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A detangling spray is ideal for those who may not need a heavier conditioner in the shower, need some major time savings on those mornings when you need to get out the door fast, or for kids whose knots tend to be way out of control.
Below we have listed some great detangling sprays that are all first in their class when it comes to keeping hair soft and hydrated. These multitasking sprays not only work to get out the knots and tangles, but they have also been infused with a ton of moisturizing ingredients, antioxidants, vitamins, and a host of other goodness to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
We have included a couple of clean options (one that is even 98% derived from nature), some tried and true drugstore mainstays, and a great kids detangler that won’t make them cry during an untangling session. There is also a great multi-benefit option for color-treated hair that will provide shine while protecting the hair from heat.
Premier Detangling Spray, in Detail
Tresemme Moisture Spray — Best Overall
This lightweight conditioning spray is from their moisture-rich line and functions as a conditioning, leave-in detangler that delivers intense nourishment and hydration. This formula contains Vitamin E to help reduce damage and improve overall hair health to help create smooth, manageable hair.
Pros
- Use a lighter amount of spray to create manageable locks or a heavier amount to get the effects of a leave-in conditioner
- Infused with Vitamin E for extra nourishment
Cons
- This formula is ideal for dry or dull hair types
Pureology Colour Conditioner — Runner Up
For those with color-treated hair, this leave-in spray will prime, detangle, protect, and add shine. Full of nourishing oils including camelina, coconut, and olive plus a signature aromatherapy blend, this conditioner will protect your hair while leaving it smelling amazing. Use this spray on clean, damp hair and comb through from root to tip. It will also work as a heat protectant prior to styling.
Pros
- This formula is 100% vegan and free from sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and animal testing
- It has an amazing scent
Cons
- The texture is very watery
Davines Hair Detangler — Honorable Mention
The Davines Hair Detangler is a luxurious hair milk spray that provides many benefits for all types of hair. Formulated with the highest quality ingredients from Italy, this product is sure to leave hair soft and silky. It has a powerful detangling ability that helps make brushing and styling easier than ever before. Plus, it's also excellent for protecting hair from heat damage and frizz.
Pros
- Adds moisture to hair for natural softness
- The specially formulated scent is fresh, clean, and provides a pleasant smell
Cons
- Can make hair feel greasy if not used correctly
Fairy Tales Spray — Best for Kids
For the kiddos in your life, this tangle tamer has all the good and literally none of the bad stuff for an excellent and protective detangling and smoothing solution. Ideal to rid young hair of unruly knots and curls, this leave-in spray is enriched with keratine and Vitamin B to strengthen, smooth, and detangle while eliminating frizz and moisturizing.
Pros
- This product is free of parabens, sulfates, harsh chemicals, gluten, soy, dairy, and nuts
- It also helps to eliminate frizz
Cons
- This product has a slight scent
Garnier Hair Milk — Most Lightweight
This gentle detangling milk is suitable for daily use and gentle enough for delicate hair and sensitive scalps. Oat milk is a natural cleanser with inflammatory properties to gently draw away impurities such as dandruff on the scalp to restore shine while the rice cream extracts provide for weightless, soft hair. Use this detangler throughout clean, damp hair on a daily basis or whenever your hair needs some TLC and style as usual.
Pros
- This conditioner is paraben-free
- It will not weigh your hair down
Cons
- If you need an intense conditioner, another option might be better
Andalou Naturals Spray — Best Natural Product
If you have waves or ringlets, this is an ideal styling and detangling spray and is a natural option that uses fruit stem cell complex and marula oil to nourish and condition. It also contains powerful antioxidants and oleic fatty acids to help boost hydration, soften and tame for a sleek, smooth shine. This detangler can also be used on dry hair to smooth or revive curls.
Pros
- This product is 98% nature-derived, gluten, and cruelty-free, and has no animal testing
- It is safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- This detangler might feel a little sticky
Buying Guide: Detangling Sprays
If you have ever had long hair, you have probably gone through the agonizing procedure of combing knots. Brushing through tight hisses is not only painful, but can also pull your hair and damage it in the long run, resulting in split, damaged, and fragile hair. That is why having a decent detangling spray on board is essential to eliminate stubborn knots on the go. The top detangling sprays of 2024 will not only help to repair breakage and improve your hair's healthy glow but also offer protection from heat damage and deep conditioning. Continue reading this handy guide to see what we suggest.
