Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Check out my reviews of the Water Based Leave In Conditioners For Natural Hair. These are lightweight yet hydrating and suit even low porosity natural hair.
Ah, our beloved natural hair. The glorious kinks, coils, and curls are beautiful when well maintained, but can feel dry and brittle if not given the love and care they need.
Finding the best leave-in conditioner to make sure your natural mane stays moisturised and healthy can be a struggle.
Don’t worry though, because we’re here to tell you about the best water-based leave-in conditioners that will bring life and moisture into your natural hair.
Rest assured, whatever look you’re going for, these hair care products promise to help make your natural hair journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Best Water Based Leave In Conditioners For Natural Hair
How To Choose The Best Water Based Leave In Conditioners For Natural Hair
When it comes to choosing the best water based leave in conditioners for natural hair, it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
Natural hair, whether it be kinky, curly, straight, or wavy, needs to be hydrated and nourished, so a good water-based leave-in conditioner is essential.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best water based leave in conditioner for your hair:
Hair type and porosity: Different types of hair have different porosity levels, which affect the conditioner’s ability to penetrate the hair shaft. Do some research on your specific type of hair and its needs in order to find the most effective water-based conditioner.
Ingredients: Ingredients matter, so make sure to always read the labels! Natural conditioners usually contain oils, aloe vera, keratin, and other natural ingredients to nourish and hydrate your hair. Avoid any harsh chemicals or alcohol-based ingredients that may strip away the natural oils in your hair.
Effectiveness: Different conditioners may have different results on different types of hair. Before you make a purchase, read reviews of the product to determine its effectiveness. Also, try to find a conditioner with minimal build-up, as this can weigh your hair down and cause it to become greasy.
Cost: Quality doesn’t always have to come at a high price. Look for a water-based leave-in conditioner that fits both your budget and hair needs. You can also get sample sizes before spending the money on a full-sized product, or search for discounts or specials to save a few bucks.
Difference Between A Water Based and Cream Based Conditioner
Generally, water based conditioners are lighter and they don’t weigh your hair down making them ideal for those who have fine to medium hair; whereas cream based conditioners tend to be heavier and better suited to those who have coarser, thicker and/or dry hair.
Water based conditioners help to cleanse your hair without stripping it of its natural oils, whilst also providing other benefits such as moisture, detangling, and restoring shine.
On the other hand, cream based conditioners work to deeply hydrate hair while locking in moisture, sealing in nutrients, and providing additional protection to your strands.
In addition to this, water based conditioners are great for more frequent use and to combat frizz, whilst cream based formulas are great for those dealing with severely parched strands.
For a leave-in conditioner, cream based conditioners may be best for combating dryness in your hair; however, make sure to avoid buildup as this could weigh down your hair.
Water based formulas on the other hand, are better for keeping your strands feeling light and voluminous.
It’s always best to experiment with different formulas to find out which one works best for you and your hair type. Don’t be afraid to mix and match two different types to create the perfect concoction.
Ultimately, a combination of water and cream based products can help you achieve the most nourished, healthy hair. And in the world of haircare, that’s all that really matters.
Advantages of Using a Water Based Conditioner
Water based conditioners provide a variety of advantages for your natural hair. These light-weight solutions can leave your hair feeling nourished without the buildup of other conditioners. The key benefits are moisture retention, detangling, and a healthy shine.
Whether your hair is curly, coily, kinky, or wavy, a water based conditioner will help keep it hydrated and looking vibrant. These solutions help lock in moisture for long lasting results and are often free of alcohols and other drying ingredients that can damage your hair.
Water based conditioners are also beneficial in helping to detangle hair, allowing for easier styling and less tugging during wash days and styling sessions. Furthermore, these conditioners can provide a healthy shine and luster to hair. Shiny, happy hair is always a plus!
Moreover, water based conditioners don’t weigh down your hair like some heavier conditioners do. They are lightweight and non-greasy, offering the perfect combination of moisture, nourishment, and shine.
In conclusion, using water based conditioners offers many benefits to natural hair. They help retain moisture, aid in detangling, and give hair that healthy, glossy shine without the added buildup of certain ingredients that can damage hair follicles.
So next time you’re looking for a light yet effective leave-in conditioner, try choosing a water-based solution and you will not be disappointed!
Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner
When it comes to water-based leave-in conditioners for natural hair, Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner stands out as one of the best. With its long-lasting effects and natural ingredients, my natural hair has never looked more joyous.
I was initially drawn to the product due to the amazing scent that enveloped me after taking my first whiff. The combination of essential oils worked in harmony to give my hair a pleasant aroma that lasted days on end.
After using it on my natural hair, I immediately noticed an increase in manageability. Aunt Jackie’s formula provided my hair with instant moisture and hydration, leaving it soft and supple to the touch. My hair felt less dry and brittle and was more prone to styling as my curls now had a much more defined shape.
Not only did the moisture make my hair easier to style, but the intense conditioning also made my hair healthier from within. The blend of natural oils such as Coconut, Avocado, and Shea worked to deeply penetrate the hair follicles and restore its shine and texture.
Overall, I am thoroughly impressed by the effectiveness of Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner. It was an absolute delight to use and my natural hair is ever so thankful.
