How to use leave in conditioner for curly hair

If you are blessed with naturally wavy hair, you are one of the lucky few who can pull off any hairstyle.

Wavy hair tends to have flowing curls with an asymmetrical feel, besides great texture and beautiful volume.

However, even wavy hair has to battle with the problem of frizz. Specially designed products like a leave-in conditioner for wavy hair can help in keeping your locks luscious, soft, and frizz-free.

In this article, we will help you navigate the world of wavy hair and provide you with useful tips for embracing your naturally wavy hair.

Let us begin.

What is wavy hair like?
Type 2A Hair
Type 2B Hair
Type 2C Hair
What is hair porosity?
High Porosity
Medium Porosity
Low Porosity
How to develop a wavy hair care routine?
Guide to leave-in conditioners
What are leave-in conditioners?
How does leave-in conditioner benefit your hair?
How to use a leave-in conditioner?
Where to apply the leave-in conditioner?
Choosing the best leave-in conditioner for wavy hair

What is wavy hair like?

Wavy hair is commonly considered to be a looser version of curly hair. They usually sit between straight hair and curly/coily hair.

Wavy hair is characterized by S-shaped loose curls, and in the curly hair community, they are referred to as Type 2 hair.

Within the wavy hair category, there are three other subcategories, namely Type 2A, Type 2B, and Type 2C hair.

Wavy hair is very different from curly hair because curly hair tends to have a distinct pattern which usually depends on the tightness of the curl. The tightest curls in the curly hair categories are coily hair, in which the curl pattern starts from the hair root and flows down in the form of tight coils.

The different wavy hair types (2A, 2B, 2C) have different characteristics that set them apart. While 2A wavy hair looks like tousled beachy waves, 2B hair starts straighter from the roots and then develops an S-shaped pattern. The S-shaped pattern is even more defined in 2C wavy hair, and the curls also start from the roots.

Type 2A Hair

Type 2A wavy hair tends to have a loose tousled look and beachy-type waves. The waves in this hair type lose their shape easily sometimes. They can often be mistaken for straight hair.

Type 2A hair requires styling products that do not weigh the hair down while providing a good hold for the wave pattern.

Type 2B Hair

The S shape in Type 2B wavy hair tends to be tighter as compared to the 2A hair. They hold their shape better than Type 2A hair.

However, the texture of the hair is still loose, which means that it can be weighed down easily.

Leave-in conditioners and styling creams are great for this hair type.

The curly hair community recommends using only one type of styling product for this type of hair as too much product can overwhelm the Type 2B waves.

Type 2C Hair

The S shape waves in this type of wavy hair start from the roots. They have a tight S-shaped wave pattern as compared to 2A and 2B hair.

When styled properly, they can develop a distinct ringlet-type curl pattern. However, this hair type is prone to more frizz than the other wavy hair.

This is why it is important to hydrate Type 2C hair with a good leave-in conditioner for wavy hair.

What is hair porosity?

After identifying the type of wavy hair you have, the next step is to understand the porosity of your hair.

Knowing about hair porosity is essential for selecting the right products for styling them. There are basically three types of hair porosity – High, Medium, and Low Porosity.

High Porosity

High Porosity wavy hair is those in which the individual hair cuticles are left open. This makes it easier for the moisture to enter as well as leave the strand. This means that your hair can absorb water and styling products more easily.

Medium Porosity

The hair cuticles are open in the medium porosity hair as well, so this hair type also absorbs moisture easily. However, the porosity level of this type of hair ensures that it does not lose moisture as easily. Medium porosity hair can be looked after very easily.

Low Porosity

The cuticles in low porosity hair are tightly closed, which makes it difficult for it to absorb moisture. It is the most challenging hair type when it comes to styling. However, once you give low porosity hair enough hydration through moisture-laden hair products, they will retain the hydration very well.

How to develop a wavy hair care routine?

With the knowledge about your wavy hair type and porosity level, you will be able to develop a better hair care routine that is most suited to your hair.

