17 Best Shampoos for Tangled Hair to Get Smooth And Knot-free Locks

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
Shampoos for Tangled Hair to Get Smooth And Knot-free Locks
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Tangled hair is usually more prone to breakage, split ends, and roughness, which is a lot to deal with. However, using the best shampoos for tangled hair can ease half of your job and make your messy knots silky soft, and bouncy. Lack of moisture can make hair locks dry, leading to rough, lifeless, and tangled hair.

Our research indicates that excessive styling and exposure to chemicals can also damage the hair, which makes it more prone to tangling. Our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, a renowned hair and beauty consultant, says, “Chemicals cause hair damage because in order to work they must lift the hair cuticle, which makes the hair more porous and fragile. Styling your hair too much can make it weak by fraying the hair cuticle, which also makes the hair fragile and porous.”

When hair is tangled, you may resort to putting more stress on your hair to smoothen the ends and ruin the natural elasticity of your hair. These shampoos are designed to deep-condition your hair so that detangling doesn’t cause hair fall and damage to the hair roots. Hence, using products that can soften your hair can make combing easy and stress-free. To help you find the best products that can strengthen, nourish, and destress your hair strands, we have curated a list of our favorite products below. Read through this article to explore our recommendations.

17 Best Shampoos for Tangled Hair

Experience a hair transformation with the PUFF.ME Volumizing Shampoo by DESIGNME. Crafted for those with fine and tangled hair, this shampoo acts as a hair volumizer, infusing body and bounce into your locks. Enriched with sunflower seed oil, it not only detangles but also nourishes, leaving your hair silky and manageable. Free from parabens and sulfates, it's gentle yet effective. Plus, it’s color-safe, ensuring your vibrant hues stay intact. Elevate your hair care routine with this formula designed to turn knots into smooth, tangle-free tresses.

Pros
  • Volumizing formula
  • Efficient detangling
  • Nourishing ingredients
  • Color-safe
  • Free from parabens and sulfates
  • Lightweight feel
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Best Sulfate-free Formula

    Marc Anthony Leave-in Conditioner

    Marc Anthony Leave-in Conditioner
  • Marc Anthony’s Leave-in conditioner is the ideal pick to achieve frizz-free and detangled hair. Owing to the rich addition of ginseng, biotin, caffeine, and vitamin E, this strengthening conditioner stimulates new hair growth, nourishes thin hair, retains the natural shine of locks, and prevents hair loss. These nutritive additives are super effective for protecting your hair from environmental stressors to make your hair healthy and strong. Give your hair a luscious boost of long-lasting moisture to enhance your combing experience.

    Pros
    • Softens your hair
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Suitable for all hair types
    Cons
    • Defective nozzle
  • Best for Deep Cleansing

    Design Essentials Honey Creme Moisture Retention Super Detangling Conditioning Shampoo

    Design Essentials Honey Creme Moisture Retention Super Detangling Conditioning Shampoo
  • Curated with honey cream, this detangling shampoo by Designs Essentials is a luxurious choice for pampering dry, brittle, and coily hair. Featuring a gentle formula, this conditioning shampoo retains the moisture levels of your hair strands to tame flyaways and unruly hair. Upgrade your haircare routine with this premium shampoo that can enhance the luster, strength, and manageability of messy locks. You don’t have to wait for good hair days as this haircare product is designed to make your hair flawless and beautiful. The spotlight is yours!

    Pros
    • Rich consistency
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Alcohol-free
    • Softens your hair
    Cons
    • Inadequate packaging
  • REDKEN acidic bonding concentrate shampoo

    REDKEN acidic bonding concentrate shampoo
  • Introducing REDKEN’s bonding shampoo, your solution for tangled hair nightmares. Specifically crafted for damaged locks, this powerhouse formula strengthens and repairs weak, brittle hair, leaving it silky smooth and knot-free. Enriched with an acidic bonding concentrate, it not only detangles but also ensures that your hair's health is restored from within. Plus, it's safe for color-treated hair, providing a vibrant shine while taming those stubborn tangles. Experience the magic of hassle-free, smooth, and luscious locks with every wash.

