Image: MomJunction Design Team
Smooth out the knots and tangles with our list of the best detangler sprays and flaunt soft, silky hair. If you like to keep your hair open, you might face painful knots after a long day of wind and pollution. Although conditioners help detangle your hair to a certain extent, the result may not be long-lasting. A detangler spray helps you comb through the difficult knots and tangles without difficulty. They help yield silky and smooth hair and reduce the friction between damaged hair strands.
Alexandro Vasquez, a professional hairdresser and hair colorist, says, “Detangler sprays are highly effective for very dull, dry, and super curly hair and greatly reduce the time needed for combing and styling.”
As tangles can make your hair look messy, you can use a detangler spray to get a neat, polished look. These sprays are more effective on curly, long, or thick hair. So, read on to find some expert-recommended detangler sprays suitable for your hair type.
Top Picks
15 Best Detangler Sprays
1. Best Lightweight: The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler Spray
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 39,248 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
If you love natural and vegan products, this detangler spray is one such. This natural and dermatologist-tested detangler spray acts as a leave-in conditioner to detangle and keep your hair in place without flying away. It is suitable for all hair types and works on wet and dry hair. You can use this detangler spray at any time to detangle your hair and make it look smooth and shiny. It is enriched with plant-based key ingredients, such as argan oil, shea butter, jojoba protein, and quinoa extracts, to nourish and smoothen your hair. Watch this video for a review of this hair product.
Pros
- No harmful chemicals
- Safe for parents and babies
- Not tested on animals
- Lightweight and hydrating detangler spray
- Control cowlicks
- Biodegradable formula
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance strong and unpleasant
Did you know?2. Best Paraben-Free: Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave-In Spray
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,610 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
The frizz-control detangler spray by Sun Bum not only frees you from messy hair knots but also conditions and protects your hair from damage. It controls split ends, dull, frizzy hair and can shield the hair from UV rays, leaving it smooth and shiny all day. This knot removal spray works for color-treated hair by slowing the color fading process. This leave-in hair spray is enriched with banana pulp, coconut oil, banana peel, banana leaf, quinoa protein extract, sunflower seed oil, etc., to nourish and enhance your hair. For more useful information about the product, click this video.
Pros
- Vegan product
- Paraben- and dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Lightweight formula
- Great for beach use
Cons
- May leave a strong fragrance
"This leave-in conditioner spray detangler has made my hair manageable by removing the tangles and reducing breakage. The coconut-banana smell may be slightly overwhelming for some. I have also used this one on my daughter's hair, and I'm impressed with the results."
Quick fact3. Best Non-Greasy: Pantene Conditioning Hair Mist
Pantene Conditioning detangling hair mist is an expert-recommended leave-in spray that helps control hair damage, making it smooth and shiny. This hair product works on all hair types and can be used on wet and dry hair. The scientifically formulated Pro-V formula is enriched with antioxidants to reduce protein loss, thereby protecting your hair from breakage and dryness. When sprayed onto your hair, this gentle formulation can detangle the knotted strands of hair and restore your hair’s smoothness and shine.
Pros
- Has a mild and fresh scent
- Lightweight formula
- Helps with easy styling
- Non-greasy
- Leaves no residue
Cons
- Not recommended for extreme tangles
"I loved this detangler for its lightweight texture, refreshing fragrance, and non-greasy texture. It helped me manage my hair with ease, and the oil is effective on both dry and damp hair."
The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler Spray Best Lightweight | Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave-In Spray Best Paraben-Free | Pantene Conditioning Hair Mist Best Non-Greasy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | All | Damaged |
| Dimensions | 4.88 x 3.5 x 7.38 inches | 6.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches | 1.91 x 5.74 x 8.1 inches |
| Weight | 4 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces | 1.65 Pounds. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 39,248 | 1,610 | 7,725 |
| Price | $6.49 | $15.74 | $14.97 |
4. Best For Colored Hair: Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 8,313 positive reviews on Amazon.
The Mizani 25 miracle milk detangler spray works for all hair textures and types. It detangles your hair and enhances the curls when used on wet or damp hair. This expert- recommended leave-in conditioner hydrates, moisturizes, and prevents frizzy hair. It also protects your hair from heat damage and dryness. The blend of fennel seed oil and coconut oil helps nourish and restore healthy hair. Check out this video to learn how this detangler hair primer works.
