Leave ins - absolutely necessary?

ITA with what Renee said! 

Girlynextdoor wrote: I thought the moisture was what helped hair not break off (my hair is dry so I try to moisturize a lot) and I thought protein would be the thing to really make hair stronger and you are supposed to rinse protein treatments out.

You can get protein to your hair in alot of ways other than using rinse out protein treatments.  Either through your moisturizer, instant conditioners, and through your leave-ins.  Most leave-ins contain light proteins that coat the hair and protect it from breakage.  Some are moisturizing leave ins that don't contain protein.  You have to know what your hair needs at the time and balance the protein and moisture accordingly.  Too much of either one can lead to breakage.

 You have to check labels to be certain which type you are using.  For one, I can tell ya if you are using Infusium- its a protein based leave in.  When I feel my hair needs extra strength, I'll use Infusium or Salerm.  When my hair feels rough and I just need moisture, I go for the Neutragena Triple Moisture leave in.  Some people use their leave-in as the moisturizer which is fine too.  This works well Usually with the cream type ones.  I have tried this myself with Salerm and NTM.

Also, some moisturizers contain protein as well- so check your labels.  Too much protein can cause breakage.  Just listen to your hair- if you know you are already getting enough protein through your other products then for that certain wash- you may skip the protein leave-in and go with a moisturizing one... and the vice versa.

But more often than not, I always use a leave-in as an extra line of defense against breakage from combing or heat.  I just alternate types depending on my hair needs at the time. I always follow up with a waterbased moisturizer then an oil to seal everything.

Okay, so leave ins help prevent damage.  I guess when I use a conditioner I am just looking for something to moisturize my hair in the shower.  I thought the moisture was what helped hair not break off (my hair is dry so I try to moisturize a lot) and I thought protein would be the thing to really make hair stronger and you are supposed to rinse protein treatments out.  I guess I really am clueless .

yes, there's a difference between leave in and moisturiser. moisturiser moisturises :) and leave ins are usually hair treatment that help prevent damage and also help repair damage. it depends on the type of leave in though....also check out the ingredients. you can use a moisturiser as a leave in IF you want to. you dont have to use a leave in conditioner if your hair is healthy. sometimes, i just use a little rinse out conditioner. whichever one i use in the shower. you can mix both if you want...i do that. and you can get glycerin and aloe vera from any health food store.....try vitamin shoppe....

it may not be necessary for you but for me it is- having hard water and dry hair that also has color in it- i have to use my glycerin/water/liquid aloe vera/eo spritz daily.