Best Overall Hair Detangler
Garnier Gentle Detangling Hair Milk
Credit: Garnier
Pros
Lightweight
Softens strands
This GH Beauty Award Winner is a nourishing milk that literally melts tangles away. Not to mention, the combination of oats, rice extract and aloe juice add moisture to parched strands and add softness, too. One tester raved, "I could comb damp hair with almost no effort."
Best Value Detangling Spray
Not Your Mother's Knotty To Nice Conditioning Detangler
Credit: Not Your Mother's
Pros
Nicely scented
Affordable price tag
Infused with Brazilian Keratin, this detangler leaves hair silky and smooth making brushing a breeze for long, knot-prone locks. Not to mention, it's super hydrating and smells like Starburst.
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Best Detangler for Dry, Damaged Hair
NatureLab Perfect Leave-In Repair Treatment
Credit: NatureLab. Tokyo
Pros
Works on color-treated hair
Repairs damaged strands
One of Fitzsimons favorites, this treatment strengthens and smooths the hair, while making detangling easier, too. "It restores, conditions and speeds your blow dry or air dry time, too," he raves.
Best Detangler for Matted Hair
Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee
Credit: Qhemet Biologics
Pros
Adds tons of slip
Super moisturizing
Cons
May be too heavy for fine, thin hair
When hair is matted, a lightweight spray may not do the trick. This detangling ghee is exactly what you think — it's buttery, rich and conditioning. Its ghee-like texture and super hydrating ingredients like cocoa butter, horsetail and barley ensure that hair has extra slip so you can un-matte knots and tangles without ripping or breaking your strands.
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Best Hair Detangler Brush
The Flex Brush XL Nylon Bristle
Credit: The Flex Brush
Pros
Works on both wet and dry hair
Loosens knots without pulling on them
Cons
May be a little rough on sensitive scalps
This 2019 Beauty Award Winner was afavorite amongst testers for our Good Housekeeping Insititute. "I was extremely skeptical, but it really did work amazing," one tester said. "I also tried it on my 6-year old who has long, fine, curly hair and there were no tears."
Best Detangler for Fine, Thin Hair
R+Co Pinstripe Intense Detangling Spray
Credit: R+Co
Pros
Volumizing
Shine-boosting
Cons
Not ideal to use on dry hair
The blend of abyssinica seed oil and ginger root and acerola extracts help melt tangles away while boosting hair's natural sheen. This formula is also infused with pro-vitamin B5 which thickens and builds volume, and reviewers love the refreshing eucalyptus scent.
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Best Detangler for Thick Hair
As I Am Detangling Conditioner Leave-in Tangle Releaser
Credit: As I Am
Pros
Super thick consistency
Rinse-out formula
Cons
May be heavy if overused
This tangle releaser takes all the hard work out of detangling, with a buttery and rich formula that saturates each strand making it easier for your comb, brush or fingers to glide through. But don't worry if you apply too much, you can easily rinse this product out once your tangles are gone.
Best Hair Detangler for Damaged Hair
UNITE Hair 7Seconds Detangler
Credit: UNITE Hair
Pros
Adds hydration
Built-in thermal and UV protection
Cons
May not work with hair that is sensitive to protein treatments
This detangling spray works lightning fast: Its formulation has a protein-base which is ideal for strengthening damaged, weak and brittle locks. Nearly 7,000 reviewers give it 4.8 stars, saying, "my hair is tangle free and the softest it has been in years." Plus, it offers protection against UV and thermal damage.
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Best Gentle Detangler
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Detangler
Credit: Briogeo
Pros
Fragrance-free
Hypoallergenic formula
Aloe vera, oat milk and green tea extract enrich and nourish the hair and make this detangler sort of like a second round of conditioner (win!). And since this formula was made with skin sensitivities in mind (fragrance, lactose, soy and gluten), you can expect a gentle formulation that won't cause irritation.
Best Detangler for 4C Hair
Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Detangler
Credit: Kinky-Curly
Pros
Deep conditions
Doubles as a leave-in styler
Cons
May be sticky if overused
This cult-favorite detangler is like a two-in-one: It detangles and deeply conditions curls and coils for super defined and hydrated spirals after each use. The super creamy formula smooths each strand of the hair and adds moisture, so tangling is a whole lot more manageable. Bonus: You can leave it in as a styler or rinse it out.
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Best Detangler for Curly Hair
DevaCurl Wash Day Wonder Time Saving Slip Detangler
Credit: DevaCurl
Pros
Adds slip to matted curls
Designed for in-shower use before shampoo
Cons
Can only be used on wet hair
Bring on the slip! This curly girl favorite is all about the slip it adds to each curl making tangles and knots slide out with little effort. For best results, apply this product before shampooing and detangle from the bottom up.
Best Detangler for Heat Styling
Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer
Credit: Oribe
Pros
Smoothes frizz and flyaways
Thermal protection
Cons
Not made for natural hair styling
If you love blow outs or can't stay away from a curling wand, this detangler is for you. Not only does this keep tangles at bay thanks to coconut oil, it has a built-in cuticle-sealing formula that protects strands from heat styling and keeps frizz to a minimum.
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Best Detangling Conditioner
Aussie Total Miracle Conditioner
Credit: Aussie
Pros
Affordable
Softens and hydrates strands
Cons
May be too heavy for fine, thin hair
For super knotty hair, you may want to start the detangling during your cleanse and conditioning session. That's where this wallet-friendly conditioner comes into play. It really is miraculous and helps to soften, smooth, hydrate and detangle even the most vulnerable of strands. And for just $5, it's definitely worth the purchase.
Best Detangler for Frizzy Hair
DAILY DOSE Miracle Moisture Spray Leave-In Hair Conditioner Detangler
Now 15% Off
Credit: Daily Dose Pros
Helps restrengthen damaged locks
Works on all hair types
Fitzsimons says he reaches for this leave-in conditioner that locks in moisture, prevents breakage, reduces frizz and strengthens weak hair. It's milky formula and lightweight feel make it ideal for all hair types: No greasy build-up here.
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Best Hair Detangling Comb
Wet Brush Detangling Comb
Credit: Wetbrush
Pros
Great for wavy and curly hair
Wide teeth gently work through knots
Cons
Handle can be flimsy
This detangling comb is great for those with textured hair who prefer to detangle their strands while wet. The wavy, wide teeth help for easy gliding without ripping or snapping the hair and it even works to define and separate waves and curls.
What is the most effective detangler?
In short, you want a formula that will add slip to the hair. Fitzsimons says it's best to check the ingredients list before you buy. He recommends slippery elm, flaxseed and marshmallow root. "Products formulated with these ingredients produce thick, gelatinous substances that coat hair strands and allow fingers, brushes and combs to glide effortlessly over them."
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What is the best way to detangle hair?
A good detangler will make light work when it comes to getting rid of knots and tangles, but Fitzsimons says you also need to make sure to use the right tools when detangling. You can use your fingers, a wide-tooth comb or a brush, but "it's also best to work on damp or wet hair," Fitzsimons advises, since "the more damp your hair is, the better your conditioning product will sink into the hair shaft."
And don't just brush or comb carelessly: Be gentle, go slow and start at the ends and work your way up when detangling your hair. "It will not only make your hair easier to work with, it will ensure that all knots are removed completely."

Andrea Jordan is a freelance writer covering all things beauty, lifestyle, health and parenting. Her work has appeared on websites like OprahMag, Business Insider, StyleCaster, InStyle, and others. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up on the couch reading a book or in the kitchen whipping up a new recipe.
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