Pros
- Lightweight formulation
- Leaves your hair soft and shiny
- Protects color-treated hair
- Good for keratin-treated hair
- Enhances curls
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- Might not work on dry hair
"I find this spray helpful in smoothening my hair strands and detangling my hair, though the fragrance is slightly overpowering. It also offers a good amount of hydration to my hair, and I use it in between my salon visits."
Did you know?5. Best Vegan: Daily Dose Miracle Moisture Leave-in Conditioner
The Daily Dose leave-in conditioner has no harmful chemicals and is safe for your hair and skin. It has no parabens, phthalates, SLE’s, sulfates, mineral oils, etc., that are harsh and strips the hair moisture. This vegan detangler spray has a creamy formula, yet sprays a fine mist onto your hair. It is formulated for all hair types, including textured hair, and can instantly detangle your hair with a few sprays on wet hair. This hair spray helps prevent breakage, eliminate frizz, protect color-treated hair, add moisture and shine. It also makes your hair silky smooth, and manageable.
Pros
- Safe to incorporate into kids’ hair routine
- Not tested on animals
- Non-greasy and lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- May have a strong scent
"I bought this product to tackle my tangles, and it was an instant sensation, offering me tangle-free and soft hair. Only a small amount of it is needed to make the hair manageable."
6. Best Eco-Friendly: Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean detangler is a refreshing and tried-and-tested formula that helps keep your hair smooth, shine, and tangle-free. This paraben- and silicone-free detangler spray allows you to air-dry your hair while keeping it frizz-free and silky. It suits normal hair types. The active fruit protein formula has no animal-derived products or byproducts. This scientifically-formulated detangler primer is enriched with key ingredients such as aloe extract, citrus protein, and vitamins B3, B6, E, to nourish your hair. For better results, use this detangler spray with Pure Clean shampoo and conditioner.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight detangler spray
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Not suitable for all hair types
- Not recommended for dry hair
"I've tried numerous detanglers on my hair and my daughter's locks, and this one stands out. It helps tackle tangles with ease and offers a nice shine with a lightweight texture and non-greasy feel. The fragrance is refreshing."
7. Best Gluten-Free: Socozy Kids Detangler and Leave-in Conditioner
The gentle detangler spray from So Cozy is designed to detangle your little one’s hair. Its gentle formulation with no harsh chemicals is safe for everyday use. Spray it generously onto wet or dry hair to prevent frizz and keep it smooth and shiny. The lightweight spray contains soy protein, kiwi extract, and keratin to moisturize and nourish your baby’s hair.
Pros
- No parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
- No synthetic colors or dyes
- Gluten-free
- Lightweight formula
- Detangler spray for all hair types
- Makes hair soft and shiny
- Good to use on damp and dry hair
Cons
- May have a strong scent
- Poor packaging
"I use this detangler on my child's hair for its efficiency in tackling the tangles. It allows me to easily remove the knots. The smell feels slightly different and some getting used to though. That sais, I love that it leaves behind no residue and has no nasty ingredients."
8. Best Moisturizing: Tresemme Moisture Rich Detangling Spray
The professional-grade Tresemme moisturizing detangling spray can help smooth your knotty curls and keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Scientifically formulated with vitamin E, this hair product can reduce hair damage and nourish your hair with regular use. This expert-recommended and lightweight detangling solution provides almost instant results and makes the hair smooth and manageable.
Pros
- Mild fragrance
- Can work as a conditioner as it provides extra moisture
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Thick consistency
"This is a value-for-money detangling spray effective at smoothening tangles and hair knots in no time. It makes my hair silky and soft, and the scent is mild and bearable. Using the sprayer, though, may seem a bit tricky to some."