    Pros
    • Deep repair
    • Smooth detangling
    • Silky texture
    • Color-safe
    • Healthy shine
    • Acidic bonding concentrate
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best for Curly Hair

    Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo

    Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo
  • This anti-frizz shampoo by Maui Moisture works its magic to hydrate and detangle coily and curly hair. Infused with aloe vera, this moisturizing shampoo repairs and revives hair strands, and cleanses your scalp to prevent frequent hair falls and scalp disorders. The goodness of coconut milk, plumeria, and papaya extracts protects your hair from free radical damage which may inhibit hair growth and weaken hair roots. With a cushiony soft composition, this gentle shampoo makes hair wash a relieving experience.

    Pros
    • Pleasant smell
    • Softens your curls
    • Free from mineral oil
    • Silicone-free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Inconvenient packaging
  • Creme Of Nature Coconut Milk Detangling & Conditioning Shampoo

    Creme Of Nature Coconut Milk Detangling & Conditioning Shampoo
  • Elevate your haircare game with this hydrating shampoo by Creme of Nature. This detangling shampoo is composed of a gentle formula that cleanses hair thoroughly without stripping away the natural oils. It is enriched with the goodness of certified coconut oil that adds natural shine and luster to the hair and makes combing tangled hair a smooth and hassle-free experience. The rich lather of this shampoo nourishes the hair shaft to prevent moisture loss. Revive dehydrated and dull hair so that you can ace your favorite hairstyle without worrying about hair fallouts and dandruff.

    Pros
    • Nourishing formula
    • Revives dull hair
    • Soothes the scalp
    • Pleasant scent
    • Conditions the hair
    Cons
    • Contains sulfates
    • Defective cap
  • Best for Kids

    Aussie Kids Moist Shampoo, Conditioner, And Detangler

    Aussie Kids Moist Shampoo, Conditioner, And Detangler
  • With a conditioning bundle of shampoo, conditioner, and detangler spray by Aussie, you can introduce your kids to a superior hair care routine to manage tangled hair concerns. This combo is specially designed to provide adequate care and nourishment to kids’ hair and prevent the stripping away of natural oils. Nurture the delicate hair of your kids without exposing their scalp to the damaging effects of sulfates and parabens. This combo will make your kids fall in love with haircare regimens, so you don’t have to worry about endless outdoor adventures ruining their beautiful hair texture.

    Pros
    • Pleasant fragrance
    • Smoothens hair locks
    • Cruelty-free
    • Dye-free
    Cons
    • Inadequate packaging
  • Best Lightweight Formula

    Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy

    Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy
  • Add softness to dry and brittle hair with Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy. This shampoo contains a rich blend of natural ingredients like coconut, argan, and almond oil that works as a therapy for damaged hair and prevents split ends to control hair loss. So, if you’re looking for effective hair breakage treatment, this magical product won’t disappoint you. Flaunt soft and shiny hair with this anti-frizz beauty that keeps flyaways under check.

    Pros
    • Makes hair soft and smooth
    • Revives damaged hair strands
    • Creamy texture
    • Lightweight formula
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for oily scalp
  • Best Gentle Formula

    The Mane Choice Detangling Hydration Shampoo

    The Mane Choice Detangling Hydration Shampoo
  • Perfect hair breakage treatment is what you can expect from The Mane Choice Detangling Hydration Shampoo. Highly enriched with biotin and vitamin E, this cleansing shampoo eliminates scalp build-up, stimulates the growth of new hair, and strengthens thin and tangled hair knots. When we used the product, we found that the gentle formula of this sulfate-free shampoo maintains the natural balance of the hair and prevents moisture loss and scalp damage. Give your hair a soothing experience with this product that eases stressed and coarse hair effectively.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t contain parabens
    • Softens hair strands
    • Cleanses scalp thoroughly
    • Pleasant fragrance
    Cons
    • Slightly overpriced
  • Best for Frizzy Hair

    KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

    KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
  • You can look forward to shampooing your hair and getting shiny locks with this hydrating shampoo by KeraCare. This detangling shampoo contains natural botanical extracts that maintain the natural pH of the scalp to prevent scalp disorders and frequent hair fall. Featuring a superior composition, this gentle shampoo renews damaged hair strands to protect against hair loss and tangling. Tend to your hair roots and tips to keep split ends and flyaways at bay. This shampoo will enrich your hair wash days and detangle knotted hair locks easily.

