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Apply leave-in conditioner

If your lengths still feel rough or catch when you detangle, a leave-in can make them easier to handle. Choose the cream or spray directions below for a product made to stay in damp hair.

Step by step

  1. A woman gently presses damp lengths in a towel before applying leave-in conditioner.
    STEP 1 OF 7

    Press out dripping water

    • Start after the final rinse. If the hair is already damp without dripping, go to the next step.
    • Press a soft towel around the hanging lengths without rubbing or twisting. Stop while the hair still feels damp.
  2. A woman holds two sections of damp curls forward over her shoulders, with her face and both hands visible.
    STEP 2 OF 7

    Bring the lengths within reach

    • Bring your hair forward over both shoulders. Split a thick handful into smaller sections so you can reach the hair inside it.
    • Choose one route: for cream or lotion, follow steps 3–5, then 7. For spray, go straight to step 6, then 7.
  3. A woman pumps leave-in cream from a bottle on the counter into her open palm.
    STEP 3 OF 7

    For cream: put some in your palm

    • Dispense the label’s starting amount into one palm, using the pump or opening on your bottle.
    • Share the label’s total amount between sections. If it gives an amount per section, follow that instead. Put the bottle down.
  4. A woman spreads a thin layer of leave-in cream between her palms before touching her hair.
    STEP 4 OF 7

    For cream: spread it between your palms

    • Slide your palms gently against each other to spread the cream into a thin layer.
    • Keep your hands off your hair until there is no large blob left in either palm.
  5. A woman smooths a thin layer of leave-in conditioner over the middle and ends of one damp hair section.
    STEP 5 OF 7

    For cream: smooth it over a section

    • Support one section with one hand. Smooth the other palm along the hair toward the ends, keeping the scalp clear.
    • Turn the section loosely to reach its underside. Repeat on the other sections, sharing the product already on your hands.

    Skip the spray step. Continue to step 7 to spread any remaining product toward the tips.

  6. A woman holds a section of damp curls while spraying leave-in conditioner onto the middle lengths, away from her face.
    STEP 6 OF 7

    For spray: mist each section

    • Use this step instead of steps 3–5. Prepare the bottle as its label directs, including shaking if required.
    • Hold a section away from your face. Aim at the middle lengths and ends, using the bottle’s amount and spray distance.
    • Repeat on the other sections, then put the bottle down.
  7. A woman supports one damp hair section while smoothing leave-in conditioner toward the tips.
    STEP 7 OF 7

    Smooth through to the tips

    • Support a section above the area you are smoothing. Use your other hand to spread any remaining product down to the tips.
    • Repeat where you can see clumps or missed patches. Do not add more just to make a coating visible, or pull your hand through a knot.
    • Leave it in. Wash the product off your hands and close the container before continuing with your styling routine.

About 2–4 min for blotting drips if needed, section handling, one cream or spray route, spreading to the tips and cleanup. Washing, detangling and later drying are separate.

Editorial estimate for a familiar solo application, not measured. More sections, very long hair or limited reach can take longer.

You’re done when…

You have worked through each intended section and smoothed out any clumps. You do not need a visible coating. Leave the product in and continue as its directions allow.