A before and after photo with tangled and straight hair (New Africa/Shutterstock)
There’s nothing worse than battling a head full of knots and tangles that can make your hair look like a frizzy mess. Luckily, the best hair detanglers are here to save the day! These miracle products release tangles and make your hair easier to manage and style. A good detangling product coats your locks, reducing friction so your comb or brush can glide effortlessly through your mane. They’re packed with moisturizing goodies like oils, butters and silicones to nourish and protect your hair. Some even have proteins to strengthen and repair damage.
When picking a detangler, which ones are the top contenders? We’ve done the legwork for you! According to beauty experts across 10 different websites, here are the six best hair detanglers. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know!
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
Best Conditioners to Detangle Your Locks
1. Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer
This magic potion uses plant-based oils and amino acids to gently unravel tangles, repair damage, and smooth your hair. Real Simple admits it’s expensive but believes the blend of ingredients is worth the price. Once you try it, you won’t be able to live without it.
This is indeed liquid gold! According to Byrdie, a little bit goes a long way to make your hair smooth and silky. Coconut and apricot oils gently separate your hair, while amino acids seal the cuticle for strength and hydration.
This detangler works on all hair types and also protects against heat. With hints of bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood, People magazine notes it smells amazing!
StudyFinds Associate Editor Sophia Naughton is also a fan of this product. “I put this in damp hair after a shower before running a brush through, and it makes combing it out so much easier! I also think it’s pretty hydrating and think of it as an extra leave-in boost.”
2. Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Detangler
The name of this detangler says it all! Good Housekeeping loves how kind and gentle this product is on hair, making it perfect for sensitive scalps. Packed with aloe vera, oat milk, and green tea extract, it’s like a second round of conditioner.
Oprah Daily notes it’s fragrance-free, ideal if you’re not into strong smells. People magazine mentions the bottle is a bit big for travel, but is perfect as your go-to daily detangler.
3. R+Co Pinstripe Intense Detangling Spray
Do you have fine, thin hair? Good Housekeeping says this is the best detangler for melting away knots. With abyssinica seed oil, ginger root, and acerola extracts, it boosts your hair’s natural shine. Plus, reviewers rave about the refreshing eucalyptus scent.
No need to worry about greasy hair with R+Co’s detangling spray! Real Simple and Women’s Health agree it delivers a “lightweight shine” that won’t weigh your hair down. While some reviewers loved the scent, others found it a bit strong.
3. Pantene Detangling Milk Hair Treatment
This budget-friendly pick is a hit with those who have tightly coiled curls. Hairstylist Chuck Amos tells Oprah Daily that this product detangles without any greasy residue. Plus, it moisturizes and strengthens your locks!
There’s more! Women’s Health is on board too, raving about the infused argan oil that tames frizz. Just section off your hair, spray on this treatment, and tangles will disappear. The name also just sounds as nourishing as it is!
4. Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer
If you grab The Wizard after every shower, Byrdie promises you’ll never deal with tangles again. Made with sea buckthorn berry, avocado oil, vitamin E, and panthenol, it instantly detangles and preps your hair for styling. Plus, it cuts blow-drying time in half.
Funky-fun packaging aside, Amika’s Detangling Primer is a must-have, even for color-treated hair. Beauty Magazine loves that it’s packed with vitamin B5 to repair dry or damaged locks. Also, it protects from heat and environmental damage.
This primer’s versatility stands out to People, which calls this the best overall detangler on the market. It’s lightweight and offers a glossy, non-greasy finish. Plus, it won’t break the bank.
6. Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch
Knot On My Watch, a curly hair lifesaver, rounds out our list! This detangler instantly tackles even the toughest knots with its “silky slip” blend of olive oil, glycerin, soybean oil, and cocoa butter, according to Byrdie. It makes combing a breeze!
Another budget-friendly pick, this detangler comes in a larger bottle and is a lightweight cream formula. It balances moisture, leaving your hair soft and hydrated, thanks to its olive oil infusion. Just a heads up from Beauty Magazine: it can leave a residue.
People notes that this detangler might not offer as much UV and heat protection as others, but it’s great on wet or dry hair. Ideal for curly hair, it keeps frizz at bay and provides lasting hold.
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
