Do you have difficulty getting through your curly hair without causing knots and tangles? The good news is that plenty of detangling products on the market can help make this process much easier. We have put together a list of the best detanglers for curly hair.
As someone deeply immersed in the beauty industry with years of specialized experience in writing for curly hair care brands, websites, and magazines, I’ve curated a list of the best detanglers for curly hair.
- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler
- Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave in Detangler
- Righteous Roots Oils Conditioner/Leave-in Conditioner
- Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy
- Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Fragrance-Free Detangler
- Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray
- Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler
- Ouai Detangling Leave in Conditioner
- Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee
- Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler
- Camille Rose Naturals Hair Milk
- Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
- Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner
- Carol’s Daughter, Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Creme Detangler
- Design Essentials Moisturizing Detangler
- Oyin Handmade Oh My Glide!
- Alikay Naturals Hair Detangler
- Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Slip 30-Second Detangler
Why You Need a Detangler for Curly Hair
Curlies naturally struggle a lot more than other hair types with tangles. Due to the pattern and hair texture, curly hair is more prone to tangles, which can become challenging to manage and lead to breakage, frizzy hair, and hair fall.
Much of my time is dedicated to detangling my hair in the shower on wash day. I’ve tried every detangling method, from applying a ton of conditioner and patiently working through the locks with my fingers to using a wide-tooth comb and even a detangling brush.
But I’ve found that slip is the best way to detangle your curly hair! And that is through detangler sprays and leave-in conditioners used with the detangling curly hairbrushes or combs. The knots can easily fall out as I wash and detangle my hair.
A leave-in conditioner is a product you apply to your hair after you shampoo and condition it. It is an additional step and adds moisture to the hair while providing slip. Detangling spray is specifically designed to smoothen the strands and help eliminate tangles.
It is a time-consuming process, but it is worth it for all the time saved in the long run. And no more fighting with my hair on wash day! Additionally, it is an affordable detangling process and a sustainable step to keep in your hair care regimen.
Leave-in Conditioner
A leave-in conditioner is a product you apply to your hair after you shampoo and condition it. It is an additional step and adds moisture to the hair while providing slip. Detangling spray is specifically designed to smoothen the strands and help eliminate tangles.
It is a time-consuming process, but it is worth it for all the time saved in the long run. And no more fighting with my hair on wash day! Additionally, it is an affordable detangling process and a sustainable step to keep in your hair care routine.
Curlies naturally struggle a lot more than other hair types with tangles. Due to the pattern and texture, curly hair is more prone to tangles, which can become challenging to manage and lead to breakage, frizz, and hair fall.
Much of my time is dedicated to detangling my hair strands in the shower on wash day. I’ve tried every detangling method, from applying a ton of conditioner and patiently working through the locks with my fingers to using a wide-tooth comb and even a detangling brush.
But I’ve found that slip is the best way to detangle your curly hair! And that is through detangler sprays and leave-in conditioners used with the detangling curly hairbrushes or combs. The knots in the hair strands can easily fall out as I wash and detangle my hair.
Detangling Spray
The next product on our list is a detangling spray. This type of product can be used on wet hair, damp hair, 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 are typically a lightweight formula containing ingredients like conditioners and oils (i.e. castor oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil) 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 natural hair, wavy hair, curly hair, etc. as they offer easy detangling and can be used on a daily basis to help manage your curls.
The Best Detangler for Curly Hair: Product Recommendations
Here are our top 18 picks (in no particular order) for the best hair detanglers and leave-in conditioners for curly hair (by the way, all of these work for my color-treated hair, which is also 3 c hair type):
1. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler
Verna’s Tidbit:
This lightweight detangler 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
2. Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Detangler
Verna’s Tidbit:
This thick, rich herbal conditioner helps smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls, and tangles. Don’t use too much, or your hair may feel greasy.
Product best for Curly hair
Price: $13 – $15
3. Righteous Roots Oils Conditioner/Leave-In Conditioner
Verna’s Tidbit:
This is a 2-in-1 combo and my new favorite. If you want the best slip for detangling plus the moisturizing benefits of a conditioner, this is it.
It is the best black and afro hair detangler. It is also great for all porosity levels and is a vegan & cruelty-free formula.
Product best for all hair types, especially low porosity hair.
Price: $22
4. Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy
Verna’s Tidbit:
This product softens your hair, aids in the recovery of moisture balance, and removes knots and tangles.