Pros:
- Good for low porosity curly hair
- Help repair damaged curls as well
Cons:
- None that I could find
My Ratings:
- Hydration – 4.5/5
- Lightness of Formula – 4.5/5
- Curl Definition – 4.5/5
Is it good for low porosity hair – Yes
Related: Best Leave In Conditioners
Related: Best Leave-In Conditioners For Bleached Hair
Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-in Conditioner
I think it’s safe to say most natural hair-care gurus have at least heard of Mielle Organics and their White Peony Leave-in Conditioner. So, I was eager to try it out and see what all the hype was about. After all, I had heard such great things! Needless to say, I was not disappointed.
Mielle Organics truly hit the mark with this leave-in conditioner. It was very lightweight, yet super-hydrating. A little goes a long way and the bottle will last for a few months.
I loved how quickly it absorbed into my hair without leaving it feeling greasy or heavy. It also does a great job of detangling knots and helping restore moisture to my hair.
On the other hand, Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner was quite a game-changer for me. It gives an intense hydration boost that my thirsty curls and coils need!
This conditioner is strong and thick—the perfect formula for deep conditioning. I noticed when I use it, my hair looks more nourished and defined. It also smells great and will last for a couple of months, even with frequent use.
All in all, but Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-in Conditioner and Giovanni Direct Leave-in Conditioner are both excellent choices for natural hair and the list of benefits they offer is hard to beat.
If you’re looking to add some serious hydration to your hair, I highly recommend giving them a try!
Pros:
- Good for low porosity hair
- Lovely peony smell
- Won’t weigh down hair as it’s lightweight
Cons:
- None that I could find
My Ratings:
- Hydration – 5/5
- Lightness of Formula – 4.5/5
- Curl Definition – 5/5
Is it good for low porosity hair – Yes
SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-in Conditioner
I recently stumbled upon SheaMoisture’s 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-in Conditioner, and I can honestly tell you it is a hair game changer! It hydrates, detangles, and helps make my natural hair soft, manageable and shiny.
You don’t need a lot of the conditioner, just a quarter-size amount spread evenly on damp hair works great. As an added bonus, it smells amazing.
My hair is long and thick, so having a lightweight conditioning product is a must for me. The leave-in conditioner is lightweight, and it does a great job of keeping my curls moisturized without leaving it feeling heavy. I can barely even tell that I have the conditioner in!
I was really impressed with how well the SheaMoisture conditioner detangles my thick mane. I’ve had conditioners leave my hair feeling greasy and heavy, but this one leaves my locks feeling soft and knot free. And, this conditioning provides my hair with all-day hydration and shine.
Overall, I am loving the SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-in Conditioner. Its lightweight formula adds just the right amount of hydration, detangles my hair well, and leaves my hair feeling soft and looking shiny.
It works great on my thick and long hair, while soothing my scalp. And, it’s a great value. I can honestly say that this is one of the best water-based leave-in conditioners I have tried so far and I wouldn’t buy any other.
Pros:
- Moisturizing yet lightweight
- Will suit type 4 hair as well
- Helps remove tangles and knots from hair
- Keeps frizz and damage away from hair
Cons:
- Might not suit wavy or type 3 hair
My Ratings:
- Hydration – 4.5/5
- Lightness of Formula – 4/5
- Curl Definition – 4.5/5
Is it good for low porosity hair – No
Paul Mitchell Leave-in Conditioner
My review of the Paul Mitchell Leave-in Condition Haircare is an absolutely glowing one! I am a huge fan of leave-in conditioners and this product did not disappoint.
The lightweight formula really restored my natural hair’s hydration leaving it bouncy and healthy-looking. Plus, I find that the product is really affordable for the quality and size!
When I used it, my hair felt instantly softer and smoother with an amazing shine. Plus, it smells divine.
It gently detangles my hair, reducing breakage, and adds a bounce and shine that lasts the whole day. It also works great on coloured hair, helping to prevent fading and protect the vibrancy of the colour.
Upon application, the moisturizing effects are immediately evident and last until I wash my hair next. Not only that, but it also protects my hair from heat damage if I use a blow dryer or flat iron.
All in all, this product is a winner in my book. It takes my curly hair from dry and damaged to healthy and bouncy in no time and for that I give it two thumbs up.
If you’re looking for an effective leave-in conditioner, I highly recommend giving the Paul Mitchell Leave-in Conditioner a try!
Pros:
- Controls frizz and adds shine to hair
- Helps add definition to curly hair
Cons:
- Contains alcohol that can dry hair in long run
- Contains added perfume that isn’t good for sensitive scalp skin
My Ratings:
- Hydration – 4.5/5
- Lightness of Formula – 4.5/5
- Curl Definition – 4.5/5
Is it good for low porosity hair – Yes
Summary on Water-Based Leave-In Conditioners
The best water based leave-in conditioners for natural hair are the ones that are especially formulated for tangle-prone strands and work well with any hair type.
It’s worth investing in a quality leave-in conditioner that is packed with beneficial ingredients to help deliver long-term moisturizing results.
With the right product and a bit of trial and error, you can find the perfect product for your natural hair and get the perfect texture and softness you’re after.
All in all, finding the right leave-in conditioner can make all the difference in the world when it comes to healthy, hydrated and gorgeous-looking hair.
Also Read:
Is Hair Steaming Good For Natural Hair
Best Hydration Treatment For Natural Hair
To Summarize
