The difference

[MindTwister]

I do not know whether this question was discussed before or not, and if it has been please direct me to the thread. My question is: what is the difference between a leave in and a moisturizer?

 

[MindTwister]

bump
And is there any difference between the two?

 

[inthepink]

I think some people don't see them as any different. I see them as two different things.

I consider a leave-in a product that is some kind of conditioner mix like Biolage Leave-In Tonic or Suave Awapuhi (which is a conditioner that says "leave-in ability" on the bottle)

A moisturizer would be something like Hair Milk, Mango Butter, Healthy Hair Butter, etc.

I use a leave-in AND a moisturizer when I do my hair.

I know where your confusion is coming from though...I see people frequently say "I used Hair Milk as a leave-in." So, I guess it's just up to individual interpretation.

 

[MindTwister]

Thanks for the response Hairlove... This really confuses me lool cuz to me a leave-in is moisturizing too...

 

[Devi]

I guess it's the same thing.

 

[inthepink]

A leave-in CAN be moisturizing and SHOULD be moisturizing.

When I was fully relaxed, a leave-in was all I used before airdrying my hair.

Now, that I'm transitioning, I need a leave-in AND a moisturizer b/c one just isn't enough.

A leave-in helps me to detangle my hair well - that is why I prefer watery/milky leave-ins to creamy ones. Well, Suave Awapuhi is creamy but sinks right in and isn't heavy so it also helps with detangling.

Does that make better sense?

 

[inthepink]

Additionally, the real term for leave-in is leave-in conditioner. Hence, it's supposed to give you the feeling of having conditioner on your hair.

 

[Devi]

I take it to mean that it's a light instant conditioner... but really isn't that what a moisturizer is too?

I took a look at my moisturizers and leave in conditioners... all of the ingredients seem to be similar. Oils, glycerin, proteins, silicones, water...

There is no BIG difference between them. Different formulations will give different results, but that happens with any product.

 

[inthepink]

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I think it's a personal preference on what to call them. To me, I see them as two different things...but that's just me. Overall, it doesn't really matter.