The Four Best Leave-In Conditioners for Sleek Beach Hair

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Salt, surf, and sand wreak havoc on hair—especially hair that's color-treated, processed, and thirsty. If you ever spy a surf photo of a girl with untangled hair she either a) has unbelievably healthy hair or b) is using a leave-in conditioner treatment (ponytails don't count). Truly a beach girl's secret weapon, leave-in conditioner before and after beach time will transform your summer life. Smooth hair while frolicking in the waves? Check. Manageable strands straight from the beach to the streets? Check. Pack one of these favorites in your bag or car to keep hair under control and looking enviably healthy all the time. Bonus: They also help repair and rehydrate damaged hair.

1. The L'Oréal EverCrème is an everyday staple. At a great price point and with drugstore availability, it's an amazing detangler that doesn't weigh down hair. Spritz (okay, douse) hair pre-surf and once more after a quick rinse under the beach showers. This is the one to try if you're new to leave-in conditioners.

2. While Bumble and Bumble's leave-in conditioner doesn't stand up to the rigors of saltwater, the brand's Hairdresser's Invisible Oil does. Dab a dime-size amount into hair's damaged ends as soon as you exit the water (even before towel-changing out of your wetsuit). It immediately softens that hair crunch and protects against breakage. Beware, though, there's a fine line between "just right" and an "oily mess."

3. The combo of Fekkai's Protein Rx Daily Protein Fortifier and Brilliant Glossing Cream is just right for when hair needs to be nursed back to a relative level of health (often due to too much heat styling). Spray the protein treatment from roots to ends, then work in a dab of the glossing cream to keep hair sleek in the water. If you're not hitting the waves, just use the spray since the cream can add heaviness to dry hair.

4. The Leonor Greyl Tonique Hydratant is a luxury option that, because of its high price tag, is best used sparingly. Work a few sprays into your hair, especially the ends, before applying any sort of heat styling. The best in protective and moisturizing properties, leave this one out of any water play.
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