The best leave-in routine according to hairdressers

Washing your hair is one thing, but what you do afterwards often makes the biggest difference. Many people use shampoo and conditioner, but skip the next step. That’s a shame, because that’s precisely where a leave-in conditioner can make the difference between dry, frizzy hair and soft, shiny, healthy hair. Hairdressers have been using leave-in products for years to protect, repair and make hair more manageable. Yet many people still don’t know exactly what a leave-in conditioner is, how it works and how to use it for the best results. In this blog, we explain step by step how to build a professional leave-in routine, just as hairdressers do in the salon.

What is a leave-in conditioner?

A leave-in conditioner is a hair care product that you leave in your hair after washing. So you don’t rinse it out. The purpose of a leave-in conditioner is to provide your hair with extra nourishment, protection and hydration throughout the day. A regular conditioner works mainly whilst you’re in the shower. A leave-in conditioner, on the other hand, remains active as you go about your day. This helps combat frizz, dryness, tangles and heat from styling tools. Many leave-in products contain ingredients that protect the hair from hairdryers, straighteners and external influences. In addition, a good leave-in conditioner makes the hair softer and easier to comb through.

How does leave-in conditioner work?

Many people wonder exactly how leave-in conditioner works. The answer is actually very simple. The formula forms a protective layer around the hair. This helps to retain moisture and temporarily smooths damaged hair. Among other things, leave-in conditioner helps to:

• Reducing frizz;
• protect against heat;
• preventing split ends;
• hydrating dry hair;
• making it easier to comb out tangles;
• strengthening damaged hair.

People with dry, coloured or damaged hair in particular will quickly notice a difference when they use a good leave-in routine.

How do you use leave-in conditioner?

How do you use leave-in conditioner correctly? According to hairdressers, it’s all about the right order and amount. Too little product has little effect, but too much can weigh the hair down. Below is a step-by-step guide to washing your hair properly.

Step 1: Wash your hair with a mild shampoo

A good leave-in routine starts in the shower. Use a shampoo that suits your hair type. Do you have dry or damaged hair? Then opt for a nourishing shampoo. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly and then use a regular conditioner for extra care.

Step 2: Towel-dry your hair

A leave-in conditioner works best on towel-dried hair. Gently squeeze the excess water from your hair. Don’t rub too hard with a towel, as this causes frizz and damage. The hair should still be slightly damp. This allows the product to be distributed more effectively.

Step 3: Use the right amount of leave-in conditioner

The amount depends on your hair thickness and length.

• Short hair: 1 to 2 pumps;
• Medium-length hair: 2 to 3 pumps;
• Long or thick hair: 3 to 5 pumps.

First, distribute the product over your hands and then apply it from the mid-lengths to the ends. Avoid the scalp to prevent greasy hair.

Step 4: Comb the product through thoroughly

Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to distribute the product evenly. This ensures every strand of hair is nourished. This is particularly important with a leave-in conditioner spray, as sprays can sometimes be unevenly distributed.

Step 5: Style your hair

After applying a leave-in conditioner, you can blow-dry your hair, let it air-dry or style it further. Many products offer heat protection, which helps prevent damage to the hair during blow-drying or styling.

Why hairdressers swear by leave-in products

Hairdressers see hair damaged by heat, colouring or improper care on a daily basis. That’s why they often recommend a leave-in conditioner as an extra layer of protection. A good leave-in routine ensures that:

• The hair stays healthy for longer;
• colour fades less quickly;
• the hair holds its style more easily;
• the hair becomes shinier;
• dry ends become less noticeable.

A leave-in conditioner is almost indispensable, especially if you regularly blow-dry or straighten your hair.

What is the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair?

People with curls often have naturally drier hair. This makes a leave-in conditioner for curls ideal for keeping curls beautifully shaped and hydrated. Curly hair needs extra nourishment because natural oils don’t spread through the hair as easily. A leave-in helps keep curls soft and bouncy without becoming frizzy. Hairdressers often recommend the following for curls:

• a rich cream leave-in conditioner;
• a moisturising leave-in conditioner spray;
• products free from drying alcohol.

Apply the product whilst the hair is still wet, then gently scrunch the curls upwards for extra definition.

Professional favourites from the salon

There are countless leave-in products available, but some are used remarkably often by professional hairdressers.

K18 leave-in mask

The K18 leave-in mask has become popular because it helps repair hair from within. Damaged or bleached hair in particular can benefit greatly from this. The formula works differently to a standard conditioner and focuses on repairing broken bonds in the hair. As a result, the hair often feels stronger and softer after several treatments.

Kerastase leave-in

A Kerastase leave-in is known for its luxurious care and heat protection. These products are often used on dry, lifeless or coloured hair. Many people choose Kerastase because the hair feels smoother immediately without becoming weighed down.

Redken leave-in

Redken leave-in is also popular amongst hairdressers. These products are particularly favoured for damaged hair and hair that is frequently styled. Redken often combines care with protection against heat and frizz. This makes the products ideal for daily use.

Which leave-in conditioner is right for your hair type?

Not all leave-in conditioners work the same way. Choosing the right product makes a big difference.

• Fine hair: use a lightweight leave-in conditioner spray so that your hair doesn’t feel weighed down.
• Thick or dry hair: choose a nourishing cream or oil-based leave-in conditioner for extra hydration.
• Damaged hair: Opt for restorative products such as a K18 leave-in mask or an intensive Kerastase leave-in.
• Curly hair: A leave-in conditioner for curls helps to reduce frizz and bring out the natural curl more beautifully.

Common mistakes with leave-in hair products

Even a good product won’t work as well if you use it incorrectly. These are the most common mistakes:

• Using too much product;
• Applying the product to dry hair without spreading it evenly;
• Only treating the top of the hair;
• Applying it to the scalp;
• Not using heat protection when styling.

A good leave-in routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s precisely by consistently following the right steps that you often see quick results.

Why does a leave-in routine really make a difference?

Many people invest in shampoos and conditioners, but forget that daily protection is just as important. A good leave-in conditioner helps keep your hair healthy between washes. Hairdressers often notice that people who consistently use a leave-in conditioner suffer less from dry ends, hair breakage and frizz. Extra care is particularly important if your hair is regularly exposed to heat or colouring treatments. Would you like to experience for yourself what a professional leave-in routine can do for your hair? Then browse the range of professional leave-in products at www.shop.kappersakademie.nl/en/ and discover which care products best suit your hair type.