15 Best Detangler Sprays to Get Rid of Knots And Tangles

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
Best Detangler Sprays to Get Rid of Knots And Tangles
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There is nothing more frustrating when you comb your hair, and it gets stuck in tangled hair and knots. But with the best detangler sprays, these tangles and knots can stay far away from your hair. Through our trial and error, we discovered that they make your combing experience hassle-free, tug-free, and super convenient without causing breakage. Designed to make your hair smoother, more manageable, and easier to comb through, these hair detangler sprays are sure to be your go-to solution when tangled knots weigh you down.

These magic potions in a bottle are formulated with a combination of highly hydrating and nourishing ingredients that help soften the hair, reduce friction, and minimize breakage. Whether you have thick, curly, long, or fine hair, a good detangler spray can make a world of a difference.  
Our contributor, and a renowned cosmetologist, Ghanima Abdullah states that frequent tangling happens when curly hair types encounter humidity and shrink. For detangling, she advises to consider changing your styling routine to braids and braided updos to avoid tangling. If you don't have curly hair, you should make sure to always use hair conditioner after shampooing and keep your ends trimmed.

So with all that knowledge, but we have listed down some amazing products that also double up as heat protectants, making them suitable for use before styling with heat tools like blow dryers or straighteners. So, without further ado, dive into our list of recommendations and bid adieu to stubborn knots and tangles.

15 Best Detangler Sprays

It's highly frustrating when you do everything you can and your hair continues to misbehave. Put an end to your daily hair woes with this hypoallergenic detangler spray by Noodle & Boo Conditioning Hair Polish. Refresh your hair any time of the day and eliminate bed-head with this magic elixir. The non-toxic spray hydrates your hair and nourishes the dry strands without causing any damage. Moreover, you can be rest assured that it won't cause an adverse reaction on your sensitive scalp.

Pros
  • Suitable for sensitive scalp
  • Suitable for curly hair
  • Instantly hydrates scalp
Cons
  • None
  • Best Sulfate-free Formula

    MARC ANTHONY GROW LONG LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER SPRAY

     MARC ANTHONY GROW LONG LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER SPRAY
  • The moisturizing properties of the Grow Long Leave-In Conditioner Spray by Marc Anthony promise you smooth and frizz-free hair. The anti-breakage formula is loaded with caffeine that helps in strengthening hair growth, ginseng to nourish hair follicles, and vitamin E to reduce split ends and breakage. This leave-in conditioning spray helps strengthen your hair growth. With just a few sprays, this leave-in detangler spray eliminates tangled hair and gives you silky smooth and healthier-looking hair.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Toxin-free formula
    • Perfect for all hair types
    • Anti-breakage properties
    • Strengthening formula
    • Has a pleasant fragrance
    Cons
    • Prone to making hair greasy
  • Best Hypoallergenic Formula

    HONEST Refresh CONDITIONING DETANGLER

    HONEST Refresh CONDITIONING DETANGLER
  • Made with naturally-derived ingredients, the honest hair detangler leaves you with silky smooth tresses. The unique formula targets eliminating frizz and tangles and aims to give you silky hair. It is enriched with naturally-derived ingredients like argan oil, quinoa extracts, shea butter, and jojoba protein which blend together to soften your hair instantly. Based on our first-hand experience, this formula tames your mane and makes it super manageable. The compact packaging of this spray enables you to carry and refresh your hair on the go.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Hypoallergenic formula
    • Dermatologically tested
    • Softens and moisturizes
    • Makes hair more manageable
    Cons
    • Citrus fragrance may be overpowering
  • Best for Dry Hair

    milk_shake Leave-In Conditioning Spray

    milk_shake Leave-In Conditioning Spray
  • Formulated to condition normal to dry hair, the milk_shake leave-in conditioner spray makes your combing experience easy and smooth. The formula is designed to improve the manageability of your hair whilst protecting its structure and moisture balance. It is enriched with milk proteins to strengthen the hair's structure, and the rich blend of fruits and honey extracts revitalize and give shine. It is further powered with integrity 41 and vitamin E to protect your hair from UV rays and help to maintain its color. After trying out this product, we noticed that our hair is smoother, easy to comb, and frizz-free.

