Best Leave-in Conditioner for Color Treated Hair of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026

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Leave-in conditioner is an essential product for those with color-treated hair. It is designed to provide extra moisture and nourishment to the hair, which can become dry and damaged due to the coloring process. This type of conditioner is meant to be applied after washing the hair and left in without rinsing off. It helps to prevent color fading and preserve the vibrancy of the hair color. Leave-in conditioner for color treated hair can also help to detangle hair, reduce frizz, and protect against heat damage from styling tools. It is a must-have product for anyone looking to maintain healthy, vibrant, and long-lasting color-treated hair.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BIOLAGE Color Last Conditioner Cover #TOP 1
BIOLAGE Color Last Conditioner
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Pantene Keratin Hair Treatment Cover #TOP 2
Pantene Keratin Hair Treatment
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment Spray Cover #TOP 3
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment Spray
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Leave-in Conditioner for Color Treated Hair

#TOP 1

BIOLAGE Color Last Conditioner

884486151612
Multicolor
BIOLAGE Color Last Conditioner Cover
Biolage Color Last Conditioner - Protects & Preserves Color Treated Hair, Hydrates & Repairs Damaged Hair, Adds Shine, Vegan, Paraben-Free, 13.5 Fl Oz

BIOLAGE Color Last Conditioner is a paraben-free, low pH conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. It helps to maintain the color, depth, tone and shine of color-treated hair, while leaving it soft and detangled with extra shine. Customers report that it helps to keep their hair color vibrant for up to 9 weeks and that it smells great.

What We Like
Paraben-free and low pH
Maintains color, depth, tone and shine
Leaves hair soft and detangled with extra shine
Helps keep color vibrant for up to 9 weeks
Smells great

Pantene Keratin Hair Treatment

Pantene Keratin Hair Treatment Cover
Pantene Keratin Leave-In Conditioner with Argan Oil, Protein Treatment for Dry, Damaged & Color-Treated Hair, Repairs Split Ends & Protects from Damage, Formaldehyde-Free, 8.4 Fl Oz

Pantene Keratin Treatment is a hair mask designed to restore smoothness to dry and damaged hair. It is infused with Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein, Argan Oil, and Pro-Vitamin B5 to provide deep moisture and repair split ends. This treatment forms new hair bonds, strengthening and protecting the strands from further damage. After just one use, you'll experience a cashmere-like softness in your hair. The best part is that it is safe for color treated or chemically damaged hair and does not contain formaldehyde. With Pantene Keratin Treatment, you can say goodbye to frizz and hello to healthier, more manageable hair.

What We Like
Restores smoothness
Repairs split ends
Strengthens and protects hair

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment Spray

0884486516701
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment Spray Cover
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment Spray For Color Treated Hair - Conditions and Adds Hair Shine, Heat Protectant Leave In Conditioner

Redken Heat Protection Spray offers heat protection up to 450°F, safeguarding color-treated hair from heat damage. The Invisible Shield Technology locks in color and shields out damage, prolonging your color vibrancy. This leave-in treatment conditions hair intensely, sealing the cuticle for added shine. Ignite your inner shine with this revolutionary glossing haircare range. For optimal results, pair with the Acidic Color Gloss Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Activated Glass Gloss Treatment, and Conditioner.

What We Like
Heat protection up to 450°F
Invisible Shield Technology
Locks in color
#TOP 4

Biotera Ultra Color Care Leave-In Conditioner

3017351
White
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Biotera Ultra Color Care Leave-In Conditioner Cover
Biotera Ultra Color Care Color Lock Leave-In Conditioner | Locks In Color Vibrancy | Color-Treated Hair | Vegan & Animal Test-Free | Paraben & Sulfate-Free | Color-Safe

The Biotera Color Lock Conditioner is designed to keep your color-treated hair vibrant for weeks. It locks in up to 97% of your hair color's brightness when used with the matching shampoo, helping you enjoy longer-lasting color. This lightweight formula also shields your hair from fading caused by sun exposure, heat styling, and everyday wear, so your hair stays fresh and lively. Plus, it cares for your scalp with a gentle blend that supports a healthy foundation, leaving your hair feeling softer and shinier right after the first use. With natural extracts like Orchid and nourishing ingredients like Ginseng and Coconut Yogurt, this conditioner helps maintain your hair’s beauty and health.