Here are some tips that can help you in keeping your tresses soft, smooth and manageable.

Use the right hair cleanser and conditioner: You need to select a hair cleanser and conditioner that is specifically designed for your hair type. Something that works well on others might not be great for you. Look for formulations that address your hair needs. If your wavy hair is prone to frizz, you can use an anti-frizz hair cleanser and conditioner. For wavy hair that is more rough-looking and dry, you should consider a shampoo and conditioner that provides hydration to your hair. For dry hair with low porosity, you should consider investing in a good hair mask instead of a regular conditioner.
Don’t use a rough towel: The common mistake people make with wavy hair is rubbing them with a rough towel after showering. This can be very harmful to your hair. Towel rubbing causes friction that can lead to hair breakage. It makes your hair look damaged and frizzy. Instead of towel drying, it is better to use a microfiber or smooth towel to gently squeeze out excess water from your hair. A cotton T-shirt also works great for gently drying your hair.
Use a good leave-in conditioner: Leave-in conditioners work great on wavy hair and especially those with low porosity. This is because a leave-in conditioner for wavy hair is a hair treatment as well as a styling product. It can provide your hair with a boost of nourishment and moisture, and it also prevents frizz. After washing your hair with a shampoo and conditioner, you can apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner on damp hair. Keep away from the roots, and focus on applying the leave-in treatment from the mid-length to the tip. This is where the hair gets most dry.
Air-dry hair or use a diffuser: For drying your wavy hair, it is best to let them air dry, and a normal hairdryer would increase frizz. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment that gently dries the hair without disrupting your beautiful wave pattern. Remember to keep it at the lowest heat setting so that you can minimize frizz and heat damage. In fact, you can enhance the pattern of your hair by using a diffuser. You can do this after adding a leave-in conditioner and styling product to your hair.
Don’t touch your hair constantly: This holds true, especially for those with wavy-curly hair. Touching your hair after styling can disrupt the pattern. Besides, touching will also transfer the oil and dirt from the hands to the hair, which can make your hair look frizzier.

Guide to leave-in conditioners

Leave-in conditioners are the holy grail of styling products for those with wavy hair. Applying a good leave-in conditioner for wavy hair should be an essential part of your wavy hair care routine. It provides your hair with hydration and also nourishment. It should ideally be applied to the hair after it has been cleansed, conditioned, and towel-dried.

What are leave-in conditioners?

A leave-in conditioner is a hydrating product that is quite different from a regular conditioner. You do not need to wash this out, as it can be left in the hair to provide nourishment and hydration.

Leave-in conditioners help in healing each hair strand from the inside, repairing the damage, strengthening weak hair, and reducing friction and frizz.

Leave-in conditioners infuse moisture in the hair to improve its elasticity and shine. It makes it easier to style any kind of wavy hair.

A Leave-in conditioner can be applied between washing and styling your wavy hair.

How does leave-in conditioner benefit your hair?

Leave-in conditioners are great for hydrating, healing, nourishing, strengthening, and smoothening wavy hair.

It not only repairs the existing hair damage but also plays a huge role in protecting the hair strands from more damage in the future.

By using a leave-in conditioner after every wash day, you will be able to see shinier, sleeker, and manageable hair.

Although leave-in conditioners are beneficial for all hair types, they are especially great for wavy and curly-wavy textures which are damaged, dry or frizzy.

It is also essential to use a leave-in conditioner if you bleach or color your hair. Even if your hair is relatively healthy, adding a leave-in conditioner to your hair care routine will be fruitful in the long run.

Our hair is exposed to a lot of elements on a daily basis, like extreme temperatures and weather. Your hair can also get damaged from combing, towel-rubbing, and being tightly tied in an elastic.

Over time, these little issues can add up, leading to breakage, dryness, and frizz. It is difficult to eliminate every source of hair damage, which is why a leave-in conditioner is the best product for maintaining the quality of the hair.

