Air dry cream VS leave in conditioner?

[CattyT3]

Hi, I wanted to ask people who have used both categories of products what would be a distinct difference for these 2 kinds of products. Whenever I search up how to use both, it seems they are both interchangeable, but a lot of sources also say to only use a leave in conditioner.
So I can't pin point what the true differences are in what they should be doing for the hair (as there are a lot of silicone free options in every hair care product type now) in order to figure out the best thing for my hair.
Any wisdom is appreciated.
[My hair condition if it helps: Never colored, no heat styling or drying at all, long type 1 hair medium thickness, oily scalp/ dry ends.]

[Mel231]

Usually the leave-in conditioner is water-based and basically like conditioners designed for in-shower use, but more dilute (less heavy).  Air dry creams usually have polymers that help to give the hair some shape and hold.  They often have conditioning ingredients too.  Both can help with frizz.  I often use  both at the same time.  I apply the leave-in, then sometimes a little oil, then the styler.  In theory, applying the products in this order helps keep the hair hydrated.  If you have very fine hair, or oily hair, you will probably want to try just one or two products, or use lightweight products, for example (my favorite regimen), Bumble and bumble Save the Day Protective Hair Repair Fluid 3.2 oz/ 95 mL  , then Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Treatment Light Hair Oil for Fine Hair  , then Bumble and bumble Don't Blow It Fine Hair Air Dry Styler 2 oz/ 60 mL .

[CattyT3]

I tried out using my air dry cream and immediately putting leave in conditioner as well, leaving it a good few minutes and then putting hair oil through the hair and my hair feels amazing - while I did use a new shampoo and conditioner, I did neglect my hair for a couple of days and did zero pre-shower prep this time, so I was relying only on seeing how the post-shower products held out. The little bits of damage I was seeing on some hair ends are completely neat now!
Thank you for the suggestion - I just got a leave in conditioner from the Ulta beauty steals going on right now as I am now fully on board with using it every wash.

[CattyT3]

Thank you, that really helps me understand what I am looking for using either - and I will definitely give using both a cream and leave in conditioner together to see the effect too. I do like bumble & bumble's repair treatment so will keep those 2 recommendations in my loves list to check out soon!