How to Choose Between Creamy or Liquid Leave-in Conditioners

When choosing between a creamy or liquid leave-in conditioner, which is better? As with most hair care choices, it's ultimately a personal decision. However, there are differences between the two, and you might find that one works better for your hair than the other.

With this in mind, we spoke to hair care experts to help you determine whether a creamy or a liquid leave-in conditioner is better for your hair type. Keep reading to learn what we discovered.

Liquid Leave-in Conditioners

"Lighter, liquid-based products tend to offer benefits like de-tangling, a little shine, and extra hydration," celebrity hairstylist Gerard Caruso says. "These are all perfect for certain hair types."

But, Caruso adds, thinner-haired or average-haired types will likely benefit the most from liquid products. "Liquid-based leave-ins tend to be geared towards finer hair," he explains. "The main draw here is that they won’t weigh hair down."

Creamy Leave-in Conditioners

As Caruso explains, creamy products come with a few more bells and whistles—and therefore pack more punch. "Heavier, more cream-based formulas offer more intense benefits," he notes. "This can include infusing moisture, repairing split ends, controlling fizz, and even some anti-aging properties. The thicker consistency allows for additional 'heavy-weight' ingredients."

How to Choose Between Creamy or Liquid Leave-in Conditioners

Choosing between a creamy or a liquid leave-in conditioner is all about your end goal. "It completely depends on the final result you are looking for. Some formulas are heavier than others, which is not necessarily a bad thing if you have thicker, more voluminous hair," says Caruso. To figure out which products will work well for your hair type, take the following factors into consideration.

Hair Density

For example, if your hair is fine/thin or tends to get oily, a lightweight, liquid leave-in like Milk_Shake's Leave-In Conditioner Spray ($24) should be your top pick. (Ouai's Leave-In Conditioner is another good candidate.) A creamy product, especially if it's heavy, will likely cause your fine tresses to droop under the weight. "Cream-based formulas are typically formulated for hair that is thicker, coarser, or drier," Caruso adds. Izquierdo recommends IGK's Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm ($29), which he says is especially great "for curlier or coily hair types."

Your Climate and Season

Your environment plays a role in the type of conditioner you should use. You may find a liquid product works well during the summer but is not moisturizing enough in the winter. IGK co-founder Leo Izquierdo says cream-based products are helpful for "deeper hydration," which your hair might need in the colder, dryer seasons.

Likewise, a creamy leave-in could be too heavy for summertime styling. It can be helpful to have more than one leave-in on hand; this way, you can decide which one to use depending on your hair's needs that particular day.

Hairstyles

Whether it's a carefree wash-and-go you're after, or you want a smooth bob that blows in the wind, a liquid leave-in may give you better results. Liquid conditioners are also ideal for women sporting weaves or braided extensions, as it's easier to apply the product directly to your tresses (especially if you use an applicator bottle). If your hair is relaxed, a liquid conditioner is lighter on your straightened locks. On the flip side, anyone who wants to calm flyaways and frizz may need a heavier cream leave-in.

Your Current Routine

Before selecting a conditioner, think about your existing hair care routine. If you find that a leave-in doesn't play well with other products, it could be the product itself or the product interacting with another specific product. In some cases, creamy leave-ins can leave a tacky film on your hair if you follow it with a product it doesn't gel with (and in some cases, it's going to be a gel!). Try a liquid product instead, and see if that works before you remove anything from your routine.

How to Use Leave-in Conditioners

Caruso offers the following step-by-step guide to applying a leave-in conditioner:

1. First, shampoo and condition. "Leave-in conditioners should be applied to clean, damp hair, concentrating on the more damaged area," he says.
2. Next, ensure you get the right amount of leave-in conditioner before applying. "The one area that most folks tend to overdo it is in how much product they are using. Typically, 3-5 sprays of a liquid product is enough (depending on hair length), while a dime- to quarter-sized amount of a cream-based product is plenty. Using too much can cause your hair to look dull."
3. "Once applied, you can style as desired," Caruso says. "Most leave-ins can be applied daily after each shampoo and conditioner for added benefits and protection to the hair. "

The Final Takeaway

Choosing between a creamy or liquid leave-in conditioner boils down to a few factors. It's important to consider your hair type, the hairstyles you wear, and the climate you live in. Typically, those with thinner hair will benefit from lightweight liquid leave-ins while thicker hair tends to mesh well with heavier creams. Once you figure out what will work best for you, rest assured you have plenty of liquid and cream options to choose from.