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Curly hair is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. It could be super-defined one day and a frizzy concoction the next day – and it's never exactly the same from one head to another. Our mission is to equip you with the necessary tools for restoring and maintaining healthy locks and celebrating the hair you were born with! 

Say Goodbye to Tangles with the Best Detangler for Curly Hair

April 23, 2022

 by

Verna Meachum

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I am highly experienced in the beauty industry and specialize in writing for brands and websites that focus on curly hair care. Moreover, I actually have curly hair and have curly-haired children with varying hair textures. I am also surrounded by curly-haired friends, including curly hairstylists and curly-haired family members. You get the point :) I’m well-versed in the language and nuances of curly hair care, styling tips, and product recommendations.

Furthermore, I collaborate with my friend who has a Ph.D. in organic and inorganic chemistry and works as an R&D Chemist to help us navigate through the misinformation around curly hair care. He advises us on Hair Care Science to ensure we are well-informed.

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Last Updated on April 17, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Do you have a hard time getting through your curly hair without causing knots and tangles, and need some product suggestions for the best detangler for curly hair? Look no further!

If you have ever tried to detangle your hair, and it seems like the more you try to get through the knots, the worse they become, you’re not alone! Curly hair can be difficult to manage, especially when it’s wet.

Detangling hair can be a real challenge. But with a little know-how, and some patience, you can get through those knots and have tangle-free hair.

The good news is that there are plenty of detangling products on the market that can help make this process a lot easier.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best detanglers for curly hair.

Righteous Roots Oils 2-in-1

Read Review

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Fragrance-Free Detangler

Read Review

Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner

Read Review

Whether you’re looking for a leave-in conditioner or a detangling spray, if it’s the best detangler for curly hair that you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered!

Overview

On wash day, a lot of my time is dedicated to detangling my hair in the shower. I’ve tried every detangling method out there: from applying a ton of conditioner and patiently working through the locks with my fingers, to using a wide-tooth comb or even a detangling brush.

But I’ve found that the best way to detangle is Slip! I’m all about the slip. In fact, the best way to get through knots is with lots of slip. That way, the knots can easily fall out as I wash and detangle my hair.

It’s definitely a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it for all the time I save in the long run. And that’s it! No more fighting with my hair on wash day!

What’s the secret to getting your hair detangled without having to spend hours with a detangling brush or comb in your hands? Enter: Leave in conditioner and detangling spray!

With these two products, the process is a lot easier. You’ll be able to work through your hair and get rid of knots and tangles in no time. Not to mention, they’re really affordable, too.

Leave-in conditioner

A leave-in conditioner is a product that you apply to your hair after you shampoo and condition it. However, it’s an optional added step.

It’s important to note that you should not rinse out leave-in conditioner. You simply apply it to your hair, and then style it as usual.

Leave-in conditioners add moisture to the hair, help protect it from damage, and aid in detangling.

Most leave-in conditioners contain ingredients that help to detangle hair, such as silicone (for those who don’t mind it), an acidifier, hydrolyzed protein, fatty alcohols, cationic surfactants, and oils.

There are also detangling herbs such as flaxseed, slippery elm, and marshmallow root that are used in detangling products due to their ability to provide slip and smooth the hair.

Leave-in conditioners can be used on virtually every hair type, from straight to curly, natural to colored, and they’re particularly beneficial for dry, damaged, or frizzy hair.

Detangling spray

The next product on our list is a detangling spray. This type of product can be used on wet or dry hair, and it can help to detangle and smooth your curls.

It’s important to note that detangling spray is not a replacement for leave-in conditioner. You should still use leave-in conditioner in addition to a detangling spray.

Detangling sprays typically contain ingredients like conditioners and oils, which can help to add moisture and shine to your hair. They can also help to reduce frizz, static, and tangles.

Detangling sprays are a great option for those with curly hair, as they can be used on a daily basis to help manage your curls.

Now onto the list of great detangling product recommendations!

The Best Detangler for Curly Hair: Product Recommendations

Here are our top 15 picks for the best detanglers and leave-in conditioners for curly hair:

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler

Verna’s Tidbit

This is a lightweight detangler that is formulated with certified organic Raw Shea Butter and natural botanicals to soften, condition, and rejuvenate damaged or transitioning hair.

Product best for: curly hair

Price: $10 – $13

Best detangler for curly hair - Shea Moisutre Detangler

Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave in Detangler

Verna’s Tidbit

This is a thick, rich herbal conditioner that helps to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls, and tangles.
Don’t use too much or your hair will feel product-y.

Product best for: curly hair

Price: $13 – $15


Righteous Roots Oils Conditioner/Leave-in Conditioner

This product is a 2-in-1 combo; conditioner and leave-in conditioner.

