Best Homemade Leave in Conditioner – DIY Simple Recipe
If you’ve ever stood in the hair care aisle scanning labels, trying to decode ingredient lists, or wondering if that pricey leave-in is really worth it—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. That’s exactly why I started making my own homemade leave in conditioner, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer.
This moisturizing homemade leave in conditioner is made with natural ingredients you can trust. It’s safe, super nourishing, and a breeze to whip up at home. Whether you’re dealing with dry hair, frizz, or just want that extra boost in your hair care routine, this creamy leave-in has your back.
Using a good leave-in conditioner is a great way to keep your hair soft, moisturized, and manageable — but if your scalp isn’t healthy, your hair can still struggle. That’s why I like to start with a simple scalp exfoliation treatment once a week to remove buildup, boost circulation, and create the perfect foundation for deep conditioning. It makes such a difference, especially if you use natural products regularly!
Why Use a Homemade Leave In Hair Moisturizer?
The main reason I fell in love with making my own homemade leave in conditioner is control. I get to choose every ingredient that goes on my scalp and strands, which means no hidden chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or fillers. Just real, skin-friendly stuff.
Plus, this recipe is rich in fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins that support healthy hair and even encourage hair growth. It’s also an amazing option if you’re following the LOC method, working with natural hair, or simply trying to switch to more organic ingredients in your daily beauty routine.
Store-bought products can be full of drying alcohols or irritating preservatives. Making your own homemade leave in conditioner means you get all the benefits of a leave-in conditioner without the questionable stuff. And bonus? It smells amazing and leaves your hair so soft and manageable.
I get to choose every ingredient that goes on my scalp and strands, which means no hidden chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or fillers. Just real, skin-friendly stuff—just like my favorite DIY face moisturizer recipe for glowing skin.
Homemade Hair Love: The Star Ingredients for Your Homemade Leave in Conditioner
This recipe brings together some of the best natural ingredients for hair health—each one chosen with intention. Let’s break them down:
- Coconut milk: Packed with healthy fat, protein, and vitamin C, this is your moisturizing base. It helps soften and strengthen while making hair feel silky smooth.
- Shea butter: Ultra-hydrating and rich in fatty acids, it’s perfect for sealing in moisture and reducing brittle hair.
- Aloe vera gel or aloe vera juice: Known for soothing the scalp and reducing inflammation, it adds light hydration without weighing your hair down.
- Avocado oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil: Each oil brings something different to the table—shine, moisture, nourishment for hair follicles, and scalp health. Choose what suits your hair type best.
- Vitamin E: Helps protect against damage and supports hair growth by boosting circulation.
- Essential oils (like lavender or tea tree oil): Optional, but great for adding a soft scent and additional scalp-soothing properties.
These simple ingredients are probably already sitting in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet, which makes this homemade beauty product not only effective but also super affordable.
On days when I’m skipping a full wash but still want my hair to feel fresh and look put together, I love pairing my leave-in spray with a light dusting of dry shampoo. It’s the perfect combo—your roots stay oil-free, and your ends stay soft, smooth, and hydrated. A total lifesaver for second (or third 😉) day hair!
DIY Homemade Leave In Conditioner Recipe
Ingredients:
For best results, use this leave-in after washing your hair with my DIY shampoo and following up with my DIY conditioner for a complete, natural hair care routine.
Instructions:
- In a non-metal bowl, mix the coconut milk, shea butter, and aloe vera until smooth.
- Add your chosen carrier oil, glycerin, and vitamin E oil.
- Mix well until everything is blended into a creamy texture.
- Add a few drops of essential oil, if desired.
- Thin the mixture with distilled water until you get a light lotion-like consistency.
- Pour it into a clean spray bottle or a reusable aluminum travel bottle for easy application.
- Shake well before each use, and keep it in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
How to Use Your Homemade Leave in Conditioner
Apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. You can use it after your shower as part of your hair care routine, or refresh your style on second-day hair with a quick spritz. It also plays beautifully with other natural hair products and works great under hair masks or deep conditioners for a spa-day vibe.
Pro tip: Use it consistently and you’ll start to notice less breakage, smoother strands, and even reduced hair loss over time. Just remember to give the bottle a good shake before each use!
If you’re working on length retention or just want to give your scalp a little extra love, try pairing this leave-in with my homemade hair growth oil. I like to massage a few drops into my scalp at night, then use the leave-in the next morning to refresh and moisturize my ends. It’s such a dreamy combo for supporting strong, healthy hair from root to tip.
