Samantha Holender
Taking a brush straight to your hair post-shower is a recipe for breakage. It doesn't matter if your hair is silky, smooth, and straight or textured and curly, powering through knots with a comb and zero product is bound to cause extreme damage. The solution is an easy one: incorporate one of the best detanglers (and best detangling brushes) into your routine.
“A detangler detangles hair—it’s a pretty literal name—but it also usually has conditioning properties which make hair healthier and more manageable,” explains celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. “It also evens out the porosity of your hair so all other products (hair oil, cream, etc) go on more evenly.”
In short: The benefits are plentiful. Of course, you’ll want to find the best product for your specific hair type and needs. Some are designed to be nourishing enough for coarse hair, while others are feather-light and won’t weigh down fine strands. There are some detanglers that double as shine-boosters and heat protectants, while others are no-fuss, straightforward, and great for kids.
To make your search a little easier, I’ve tapped Rubenstein and celebrity hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante to share their go-to detangling sprays, creams, and oils. I've put them to the test and am happy to report my hair is as smooth (and healthy!) as ever. To find the best detangler to add to your routine, scroll ahead.
The Best Detanglers
- The Best Detangler Overall: Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer
- The Best Detangler for Stubborn Knots: Rahua Hydration Detangler Spray + Uv Barrier
- The Best Detangler for Dry Hair: JVN Complete Leave-In Conditioning Mist
- The Best Detangler for Damaged Hair: Kérastase Genesis Défense Thermique
- The Best Dermatologist-Approved Detangler: Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangling Spray
This detangler is magic in a bottle—no wonder they call it The Wizard. With a few spritzes on any hair type and texture, the lightweight spray will detangle, protect against heat up to 450 degrees, provide hydration, and cut down your blow dry time. The secret ingredient in this formula is sea buckthorn, which is a holy grail ingredient for keeping your hair and scalp hydrated. It's a favorite for Cavalcante, who says it "works like a charm."
Formula: Spray
What I Love: All-in-one product; Expert-approved, Works on all hair types; Silicone-free
What I Don't: Nothing!
Review for MC: "As someone who rarely lets their hair dry naturally, this detangler is my favorite way to prep and prime my locks. The spray is super lightweight and is a one-stop-shop for the perfect hair prep routine. I apply it to my mid-length and ends, and then brush through before getting to styling. Not only does it cut down my blow dry time nearly in half, but my hair always feels silky smooth after using it. Plus, I love that it protects my hair from heat damage as I go!" — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Amika The Wizard
Sometimes there’s just an extra tough tangle that won’t budge despite your conditioning and wet brush methods. When that happens, I instinctively reach for Rahua—it’s truly one of the most powerful detanglers out there. With fatty acid-rich Rahua and moringa oil as well as antioxidants, the delicious-smelling formula instantly softens tough sections and will allow your brush to glide right through. (Pro tip: Brush through a knot from the bottom to the top—not vice versa.)
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Ethically-sourced; Smells great; Powerful; Vegan
What I Don't: Can come out a bit clumpy
Review for MC: "As someone who tests beauty products for a living, I have a deep appreciation for multitasking products that streamline my routine, and Rahua’s Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier is one of them. It makes brushing through my thick, tangle-prone strands easy, and shields it from UV damage so the sun doesn't zap the moisture and vibrancy out of it. On top of that, it hydrates, smooths, and leaves my hair feeling ridiculously soft. It’s a non-negotiable step in my post-shower routine before applying heat protectant and reaching for hair straighteners or curling irons. And of course, I'd be remiss not to mention the scent—it smells like a tropical vacation in a bottle." — Marisa Petrarca, Freelance Beauty Writer
Marisa Petrarca uses Rahua detangler spray
Dry hair? No problem. This conditioning mist provides hydration that lasts for days and makes hair six times easier to comb through. It also boasts heat protection and smooths hair for 97 percent less frizz. The spray formula is super lightweight and packed with hair-strengthening ingredients like hemisqualene—a superior silicone alternative.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Ultra-hydrating; Heat protection; Frizz control; Lightweight
What I Don't: A little goes a long way, so apply carefully
Review for MC: "JVN has long been one of my go-to hair care brands. Their leave-in conditioning mist is just another one of their products that leaves me oh so impressed. My wet hair is not only easier to brush through, but it also dries to be extra smooth and frizz-free. Plus, it smells amazing!" — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses JVN leave-in conditioning mist
Whether it's years of bleaching or months of over-styling, we all suffer from a little hair damage, right? Not to fret, because the Kérastase Genesis Défense Thermique will become your hair savior. Made for all hair types, the leave-in conditioner spray works to heal weakened hair and prevent split ends. At the same time, the product provides up to 24 hours of frizz protection and protects against heat styling.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Hair-strengthening; Prevents split ends; 24 hour frizz control; Heat protectant
