If your hair is longer than a pixie cut, at some point you’ll probably experience a tangle or knot. Yes, they can be difficult and annoying, but like untangling a delicate necklace, patience and a gentle hand are key to removing knots and tangles without leading to breakage and damaged hair. But before you reach for your detangling brush, make sure you spritz one of the best hair detangler sprays to make the job less strenuous.
According to New York City-based hairstylist Harley Beman, hair detanglers have the same conditioning benefits as a leave-in conditioner to help prime and smooth the hair cuticle, “making the hair more manageable and minimizing friction while brushing,” she says. Beman also notes that detangler sprays are one of the few hair products that can easily be used by just about any hair type, so you truly can’t go wrong when picking out a formula. She just suggests taking a “less is more” approach when applying your detangler, though, in order to avoid issues like greasiness or product build-up.
No matter what your curl pattern may be or which spray you choose, untangling your knots with the proper brushing technique is crucial for avoiding frizz-inducing breakage and damage. Beman says to separate your hair into sections and start brushing from the ends of your hair, gently working your way up toward the root.
Now it’s time to put these hair-smoothing tips into action. Below, take a look at the best detangling sprays that Allure editors and hairstylists alike adore.
Amika The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer
Beman says Amika’s The Wizard Detangling Primer is a great addition to anyone’s hair routine, thanks to its moisturizing combination of avocado and seabuckthorn oils. She notes that this spray acts as a protectant against heat damage at up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and can also be used as a styling spray. “If you apply a really heavy amount, you can use it for a malleable, wet look,” she suggests.
Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
Not only does the Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner smell amazing (especially if you love florals), but it’s also an ultra-nourishing detangler. Rachael Edwards, Allure‘s social media manager, says this weightless spray is one of her go-to products for moisturizing her hair and keeping it knot-free. This conditioning concoction contains a blend of coconut oil, grapefruit extract, and green tea extract to ensure your hair has just enough moisture to brush tangles and knots away without creating split ends or frizzy hair in the process.
Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray
Allure deputy digital editor Kara McGrath says the Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray has been a staple in her hair-care rotation. This lightweight formula acts as both a detangler and heat protectant at up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also spiked with antioxidant-rich guava to protect hair from free radical damage while conditioning ingredients like aloe vera, avocado, and coconut oils soften its texture.
IGK Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray
Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein has been using the IGK Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray in her routine for two years, and she has no plans on removing it from her roster. This ultra-light spray is powered by a duo of moisture-retaining coconut oil and strengthening spirulina proteins to detangle without damage as well as protect hair from up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, enhance shine, and smooth frizz and flyaways. “I love that this pre-styling product can also be used on air-dried hair, so sometimes it’s the only thing I use to manage frizz during my no-wash days,” Hussein adds.
LolaVie Glossing Detangler
Got tangled hair that’s looking a bit dull as well? Let the Glossing Detangler from Jennifer Aniston’s beloved hair-care brand, LolaVie, take care of both concerns at once for you. This conditioning detangler is infused with moisture-retaining ceramides for a sleeker, softer look and feel to your hair. It also acts as a heat protectant and can be used on either wet or dry hair — no wonder Nicola Dall’Asen, Allure’s news editor, loves it so much.
Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier
No matter how tangled your hair may be, Rahua’s Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier is here to help. This blend of fatty acid-rich morete (also known as buriti) and sacha inchi oils intensively moisturizes so hair can be brushed through with ease. This spritzer gets bonus points for its delightfully tropical scent, which contains notes of passionfruit and mango.
Rizos Curls Refresh and Detangle Spray
Associate social media editor Bianca Richards says the Rizos Curls Refresh and Detangle Spray is especially great for curly hair types like herself, thanks to its deeply conditioning formula. This cocktail of coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil will make the toughest knots and tangles slip apart with ease. It’s also worth mentioning that this spray is so lightweight that it can act as a curl refresher during no-wash days without weighing curls down.
Creme of Nature Knot Away Leave-In Detangler
Okay, so this isn’t a detangling spray, but Allure associate news editor Gabi Thorne loves the Creme of Nature Knot Away Leave-In Detangler so much that we just couldn’t leave it off this list. This creamy formula is infused with a moisturizing powerhouse blend of coconut oil, honey, and shea butter to intensely condition hair and make the detangling process more manageable.
Oribe Run-Through Detangling Hair Primer
Sure, the Oribe Run-Through Detangling Hair Primer has sexy packaging, but there’s much more to this fancy-schmancy bottle of hair detangler than meets the eye. Silky-smooth hair is just a few spritzes of this conditioning formula away, thanks to the brand’s proprietary detangling oil blend that features pomegranate, apricot, and coconut oils. For added nourishment, this detangling spray also contains wheat amino acids to fortify the bonds that make up your hair.
NatureLab. Tokyo Texture Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler
NatureLab. Tokyo’s Texture Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler is truly a triple threat, considering the fact that it prevents breakage, seals in moisture, and boosts shine all at once. This detangler coats each and every hair with moisture-replenishing jojoba and camellia oils, antioxidant-rich blue algae extract, and rose extract to soothe irritated scalps.
Raw Sugar Kids Leave-In Detangler
Chances are, you didn’t expect us to throw a kid’s product on this list, but Allure senior director of business Eilish Morley says Raw Sugar Kids Leave-In Detangler is one of the best hair detanglers she’s ever tried. It actually contains a few ingredients we know and love from our other favorite (albeit, pricier) products, including castor oil for moisturizing and loosening knots, aloe vera for its conditioning properties, and coconut oil to nourish and retain extra moisture. Not to mention, this formula is silicone-free, so it won’t weigh down fine hair.
Pantene Pro-V Nutrient Boost Repair & Protect Conditioning Mist
Pantene’s Pro-V Nutrient Boost Repair & Protect Conditioning Mist may cost less than an oat milk latte, but that’s not the only reason why we’re grabbing it. This detangling spray can be used on dry or wet hair without weighing it down, all thanks to moisturizing antioxidants like provitamin B5.
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Detangler
As its name suggests, the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Detangler utilizes its star ingredient to soften and moisturize hair to glide through knots and tangles with ease. To provide even more shine-enhancing moisture, this formula also contains argan oil for a soft and glossy effect.
