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17 Best Detanglers That Make Knots and Tangles Disappear

These will make brushing your hair SO much easier.

By Katherine J Igoe and Lauren Balsamo
detangler
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Listen, if the last time you used a hair detangler was when your mom sprayed that fruity-smelling one all over your hair when you were 10, you've got some catching up to do: Alongside the best deep conditioners and leave-in conditioners, the detanglers of 2022 are actually one of the most important, and completely underrated, products you could (and should!) have in your bathroom. Not only do they give your hair slip to make brushing and combing easier, but they're full of other benefits, like providing heat protection from your hot tools and adding smoothness and added shine to your hair.

"I use a detangler on wet hair and a detangling brush as well—both help to untangle your hair, which will make styling and blow drying easier," says Bridget Kinney, senior stylist and colorist at the Patrice Vinci salon in Boston, MA, and my IRL hair person (I have fine, loose curls, but boy do they get tangled). "Also, when your hair is detangled, it’s easier to get your other styling products on easier and evenly."

Every single hair type can benefit from using a detangler, but the one that works best for you depends on the ingredients and formulation. Lucky you, though, I've done the work for ya!

Our top picks for the best hair detanglers:

  • Pantene Pro-V Conditioning Hair Mist Detangler

    Best Drugstore Detangler

    Pantene Pro-V Conditioning Hair Mist Detangler

    $14 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer

    Best Shine-Enhancing Detangler

    Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer

    Read more
  • Playa Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner

    Best Multitasking Detangler

    Playa Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner

    Read more
  • Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangling Spray

    Best Gentle Detangler

    Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangling Spray

    Read more
  • Philip B Detangling Toning Mist

    Best Detangler with Apple Cider Vinegar

    Philip B Detangling Toning Mist

    Read more

So go ahead and check out the 17 best hair detanglers, below. I promise you'll want to make at least one of them part of your grown-up hair routine.

Best Drugstore Detangler

Pantene Pro-V Conditioning Hair Mist Detangler

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Pantene Pro-V Conditioning Hair Mist Detangler
Best Drugstore Detangler

Pantene Pro-V Conditioning Hair Mist Detangler

$14 at Amazon
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Good on Color-Damaged Hair
Cons
  • Small Size Bottle

Proof that you don't need to drop an entire paycheck to get yourself a really good detangler? This drugstore option from Pantene. The lightweight mist uses panthenol to hydrate and detangle wet or damp hair without weighing it down for feeling sticky.

THE REVIEWS: One reviewer who use the Curly Girl method says it's the perfect complement to co-washing: "It is light enough that it doesn't weigh down my hair but it removes tangles and leaves hair easy to style." Apparently it works on wigs, too!

Best Shine-Enhancing Detangler

Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer

Amazon’s Choice
Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer
Best Shine-Enhancing Detangler

Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • great for heavy-duty
Cons
  • not for fine hair

If your dream hair is super shiny and smooth, you need this detangler. It uses a blend of lightweight oils (pomegranate, apricot, and coconut) to make your hair slippery and tangle free, along with antioxidants and flower extracts to give fine hair a ton of moisture and shine.

THE REVIEWS: Reviewers with long hair say it's worth every penny to detangle their heavier hair: "My hair looks and feels healthy again."

Best Multitasking Detangler

Playa Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner

Playa Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner
Best Multitasking Detangler

Playa Monoi Milk Leave-in Conditioner

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • lightweight
Cons
  • leaves residue if use too much

This multitasking detangling spray's a major time saver. A few spritzes on either wet or dry hair adds instant moisture for easy detangling (bless you, coconut milk and monoi oil), minimizes dryness and flyaways, and helps prep your hair for any type of style.

THE REVIEWS: Reviewers with color-treated hair especially say it's a lifesaver for dryness. "I have been bleaching my hair for years and so keeping my hair healthy and hydrated is a must to reduce breakage. This is lightweight and smells nice while also making my hair feel very silky smooth."

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Best Gentle Detangler

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangling Spray

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangling Spray
Best Gentle Detangler

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangling Spray

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • great conditioner
Cons
  • using too much makes hair sticky

Ideal for anyone who needs a dry and sensitive scalp product, this gentle detangler is made without any harsh ingredients—like essential oils, fragrance, or dyes—so it won't cause irritation. Spritz it from the roots to tips for hair that's soft, shiny, and knot-free.

THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, "This detangler is by far, hands down, the best I’ve ever used. I have incredibly thick, 4c hair and a very tender scalp so combing my hair always meant actual tears for me...This thing was shockingly effective."

Best Detangler with Apple Cider Vinegar

Philip B Detangling Toning Mist

Free Shipping
Philip B Detangling Toning Mist
Best Detangler with Apple Cider Vinegar

Philip B Detangling Toning Mist

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • great for thin hair
Cons
  • smells strong

Apple cider vinegar is the hero in this detangler. It regulates the pH of your hair (which can be thrown off by things like tap water) to boost shine and help seal your hair cuticle—a must for preventing frizz and tangles. It works best if you mist it on wet hair as soon as you hop out of the shower.