From Our Celebrity Expert, Olivia Elgart:
Detangling sprays are a lifesaver for people with all hair types, but they're especially helpful for people with curly or textured hair. Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Blake Lively swear by detangling spray, and for good reason! Detangling sprays can make a huge difference in the manageability of your hair. If you're looking for a way to make your hair softer, smoother, and easier to brush through, then I highly recommend investing in one.
Benefits of Using Detangling Sprays
Fewer tangles
Yes, we realize it is redundant but we cannot overemphasize the importance of detangling sprays. We love to try different hairstyles every day that can result in knots and tangles. But tearing over snarls is a poor decision as it can lead to excessive hair break and baldness. Detangling sprays can make your task easy and save you a lot of time and energy.
Function as a leave-in conditioner
Some detangling sprays can work as a leave-in conditioner because the majority of them contain nutritious oils and cocoa butter to moisturize your hair. You should buy a moisturizing and two-in-one formula if you have dry and frizzy hair.
Softer hair strands
Detangling sprays work by smoothing your hair roots to make them less prone to have friction, resulting in reduced tangling. This leads to super-smooth hair. Thus, detangling sprays may assist with roughness, calm frizziness, and generally make your hair appear a whole lot nicer.
Filter UV rays
Why stop at combing and moisturizing when you can also protect your hair from dirt, grime, as well as UV rays? Detangling sprays often contain UV blockers that preserve color-treated hair from damage.
Added luster
Do you want your hair to be as lustrous as Olivia Culpo's hair? Add detangling spray to your hair care routine. Detangling sprays can help bring your hair back to life and offer you that sparkling, lively appearance you have been chasing.
Factors to Consider While Buying Detangling Spray
Hair type
Before you use any detangling spray on your hair, check that it is appropriate for your hair type. Certain detangling sprays are designed particularly for curly hair, and others are better suited for fine hair. Assess the compatibility of that specific spray with your hair kind.
Haircare
If you would like to reduce the roughness and frizz in your hair, look for sprays that perform more like conditioners. There are detangling sprays that may be used to improve waves or retain the shine and luster of children's hair. Pick a detangling spray depending on the state of your hair.
Ingredients
When you make a final decision, look over the list of ingredients. Some additives really do more harm than good to your hair. Avoid products containing sulfur compounds, alcohol, parabens, preservatives, and other potentially harmful ingredients.
How to Choose Detangling Sprays According to Your Hair Type
For curly or thick hair
When it relates to denser, coarser, or curly hair, search for detangling sprays that include more moisture and natural oils to nourish your hair. This will loosen the hair, making it simpler to comb across.
Straight or wavy hair
Those with wavy or straight hair will require less conditioning than those with curly or rough hair. People with wavy or straight hair can use a detangling spray or moisturizer as long as their hair isn't really thick or color-treated.
Fine hair
Interestingly, straight hair tangles more than curly hair. In this situation, moisturizing sprays cannot provide the desired results. So, look for a detangling spray that is mild and will not accumulate on your hair to wear it down.
How to Prevent or Minimize Tangles in Your Hair
- Comb your hair before taking shower. Do not delay till you have rinsed your hair to remove the tangles because your hair becomes more sensitive and prone to breakage when wet or damp.
- Comb your hair softly from the base of your hair and slowly move to the roots to prevent split ends.
- Tie your hair in a loose ponytail or make a loose braid before going to bed. The goal is to have a relaxed ponytail that is not too stiff that it breaks your hair. To avoid damage, pick a scrunchie over a rubber band.
- Use a silk pillowcase to lay on because switching from linen to silk pillowcases can help avoid knots and frizz.
- Check that you are cleaning your hair properly. Rather than scrubbing the hair, lightly massage the shampoo into the root with your hands and rinse off with normal water.
What Causes Hair Knots And Tangles?
Certain hair types are more susceptible to knotting than others. Your hair breaks and snags on other strands (like Velcro) and generates unpleasant knotted tangles.
There are several methods to detangle knots. However, a decent detangling spray will hydrate hair, prevent breakage, and strengthen your hair. Obviously, like most issues, preventing tangles is better. Using a detangling spray on a daily basis will help you avoid cries from a terrible combing and detangling process.
