Leave-in conditioners may not seem as important as using a shampoo or conditioner, but they actually serve many purposes: to nourish and moisturize the hair, prevent breakage and split ends, soften the hair, tame frizz, and aid in detangling. Many leave-in conditioners have water as one of their first ingredients: these are mainly great for replenishing dry hair with moisture. Still, others may not even have water listed as an ingredient. The focus of these types of leave-ins is more about sealing in moisture while ensuring easier detangling and smoothness. Both of them can also aid in the prevention of damage/breakage, and strength.

For me, personally, leave-in conditioners are definitely a staple when it comes to my hair. Spritzing a leave-in on my hair instantly makes my curls look and feel more moisturized and defined than they do immediately after I’m done washing my hair. One of my favorite leave-ins is the Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner. This product alone defines my curls and gives me immense shine. I follow up with a cream (usually Cantu Shea Butter’s Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream)and Vatika coconut oil and then style.

If you’re wary about what a leave-in conditioner can do for your hair, here are a few reasons why you might consider including them in your regimen if you aren’t already:

1. MOISTURE.

Yes, water alone is moisture but a great leave-in conditioner can have many other ingredients that aid in boosting your hair’s moisture. For example: aloe vera, which naturally helps your hair retain water/moisture, rosewater, which also replenishes your hair’s moisture, and glycerin, which will pull moisture from the air into your strands.