THE REVIEWS: FYI, it smells like vinegar, but "it faded quickly and the product left my hair very soft," according to one reviewer.

Best Heat Protecting Detangler

Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Best Heat Protecting Detangler

Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • very protective
Cons
  • not for an oily scalp

HOKAY, if you blow-dry or heat style your hair on the reg, then you one hundred percent need to be using a heat protectant (it's essential for preventing breakage and split ends). I always spritz this detangling spray on my damp hair before blow-drying. It provides up to 400 degrees of heat protection and shields from hair from color-fading UV.

THE REVIEWS: One reviewer loves that it didn't weigh her hair down "at all," unlike other products.

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Best Lightweight Detangler

Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier

Amazon’s Choice
Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier
Best Lightweight Detangler

Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • great for split ends
Cons
  • not as effective for dryness

The lightweight spray gives fine hair needed volume, just the right amount of hydration to make it soft and shiny, and just the right amount of slip make it super easy to detangle without being weighed down or clumpy.

THE REVIEWS: One person who tested this writes, "I used this product just once and my hair feels so soft, exactly how healthy and bouncy your hair looks and feels after you get a haircut at the salon." (The review is titled, "BUY IT QUEENS," lol.)

Best Detangler for Air Drying

Reverie Milk Hair Treatment

Reverie Milk Hair Treatment
Best Detangler for Air Drying

Reverie Milk Hair Treatment

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • good for oily and dry issues
Cons
  • strong smell

Hot take: I don't use regular conditioner. Bad beauty editor, I know. I just hate wasting extra time in the shower, and TBH, most options leave my fine hair looking limp and greasy. Instead, I work this lightweight lotion through my mid-lengths and ends and then let my hair air dry. It detangles, cuts down on dryness, and weighs my hair down zero percent.

THE REVIEWS: One reviewer who tested it for the first time explains, "This is the first product that makes my hair turn into natural beach waves with zero frizz."

Best Detangler for Curls

Flora & Curl Organic Rose & Honey Leave-In Detangler

Flora & Curl Organic Rose & Honey Leave-In Detangler
Best Detangler for Curls

Flora & Curl Organic Rose & Honey Leave-In Detangler

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • vegan
Cons
  • not as heavy-duty

Every curl type can benefit from this leave-in detangler. Work it through damp hair, then finger-comb it through your coils to break up tangles while adding extra moisture to your hair. Life hack: Use it as a curl refresher on your non-wash days to add shine and definition.

THE REVIEWS: One tester says a little goes a long way, FYI, but "it smells amazing!"

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Best Cream Detangler

Adwoa Beauty Baomint Leave In Conditioning Styler

Adwoa Beauty Baomint Leave In Conditioning Styler
Best Cream Detangler

Adwoa Beauty Baomint Leave In Conditioning Styler

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • lasting hydration
Cons
  • strong scent

Yes, this cream is a detangler, but it doubles as a hydrating treatment for curly and coily hair textures, too Inside this bottle is a blend of nettle extract, rosemary leaf oil, and shea butter, all of which work together to moisturize, strengthen, and add slip to dry or damaged hair.

THE REVIEWS: One reviewer says, "I use it for re-twisting my hair a few times a week. Love mixing it with the adwoa oil."

Best Multitasking Detangler for Curls

TGIN Quench 3-In-1

On Sale
TGIN Quench 3-In-1
Best Multitasking Detangler for Curls

TGIN Quench 3-In-1

Now 13% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • moisturizing
Cons
  • very thick

This bb legit does it all. Use it on your curls or coils as a cleansing conditioner on wash day, a regular conditioner when your hair needs extra moisture, or as a detangler to give strands serious slip and shine.

THE REVIEWS: One person who tested this product says it's great to add into your schedule: "I shampoo once a week, but use this in between washes once or twice a week to freshen up, especially after a sweaty workout."

Best Paraben-Free Detangler

Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray

Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray
Best Paraben-Free Detangler

Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • good for fine hair
Cons
  • Not as Heavy-Duty

If sustainable beauty is your thing, you're going to love to this detangling spray from Drunk Elephant. The silicone and paraben-free formula is full of nourishing, smoothing, and hair-repairing plant oils, like marula oil and sacha inchi seed oil, so your hair stays healthy and moisturized long after it dries.

THE REVIEWS: One reviewer says it doesn't weigh the hair down after application, either. "It is perfect for my fine hair. It detangles without pulling or knotting. It smells so clean. It will stay in my hair station!"

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best detangler for damaged hair

milk_shake Leave-In Conditioner Spray Detangler

Amazon’s Choice
milk_shake Leave-In Conditioner Spray Detangler
best detangler for damaged hair

milk_shake Leave-In Conditioner Spray Detangler

Now 30% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • good for most hair types
Cons
  • smell is strong

Fun fact: This is the detangler I use when my hair's feeling particularly knotty. Part of the appeal is the cotton-candy scent, for sure, but part of it is the easy-but-effective formulation (with strawberry, blueberry, and papaya) for my dry and damaged hair.