What I Don't: On the pricier side
Review for MC: "I'll admit, I started using this product before blowing out my hair simply because it smells so good. However, as I continued to spritz my ends with the leave-in spray each week, I watched as my bleached and brittle hair returned to its shiny and frizz-free roots. Just knowing that this product is strengthening my hair and protecting it against heat as I style it is enough to keep me hooked." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Kérastase Genesis Défense Thermique
This dermatologist-approved detangler is 100 percent fragrance and essential oil-free, making it a great option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Formulated with aloe vera and oat extract, the spray leaves hair silky smooth and ultra-shiny. It's hydrating, color-safe, and made for all hair types—from straight and thin to thick and curly.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Dermatologist-approved; Fragrance-free; Boosts shine; Great for all hair types
What I Don't: Sprayer gets clogged over time
Review for MC: "I've suffered from acne my entire life, so I quickly learned how easily hair products can effect my skin. While Briogeo's detangling spray provides incredible shine and silky smooth locks, my favorite part about this product is that it's fragrance-free and dermatologist-approved. Especially when it comes to sprays that can easily mist onto my forehead and cheeks, I find great comfort in knowing that my skin is safe from haircare-caused breakouts when I'm detangling with this spray." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Briogeo detangler.
Other Detanglers I Love
“7 Seconds by Unite is a big love of mine,” says Rubenstein. “I would use it on any hair type, just adjust the amount based on hair texture. I use it as a foundation for my other products, but it can also stand alone as a leave-in conditioner. It’s perfect.” The pro-loved detangler has three star ingredients: panthenol (for hydration), hydrolyzed rice proteins (to strengthen), and amodimethicone (to detangle and heat protect).
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Expert-recommended; Multi-benefit; Works on all hair types
What I Don't: Very thick
Customer Review: "I have bleached hair so I got this to help with the tangling after I wash my hair. This not only works miracles but it also smells so good and keep my hair feeling soft. I love it!" — Dermstore
“When using a detangler, I think oil like The Good Habit Hybrid Oil is the best for that slip as it acts as a natural lubricant. It can help reduce damage and knocking. The baobab oil, which is featured in The Prologue Hair Primer, is great for keeping the scalp moisturized and not dehydrated,” says celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed. You'll also want this on hand to finish off your style—it'll provide extra hydration to your ends and a nice shine.
Formula: Oil
What I Love: Stylist-recommended
What I Don't: Hard to get even distribution
Customer Review: "Absolutely love this oil! It smells amazing and leave my hair silky smooth. I have heat damaged hair and after using this product they're looking their best." — Bloomingdales
I genuinely believe that Jennifer Aniston has the best celebrity beauty brand out there. Case in point? LolaVie’s first-ever launch, The Glossing Detangler, is a true miracle product. It’s unbelievably lightweight and manages to smooth and de-knot even the finest hair without weighing it down. Trust me, I would know. I use a generous helping of the spray every time I step out of the shower. My wide tooth comb flows through with ease.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Lightweight; Good for fine hair; Adds shine
What I Don't: A little sticky
Customer Review: "Since I started using this detangler, my life has become so much easier. My hair feels amazing and brushing takes 75% less time than before." — Ulta
For those who want one product that will do quite literally everything and anything they could ever ask for, this Virtue option is the solution. It works across all hair types and textures, seeing hair through every aspect of styling. For starters, it will detangle. But it’s also going to offer protection against pollutants, smooth out the hair cuticle for shinier strands, and provide nourishment to defend against frizz and dryness.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Multi-benefit; Smells great; Works on all hair types
What I Don't: Not a lot of product in the bottle
Customer Review: "This is the first product I use on my damp hair to help detangle and prep my hair for blow drying. It smells really nice and leaves my hair so soft after styling. I've also used this once when airdrying my hair (I very rarely airdry) and I found my hair was much less frizzy and definitely much softer than my usual airdried hair." — Sephora
Curly girls know it’s a fine line between a product that defines their curls and one that weighs them down. Rest assured, this detangler-meets-heat-protectant falls into the former category. It’s specifically designed to control frizz across climates (translation: humidity doesn't stand a chance), while simultaneously giving structure to all curl types. Just separate your hair into sections and put a generous amount of product on your mid-lengths and ends.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Provides heat protection; Frizz control; Great for curls
What I Don't: Strong scent
Customer Review: "My hair has always been prone to tangles, even as a little girl. Happy to find this product. Works best on damp or wet hair. I don't spray it directly on my hair. I spray onto my hand and apply to the tangled area. Best detangler I have ever used." — Amazon