9. Best Fragrance-Free: TotLogic Leave-in Conditioning Spray
Totlogic leave-in conditioner is specially designed for kids. The scientifically formulated and gentle conditioner has natural ingredients infused with essential oils, such as jojoba oil, bergamot oil, and antioxidants to nourish and strengthen your kid’s hair. This detangling product helps eliminate frizz, flyaways, and static hair while keeping the hair smooth and tangle-free. Simply spray it on wet or dry hair to make it manageable and fuss-free. This tangle-free hair spray is suitable for all hair types and can be used by kids and women. Its gentle formulation has a mild natural scent and smells great on hair.
Pros
- No harmful chemicals
- No artificial colors or fragrances
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Non-greasy
- Suits all hair types
Cons
- Leaves slight residue
"This spray helps ease the hair knots, making hair styling less painful. I love its safe and non-toxic ingredients and the mild scent. I suggest using it with a conditioner to enhance the effect."
10. Best Sulfate-Free: Malibu Leave-in Conditioner Mist
The 100% vegan product is enriched with plant-based protein to nourish, hydrate, and detangle your hair deeply. This leave-in conditioner detangler spray with UV protection protects your hair from harsh UV rays, heat styling, and other environmental irritants. It also works on color-treated hair and helps the color to last longer. Use this leave-in mist on wet and towel-dried hair for visible results.
Pros
- Protects hair from hard water
- Serves as a heat protectant
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Weightless formula
Cons
- May leave a strong fragrance
"I have turned to this product again for its effectiveness in providing soft hair without greasy build-up. It's my daughter’s favorite too. Note that the smell may not appeal to everyone."
11. Best For Daily Use:Pacifica Coconut Milk Detangle Elixir
The Coconut Milk Detangle Elixir by Pacifica is a leave-in conditioner detangler spray that works on clean, wet hair. The ingredients like Vitamin B and coconut leave the hair bouncy, moisturized, and fresh. This daily detangler spray is devoid of harsh chemicals such as phthalates, sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, SLS, and petrolatum. The hair detangling solution adds ample hydration while minimizing breakage and provides soft, manageable hair.
Pros
- Has a hint of coconut fragrance
- Suitable for daily use
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
- Long-lasting fragrance
Cons
- Nozzle may be faulty
- May have a slightly thick consistency
"Besides tackling my tangles, this spray with a pleasant coconut scent offers hydration to my hair. It also makes my daughter's hair shiny without any greasiness. I wish it were available in a large bottle size."
12. Best Unisex: R+Co Pinstripe Intense Detangling Spray
The lightweight detangling spray from R+Co makes your hair manageable. It helps tame tangled hair, adds more shine, and leaves your hair hydrated. Spray on towel-dried hair and comb through it whenever you are stepping out. This celebrity-favorite spray protects your hair from UV rays and heat styling treatments. The shine-enhancing detangler spray has ginger root extracts and cinnamon bark extracts that help repair hair cuticles and strengthen your hair.
Pros
- Free of parabens, sulfates, SLE’s, etc
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan product
- Suitable for men and women
Cons
- May not work for extreme tangles
"This spray is an ideal solution for my tangled hair, although I wish it offered more shine. Its lightweight and non-greasy texture makes it easy to use without leaving any residue. The scent is decent."
13. Best Biodegradable: Babo Botanicals Smoothing Detangling Spray
Babo Botanicals has created a safe and gentle detangling spray for babies and kids. This lightweight, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic formula is made of plant-based ingredients. It is a daily leave-in conditioner you can use on wet and dry hair. This non-greasy kids’ detangler spray instantly resolves messy, tangled hair, eliminates frizz, adds shine, and makes your little one’s hair smooth and manageable. The detangling product has a mild citrus berry scent and contains shea butter, evening primrose oil, coconut oil, etc.
Pros
- No harsh chemicals
- No synthetic fragrances
- Dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Biodegradable
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
- Might leave a mild residue
"I love the non-greasy effect of this conditioner, which has been helpful for my stubborn tangles. It helps in smoothing my hair. The berry scent isn't my favorite, but the product does what it is meant to."
14. Best Leave-in Conditioner: Unite 7 Seconds Detangler
To protect your hair from the harsh UV rays, heat styling, to detangle the messy hair, or to keep it hydrated, soft, and shiny, this detangler can work. This makeup artist-approved product can work on color-treated hair and chemically treated hair to style your hair as you like. Spray this detangler on the towel-dried hair about four to six times and you are good to run your fingers through the hair.