If you want the best slip for detangling your hair, plus moisturizing benefits of a conditioner, this is it! It’s the best black hair detangler and detangler for afro hair, basically – all hair types!

This is my new favorite product. Great for all porosity levels. Vegan & cruelty-free formula.

Product best for: all hair types

Price: $18.95


Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy

Verna’s Tidbit

This product It softens your hair, aids in the recovery of moisture balance, and removes knots and tangles.

Product best for: coily textures

Price: $10 – $12

Best detangler for curly hair - Aunt Jackie's instant detangling therapy

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Fragrance-Free Detangler

Verna’s Tidbit

This is a fragrance free detangling spray that is lightweight. It is made with aloe vera, oat extract, and natural oils to calm, nourish, hydrate, and shine your hair.

This is made specifically for those with sensitivities to fragrance, essential oils, lactose, soy, and gluten.

Product best for: all hair types

Price: $24 – $26

Best detangler for hair - Briogeo detangling spray.

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Verna’s Tidbit

This product is specifically for those with frizzy, dry, and damaged hair. It is a lightweight conditioning spray that will give your hair a boost of hydration.

Product best for: all hair types

Price: $24 – $26


Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler

Verna’s Tidbit

This is another great detangling product, which I love. You can use it as a leave in “conditioner” as well. It will not weight the hair down or leave it feeling greasy.

Product best for: curly and coily hair

Price: $14 – $16

Best detangler for curly hair - Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler

Ouai Detangling Leave in Conditioner

Verna’s Tidbit

This is a detangling mist that protects hair against heat damage and UV damage. This has amino acids, which help moisturize dry cuticles to retain moisture. There is silicone at the top of the ingredients list, so if you’re following the cg method, this is not for you.

Product best for: all hair types

Price: $28

Best detangler for curly hair - Ouai leave in conditioner

Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee

Verna’s Tidbit

The uniqueness of this product lies in its ability to improve manageability, softness, and elasticity in dry, tangled hair. There are no artificial baddies in here. This product is has 5 star reviews across every platform I run into! Detangling your hair will be a breeze for thicker textures.

Product best for: high porosity hair, 3C – 4C

Price: $25

Best detangler for curly hair - Qhemet Biologics coca tree

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler

Verna’s Tidbit

If you’re looking for a super affordable detangler, then this may be it for you. This is a vegan formula that will help control frizz and gentle untangle knots.

Product best for: straight to wavy textures

Price: $6


Camille Rose Naturals Hair Milk

Verna’s Tidbit

This is a leave in conditioner that is especially made with rice milk (sounds soothing, right?). The special detangling ingredient is the slippery elm bark that will also smooth and soften the hair.

Product best for: curly and coily textures

Price: $12-$14

Best detangler for curly hair - Camille Rose Naturals Moisture Milk

Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler

Verna’s Tidbit

This is a gluten-free leave in conditioning detangler. The hydrating ingredients lies in the Cupuacu and mango seed butters, which are moisturizing and smoothing. You’ll get the greatest effects using this in the shower, immediately after using the intense conditioner (of the same line)

Product best for: 2-4 curly types

Price: $38

Best detangler for curl hair - Oribe leave in conditioning detangler

Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner

Verna’s Tidbit

This is a lightweight detangling spray that can be used on wet or dry hair. Innersense is know for their ingredients that come straight from nature, grown organically, and without chemicals. My only con with this product is that I have to used a lot of it because of my thick texture. This is probably the best detangler for fine hair, in my opinion.

Product best for: all hair types

Price: $26

Best detangler for curly hair - Innersense leave in conditioner.

Carol’s Daughter, Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Creme Hair Detangler

Verna’s Tidbit

Carol’s Daughter have been around since 1993 and are known for their skincare and body products. for This Combing Creme untangles, moisturizes, defines, controls frizz, and adds shine; Agave and Keratin are used to make this lightweight leave-in, giving your curls the glide they need to style with

ease.

Product best for: all hair types

Price: $11-$13

Best detangler for curly hair - Carol's Daughter, Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Creme Hair Detangler

Design Essentials Moisturizing and Detangling Leave In Conditioner Almond and Avocado

Verna’s Tidbit

This detangling leave-in conditioner is great for dry hair. Key ingredients are the almond and avocado oils that makes detangling easier. If you love the Design Essential Almond and Avocado mousse. I would have to add that this is the best smelling detangler spray.

Product best for: all hair types

Price: $13.99

Best detangler for curly hair - Design Essentials Moisturizing and Detangling Leave In Conditioner Almond and Avocado

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