What We Like
Long-lasting color protection
UV and heat damage defense
Gentle, scalp-friendly formula
Increased softness and shine
Natural and nourishing ingredients

Artnaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner - - Made with Organic and Natural Ingredients - for All Hair Types - Treatment for Damaged, Dry, Color Treated and Hair Loss

ANHA-0802-VE
Artnaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner - - Made with Organic and Natural Ingredients - for All Hair Types - Treatment for Damaged, Dry, Color Treated and Hair Loss Cover
Artnaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner - (12 Fl Oz / 355ml) - Made with Organic and Natural Ingredients - for All Hair Types – Treatment for Damaged, Dry, Color Treated and Hair Loss (ANHA-0802)

Artnaturals Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner is a great product for all hair types. It is made with organic and natural ingredients, and is designed to help restore, enhance, and grow hair. It is also a powerful moisturizer that will help repair hair damage and prevent any effects from heat and excess styling. It is a great product for those with dry, brittle, and damaged hair, and will leave hair feeling soft and refreshed.

What We Like
Great for thick and coarse hair
Leaves hair soft and shiny
Lightweight formula, not greasy
A little goes a long way
Pleasant scent, not overpowering

L'Oreal Paris EverPure 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray

0914024
L'Oreal Paris EverPure 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray Cover
L'Oreal Paris 21-in-1 Leave In Conditioner Spray, Sulfate Free, Vegan, EverPure 6.8 fl oz

L'Oreal Paris EverPure 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray is a multi-benefit leave-in treatment that primes, protects, and perfects hair. It is 100% sulfate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, gluten-free, and vegan, and is enriched with almond milk and rose extract. It helps preserve color vibrancy, nourishes, detangles, moisturizes, provides body, and reduces the appearance of split ends. It also strengthens hair, provides up to 450F heat protection, improves manageability, adds natural movement, creates silkiness, helps seal the hair cuticle, improves softness, controls frizz, reduces static, refreshes for restyling, and adds shine.

What We Like
Effective detangling
Lightweight formula
Soft, shiny hair
Pleasant scent
Affordable price

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner

0884486516619
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner Cover
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner - Protects Vibrancy, Salon-Grade Hair Shine, For Color-Treated Hair, 10.1 Fl Oz

The Redken Color Gloss Conditioner is designed specifically for color-treated hair, helping you maintain vibrant color while adding a luxurious shine. Its sulfate-free formula locks in color and enhances shine, ensuring your hair looks glossy and healthy. This conditioner provides intense hydration, revitalizing your locks instantly. By sealing the hair cuticle, it promotes a smooth finish, making your hair easier to manage. When used as part of the complete Acidic Gloss system, it helps prolong the salon-quality color and shine of your hair.

What We Like
Sulfate-free formula
Intense hydration
Enhances color vibrancy
Promotes smooth finish
#TOP 8

Framesi Color Lover Primer 11 Intense Leave In Conditioner Spray

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Framesi Color Lover Primer 11 Intense Leave In Conditioner Spray Cover
Framesi Color Lover Primer 11 Intense Leave In Conditioner Spray, 8.5 fl oz, Leave in Conditioner for Color Treated Hair, Heat Protectant Spray

Framesi Color Lover Primer 11 Intense Leave In Conditioner Spray is a luxury beauty product that comes in a compact size of 8.5 fl oz. This leave-in conditioner is specially formulated for color-treated hair and acts as a heat protectant spray. The product is made in the United States and has a package dimension of 2.0 " L X2.0 " W X5.0 "h.

What We Like
Acts as a heat protectant spray
Compact size for easy storage and travel
Formulated for color-treated hair

Creme of Nature Leave-in Conditioner with Honey, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, 8 oz

0075724428126
8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Creme of Nature Leave-in Conditioner with Honey, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, 8 oz Cover
Creme of Nature Pure Honey Leave-In Conditioner, Moisture-Rich Detangler for Dry, Damaged Hair, With Coconut Oil & Shea Butter, Sulfate-Free Formula, 8 oz

Creme of Nature Leave-in Conditioner is an ideal solution for dry and damaged hair. It helps to detangle hair, protecting it against breakage. The conditioner is infused with a blend of pure honey, rich coconut oil, and shea butter, which work together to leave your hair looking healthy and shiny. The product dimensions are 3.1cmL x 5.3cmW x 18.8cmH.

What We Like
Great scent
Soft and shiny hair
Effective for detangling
Lightweight formula
Affordable price

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Conditioner for Damaged Hair

P2034001
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Conditioner for Damaged Hair Cover
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave In Conditioner - Hair Repair Treatment For Damaged Hair, Bond Building & Strengthening, Heat Protection

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Conditioner is a vegan, sulfate-free, professional conditioner suitable for all hair types, especially damaged hair. Its all-in-one formula repairs strength in damaged hair strands, provides ultimate hair strength repair, intense conditioning, hair color fade protection, and 450-degree heat protection. The thick consistency of this acidic haircare coats hair with less product than average shampoo and conditioners. This formula is ideal for all types of damage, hair types, and color-treated hair. It hydrates and moisturizes highly damaged hair strands and preserves hair health from salon services.