Product best for Coily textures
Price: $10 – $12
5. 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 specifically for those sensitive to fragrance, essential oils, lactose, soy, and gluten. Product best for all hair types.
Price: $24 – $26
6. Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray
Verna’s Tidbit:
This product is specifically for frizzy, dry, and damaged hair. It is a lightweight conditioning spray that will boost your hair’s hydration.
Product best for all hair types
Price: $24 – $26
7. Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler
Verna’s Tidbit:
This is another excellent detangling product, which I love. You can use it as a leave-in “conditioner” as well. It will not weigh the hair down or leave it feeling greasy.
Product best for Curly and Coily hair
Price: $14 – $24
8. 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. Silicone is 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 – $30
9. 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 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
10. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler
Verna’s Tidbit:
This may be for you if you’re looking for a super affordable detangler. This vegan formula will help control frizz and gently untangle knots.
Product best for straight to wavy textures
Price: $6
11. Camille Rose Naturals Hair Milk
Verna’s Tidbit:
This is a leave-in conditioner specially made with rice milk (sounds soothing, right?). The special detangling ingredient is the slippery elm bark, which will smooth and soften the hair.
Product best for Natural har, Thick hair, Curly and Coily textures
Price: $12-$14
12. Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
Verna’s Tidbit:
This is a gluten-free leave-in conditioning detangler. The hydrating ingredients lie in the Cupuacu and mango seed butter, which are moisturizing and smoothing. You’ll get the most remarkable 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
13. Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner
Verna’s Tidbit:
This lightweight detangling spray can be used on wet or dry hair. Innersense is known for its ingredients that come straight from nature and grown organically. The only con is that I have to use a lot of it because of its thick texture. This is probably the best detangler for fine hair, in my opinion.
Product best for all hair types
Price: $26
14. 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. 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-$17
15. Design Essentials Moisturizing and Detangling Leave In Conditioner Almond and Avocado
Verna’s Tidbit:
This detangling leave-in conditioner is one of my favorites. It’s especially great for dry hair. Key ingredients are the almond and avocado oils that make detangling easier. If you love the Design Essential Almond and Avocado mousse, I must add that this is the best-scented detangler spray.
Product best for all hair types
Price: $13.99
16. Oyin Handmade Oh My Glide!
Verna’s Tidbit:
This detangling spray is ideal for natural and curly hair. It softens and moisturizes hair while also removing stubborn tangles.
Product best for all hair types
Price: $13.99
17. Alikay Naturals Hair Detangler
Verna’s Tidbit:
This lightweight botanical-infused combination gives your hair slip and moisture while detangling, allowing you to work it through your tresses more easily.
Product best for all hair types
Price: $14.25
18. Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Slip 30-Second Detangle
Verna’s Tidbit:
It quickly breaks apart knots and tangles without weighing down your hair in 30 seconds! It’s also gentle enough for kiddos’ hair.
Product best for all hair types
Price: $46 / 33.8 oz. (1 liter)
FAQs
Is avocado oil a good detangler for frizzy, thick hair, and does it contain vitamin E?
Yes, avocado oil is an excellent natural detangler, especially for frizzy and thick hair types. It’s rich in vitamin E, which not only helps with detangling but also nourishes and moisturizes your hair, reducing frizz and promoting a smoother, more manageable texture.
Do detanglers damage hair?
No, detanglers are generally designed to help make the detangling process smoother and reduce hair damage. They work by providing slip to the hair, making it easier to glide through tangles and knots without causing breakage.
However, it’s essential to not rush through the detangling process as hasty and forceful detangling can still cause damage. Take your time, be gentle, and use a suitable detangling product to make the process as smooth and damage-free as possible.
Should I detangle my curly hair everyday?
In most cases, it’s advisable to detangle curly hair following each wash. Whether you should detangle your curly hair every day depends on your hair type, routine, and personal preferences.
Some individuals with very tightly coiled or fragile curly hair may find that daily detangling is unnecessary and could lead to over-manipulation and breakage.
Why does my curly hair get tangled easily?
Curly hair is prone to tangling because of its natural texture, which can create knots and snarls as the strands coil around each other. Additionally, factors like dryness, friction, and lack of proper care can contribute to increased tangling in curly hair.
How can I effectively detangle my severely tangled curly hair?
To detangle extremely tangled curly hair, start by applying a generous amount of conditioner or a detangling spray to damp hair.
Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently work through the knots, starting from the tips and moving upwards towards the roots. Be patient and gentle to minimize breakage. If needed, divide your hair into sections to make the process more manageable.