    Pros
    • Revitalizing properties
    • Does not weigh down the hair
    • Keeps frizz at bay
    • Conditioning properties
    • Strengthens hair structure
    • Promotes hair manageability
    Cons
    • Highly expensive
  • Best for All Hair Types

    PANTENE MOISTURIZING LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

    PANTENE MOISTURIZING LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
  • The Pantene moisturizing conditioner is a leave-in detangler that helps in eliminating knots and tangled hair strands. Infused with nutrients, this lightweight formula detangles, hydrates, and preps hair for styling. The formula is enriched with antioxidants that help in reducing protein loss and enables your hair to stay stronger to prevent further damage. This spray smoothes your hair strands and gently untangles knots for a soft and smooth finish. It not only keeps hair from knotting but also helps in taming frizz without weighing them down.

    Pros
    • Non-sticky formula
    • Lightweight formula
    • Strengthening properties
    • Tames down frizz
    • Enriched with antioxidant properties
    • Prevents hair from further damage
    Cons
    • Some might find the fragrance overpowering
  • Best for Damaged Hair

    UNITE 7SECONDS DETANGLER LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

    UNITE 7SECONDS DETANGLER LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
  • The UNITE 7SECONDS is an everyday leave-in detangler for hair. It is designed to strengthen, detangle and protect your hair from UV and thermal damage. This protein-based formula helps in conditioning your hair to keep it tangle and knot-free while strengthening it. It seals your hair cuticles, repairs damage, and locks in color. Our team discovered through using this product that it works effectively on both wet and dry hair. Moreover, the formula is safe even for color-treated, chemically-treated hair and extensions.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Refreshing fragrance
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Suitable for all hair types
    • Ideal for everyday use
    • Provides thermal and UV protection
    Cons
    • Takes time to dry
  • Best Heat Protectant

    amika the wizard detangling primer

    amika the wizard detangling primer
  • The amika the wizard detangling primer is a multi-tasking formula that preps and primes your hair for any hairstyle. No matter your hair type - curly or coily, this spray works like a charm. Enriched with avocado oil that is rich in vitamins A, B6, D, E, and tons of minerals that help in boosting moisture and smoothening your hair. The formula also contains sea buckthorn, which is a rich source of fatty-acid Omega 7. It promotes hair elasticity and hydrates your hair and scalp for a healthy appearance. With heat protection benefits, this is one of the best detangler sprays that shield your hair against heat up to 450° F.

    Pros
    • Provides ultra-hydration
    • Smoothens hair strands
    • Enhances hair texture
    • Doubles as a leave-in styler
    • Packed with nourishing ingredients
    • Reduces and tames down frizz
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dry hair
  • Most Affordable

    Mane 'n Tail Detangler Solution

    Mane 'n Tail Detangler Solution
  • The Mane 'n Tail Detangler Solution is bound to make your combing experience a breeze! It comes with a pH-balancing formula that helps eliminate knots and stubborn tangles while reducing the appearance of dry ends and split ends. Formulated with natural herbal extracts that help nourishing, strengthening, and fortifying your hair. It adds a rich and luxurious shine to your hair and aids in reducing hair loss due to breakage. Based on our first-hand experience, with just a few sprays, you will notice your hair smoothening and becoming easier to manage.

    Pros
    • Suitable for wet and dry hair
    • Gentle on all hair types
    • Eliminates split ends
    • Loosens knots without pulling on them
    • Prevents hair breakage
    • Pleasant fragrance
    Cons
    • Some might find it greasy
  • Best Silicone-free Formula

    Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry Spray

    Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry Spray
  • The Pure Clean Detangler and Air Dry Spray by Garnier Fructis is a paraben-free & silicone-free formula. It caters to controlling frizz, gently untying the knots, and leaving your hair feeling silky smooth. The spray is formulated with aloe vera extract for hydration along with vitamin E, which helps in promoting shine and softness. Without weighing down your hair, this formula allows you to air-dry without tangles or causing frizz.

