If leave-in conditioner isn't already stocked in your beauty cabinet, incorporating this staple product into your hair care routine can help you attain shiny, bouncy hair. 

Whether you’ve got hair that’s fine or curly, leave-in conditioner can drastically improve the appearance and texture of your hair. But, if applied in excess, you might experience unwanted product buildup that adds a heaviness to your strands. 

To reap the benefits of leave-in conditioner’s smoothing and softening effects, and avoid any potential mishaps, we spoke with two dermatologists to understand what leave-in conditioner actually does, and break down how to properly apply this holy grail product.

What does leave-in conditioner do?

Leave-in conditioner is the ultimate hair protectant that repels “environmental or heat damage, [keeps] it detangled, and provides extra moisture to the hair by adding additional hydration to the strands,” says Dr. Mona Mislankar, MD, FAAD, a board certified dermatologist. It’s also great for combating frizz, she says. 

If you’ve got color-dyed or bleached hair, using a specialized leave-in conditioner prevents your color from fading and restores shine, according to Healthline. There’s also a range of products that offer heat and UV protection, says Dr. Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD, a board certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota.  

What’s the difference between a shower conditioner versus a leave-in conditioner?

While both products are “intended to help protect [and] smooth hair,” the main difference between a traditional conditioner and a leave-in conditioner is the thickness and texture of the formula, says Liu. 

“Leave-in conditioners are usually lighter [in] weight and do not leave as sticky of a residue, allowing them to be tolerated without being washed out,” Mislankar adds. 

There are two main types of leave-in conditioner — creams and sprays. Whichever one you choose comes down to personal preference, but in general, “cream formulas tend to be heavier and therefore tend to be more hydrating and moisturizing,” explains Mislankar. This type of product is great if you have dry or damaged hair, or are experiencing frizz, she says. 

How do you properly use leave in conditioner?

When applied properly, leave-in conditioner can transform your dry, damaged strands into nourished, healthy hair. Leave-in conditioners should always be applied after you’ve gotten out of the shower, Mislankar says. Whether you plan to use a cream or spray, prep your hair for application by gently patting it down to get rid of excess moisture, she says. However, make sure to leave your hair still damp, per WebMD.

If you’re going to apply a leave-in conditioner cream, place the product in your hand and gently rub it in, due to the “fragility of wet hair,” Mislankar recommends. In terms of how much cream product you should be using, it’s important to consider your hair length and volume. However, generally speaking, all you really need is a “dime-sized” amount, says Liu. 

When using a spray, position the bottle toward the middle to bottom ends of your hair, spritz the product, and lightly brush it in, Mislankar adds.

Can you overuse leave-in conditioner?

As for how often you should apply leave-in conditioner, once a week is a good place to start. But, if you have curly, damaged, or dry hair that’s in need of a little extra nourishment, you’ll benefit from using leave-in conditioner more frequently, per Healthline. 

What are some common leave-in conditioner mistakes?

When using a leave-in conditioner, the last thing you want is to experience product buildup on your strands. To avoid any mishaps, always make sure to use a leave-in conditioner that’s correctly formulated to your individual hair type, Liu says. 

If your hair is curly, you’ll benefit from using a cream leave-in conditioner that’s infused with natural oils, according to Healthline. However, if you have fine hair, you may want to steer clear of using cream products, as they can weigh your hair down, Liu notes. Instead, try using a spray, as spray products tend to be more light-weight, she says. 

More:How often should you wash your hair with shampoo? We asked the experts.

Using a leave-in conditioner also doesn’t mean you should skip your shower conditioner, Liu says. Additionally, don’t apply leave-in conditioner to your roots. Instead, focus on applying it from the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair, Mislankar says.