What We Like
Vegan and sulfate-free
Provides ultimate hair strength repair and intense conditioning
Color safe conditioning and 450-degree heat protection
Buying Guide Image

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Leave-in Conditioner for Color Treated Hair

What is Leave-in Conditioner?

Leave-in conditioner is a hair-care product that is applied to the hair after shampooing and conditioning. It helps to add moisture and shine to the hair, as well as helping to protect it from damage caused by heat styling and UV rays. Additionally, it can help to reduce frizz, tangles, and split ends.

Why Should You Use Leave-in Conditioner for Color Treated Hair?

Colored hair requires special care, as the color and condition of the hair can easily be affected by the environment and products used. Leave-in conditioner is especially beneficial for color treated hair, as it helps to seal in the color and protect it from fading. Additionally, it can help to protect the hair from damage caused by heat styling, UV rays, and other environmental factors.

What Are the Benefits of Leave-in Conditioner for Color Treated Hair?

Using a leave-in conditioner for color treated hair can offer several benefits, including:

  • Moisturizing: Leave-in conditioner can help to nourish and hydrate the hair, which can help to prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.

  • Protecting: Leaving a layer of leave-in conditioner on the hair can help to protect it from damage caused by heat styling, UV rays, and other environmental factors.

  • Enhancing Color: Leave-in conditioner for color treated hair can help to seal in the color and protect it from fading.

  • Reducing Frizz: Leave-in conditioner can help to reduce frizz and tangles, which can make the hair easier to manage.

How to Choose a Leave-in Conditioner

When choosing a leave-in conditioner for color treated hair, it's important to consider a few factors, including:

  • Ingredients: Look for a leave-in conditioner that is formulated with nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil. These ingredients can help to moisturize and protect the hair, while also helping to enhance the color.

  • UV Protection: Look for a leave-in conditioner that contains UV protection, as this can help to protect the hair from damage caused by the sun.

  • Sulfate-Free: Look for a leave-in conditioner that is free of sulfates, as these can be harsh on the hair and can strip away the color.

  • Formulation: Look for a leave-in conditioner that is specifically formulated for color treated hair, as this can help to ensure that the product will be beneficial for the hair.

Conclusion

Leave-in conditioner is an essential hair-care product for anyone with color treated hair, as it can help to nourish, protect, and enhance the color. When choosing a leave-in conditioner, it's important to consider the ingredients, UV protection, and formulation, as this can help to ensure that the product is beneficial for the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is leave in conditioner good for color-treated hair?

Yes, leave-in conditioner is excellent for color-treated hair. Coloring hair can weaken the strands, making them brittle, stiff, and dry. Leave-in conditioner contains ingredients that can repair the damage and provide hydration to colored hair, keeping it healthy and vibrant.

2. How often should I use leave in conditioner for colored hair?

For colored hair, it is recommended to use leave-in conditioner every time you shampoo. This daily treatment helps protect the color-treated hair. Additionally, using an intensive conditioner at least once a week can provide extra nourishment and hydration.

3. Is it better to use leave in conditioner on wet or dry hair?

Leave-in conditioner is typically applied to damp hair after washing and towel-drying. It can also be used to smooth and refresh hair on the second or third day. Classic conditioner, on the other hand, is applied to wet hair after shampooing and is rinsed out after a few minutes.

4. What not to use on color-treated hair?

When it comes to color-treated hair, it's best to avoid certain ingredients. These include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), parabens, alcohols, and sodium chloride (salt). These ingredients can be harsh and potentially strip the color from your hair.

5. What products should I not use on colored hair?

To maintain the color of your hair, avoid using shampoos that contain sulfates, as they can be too strong and strip the color. It's also advisable to minimize heat styling, avoid using hot water to wash colored hair, and refrain from shampooing too frequently.

Editor's Notes

During our leave-in conditioner for color treated hair research, we found 48 leave-in conditioner for color treated hair products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 322,960 customer reviews through our big data system to write the leave-in conditioner for color treated hair list. We found that most customers choose leave-in conditioner for color treated hair with an average price of $18.73.

The leave-in conditioner for color treated hair are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of leave-in conditioner for color treated hair, including Biolage, Pantene, Redken, Biotera, Artnaturals. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.