It’s No Secret — Curls Are Thirsty!

Unlike straight and wavy hair types, curls need extra hydration to stay healthy, bouncy, and frizz-free. (They're basically little hydration hunters).

If you’re a Type 3 Curly or the proud owner of a Coily Afro and you’ve ever wondered, “Do I REALLY need another step after conditioner?” — or if you’ve skipped leave-in just to “see what happens” (spoiler alert: dry, frizzy ends and styling that doesn’t quite land) — this one’s for you.

Let’s break it down: What leave-in conditioners actually do, who should be using them, and how to make them work for you, not against you.

What Is a Leave-In Conditioner?

It’s not just your rinse-out conditioner watered down and slapped into a new bottle.
Leave-ins are specially designed to stay on your hair — no rinsing — and deliver long-lasting hydration, softness, and manageability.

Think of it like a primer before makeup — prepping your curls, smoothing the cuticle, adding slip, and helping your styling products do their thing even better.

And yes, even if you’re short on time, have fine curls, or ride the line between waves and curls — there’s still a place for a good leave-in (with a few smart tweaks).

Why Should You Use One?

Here’s what a great leave-in can do for you:

• Hydration Boost: Especially for curls that dry out between wash days.
  
  

• Cuticle Smoothing: Reduces frizz and rough texture.
  
  

• Layering Support: Helps gels, creams, and mousses stick to a hydrated base = better definition and longer-lasting hold.
  
  

• Detangling Hero: Adds slip to gently work through knots without breakage.
  
  

• Protection: Shields from brushing, diffusing, sun exposure... basically life itself.
  
  

If you’re skipping this step, your hair might be silently screaming for help (even if it’s being polite about it).

“But I Have Fine/Wavy/Swavy Hair — Won’t It Weigh Me Down?”

Such a good question. And honestly? Yes, it totally can — if you’re using the wrong product or too much of it.

For fine, straight, or soft waves (aka "swavy" hair), leave-in conditioner usually isn't essential — and in some cases, it can actually weigh you down and leave your hair feeling a bit limp. If your hair is coarse or tends to feel rough, a very small amount might help. If your waves are finer or more delicate? You might want to skip it altogether or use a super-light hand.

How Much Should You Use?

Here’s a super simple breakdown by hair type:

• Straight (Type 1): Honestly? Skip it. Your hair already has enough softness and moisture naturally — adding a leave-in usually just leads to greasy or heavy hair.
  
  

• Wavy (Type 2 / Swavy): Use the tiniest amount — think pea-sized per section or even less. Focus only on the ends and mid-lengths, and apply to damp hair. Too much = floppy, weighed-down waves.
  
  

• Curly (Type 3): Use about a 5c to 10c coin-sized amount, depending on your hair’s length and thickness. Apply to soaking wet or damp hair for juicy, happy curls.
  
  

• Coily (Type 4): Leave-in is a must. Apply generously to soaking wet hair, working in sections. Layer your stylers on top for next-level moisture and definition.
  
  

LOHY. Tip: Our Hydrating Conditioner can double as a lightweight leave-in. Just use a tiny amount (pea-sized or even less), focus on mid-lengths and ends, and avoid the roots. Build up if needed — you can always add more, but it's much harder to take it away!

If your hair is super coarse, high porosity, colour-treated, or transitioning? You might need a bit more leave-in — or a hydrating oil like Hush Nourishing Oil. 

When Should You Use It?

Use your leave-in right after you wash and condition — while your hair is still damp or even soaking wet.

• Before your stylers

• Before diffusing or air-drying

Pro Tip:
If you're air drying, work in sections to get an even application. If you’re diffusing, give the leave-in a few minutes to soak in before you start drying to avoid that “crispy” feeling.

And yes! You can also refresh your curls midweek by misting a little water and a touch of leave-in onto dry areas for a quick hydration boost.

What Happens If You Skip It?

• Styling doesn’t hold as well

• Frizz shows up earlier than you’d like

• Curls look dry, fluffy, or undefined

• Your hair feels crunchy faster

• You use way more product trying to "fix" it later

It’s a little like skipping moisturiser under your foundation and wondering why things look patchy. A good base matters.

LOHY. Loves

Our Hydrating Conditioner is a multitasking hero — beautiful as a rinse-out or a leave-in.

• Use it light for waves.
  
  

• Layer it up for thirsty curls.
  
  

• Follow it with Chutzpah Volumising Foam or Hush Nourishing Oil depending on your curl goals.
  
  

If you want curls that are soft, defined, and full of life — don’t skip the leave-in. Especially if your hair is thick, coarse and curly/coily - it's a low-effort, high-reward step your curls will absolutely thank you for.

Got a fave leave-in tip or hack? Drop it in the LOHY. Curl Friends FB group — your trick might help another curly fall back in love with their hair! 🌟

Love & Hydration xx