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Brushing your hair should be a peaceful ritual and shouldn’t hurt, which is why it’s super important to incorporate a detangling product into your routine. No matter what type of hair you have – thick, thin, straight or curly – there’s a product that works for everyone, which you can see below!
There are all different types of detangling products that can do the trick. From sprays to leave-in conditioners, brushes, or shampoos – we rounded up all of our favorite picks, which you can see when you click through the products below.
Detangling products work to soften and moisturize the hair, so that brushing it, later on, is a breeze. Not only are the products below good to use on wet hair, but they can also be used on dry hair, which makes it easier for you to detangle knots and coils at any time.
No matter what you’re looking for, there are a bunch of great detangling options below that you will be sure to love!
Compare the Top Detangling Product of 2024
BOMBEX Detangling Brush 2-Piece Value Set — Best Overall
This detangling brush comes in a 2-piece value pack that includes 2 brushes. The brush comes in a unique cone shape that molds to your scalp as you brush, while the plastic bristles comb through any unwanted knots. Even better, the brush has comfortable bristles that feel good on the head and gives you a scalp massage, leading to an increase in circulating and hair growth. The brush also minimizes breakage by detangling the hair instead of ripping out the knots.
Pros
- You get two brushes for the price of one
Cons
- The shape can be hard to hold
Honest Conditioning Detangler — Runner Up
Formulated with argan oil, shea butter, jojoba protein, and quinoa extract, this detangling spray helps to soften the hair first, before detangling it. It is made without parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes, silicones, sulfates, or formaldehyde donors, and is safe to use on babies. Not only does the spray help soften the hair and loosen knots and tangles, but it also leaves your hair feeling fresh and delicious.
Pros
- It’s vegan, sulfate-free, and paraben-free
Cons
- It can make your hair greasy if not used sparingly
ENJOY Conditioning Spray — Honorable Mention
This sulfate-free spray conditions and softens all hair types, plus it has a low pH of 3.5 which helps close the cuticle and prevents breakage. Not only is it safe for color-treated hair, but it is also made with a protective formula that helps keep color vibrant without letting it fade. The spray acts as a moisturizer for your hair and can be used on both wet or dry hair, plus, as an added bonus, the spray can also be applied to your skin after a shower or shave to moisturize.
Pros
- It is sulfate-free
Cons
- It can weigh down hair
Aunt Jackie's Knot On My Watch Instant Leave-in Detangling Therapy — Contender
When applied to wet hair, this sulfate-free & paraben-free leave-in conditioner softens the hair, making it easy to glide your comb through. The product can be used on wet or dry hair and it provides maximum moisture, leaving your hair soft, supple, and strong against breakage. Works well with thick, coarse hair.
Pros
- It is sulfate & paraben-free
Cons
- It’s a bit heavy
Design Essentials Honey Creme Super Detangling Conditioning Shampoo — Also Consider
Formulated with honey creme, this alcohol-free shampoo works as a cleanser and a conditioner in one, as it softens and moisturizes the hair. Perfect for all hair types, this shampoo promotes hair growth while sealing in moisture and closing the cuticles to prevent breakage.
Pros
- It is alcohol-free
Cons
- Use sparingly, as it can dry out the hair if used often
Design Essentials Super Detanglingv Conditioner — Editor's Pick
This lightweight leave-in conditioner is formulated with botanicals and vitamin E to provide maximum moisture without weighing down the hair. It cuts down detangling time by 30 minutes and is made without parabens, paraffin, petrolatum, mineral oil, and sulfates. While it can be used on all hair types, it works best with curly hair as the almond, avocado and shea butter ingredients work together to soften strands. After shampooing, lather hair in the conditioner, let it sit for 3 minutes, then rinse it out.
Pros
- It doesn’t contain parabens, paraffin, petrolatum, mineral oil, or sulfates
Cons
- It works best with curly hair & can be too heavy on other hair types
Buying Guide: Detangling Products
If you have curly or wavy hair that becomes easily tangled, you may find that brushing it can be a nightmare and cause significant hair breakage. There are several solutions to your problem, but a great place to start is to find a good-quality hair detangling product.
There are different types of detangling products available, including detangling brushes, sprays and creams. We recommend purchasing multiple products and using them in conjunction with each other. However, choosing the right products may seem a bit daunting.
To assist you, we’ve discussed some great ingredients to look for, as well as some attributes your detangling products should possess in this guide. Continue reading to ensure you get the best possible product for your locks!
Nourishing Ingredients in Detangling Products
Knowing what’s good or bad for your hair is a great place to start when looking for a detangling product. The following ingredients are all-natural and will make your hair feel amazing.
Argan oil
Argan oil is naturally moisturizing and conditioning. It is an excellent lubricant and will allow you to brush your hair with fewer breakages. It is also an ideal ingredient to apply to your scalp if you suffer from dry hair and dandruff.
Shea butter
Shea butter is thicker than argan oil and will reduce frizz. It also contains Vitamins A and E, which help repair and protect damaged hair. In addition, shea butter has a lovely natural fragrance; if you are looking for a product free from artificial fragrances, this is a good option for you.
Virgin olive oil
Olive oil is also high in Vitamin E, making it a great natural remedy to dry and highly-porous hair. Pro-tip; if you have dry hair, apply olive oil and leave for a few minutes before shampooing. After just a few washes, you will see a massive improvement in your hair quality.
Honey
Honey not only smells fantastic, but it will also make your hair feel amazing. Look for this in your detangling products as it draws moisture from the air to hydrate your hair. Ingredients with this ability are called humectants and should be present in your detangling spray or cream.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is the opposite of a humectant. It creates a barrier around your hair, protecting it from free radicals that can damage it. If your hair is extremely dry, we do not recommend using coconut oil daily. This is because the barrier it creates can prevent the hair from absorbing moisture and dry out your hair in the long run.
Instead, you can use a detangler containing coconut oil, which offers protection without blocking much-needed moisture. It is great in the summer as it provides some mild UV protection.
Do You Need a Detangling Spray or Lotion?
Detangling sprays are generally more lightweight and are better for those with thin, frizzy hair. You can use a detangling spray close to the roots and a thicker cream or lotion on the ends. Using lotions all over thin hair will weigh it down and make it look thinner.
If you have thick hair, you can afford to use a denser product. These products are better at reducing frizz and can hold hair strands together. You may want to use both types of products all over until your hair starts to retain more moisture.
Why Not Consider a Detangler Hairbrush?
Detangler hair brushes come in different shapes and sizes. Look for a lightweight brush, so you do not feel fatigued when using it for a long time. The best detangler brushes are curved and have a tiered bristle design. The bristles should also be firm because that will result in lesser hair breakage.
A good detangler brush will look more like a cone than a traditional brush, and will have an ergonomic design so you can comfortably brush at the angles you need.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free Detangler Products
Many hair detangling products are made from vegan ingredients. Unfortunately, any products containing honey are not vegan. Most companies also no longer test on animals. However, if you want to be sure, you can do a quick Google search to find out.