    Pros
    • Silicone-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Adds tons of slip
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Gentle for everyday use
    • Boosts natural shine and silkiness
    Cons
    • Not suitable for color-treated hair
  • Best for Breakage Control

    Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer

    Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer
  • The Run-Through Detangling Primer by Oribe is a lightweight formula that instantly conditions your hair for a smooth combing experience. The formula is enriched with Oribe Signature Complex, which is a blend of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower. It shields your hair from photoaging, oxidative stress, and the deterioration of natural keratin. The formula also has a special detangling oil blend of coconut, apricot, and pomegranate which smoothens the strands for effortless combing. It also contains an amino acid complex for priming hair for styling and an anti-static complex that prevents frizz and flyaways. After putting it to the test, we noticed that this leave in detangler replenishes and locks in moisture.

    Pros
    • Hydrating properties
    • Locks in moisture
    • Prevents frizz and flyaways
    • Protects from breakage
    • Primes hair for styling
    • Improves hair health
    Cons
    • Quite pricey
  • Pacifica Beauty Coconut Milk Detangle Elixir

     Pacifica Beauty Coconut Milk Detangle Elixir
  • Gives your hair maximum conditioning without weighing down your magical bounce with the coconut milk detangle elixir from Pacifica Beauty. This silicone-free formula softens the hair to loosen the knots for a smooth combing experience eventually. The formula is enriched with coconut extract that helps in boosting moisturization and vitamin B that helps in preventing hair breakage. We have found from using this product that with just a few spritzes, the formula softens your hair and leaves a smelling refreshing.

    Pros
    • No harsh chemicals
    • Adds tons of slip
    • Shine-boosting
    • Does not weigh down the hair
    • Pleasant tropical fragrance
    • Loosens knots without pulling on them
    Cons
    • Does not work for curly or coily hair
  • My Black is Beautiful Moisture Luxe Detangling Spray

    My Black is Beautiful Moisture Luxe Detangling Spray
  • Designed by black women for black women, this formula is specifically suitable for curly, coily, natural, and transitioning textured hair. The Moisture Luxe Detangling Spray is amongst the best detangler spray as it instantly adds a layer of luxurious moisture to your hair in order to make your combing process smooth and seamless. It nourishes your hair and adds shine resulting in manageable tresses. The formula is infused with a crafted blend of turmeric, coconut milk, honey, ginger, and coconut oil. This potent blend adds a blast of moisture to your hair and keeps it tangle-free.

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Adds tons of slip
    • Softens strands
    • Super moisturizing
    • Affordable price tag
    Cons
    • Might leave hair feeling greasy
  • Drybar Prep Rally Prime and Prep Detangler

    Drybar Prep Rally Prime and Prep Detangler
  • The Drybar Prep Rally Prime and Prep Detangler is a lightweight formula that protects your hair from heat up to 450° F. It also prepares your hair for optimal efficacy of styling products. This detangler for dry hair is enriched with biotin that helps in protecting your hair against dryness and promotes hair strength and elasticity to prevent breakage. It also contains vitamins B and C, which support hair flexibility and help in improving overall hair health. The seaberry oil in this formula maintains moisture in the hair shaft and leaves your hair feeling soft and smooth without being weighed down.

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Doubles as a leave-in styler
    • Lightweight formula
    • Improves hair strength and elasticity
    • Smoothens hair to prevent knots
    Cons
    • Highly expensive
  • Not Your Mother's Naturals Tahitian Garden Flower & Mango Butter Detangler

    Not Your Mother's Naturals Tahitian Garden Flower & Mango Butter Detangler
  • Free from toxins, this is the best detangler spray from Not Your Mother's Naturals also doubles up as a curl definer. Perfect for curly hair girls, this formula softens and soothes your tresses for a tangle-free texture. It is packed with the goodness of mango butter that reduces frizz, improves hair elasticity, and promotes shine. While the Tahitian gardenia flower in this formula helps in adding bounce to your natural hair. The formula detangles, hydrates, and makes your hair manageable for easy styling.

    Pros
    • Toxin-free
    • Dye-free
    • Tames frizz
    • Curl enhancing and defining
    • Safe for color-treated hair
    • For curly hair types
    Cons
    • Some might find it too oily
  • Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Soothing Detangling Spray

     Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Soothing Detangling Spray
  • Gentle on the scalp, this is one of the best leave-in conditioners for tangled hair by Briogeo. The fragrance and essential oil-free formula is best suited for those with sensitive scalp. The formula is enriched with the soothing properties of aloe vera and has irritation-minimizing benefits and anti-microbial properties. Oat milk in this formula is rich in Omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin B that nourishes your hair. While the green tea extract has antioxidant properties which leave your hair feeling shiny and smooth. This lightweight formula is super-gentle and does not weigh down or cause irritation even when used every day.

