Regardless of your hair type, all of us can benefit from a little leave-in conditioner love and protection. Whether your hair is straight as a board, frizz-prone, stylishly wavy or wound into tight curls, leave-in conditioners help restore our hair's moisture level and leave us with easier-to-manage tresses.

Even when we opt for expensive conditioners, when the product is washed out of our hair in the shower, so is some of our hair's elasticity. A leave-in conditioner merely helps your hair retain that suppleness through a blend of moisturizers, silicone, protein and other strengthening ingredients.

In addition, a leave-in conditioner can up your hair on the shine factor by nourishing hair from its source- the scalp. For those of you with tangle-prone hair, leave-in conditioner also helps decrease troublesome knots by separating the hair at the follicle.

If you're a sun goddess, you'll enjoy the UVA/UVB protection some leave-ins provide, which serves to shield your hair from the harmful effects of those harsh rays.

But before you rush out to the store and grab the first leave-in conditioner you see, remember that this type of beauty product does not meet the "one-size-fits all" mantra. For instance, if your hair is super curly and you are faced with the notorious combing process, you'll do best with a thick leave-in conditioner cream. Straight and wavy hair will be best served with leave-in conditioner sprays.
Curly or Kinky Hair

Perhaps those with curly hair are most familiar with the concept of leave-in conditioners. They are so crucial to hair care because if you ever want to comb out or straighten your hair, you must first use a leave-in conditioner. If you don't, you actually can break and tear your hair. To prevent this misfortune, you may want to try Curly Hair Solutions Silk Leave-in Conditioner (average price; $16.50). This leave-in smoothes out rough cuticles to give hair a clean, soft feel. Plus, the non-greasy formula helps counteract the harmful effects of humidity on curls while at the same time reducing buildup and keeping your hair from feeling heavy.

If you're looking for a cream formula, Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-in Conditioning Cream (average price; $4.29) is for you. This product offers frizz control and smoothness for the whole day. And what girl couldn't use a bit of sleek and sheen? It also works to defend against the effects of humidity on your curls with Garnier's potent fruit micro-oils (avocado and apricot oils, to be exact). It's all topped off with vitamins B3 and B6 for health and vitality. If you are looking for manageable curls, protection from the environment and a blast of natural scent, this product may just be for you.

Straight or Normal Hair

Even if you don't have one of the more trouble-prone hair types, your mane could still use a little moisture every now and again, or every day, if you prefer. For this purpose, consider using Bumble and Bumble Leave In (Rinse Out) Conditioner (average price; $22). Don't let the name fool you. This product can be used in the shower as a detangler or it can be left in to weightlessly moisturize and soften hair. To use as a leave-in, just put a dab on hands, then style through hair with fingers.

For another option, you could try Biotera Leave-in Conditioner for Normal to Dry Hair (average price; $6.79). Its conditioning formula features herbal extracts to strengthen weak spots in hair. This leave-in treatment provides immediate results and increases manageability. If you need a nice wake up in the morning, it refreshes your scalp while at the same time smoothes hair from the cuticle. An added plus-its wonderful scent!
Fine or Thin Hair

When you have fine or thin hair that's just slightly prone to dryness, remedy the situation with Scruples Reconstruct Leave In Instant Repair (average price; $11). This spray actually works for all hair types but is a weightless formula so it won't bog hair down. The protein and moisture-laden formula help fortify hair, restore PH and is light enough to be used every day.

If you're in the mood to experiment, you may want to try Davines Dede Delicate Replenishing Leave In Mist (average price; $23). This conditioner sports a long name but that may be because of just how much it does. It uses grape extract and anti-oxidants to protect hair. Then panthenol gives hair the shine so often associated with leave-ins. If you have fine or thin hair and are considering a perm or color treatment, this product comes highly recommended.

Extremely Dry Hair

Hair can sustain damage from a number of factors. While heat styling immediately comes to mind, environmental factors and hair type also come into play. To counteract this extreme dryness, Phyto 7 Hydrating Botanical Cream (average price; $23.95) provides a plant-based solution for dryness and its many symptoms (i.e. split ends).

This cream is non-greasy and with active ingredients like sage, burdock, willow, and soybean, among others, it's light enough to use every day. Just a pea-sized amount applied to damp or dry hair will do. From the very first time you use this formula, you'll notice an "oomph" of smoothness and shine. Once it's applied, style away!

When you combine dry hair with winter's cold, thin air, you're likely at risk for some extreme static. With Neutrogena's Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in Cream, worry no more!
Olive cuts to the core of each strand while meadowform seed moisturizes. Add in sweet almond and UV filters, and you've got yourself a winning combination! This leave-in conditioner is alcohol free, non-greasy and salon approved, but with a winning price (average; $6.99) to boot.

Make Your Own

Most of us are on some kind of budget these days. And if yours doesn't allow for this extra beauty item, you still have no excuse! Just take your normal conditioner, mix it with distilled water and put in a spray bottle. Use to tame tangles or to spruce up your style while on your lunch break.