A leave-in conditioner is a light-weight water based cream that is meant to be used after both shampoo and (rinse out or deep) conditioner. Just like its name, you leave it in and don't rinse it out, It works best when hair is damp to help retain moisture.
No I wouldn't. Conditioning is an important step in hydrating the hair, and a leave-in is not interchangeable. If anything you could skip the leave-in, that's more to seal in the hydration you got from the wash.
In Short: Leave-In Conditioners provide PROTECTION, Deep Conditioners provide CORRECTION. They are best used for hair needing a light touch of conditioning and for hair that is Color-Treated as it is not rinsed out it provides better protection against fading and less rinsing means less fading as well.
It generally isn't necessary to apply regular conditioner after using a deep conditioning hair mask. Deep conditioning masks are designed to provide intense moisture and nourishment to your hair, so applying a conditioner afterward can sometimes weigh the hair down or lead to buildup.
It's not one or the other; they're two entirely different products. Conditioner/mask is more concentrated and meant to be rinsed out before you finish your shower. Leave-in is less concentrated because it's meant to be left in. So your hair remains conditioned and moisturized until the next time you wash it.
However, you can use both, your regular conditioner and a leave-in treatment if you have dry, damaged hair. Take a look at these steps to learn how to use leave-in hair conditioner (but also read the labels on the product you choose.)
If your hair is still frizzy after using a leave-in conditioner, you might be using too much or too little product or not distributing it evenly. Factors like humidity, damage from heat styling, and not using a deep conditioner regularly can also contribute to ongoing frizz.
Unlike regular conditioners, deep conditioners should sit on your hair anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. But be careful, leaving your deep conditioner in for an elongated period of time too often can cause you to over-condition your hair. And as a result, you can cause your hair to become weak and fragile.
The frequency depends on your hair type and needs. Generally, using leave-in conditioner 2-3 times a week for dry or damaged hair is sufficient, while those with oily hair may benefit from less frequent application.
Leave-in products, like conditioner or hair oils, can help keep your hair smooth, soft and moisturised throughout the day [11]. Oils like argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil are excellent home remedies to add shine and moisture.
Whether you've got hair that's fine or curly, leave-in conditioner can drastically improve the appearance and texture of your hair. But, if applied in excess, you might experience unwanted product buildup that adds a heaviness to your strands.
“If you have hair that's long, fine, color-treated, permed, or styled with heat, using a rinse-off conditioner (one you apply in the shower) may not be enough. That's when a leave-in conditioner is helpful,” says board-certified dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos, MD, FAAD.
Extended exposure to conditioner can cause product buildup, particularly if the conditioner contains heavier ingredients. This buildup can leave your hair feeling sticky and stiff and may even clog hair follicles, leading to weakened strands prone to breakage.
If you use too much product and don't rinse the conditioner properly, your hair will likely feel heavy and weighed down. This is particularly true of fine hair types. It can also feel greasy, as the build-up of the product will sit on the scalp overnight, leaving an uncomfortable residue.
Mix equal parts honey and olive oil. Leave on your hair for 20 to 40 minutes. Combine one egg yolk with two tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Leave on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes.
Applying a deep condition after you shampoo will help the hair shaft release the barriers of buildup, sebum, and debris and in turn, help the hair shaft absorb the ingredients from your conditioner. So which option is best? For optimal results, deep conditioning on freshly shampooed, wet hair will be best.
The difference between a leave-in and a deep conditioner is that the latter takes things to the next level. Deep conditioning for hair allows you to improve your locks' elasticity, helping prevent further breakage and damage.
Signs Your Hair's Being Over-Conditioned:
Your hair has lost texture, slipping from buns or out of bobby pins. Your roots become greasier sooner than you're used to.
Leave-in conditioner can be applied to both freshly washed and dry hair. To apply leave-in conditioner after washing your hair, simply spray the product all over your towel-dried tresses from ends to roots, avoiding your scalp. Blow dry or air dry your hair and style as usual.