    Pros
    • Hydrating formula
    • Moisturizes hair locks
    • Smoothens frizzy hair
    • Non-stripping texture
    Cons
    • A bit pricey
  • Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Super Charge Detangling Shampoo

    Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Super Charge Detangling Shampoo
  • Add a healthy dose of shine to your tresses with Fairy Tales Detangling Shampoo. This nourishing shampoo is packed with hair-friendly ingredients, including vitamins B, and E, keratin, and aloe juice to unclog scalp pores and revive the natural luster and strength of your kids' hair. Curated to calm, tame, and nourish the hair of kids gently, this shampoo is the perfect remedy for hard-to-comb hair. With this anti-frizz shampoo, you can give a silky smooth transformation to curly hair and boost the haircare routine of kids for beautiful-looking hair.

    Pros
    • Makes combing smooth
    • Refreshing fragrance
    • Softens hair locks
    • Doesn’t weigh down hair
    Cons
    • Defective lid
  • Best for Color-treated Hair

    Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extreme Hydrating Shampoo

    Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extreme Hydrating Shampoo
  • Cleansed, hydrated, and detangled is what you can expect from Sunny Isle’s superior hydrating shampoo. The key ingredient, Jamaican black castor oil, works as a gentle hair massager and alleviates dry and flaky scalp to stimulate healthy hair growth. With the rich addition of hydrolyzed wheat protein and panthenol, this shampoo works as a natural conditioner for strengthening and nourishing hair roots. Add volume, vibrancy, and beauty to dull and damaged hair with this sulfate-free product crafted to suit color-treated hair as well.

    Pros
    • Smoothens hair texture
    • Moisturizes your scalp
    • Color-safe formula
    • Lathers up nicely
    Cons
    • Doesn’t come with a pump
  • Himalaya Hair Detangler & Conditioner

    Himalaya Hair Detangler & Conditioner
  • Himalaya Hair Detangler & Conditioner is the perfect deep-moisturizing solution for frizzy and tangled hair. Owing to the magic addition of hair growth stimulants like hibiscus and blue water lily, this protein-rich shampoo renews hair texture and promotes new hair growth. Feel your messy hair knots loosen up and indulge in a luxurious hairstyling experience, as this product is the go-to for tangle-free combing. Featuring a blend of essential oils, you’ll notice how your hair feels rejuvenated, bouncy, and shiny after every application.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free formula
    • Rich lather
    • Makes your hair lustrous
    • Pleasant fragrance
    Cons
    • Small in size
  • Best Moisturizing Formula

    Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo

    Pantene Pro-V  Smooth & Sleek Shampoo
  • Wrapping up your hair in a rich lather can moisturize your hair properly. Pantene’s creamy composition, containing a blend of argan and avocado oil, protects your hair from environmental aggressors to keep it hydrated, nourished, and frizz-free. This potent blend of antioxidants and nutrients boosts blood circulation of the scalp and helps reduce hair shedding effectively, leaving your hair visibly sleeker. Make your hair smell wonderful with this product infused with the subtle floral notes of wild berries and vanilla.

    Pros
    • Anti-frizz formula
    • Pleasant scent
    • Creamy consistency
    • Easy to rinse
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Fragrance

    Amos Professional True Repair Shampoo

    Amos Professional True Repair Shampoo
  • Amos Professional True Repair Shampoo retains the natural flow and texture of your hair to make it bouncy and shiny. Designed with an intensive formula, this shampoo is enriched with Argania Spinosa kernel oil, which works wonders to maintain the elasticity and moisture levels of your hair strands. This conditioning shampoo is an excellent addition to your hair care regimen and prevents split ends and hair fall. Allow your hair to get the benefits of the deep penetrating powers of this product that tend to hair roots for keeping your hair healthy and strong.

