Different leave-in formulas have specific application methods. Many of Surface Hair's leave-in conditioners are spray formulas that can be applied to damp hair before detangling. Spritz the products onto the hair, focusing on the lengths from the ears down, then comb and style as usual. 

One exception is our Curls Whip Mousse. This moisture-rich leave-in conditioning mousse hydrates curls and offers light styling support with a natural hold. To use Curls Whip Mousse, start by shaking the bottle well. Apply a generous amount to damp hair, then follow with detangling and drying as usual, either by diffusing or air-drying.

As with most hair products, how often you use a leave-in conditioner depends on your unique needs. If you shampoo daily and have damaged or frizz-prone hair, using a leave-in conditioner will offer ongoing hydration and protection. For fine or straight hair that gets greasy easily, however, daily use of a leave-in conditioner could be a bit too heavy. 

Because the product works best on clean, damp hair, it's ideal for use after washes, and can therefore be used in conjunction with your set shampoo schedule. If your hair still feels dry between shampooing, our 2nd Day Hair collection has you covered with products like our Bassu Hydrating Oil and Curls Serum, designed to restore moisture.

Since curly or textured hair can often benefit from added moisture, choosing a leave-in conditioner formulated specifically for curly hair is a great way to get the hydration your hair craves. Surface Hair Curls Whip Mousse has been thoughtfully created with curly hair in mind. It features ingredients such as organic babassu oil, a superior emollient that gently moisturizes hair, and cocoa butter, which boosts elasticity and helps protect against breakage and frizz. With natural sugars, this powerful mousse also helps styling products maintain a humidity-resistant hold, locking curls in place whether you air-dry or diffuse. 

Yes. While traditional conditioners are applied after shampooing and rinsed out, leave-in conditioners stay on your hair until your next wash. They're typically applied to damp or towel-dried hair, ideally before detangling. Since they're meant to stay on your hair, they have a lightweight, fluid consistency that won't weigh your hair down. 

The goals of regular conditioner and leave-in conditioner are different, so they are complementary but not interchangeable. While traditional conditioners replenish moisture after shampooing with heavier hydration, leave-in conditioners do the heavy lifting after your hair has been washed. Acting as an invisible layer of protection, they coat the hair shaft to provide slip for damage-free combing, while also protecting against frizz and heat damage.