The best leave-in conditioners for thirsty summer hair
Image via @theouai /instagram
Words by Lara Daly
Drink it up.
Since moving to Melbourne and experiencing my first taste of an actual heatwave (hello, 40 degrees) I’ve been going through my hair products at an alarming rate. The oils, serums and curl creams that used to leave my hair looking borderline greasy in Auckland are now being slurped up by extra thirsty locks crying out for more moisture.
If, like me, you turn into a salty sea dog at the slightest whiff of an ocean swim, your hair will be in need of some serious TLC by now. We might be back at work, but this is not the time for laborious heat-styling or Dyson Airwrap tutorials. This is the time for daily 6pm dips in the closest body of water you can find.
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Besides sunscreen, the only beauty product you really need from January to March is a good leave-in conditioner. Ideally one that smells amazing and can double as a fragrance. Here are some tried-and-tested options that tick all the boxes:
Crown Affair Leave-in Conditioner
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A luxurious, lightweight lotion is how I’d describe this, making it a great alternative for finer hair types that can feel weighed down by heavier oils and creams. Plus, it makes your hair smell like an expensive spa, with bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass. Yum.
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Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
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Colour-treated or heat-damaged hair needs extra protection in the summer months. Whenever I’ve had bleached hair, I reach for Olaplex No.6 daily, as it adds moisture but also keeps your hair strong and healthy thanks to its bond-building proteins.
Get it here.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment
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If you’re a lazy girl (like me) in summer and can barely get a brush through your hair, this one is for you. Living Proof’s 5-in-1 Styling Treatment works on any hair type to control frizz, define texture and add nourishment. Plus it’s silicone-free, meaning it won’t build-up in your hair when you reapply it after swims.
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People All-In-One Leave In Treatment
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Another great option for those wanting a hair product that does a bit of everything, People’s Leave In Treatment is super lightweight and detangling, making it ideal for a spray-and rake-through after the beach or for those ‘what should I do my hair looks like a bird’s nest’ type of mornings.
Get it here.
Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
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Trust me when I say you only need a few spritzes of this lipid-rich conditioning treatment to make straw-like ends feel silky soft again. It smells like a juicy bush of summer jasmine – intoxicating.
Get it here.
Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Protect Leave-In
This nostalgic-smelling conditioning spray is the most lightweight of the bunch, great for detangling and hydrating if you don’t want to add any weight to your hair. Despite how light it is, this super repairing formula has added UV protection, making it a goodie to keep in your bag all summer.
Get it here.
Chloe Zara Glossifying Mist
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I’m always drawn back to the Chloe Zara mist purely because of how good it smells – everything from the brand has their signature scent of fig, sandalwood, saffron and pineapple. It’s also the perfect light, lotion-y texture to spritz liberally though your hair post-swim, or when you want to ‘reactivate’ your natural curls as it defines texture, without the frizz. 10/10.
Get it here.
For more on UV hair protection, try this.
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