Leave-in conditioners are versatile hair care products that provide extra moisture to your hair. However, the preservatives in them may cause some detrimental effects on your hair. But worry not – as you can now prepare homemade DIY leave-in conditioners for smooth hair. These can prevent frizz, fight dryness, and promote hair growth. In addition, they can smoothen flyaways, protect hair from heat styling, and make hair silkier.

The organic ingredients used in the preparation of these natural leave-in conditioners are gentle on your hair and suit all hair types. This article explores the top 15 DIY leave-in conditioner recipes and how you can use them to boost your hair health. Keep reading to know more.

Why Use DIY Leave-In Conditioners?

• DIY leave-in conditioners are safe, cheap, and have no side effects.
• Most of the ingredients used are available in your kitchen pantry.
• You can customize your DIY leave-in conditioner as per your hair concerns.
• They are free of preservatives and toxins and do not weigh your hair down.

The next section gives an insight into the ingredients used in the DIY leave-in conditioners. Keep scrolling!

Which Ingredients In Leave-In Conditioners Help Smoothen The Hair?

1. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and penetrates the hair shafts to strengthen them from within (1). It also coats the outer layer of the hair and prevents moisture loss.
2. Castor Oil: Anecdotal evidence suggests that castor oil promotes hair growth and conditions the hair. It is a good lubricant and helps smoothen the hair strands (2).
3. Olive Oil: Olive oil contains emollients, such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene (3). These emollients soften the hair and make it shiny.
4. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has moisturizing properties and helps condition the hair (4).
5. Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant (5). It locks in moisture and makes the hair soft and smooth.
6. Argan Oil: Argan oil helps moisturize, soften, and smooth the hair.
7. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a natural emollient (6). It can help moisturize and soften the hair.
8. Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root contains a thick mucilage. Traditionally, it has been used to detangle and soften the hair.

Let’s now discover how to use simple ingredients from your kitchen to prepare DIY leave-in conditioners. 

15 Effective DIY Leave-In Conditioner Recipes 

1. Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 capsule of vitamin E
• 150 mL distilled water

Directions

1. Warm the coconut oil and pour it in a spray bottle.
2. Prick the vitamin E capsule and empty its contents into the bottle.
3. Add water and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Shake the bottle well before use.

2. Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of castor oil
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 150 mL distilled water
• A spray bottle

Directions

1. Mix the castor and olive oils well.
2. Add water to this mixture and pour into the spray bottle.
3. Shake it well before use.

3. Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of shea butter
• 10-15 drops of rosemary oil
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• ⅓ cup of water

Directions

1. Mix all the ingredients properly.
2. Store in a spray bottle and use as required.

4. Aloe Vera Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of glycerin
• ⅓ cup of water

Directions

1. Mix all the ingredients and store it in a spray bottle.
2. Shake the bottle well before use.

5. Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of argan oil
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• ⅓ cup of water

Directions

1. Mix the argan oil and aloe vera gel.
2. Add water to this mixture.
3. Shake the spray bottle well before use.

6. Jojoba Oil Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• ⅓ cup of water

Directions

1. Mix all the oils and add water to the mixture.
2. Store in a spray bottle and use as required.

Note: Warm the coconut oil if needed as it is a solid at room temperature. 

7. Sweet Almond Oil Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of glycerin
• ⅓ cup of water

Directions

1. Mix the jojoba oil, olive oil, glycerin, and water.
2. Store this mixture in a spray bottle and use as required. 

8. Grapefruit Seed Extract Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of grapefruit seed oil
• 1 tablespoon of argan oil
• ⅓ cup water 

Directions

1. Mix all the ingredients.
2. Store the mixture in a spray bottle and use when needed. 

9. Vitamin E Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 capsules of vitamin E
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• ⅓ cup of water 

Directions

1. Add aloe vera gel, olive oil, and water to a spray bottle.
2. Pour the contents of the vitamin E capsules into this mixture.
3. Shake the bottle well before use.

10. Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• ⅓ cup of water 

Directions

1. Mix all the ingredients and store the paste in a bowl in the refrigerator.
2. Use when required.

11. Coconut Water Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• Equal parts of coconut water and distilled water

Directions

1. Dilute the coconut water with distilled water.
2. Spritz the mixture on your hair as required.

12. Rooibos Tea Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• ½ cup of rooibos tea
• ½ cup of water 

Directions

1. Dilute the tea concoction with water.
2. Use it when needed.

13. Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• ⅓ cup water

Directions

1. Mix the olive oil with water and add aloe vera gel to this mixture.
2. Store the blend in a spray bottle.
3. Use this conditioner as needed.

14. Avocado Oil Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• ⅓ cup of water

Directions

1. Mix the coconut and avocado oils with water.
2. Add aloe vera gel to this mixture.
3. Shake the bottle well before use.

15. Marshmallow Root Leave-In Conditioner

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons of marshmallow gel
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• ⅓ cup of water 

Directions

1. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
2. Store the mixture in a spray bottle.
3. Shake well before use.

If you are wondering how to apply the DIY leave-in conditioners the right way for smooth, frizz-free hair, scroll down to the next section.

How To Use Leave-In Conditioners Effectively

1. Wash your hair thoroughly.
2. Apply the leave-in conditioner 2 inches from the hair roots. Do not apply it to the scalp.
3. Divide your hair into small sections and coat each section with the conditioner.
4. Don’t forget to apply the conditioner to the hair ends since they tend to get dry the most.
5. Air or blow dry the hair and style it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a creamy leave-in conditioner?

To make a creamy leave-in conditioner, you can refrigerate your mixture of nourishing ingredients like coconut milk, honey, and aloe vera.

Is a leave-in conditioner just a watered-down conditioner?

No. The formulation of a leave-in conditioner is different from a regular conditioner as the former is free of oils and doesn’t contain any ingredients that may weigh your hair down.

Can honey be used as a leave-in conditioner?

Yes. Honey has humectant and emollient properties, so you can use it as a leave-in conditioner after diluting it to reduce its stickiness.