There are plenty of five-star shine sprays, boosters, and mists on the market, and even though this detangler isn't marketed as such, I can confidently say you will see a reflective shine on your hair after using it. The detangling, oil-based formula makes brushing through knots incredibly easy, but also provides a shimmery luster and soft feel to your mane.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Boost shine; Protects against damage; Works on all hair types
What I Don't: Expensive
Customer Review: "I took a chance and ordered the trial size of this product before fully committing to the larger size. Despite its price being a little too much, the product itself was worth it because it lasted me months! This leaves my long, fine hair so soft, untangled, and free of knots! It has a slight scent to it but I love it. I just ordered my second full-size one fully knowing it will last me a good 5-6 months and my hair has never looked better! At this point, I can't go back to not using this product. I 100% recommend." — Sephora
Thick and knotty hair needs a super-powered detangler—and this particular product is just that. With intensely hydrating ingredients such as panthenol and plant oil extracts, the creamy texture penetrates hair tangles and breaks down knots so your brush can pass through without a fight. You’ll find that your hair is also softer, more hydrated, and stronger after a generous coat. Just be warned: This is not ideal for fine, thin hair.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Good for thick, coarse hair; Controls frizz
What I Don't: Too heavy for some
Customer Review: "This is meant to be a heat protector and detangler, and thus far it's been the best one I've ever used. After showering, I dry off excess water in my hair and spray each side before brushing through my hair. I have noticed my hair become softer and the spray makes it easier to blow dry my hair." — Nordstrom
If you have color-treated hair, you want to ensure that every product in your routine is both sulfate-free and has a color-safe claim. That way, your tone will stay as vibrant and untainted as possible. This IGK product boasts both—as well as a slew of other benefits. Coconut oil provides detangling powers and hydration, spirulina protein nourishes and strengthens, and there’s a special compound that delivers up to 450 degrees of heat protection.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Color-safe; Includes heat protection
What I Don't: Strong smell
Customer Review: "I have repurchased this product multiple times because of the fact that it always makes my hair smell heavenly, leaves a great shine effect, and reduced my frizz almost completely! I have low porosity hair and I treat this prep spray as a leave-in conditioner. Absolutely no leftover residue to where my hair feels greasy or weighed down. Perfect for air-drying or heat tools!" — Ulta
If you love Drunk Elephant’s Marula Oil for your face, you’re going to love the hair version. Using the same ultra-hydrating star ingredient, this ultra-fine mist provides lightweight conditioning, which in turn makes hair more manageable to work with. It has a sweet almond scent (I personally love it), but if that’s not your thing, don’t worry—it’s not overpowering and fades quickly. I use this quite often and find that my hair is softer, my scalp is happier, and my hair is generally much shinier.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Adds shine; Lightweight; Not an overpowering scent
What I Don't: Not great for low porosity hair
Customer Review: "My hair has never been softer after a shower! I’m in love with this product. I used it after the shower and I like this product even more than their skincare! This product also has no smell for anyone wondering" — Kohls
You’ll want this drugstore detangler by your side (and in your hair) both before you wash your hair and after. Coating your strands in the ultra-hydrating formula creates an unmatched slip for both your fingers and a wet brush. It’s formulated with shea butter, sea kelp, and argan oil, all of which contain powerful nutrients and hydrators. With continued use, you’ll start to notice less breakage—and sealed split ends.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Affordable; Large bottle; Can be used on dry hair
What I Don't: Too heavy for fine hair
Customer Review: "I have 3a-b curls and this is so great at detangling my gnarly knots. Works wonders!" — Amazon
Frizz and flyaways are substantially tamed after using this multi-purpose product. How? Straight out of the shower, it provides extra hydration and slip thanks to vitamin E and panthenol. But because of its extremely lightweight texture, the product can be layered on ends and flyaways for an extra smoothing effect. Coarser, thicker hair will need a bit more product to get the job done, but rest assured you’ll be happy with the results.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Works on all hair types; Can be used on dry hair; Frizz control
What I Don't: Strong floral scent
Customer Review: "Really great leave in conditioner, this helps a lot with frizz and leaves my hair super soft and manageable. It helps detangle my curls too and makes the blow out process so much easier." — Ulta
While using a heat protectant is a great start to preventing additional breakage, it’s even more beneficial to use a product that’s going to help repair existing damage. Enter: Living Proof. In addition to containing detangling actives that give slip to wet hair (this prevents tugging and pulling), this formula also has hydrating ingredients and strengthening properties that will leave your hair (and split ends) looking better than when you started.