Pros
- Leave-in conditioner
- Non-greasy
- Leaves no residue
- Lightweight formula
- Prevents flyaways and cowlicks
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance unpleasant
- Cannot be used on dry hair
"With a few sprays and brush strokes, this detangler has minimized knots in my hair, making it manageable. However, it doesn’t offer heat protection, so exercise caution when using it before heat styling. It works for all hair types, and I am happy I invested in this product."
15. Best Nourishing: Sustainable Glam 15 in 1 Benefits Detangler Mask
Include this expert-approved leave-in detangler spray in your hair care routine as it can nourish and strengthen your hair while detangling and conditioning it. It is made of organically certified oils, including marine algae, avocado, coconut, tamanu, argan, and olive oil that condition, soften, repair, and nourish the hair. These oils will control frizz, add shine and detangle the hair stands. The aloe vera extract, green tea extract, moringa oil, and quinoa repair the damaged hair and help prevent split ends and color fading.
Pros
- Eco-friendly packaging made from sugar cane
- Vegan product
- No harmful chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- Can be used on wet and dry hair
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Hard-to-spray bottle design
- Does not last long
- Less effective on thick and dry hair
"I liked this spray for its effectiveness in detangling my hair and offering shine. Its fresh scent has made me buy this product multiple times."
How To Choose The Right Detangler Spray?
Here are some aspects you should consider while buying a detangler spray.
- Hair type: Some detangler sprays are specially designed for curly hair and some work for normal and straight hair. Check the suitability of that particular spray with your hair type.
- Hair condition: If detangling and taming your hair from knots is all that you need, choose the one that works for tangles. If you want to control dryness, frizz from your hair, go for the sprays that work more like a conditioner. There are detangler sprays that can enhance curls or to use on children’s hair. Choose the detangler spray based on your specific requirements.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredient list before you make a final call. Some ingredients can cause more damage than good to your hair. Avoid products containing harmful ingredients such as sulfates, alcohol, phthalates, and parabens, as they can affect your overall health. Also, opt for options made with clinically approved herbal extracts and organic ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are leave-in conditioners and detanglers the same thing?
The purpose of a leave-in conditioner is to deposit proteins, vitamins, and humectants on the hair shaft to make them look healthy and shiny. Whereas, the purpose of detangler is to reduce the friction between hair shafts by filing the splits and cuticles. Most detangler sprays work as leave-in conditioners but are not the same.
2. Is detangling spray good for the hair?
Yes, detangler sprays are good for the hair. They not only make the hair tangle-free but also protect the hair based on its properties. Some may act as leave-in conditioners, while others add shine and protect the hair from heat styling.
3. How should I detangle dry hair?
Spray your favorite detangler spray on dry hair, then use your fingers to divide the hair into sections. Work each section starting from below with a wide-tooth comb. This way you can easily detangle your knotted dry hair.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a product reviewer who is passionate about recommending the best skincare and hair care products for her readers. She has compiled this list of the best detangler sprays after going through numerous user reviews and product listings. This article also includes a buying guide and mentions the pros and cons of each product to help you make an informed decision.
The Bottom Line
Say goodbye to bad hair days with detangler sprays that rid your tresses of painful knots that may be hard to untie. They work by smoothening the hair shaft and reducing friction between your strands so that the knots come apart with ease. The best detangler sprays contain natural and effective ingredients and are free of sulfates, alcohol, phthalates, parabens, and harsh fragrances. Our top picks are the Sun Bum Revitalising 3 in 1 Leave-In Spray that offers UVprotection, the mild Pantene Conditioning Hair Mist, which helps reduce protein loss, and the lightweight Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner, which hydrates hair and makes it lustrous. Ensure you choose sprays that work with and enhance your natural hair type.
Infographic: How To Apply A Detangler Spray?
Detangling frizzy and knotted hair can be quite painful and time-consuming. Applying a layer of detangler spray can reduce breakage and make the detangling process easy and fatigue-free. Read through the infographic to learn how you can apply the detangling spray.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Tzu-Kai Lin et al.; (2017); Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ - Aarti S Rele and R B Mohile; (2003); Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
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