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free formula
    • Hypoallergenic formula
    • Suitable for all hair types
    • Eco-friendly packaging
    • Skin-soothing ingredients
    • Dermatologically approved
    Cons
    • Might leave hair feeling crunchy

    These were some of our top picks when it comes to picking the best detangler spray. But to make sure you invest in the right one, it is best to consider a few key factors.

    How to Choose Detangler Spray

    Once you pick the best detangling spray, there is no going back! It will be your go-to for tangle-free and smooth hair. However, to pick the best one, here are some things you must first consider -

    Hair Type

    When it comes to picking any hair product, determining the hair type is a key role. Be it curly, wavy, coily, thick, fine, or dry, make sure you pick detangling hair products that best suit for your hair type. This is important because each product is specifically formulated for certain hair types and caters to them well for more efficacy.

    Ingredients

    Reading the label and its fine print is the next important thing to do when picking hair detanglers. Look for moisturizing and nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, avocado oil, glycerin, vitamin B, vitamin E, and so on. These moisture-inducing ingredients help in keeping your hair smooth and knot-free. They help in detangling your hair without tugging or causing breakage. Those with dry or damaged hair must pick a detangling spray that offers replenishing and hydrating properties. Whereas those with fine hair must make sure that they pick a lightweight formula with vitamins so that it does not weigh the hair down.

    Formula

    While there are so many products for detangling hair, you must pick one that works well on wet as well as dry hair. This allows you to make the most use of the product and makes your styling process easy. If you have a sensitive scalp or are prone to allergies, you must read through the fine print. Make sure that the formula you pick is hypoallergenic and free from potential allergens. It is best to avoid products with alcohol, toxins, and artificial adulterants like fragrances or dyes. These harmful toxins tend to cause a lot of damage to your hair in the longer run.

    Ease of Use

    With numerous good detangler spray options in the market, make sure that you pick one that is easy to use. There are some products that have aerosol, mist applicators, or pump nozzles. Choose one that is convenient for you to use and allows even distribution of product throughout your hair.

    Tangled hair can be a real challenge to deal with. But with the best detangler sprays, you can avoid the unnecessary damage that your hair goes through during the detangling process. These hair detanglers come to your rescue and make your hair more manageable, smoother, and easier to come and keep knots and tangles at bay. Packed with highly nourishing ingredients to enhance your hair texture and smoothen your hair, these products are truly a blessing in disguise.

    Our research indicates that, when choosing a hair detangling spray, it is essential to consider the above-listed factors, such as your hair type, ingredients, and personal preferences. This helps in picking the right one, which effectively reduces hair damage and helps in manageability too. We hope that the list of recommendations too comes in handy for you to make an informed decision and pick nothing but the best.

    Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles

    FAQ's

    How do you detangle severely matted?
    It is best to pick a hair detangler spray that is specifically formulated for matte hair. Also, it is a wise option to try it only on wet hair, as dry hair is more prone to breakage.
    Is it better to detangle wet or dry?
    Working through knots and tangled hair is better when your hair is dry, as wet hair is more fragile and prone to easy breakage.
    Does detangling spray actually work?
    Yes, when you use a good quality detangling spray, it is highly effective at eliminating tangles and knots.
    What natural things detangle hair?
    You can start by taking small sections of hair and work your way to the tips rather than the roots. Use a wide-toothed comb to ensure there is no breakage during the detangling process. In case of we, tangled hair, you can opt for some oil to lubricate your hair through the unknotting process.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, our haircare expert, suggests using a detangler spray to moisturize the hair shaft and make your tresses frizz-free and more manageable. She has tested various products to check if they have a gentle formula, are easy to use, and suit all hair types. After rigorous testing, she has rounded off these 14 products that can help you tame frizz and get soft and smooth hair. She especially likes the Mane 'n Tail Detangler Solution as it is one of the best budget-friendly picks that suits all hair types. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More