    Pros
    • Indulgent smell
    • Softens your hair
    • Makes your hair lustrous
    • Gentle formula
    Cons
    • None
  • Snip-its Tangle Buster Detangling Shampoo

    Snip-its Tangle Buster Detangling Shampoo
  • Kids love to feel pampered, and Snip-its Tangle Buster Detangling Shampoo is the ideal way to make them feel the joy of a hair care regimen. With a lovely composition of botanical extracts, this natural hair care essential keeps the delicate hair of kids soft, smooth, and shiny. This gentle shampoo is made with care and is free from allergens and irritating agents so kids would love indulging in a hair wash without worrying about hurting their eyes, skin, or scalp. The sweet strawberry scent of this shampoo would make your kids feel refreshed all day long.

    Pros
    • Detangles hair gently
    • Smells wonderful
    • Smoothens combing
    • Enhances natural luster
    Cons
    • Inadequate packaging
  • Ayunche Enhancing Silky Color Shampoo And Mask

    Ayunche Enhancing Silky Color Shampoo And Mask
  • Ayunche’s Color Shampoo And Mask is a must-have for cleansing and nourishing color-treated hair. This haircare kit is meant to enhance your haircare game post-hair coloring so that you can flaunt colored tresses without worrying about hair damage and loss. Infused with a unique formula that helps maintain the pH of your scalp, this silky color shampoo and mask prevents discoloration of your vivid hair locks. Flaunt your colored hair with this duo that delivers smooth results on your dyed hair to keep it soft and flawless.

    Pros
    • Cleanses your scalp
    • Rich lather
    • Prevents split ends
    • Gentle formula
    Cons
    • Overpowering scent

    How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Tangled Hair?

    1. Read the Label

    Tangled hair is prone to dryness and hair breakage. So, it’s important to ensure you’re using a shampoo that doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, silicones, alcohol, etc, which can make your hair dry and rough.

    2. Check the Ingredients

    Another crucial factor to consider is the ingredients used to formulate a shampoo. Prefer using nourishing blends of jojoba, coconut, avocado, castor, and kernel oil that have super hydrating properties. You can also prefer antioxidant additives, which help cleanse the scalp to prevent scalp disorders and breakages.

    3. Assess Scalp Conditions

     Before buying any shampoo for tangled hair, you should also consider your scalp conditions. If your scalp is oily, choose light and gentle formulations which won’t make your scalp feel greasy. If your scalp is dry and flaky, you may prefer ingredients that have stimulating effects on your scalp to keep it nourished and clean.

    Messy knots may make the shampooing and combing experience stressful. With tangled hair prone to breakages, split ends, and damage, gentle and hydrating haircare products that can strengthen and smoothen hair strands are a must-have. These best shampoos for tangled hair are the perfect remedies to soften curls so that you can eagerly look forward to lavish hair wash days. Using these products, you can tame frizz and flyaways to make brushing your hair smooth and easy. These products feature moisturizing formulas to tend to your hair roots deeply without aggravating your tangled hair concerns. You’re in to flaunt beautiful knot-free tresses!

    Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles

    FAQ's

    Can coconut oil detangle hair?
    Yes, coconut oil helps moisturize the hair deeply to help detangle hair.
    Why does fine hair get tangled?
    Fine hair is fragile and sensitive to humidity and styling, and hence gets tangled.
    Should you untangle hair wet or dry?
    You should untangle wet hair to prevent excessive stress on your hair.
    How often should you use shampoo on tangled hair?
    You may shampoo tangled hair twice a week.
    Should you detangle before using shampoo?
    You can detangle before using a shampoo to enhance the absorption and nourishment.
    Is it better to use a conditioner along with a shampoo for tangled hair?
    Yes, using a conditioner can seal in the moisture to keep your hair hydrated and soft.
    Can you use a regular shampoo for tangled hair?
    You should select the shampoo for tangled hair carefully and ensure it’s meant for detangling your hair to avoid hair fall.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, our in-house haircare coach, says that tangled hair can be quite messy to deal with as it’s more prone to breakages, and split ends. She has been testing different haircare products for tangled hair that make hair manageable and smooth. Her experience with Design Essentials Moisture Retention Super Detangling Conditioning Shampoo has been quite satisfactory. The moisturizing formula of this product has been a relief for her. She has attained soft and lustrous hair that she can’t seem to get enough of. This shampoo is also alcohol-free, which prevents her hair from dryness. A win-win for tangled and messy knots!

    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