Just like you apply lotion on your body after showering or a moisturizer to your face after washing, you need to give the same love to your hair.

Leave-in conditioner provides moisture to the hair after it has been stripped of required nourishment after being washed.

How to use a leave-in conditioner?

You can apply leave-in conditioners to dry hair or when they have been washed. The best way to apply a leave-in conditioner to your wavy hair is to spray/spread the product over the damp towel-dried hair.

You should start from the ends and work your way up. However, keep in mind to avoid the scalp. After you have covered all your hair with leave-in treatment, you can proceed with the process of drying and styling.

For applying leave-in conditioner in dry hair, spread/spray it all over the hair the same way you did with damp hair. Let the product dry in your hair for best results. To refresh them instantly, you can blow-dry the product with a round brush to get a great blowout.

Where to apply the leave-in conditioner?

Leave-in conditioners are generally lighter than regular conditioners, which is why they can be applied all over your hair.

For getting the best results from your leave-in conditioners, you should start the application from the hair tips, working your way up to the roots. Remember never to spray/spread the leave-in conditioner in your scalp as it can make your scalp oily. Besides, it can also lead to a build-up of product in the scalp.

Many people with oily hair feel that a leave-in conditioner is not the product for them. That is far from the truth. Leave-in conditioners provide the necessary nutrients and hydration to your hair, so your scalp produces less oil. All you have to do is avoid the scalp area, focusing the leave-in treatment on the ends and mid-shafts.

Choosing the best leave-in conditioner for wavy hair

Choosing the best leave-in conditioner for wavy hair becomes easy when you know your wavy hair type and porosity. There are many different kinds of leave-in conditioners, from creams and sprays to balms and oils.

If your wavy hair is finer, a lightweight foam or spray would be the best option. For dry wavy hair, it would be a good idea to go for a creamy formula with hydrating properties.

However, spray leave-in conditioners with good ingredients would work just as well. If your wavy hair is color-treated, look for color-safe and sulfate-free formulations.

Generally, ingredients like vitamins, essential oils, botanical extracts, antioxidants, and heat protection properties make good leave-in conditioners.

The Wow Skin Science Hair Revitalizer Spray ticks off all these boxes as it is packed with nutrients that will restore the smoothness and shine to your hair.

This leave-in conditioner in spray form contains Moroccan Argan Oil, Grape Seed Oil Jojoba Oil, which are all great for hydrating all wavy hair types.

Besides hydration, this leave-in treatment also tames the frizz, makes the roots stronger, and reduces the split ends.

What wavy hair requires most is definition and hydration. Leave-in conditioners are great for doing that job as the heavier curl products tend to weigh the wavy hair down.

The best leave-in conditioner for wavy hair will be one with a non-greasy and lightweight formula. Equipped with the right information provided in this article, you will be able to make a better choice in purchasing a leave-in treatment for your hair.

Is leave in conditioner good for curly hair?

Leave-in products provide extra moisture to the hair, protect it from damage, and help detangle the strands. Nearly every hair type — curly or straight, natural or color-treated — can benefit from the use of leave-in conditioners, but you may find them particularly useful if you have dry, damaged, or frizzy hair.

How often should I put leave in conditioner in my curly hair?

As a general rule, try applying a leave-in conditioner once a week. If your hair is curly, dry, or damaged, you might want to apply it more frequently.

Do you use leave in conditioner on wet or dry hair?

In general, classic conditioner is applied to wet hair after shampooing, then rinsed out of the hair after 2-5 minutes. Leave-in conditioner is applied to damp hair after washing, using regular conditioner and towel-drying. It can also be used to smooth and refresh second- or third-day hair.

How long should I leave conditioner in my hair for curly hair?

Let your conditioner soak in for between two and five minutes ("the longer the better," Hallman says). If your goal is elongated curls, don't wash out all the conditioner from your curls - leave a light coating on the hair to add weight to the curls.