Best Leave In/Styler for Your Hair Based on Hair Thickness

Heads up, product junkies!  If your eternal search for the latest and best naturally curly hair product has you pining for a killer leave in or styler, make sure you consider your strand thickness before you spend even a single dime.  Depending on whether your hair may be classified as fine to medium or medium to thick or coarse, you should pore over the ingredient list to determine the emollients listed in the first few ingredients and use the handy list that follows which classifies based on whether they are lightweight or heavier emollients.  Note that a few silicones are listed amongst the lightweight emollients.  The debate rages on as to whether it is safe to use silicones on your hair, but this article offers great info on what to use to cleanse the hair of silicone buildup.  Here’s an excerpt listing emollients to consider in your search:

Lighter Emollients for Fine to Medium Thickness

Argan Oil
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Dimethicone
Grape Seed Oil
Mango Butter
Phenyl Trimethicone
Soybean Oil
Sunflower Oil
Sweet Almond Oil

Heavier Emollients for Medium to Coarse Thickness

Avocado Oil
Castor Oil
Cetyl Esters
Cocoa Butter
Coconut Oil
Jojoba Esters
Jojoba Oil
Olive Oil
Mineral Oil
Shea Butter