Formula: Spray
What I Love: Has UV protection and heat protection; Strengthens
What I Don't: Not hydrating enough for extra dry hair
Customer Review: "I was actually turned on to this spray because my hair stylist uses it when she cuts my hair. I love the smell, and I love that I can spray it on after the shower and again the next day and my hair just soaks it up and looks super healthy. It's a little more expensive than some other brands, but the quality is well worth it. Even spraying my hair generously every day or every other day, the bottle lasts me a few months. I won't use another brand now, not even the brand I was using that I had been using for years." — Amazon
What to Look For in a Detangler
Hair Type
“There are so many different detanglers. Some are universal and can be used on all hair types, others are specifically formulated for different textures,” explains Rubenstein. “My advice is if you are looking for a more specific detangler, look for one that speaks to your hair needs and type.”
Benefits
At baseline, a detangler is going to get rid of your knots. But that’s not all they do. Many are formulated to be multi-purpose. “Most of them can double as a leave-in conditioner, they can be heat protectants, curl enhancing, or frizz fighting, to name a few,” says Rubenstein.
How Much Detangler Do I Apply?
The amount of detangler you should use depends on the product's formula. "If it is cream-based, two pea-sized pumps suffice," says Cavalcante. "For liquid sprays. I'd say three to four sprays; avoid the roots and focus on the hair length."
Cavalcante adds that the amount of product you should use also depends on the texture and amount of hair. Thin hair will require less product, while thick hair will need more. Plus, if you have really long hair, more product can also help.
What Are The Benefits of Detangler?
Detanglers can do so much more than make brushing out your hair a breezier process. By making the hair more "slippery," as Cavalcante says, the product prevents hair from breaking as you brush and style. Bonus: you can find one that offers heat protection, hydration, or shine. "Look for one that has added benefits that work for you," Cavalcante suggests.
Can I Put Detangler on Dry Hair?
You can put detangler on dry hair, but it's uncommon. The product tends to work best when applied on wet or damp hair. As Cavalcante explains, "I'd only use detangler on dry hair if it is some emergency, like when your or your kid's hair gets so tangled that you don't know what to do." In these cases, using a lightweight spray formula rather than a cream or oil is best.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Emma Aerin Becker is a freelance beauty writer with rich experience writing about hair, having written about slick back buns, hair mousses, and more. She regularly contributes to Marie Claire, and has beauty trend experience with forecasting platform RealSelf.
Marie Claire is an expert in hair care, having covered topics ranging from on-trend highlights to the best conditioning treatments to curl routines.
How We Tested
Our testing process merged long-time editor favorites with new discoveries. We asked the Marie Claire team to share which detanglers they use in their daily lives, and tapped professional hairstylists to learn about their favorites. Finally, we called in additional 17 products for testing.
We evaluated each on their benefits, formula, packaging, and ingredients. Our resulting pool comprised the 17 best detanglers on the market.
Meet the Experts
Clariss Rubenstein is a Los Angeles based hairstylist. Born in Paris, she discovered her passion for art and style at an early age. She attended the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles and later worked under top stylists at the renowned Chris McMillan Salon. Her talent and ambition paid off and she opened a boutique studio, Gloss, in Beverly Hills, where she currently works. Clariss’s clients include Jennifer Garner, Dakota Fanning, Mindy Kaling, Kaley Cuoco, Leighton Meester, Allison Williams and Alison Brie. Her work has been featured in editorials for Vanity Fair, Jalouse and LadyGunn. Her advertising work includes James Perse, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tommy Hilfiger.
Adam started working in 1995 and has since gained international recognition in the hair industry. He has launched four salons, styled stars and collaborated on a range of fashion week events and runway shows. In his journey, Adam has always been open about his own mental health.
Originally from Brazil, Rogerio moved to NYC over 15 years ago and quickly made a name for himself as a master colorist and dry-cut expert. Specializing in natural highlights and balayage, he has also perfected the art of the blunt cut—his personal favorite.
Three years ago, Rogerio founded The Second Floor Salon with a vision: to create a chic, private, and relaxing escape from the hustle of the city, where clients could truly unwind while getting their hair done. Now, he’s taking his expertise even further by launching his own haircare line—coming soon!
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