7 Best Leave-in Conditioners For Sisterlocks

One of the chief concerns any loc-wearer has is moisture retention for our hair. It seems like a very simple thing, but often finding products that will moisturize, leave our hair build-up-free, doesn’t contain harsh or unnecessary chemicals can be quite a challenge. Avoiding the pitfalls of dry or crunchy sisterlocks should be easier. Therefore, I have compiled a list of my favorite leave-in conditioners for sisterlocks to help you find one that works for your hair.

What is a Leave-In Conditioner?

Leave-in conditioners for sisterlocks are designed to be applied after washing and left in the hair without rinsing. It is often referred to as a no-rinse or leave-on conditioner. Unlike traditional conditioners, which are rinsed out after use, leave-in conditioners provide ongoing hydration and protection to the hair throughout the day.

Can You Use Leave-In Conditioners in Sisterlocks?

Yes, you can use leave-in conditioners in sisterlocks, but it's crucial to choose lightweight, water-based products that won't cause buildup. For sisterlocks, especially when they are new, it's often recommended to avoid heavy products to prevent interference with the locking process.

 

Setting the standard

The best leave-in moisturizers for sisterlocks are moisturizing, softening, and do not cause frizz. It should have ingredients or positive feedback that it offers protection against environmental factors like UV rays and dry air.

Here’s what we’re looking for in leave-in conditioners for sisterlocks:

1. Hydrating ingredients—Water, coconut milk/water, rose water
2. Ingredients that will help to attract and retain moisture—humectants (aloe vera,  honey, glycerin)
3. Gentle oils that will help us to seal in moisture—olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, etc.
4. Mists i.e. light almost watery consistency because heavy creamy conditioners will lead to build-up.

1. Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s Midnite Train

This mist is touted for its deeply hydrating formula by stylists, its main ingredients are aloe vera and olive oil. It moisturizes from root to tip—softening hair and eliminating dryness. It's an excellent choice from a trusted Black woman-owned natural haircare company.

Pros

• Affordable: $ 12.97 for an 8 oz. bottle
• Strengthens and revitalizes brittle strands
• Deeply hydrating 

Cons

• It may not work best for finer hair textures
• Not suitable for naturally dry hair
  

2. Entoi Beauty & Wellness’ Coco Almond Leave-in Conditioner

This water-based leave-in conditioner is formulated by a loctician specifically for locs and sisterlocks. It strengthens, moisturizes, and softens hair.  The product has been designed to support the locking process by conditioning without detangling or unraveling locs. Leaves hair moisturized without buildup.

Pros

• Specially formulated for use on Sisterlocks.
• Developed by a Loctician.
• It can be used on dry or damp hair— daily or as needed.
• Waterbased and deeply hydrating
• Produced by a small Black woman-owned business
  
  

Cons

• At $24.95, this product is on the pricier end of the spectrum. 
  

3. Lockology’s Revitalocs Leave-in Treatment and Conditioner

With the primary ingredients being aloe, neem, rosemary, and castor oil, this product was uniquely created to strengthen and increase the health of locs. This product is a steal as a 2-in-1, it can be used as both a leave-in and rinse-out conditioner.  

Pros

• Specially formulated for locs
• A 2-in-1 product
• Waterbased and hydrating
• Produced by a family-owned Black-owned business

Cons

• Although, at first glance, the price seems reasonable, this product is on the more expensive end with just 4 ounces of product costing $14.95. This might make daily use very difficult for the average consumer.
  

4. Influance’s It’s Natural Leave-in Conditioner 

Made to harness the moisturizing and nourishing properties of pure natural coconut milk and designed to protect hair inside and out, this lightweight mist absorbs deep into the hair.  It strengthens and fortifies hair reducing breakage and mechanical damage caused by styling. The product provides useful nutrients, weightless moisture, and shine.

Pros

• Specially formulated for locs
• A 2-in-1 product
• Waterbased and hydrating
• Produced by a family-owned Black-owned business

Cons

• The packaging size might be too small for those who require frequent application.

 

5. Taliah Waajid’s Intense Moisture™ Bamboo And Coconut Milk Strengthening Leave-in Conditioner

Infused with bamboo to support hair elasticity, biotin to support thicker, fuller hair, and basil to provide nutrients to the hair follicle, this product is a solid addition to any sisterlock haircare regimen. The soothing aloe helps to deliver reparative moisture while the sunflower rich in vitamin E supports weightless hydration and conditioning. Coconut milk supplies nourishing protection to support healthy hair before, during, and after styling.

Pros

• Infused with nourishing ingredients like aloe, coconut milk, bamboo, and biotin to support healthy, vibrant hair
• Suitable for MOST hair types.
• Good value for money at $11.30 for an 8oz. Bottle

Cons

• Although touted for natural hair, this product is not specifically marketed for locs and therefore is an effective detangler that would not be suitable for starter sisterlocks as it might cause unraveling if used frequently.

6. Locsanity’s Daily Moisturizing Refreshing Spray for Locs

Not marketed as a leave-in conditioner, but a daily moisturizing spray,  this product is as good as any product on this list. This deeply hydrating Rosewater and Peppermint Spray is plant-based and filled with antioxidants, protecting your hair from harsh, environmental factors that can cause damage. It provides daily moisture for your locs, all without gunky buildup.

Pros

• Specially formulated for use on locs.
• Plant-based for those looking for vegan and/or cruelty-free haircare products
• Contains very hydrating ingredients such as Rosewater
  

Cons

• Not a traditional leave-in
• The price might be prohibitive at 19.99 for 8 oz., especially as a daily moisturizer/ leave-in
  

7. Garnier Fructis’ Pure Moisture 10-in-1 Leave-in

Looking for an easy-to-find and easy-to-use product? Garnier Fructis’ Pure Moisture 10-in-1 Leave-in is the perfect choice. Available in almost any chain grocery or big box store, this product also boasts hyaluronic acid and cucumber water as the main ingredients to encourage lasting moisture for daily use and styling.

Pros

• Very accessible. This item can be found in almost any convenience and/or big box store.
• The cheapest product on this list at $7.97 for an 8 oz bottle. This product is great value for money.
• It’s very hydrating when first applied.
• The moisture lasts up to 72 hours which means that it does not require daily use and therefore might last quite a while for the average consumer.

Cons

• It is not specially formulated for locs. Those with starter Sisterlocks should be mindful of possible slippage or use this product sparingly—once a week.

Wrapping It Up

Any of the choices on this list would be a useful and effective addition to your Sisterlock haircare regimen. Pay close attention to the details of the pro and con notes listed here for each product and you’ll be well on your way to finding the best leave-in conditioner for your hair.