will be the ends of your hair.

It’s always a good idea to use a comb to ensure that you evenly distribute your keratin leave-in conditioner throughout your hair.

After you’ve applied your keratin leave-in conditioner, style your hair as you usually would.

Choosing the right keratin leave-in conditioner formula

In general, keratin leave-in conditioners come in two formulas: sprays or creams. Both provide the same benefits but one keratin leave-in conditioner may work better for your hair depending on your hair type:

Spray - If you have fine or thin hair or want a formula that won’t weigh your hair down, a spray keratin leave-in conditioner might work best for you. Typically, a spray keratin leave-in conditioner has a lightweight consistency that you simply mist over over your hair and comb through to work it evenly through the hair.

Cream - If you have dry, coarse, damaged or thick hair, a cream keratin leave-in conditioner formula might work best for you. Cream keratin leave-in conditioners typically have a thicker, heavier texture that will require you to apply a small amount to your hands and work it through your hair with your fingers and a comb for even distribution.

If you're not sure what formula is right for you, we recommend using a keratin leave-in conditioner that’s suitable for all hair types, like Arganatural’s Smoothing Keratin Leave-in Conditioner available online at Amazon and at participating retail stores. The natural formula, infused with argan oil, will give you the smooth, lustrous locks you desire and definitely make bad hair days a thing of the past!