
Your Questions, Answered Why do you need a leave-in conditioner? "On the other hand, if you are a color client, you may need a more intense leave-in conditioner to protect your hair from damage due to heat styling and the dyeing process." "If you are a client who prefers a more natural look and avoids coloring processes, then you may opt for a lightweight leave-in conditioner product," Hazen says. Product formula is equally important when selecting a leave-in conditioner, as each product contains different ingredients that can be beneficial to particular hair types and textures. "However, hair density also should be taken into consideration, as a cream may be a better option for clients with thicker or longer hair." If you use a large dollop of leave-in conditioner daily, then a value-sized container or more budget-kind product may be necessary for your needs. "A client with shoulder-length hair will typically use much less product than a client with long hair," she says. While leave-in conditioning products are available in differently sized bottles, sprays, and jars, the size and length of your hair before purchasing a leave-in conditioner is equally worth considering, as it determines how much product you will actually use, according to Hazen. "For example, a lightweight leave-in conditioner might be great on fine hair or tangles on younger children, but a client with color-treated hair might need a leave-in conditioner that preserves color." Thicker hair types, like curls and coils, often require more moisture, so a thicker cream or ultra moisturizing formula should do the job. Hair type is crucial when selecting a leave-in conditioner, because every hair texture has its own set of needs, explains Amy Hazen, veteran hairstylist, and owner of Hazen Hair Studio.
