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15 Best Hair Detanglers to Melt Through Knots and Tangles

Even matted hair is no match for these detanglers.

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best hair detangler products

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Tangles and knots are a part of, well, having a head full of hair — but they don't have to ruin a good hair day. Thankfully, there's a product out there that will help reduce the amount of time you brush your strands and help keep your hair silky and smooth.

"A detangler is a leave-in conditioner that contains a variety of oils for hair hydration," says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. "It is used to smooth your hair cuticle by filling splits and breaks, reducing friction between strands and making tangles more manageable." And since there are a variety of formulas for specific hair types and concerns from thick, curly hair to fine, thin strands, you're practically guaranteed to find an option that works for you.

The GH Beauty Lab tests haircare products endlessly, and with the combination of technical information and consumer feedback, we evaluate products on criteria such as ease of use, application, texture and look and feel of hair after use. While we haven't tested every one of these detanglers, we rounded up the best hair detanglers that include fan-favorites from Good Housekeeping Institute tests, GH Beauty Award-winners and formulas that reviewers can't stop raving about. Bid adieu to knots and tangles with these powerhouse formulas:

Best Overall Hair Detangler

Garnier Gentle Detangling Hair Milk

Gentle Detangling Hair Milk
Credit: Garnier

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Softens strands

Cons

    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

    Knotty To Nice Conditioning Detangler

    Pros

    • Nicely scented
    • Affordable price tag

    Cons

      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

      Perfect Leave-In Repair Treatment
      Credit: NatureLab. Tokyo

      Pros

      • Works on color-treated hair
      • Repairs damaged strands

      Cons

        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

        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

         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

        Pinstripe Intense Detangling Spray

        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

        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

        7Seconds Detangler

        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

        Be Gentle, Be Kind Detangler

        Pros

        • Fragrance-free
        • Hypoallergenic formula

        Cons

          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

          Knot Today Leave In Detangler

          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

          Wash Day Wonder Time Saving Slip Detangler

          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

          Run-Through Detangling Primer

          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

          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

          On Sale
           Miracle Moisture Spray Leave-In Hair Conditioner Detangler
          Now 15% Off
          Credit: Daily Dose

          Pros

          • Helps restrengthen damaged locks
          • Works on all hair types

          Cons

            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

            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?

            ghi line

            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?

            ghi line

            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."

            Headshot of Andrea Jordan
            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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