Customizing for Your Hair Type
Every head of hair is different, and this DIY recipe is super flexible. Here are a few tweaks based on your hair type or current needs:
- Dry hair or frizzy hair: Add a bit more shea butter or avocado oil.
- Oily hair: Use aloe vera juice instead of gel, and skip the shea butter altogether.
- Curly hair: Amp up the coconut milk for extra curl definition.
- Straight hair: Use lighter oils like jojoba to keep things weightless.
As always, do a quick patch test on your skin before your first time using any new ingredients—especially if you’re prone to allergic reactions.
Helpful Notes
- Make this in small batches to keep it fresh.
- Keep your product stored at room temperature or in the fridge.
- If you’re pregnant, nursing, or dealing with a medical condition, please check with your doctor before using essential oils or starting new hair treatments. This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice or the advice of your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions + Extra Tips
How long does this homemade leave in conditioner last?
Because this recipe is made with fresh, natural ingredients and no preservatives, it’s best to use it within 1 to 2 weeks. Keep it in the fridge for a longer shelf life and always give it a good shake before using.
Can I use this on kids or during pregnancy?
Yes—just skip the essential oils or choose very gentle ones like lavender. When in doubt, always check with a qualified health provider, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant. This recipe is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Will this work for oily hair?
Absolutely! Just lighten it up by using aloe vera juice instead of gel, and stick with lighter oils like jojoba oil. A little goes a long way—start small and see how your hair responds.
Can I use this as a regular conditioner too?
This recipe is designed as a leave-in, so it’s lighter than a regular conditioner. But if you need a quick fix after shampooing, you can totally use a small amount as a detangler or light conditioner before rinsing out. This recipe is designed as a leave-in, so it’s lighter than a regular conditioner. If you’re looking for something richer, I’ve also shared my favorite DIY conditioner that deeply hydrates without harsh ingredients.
Do I need to refrigerate it?
It’s optional, but recommended if you won’t use it within a week. Cold product feels amazing on the scalp—especially in warm weather!
Best way to apply it?
After washing, spritz or smooth into damp hair, focusing on the ends. Style as usual. For best results, use after a shower and as part of a consistent hair care routine.
Homemade Leave In Hair Moisturizer - All Natural Ingredients
This Homemade Leave In Hair Moisturizer is made with natural ingredients you can trust. It’s safe, super nourishing, and a breeze to whip up at home. Whether you're dealing with dry hair, frizz, or just want that extra boost in your hair care routine, this creamy leave-in has your back.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon shea butter (softened or melted)
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel or juice
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil (or jojoba, olive, or argan oil)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional, but great for extra slip)
- 1 vitamin E capsule (or ½ tsp vitamin E oil)
- 2–3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons distilled water (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- In a non-metal bowl, mix the coconut milk, shea butter, and aloe vera until smooth.
- Add your chosen carrier oil, glycerin, and vitamin E oil.
- Mix well until everything is blended into a creamy texture.
- Add a few drops of essential oil, if desired.
- Thin the mixture with distilled water until you get a light lotion-like consistency.
- Pour it into a clean spray bottle or a reusable aluminum travel bottle for easy application.
- Shake well before each use, and keep it in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Nourish Your Hair Naturally
This homemade leave in conditioner is one of the easiest ways to care for your hair naturally—and you don’t have to live in the United States, St. Kitts & Nevis, or the British Virgin Islands to enjoy it (shout-out to my fellow DIYers all over the world, from Western Sahara to St. Barthélemy!).
Whether you’re going through a seasonal dry spell, trying to ditch store-bought products, or just want a healthy, affordable option for everyday hair conditioner, this natural leave-in conditioner recipe is a great addition to your routine.
If you’re ready to switch to a fully natural hair care routine, start with this leave-in and try my gentle DIY shampoo made with simple ingredients that cleanse without stripping.
Your hair is beautiful, and it deserves care that’s gentle, intentional, and filled with amazing ingredients. So go ahead—mix up a batch, give your strands a little love, and enjoy the sweet joy of a natural, handmade glow.
Check Out My Other Hair Care Blogs:
- Homemade Hair Growth Oil – DIY Ingredients for Healthy Hair
- The Best Dry Shampoo Recipe – Quick DIY Dry Shampoo
- Scalp Exfoliation for Hair Growth Made at Home