THE REVIEWS: "It is absolutely the perfect spray for soft, manageable air-dried hair," writes a reviewer. "My hair has a bit of natural curl to it, so it was important to find a product that defeats frizziness without weighing my hair down. This stuff is fabulous."

Best Detangler for Long Hair

SexyHair Long Luxe Nourishing Leave-In Detangler

SexyHair Long Luxe Nourishing Leave-In Detangler
Best Detangler for Long Hair

SexyHair Long Luxe Nourishing Leave-In Detangler

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • good for many hair types
Cons
  • light nozzle spray

Long hair is notorious for getting knotty—and this super-fine mist is clutch for getting it smooth and soft again. Generously mist it on your mid-lengths and ends, then comb through your hair using a detangling brush. P.S. The formula is also safe for detangling extensions, too.

THE REVIEWS: "My hair is over (3) three feet long and knots and tangles were the worst if I didn't braid my hair every single night," writes one tester. "But now that I found Long Sexy Hair Detangler, I don't worry about any hair problems anymore. My hair is is soft, shiny, and best of all...free from knots and tangles."

best Detangler for different hair types

Rock The Locks Not So Knotty Conditioning Detangler

Rock The Locks Not So Knotty Conditioning Detangler
best Detangler for different hair types

Rock The Locks Not So Knotty Conditioning Detangler

Now 15% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • light formulation
Cons
  • can lead to residue

K, yes, this is technically marketed to ~children~ but it works super-well for adult hair too. Plus, it smells like *pineapple banana*, so, you know. Huge plus.

THE REVIEWS: One person who tested this out writes, "The best detangler I have ever used!! I am mixed race, with very tightly curled hair. This takes out all of the knots and does the best job. And it smells amazing."

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best detangler for everyday use

Every Day Miracle Treatment

Every Day Miracle Treatment
best detangler for everyday use

Every Day Miracle Treatment

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • protective and nourishing
Cons
  • hair must be damp

Kinney is "obsessed" with this product, which her salon sells, and is sodium chloride-, sulfate- and gluten-free. It strengthens hair, tackles dryness, protects color, and blocks sun damage (thanks to silk protein). Plus it makes the hair ever-so-shiny.

Best Detangler for Color-Treated Hair

Rene Furterer Okara Color Enhancing Spray

Rene Furterer Okara Color Enhancing Spray
Best Detangler for Color-Treated Hair

Rene Furterer Okara Color Enhancing Spray

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • excellent for shine
Cons
  • leaves greasy residue

Kinney loves this option because it "adds shine and protects color-related dryness." Free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones, the okara extract and hamamelis extract reinforce strands' structure and bind to the keratin for extra protection.

THE REVIEWS: One reviewer raves that the smell was incredible, plus "I really like the way it smells and my hair was soft and shiny."

What is a hair detangler?

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A hair detangler is, more often than not, a type of leave-in conditioner that is specifically formulated to smooth and tighten your hair cuticle with an oil or polymer. This "fills in" splits and breaks and makes it less likely to tangle with other strands. Without it, your hair will be much more subject to breakage and damage.

Usually, you can leave a detangler in, but look at the directions: Sometimes a detangler "rinse" is designed to be washed out. In that case, you would dampen the hair, apply, let it sit for a few minutes, then hop into the shower and brush your hair while you're in there (btw, a really good best practice if you have curly hair is to only be brushing your hair in the shower anyways). Sometimes, hair detanglers do leave a residue or buildup on the hair, which you can remove with a high-quality clarifying shampoo from time to time.

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How to use a hair detangler

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*In general*, you'll want to follow these basic steps:

Wet the hair

Your hair should be damp when you apply. Check the instructions, but detanglers can usually be sprayed on, particularly on the most affected area. Kinney might also wet the brush, with water and/or product, to give more slip.

Partition your hair

Separate your hair into sections and pin the sections you're not working on with clips or claws. The more knotty your hair, the more sections you'll need. Start at the sections at the base of your head and move up towards your crown.

Work from the bottom of the hair

Kinney says one of the most common mistakes she sees clients make is taking their brush, starting at the roots, and attempting to brush through to the tip of their hair. This may cause more unnecessary breakage. Better to start at the ends and go slowly and methodically.

Does a hair detangler work on severely matted hair?

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In a word—yes! But "you don’t want to totally wet the hair if it’s super matted, because wet hair breaks more easily," says Kinney. And it's even more important to start at the bottom and go super-slowly, lest you rip out more hair than you need to.

Headshot of Katherine J Igoe
Katherine J Igoe
Contributor

Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.

Headshot of Lauren Balsamo
Deputy Beauty Director

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram

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