When your hair is tangled, drenching it in your everyday conditioner will only get you so far. You might need something with a little more gusto—something specifically formulated to unbind you from your entanglement.
While some hair types and textures are more prone to matting and knotting than others, hair educator and texture specialist Latoya Moore says lack of moisture is often the culprit. When the hair shaft dries out, "it becomes rough and strands will split into two, likely creating fairy knots and tangles," she explains.
Whether you're working with real hair or extensions, we found the best detanglers that leverage gentle yet effective ingredients to untie your knots without yanking out any precious strands. Many of our picks go above and beyond to nourish, smooth, and condition your hair while they're at it. To pull out all the stops, hairstylist Sky Kim recommends having a good brush or comb on hand too.
Best Overall
Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer
Hydrates and detangles
Smells great
Hair looks sleek and shiny
Small amount of product
According to Kim, the best hair detangler is Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer. "It smells strong but nice and gives you shine and moisture." We couldn't agree more. The superstar formula blends coconut and apricot oil to gently separate your hair.
And the magic doesn't stop there. Amino acids seal the cuticle to strengthen and prep your hair for styling while delivering the hydration it needs to live its smoothest, silkiest life. It's a relatively small bottle for the price, but a little goes a long way. Lightly mist your hair from root to tip, then comb through to release your knots.
Who It's For
Suitable for all hair types, this stylist-approved product is a go-to for instant detangling before styling your hair.
Size: 1.7 / 5.9 fl. oz | Scent: Original | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler
Inexpensive
Smooths hair
Vegan formula
Could be more moisturizing
Thanks to Garnier, you can detangle your hair for just a few bucks. Not only is this spray tender with your knots, but it calls on ingredients like aloe and vitamin E to minimize frizz, add shine, and soften your hair. We also love that it's completely free of animal-derived ingredients and made without parabens or silicones. Apply the leave-in formula to wet or damp hair, then comb it through.
Who It's For
If you're looking for a wallet-friendly treatment and prefer "clean" formulas, this one's for you.
Size: 5 fl. oz | Scent: Original | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
Not Your Mother's Knotty to Nice Conditioning Detangler
Strengthening formula
Detangles and smooths hair
Works on all hair types
Not Byrdie Clean
Looking for a drugstore option? Your best bet is Not Your Mother's cheekily named Knotty to Nice Conditioning Detangler. The keratin-infused formula simultaneously separates knotted, twisted hair while fortifying your vulnerable strands to protect them from future damage. You can use it on wet or dry hair—just spritz it on and carefully brush it through, working your way from the ends up to the roots.
Who It's For
This reasonably priced product promises pain-free brushing, whether you use it on wet or dry hair.
Size: 6 fl. oz | Scent: Original | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Natural Hair
The Mane Choice Soft As Can Be Detangler
Rich, hydrating formula
Multipurpose product
Byrdie Clean
Bottle could be improved
The Mane Choice's Soft As Can Be is technically suitable for all hair types, but it was formulated with kinky, wavy, curly, and textured hair in mind. Containing nourishing ingredients like biotin, avocado oil, aloe vera, and castor oil, this ultra-moisturizing product can be used as a regular conditioner, co-wash, leave-in conditioner, or post-shower detangler.
Who It's For
Offering both a remedy for and protection from tangles, this moisturizing multifunctional product was made for naturally textured and curly hair.
Size: 8 fl. oz | Scent: Original | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Curly Hair
Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Detangling Therapy
Leaves hair feeling silky
Helps detangle serious knots
Inexpensive
Not for all hair types
Knot On My Watch is a no-nonsense product that instantly detangles even the most stubborn knots from curly hair. Its "silky slip" blend of olive oil, glycerin, soybean oil, and cocoa butter allows you to effortlessly glide a comb through your hair without any bumps in the road. By replenishing parched strands with much-needed moisture, it also prevents more knots from forming.
Who It's For
Those with tangle-prone curls can count on this product to unbind their knots and prevent more from cropping up.
Size: 12 fl. oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for All Hair Types
Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier
Lightweight
Moisturizes hair
Formulated to protect against UV rays
Not the best value in terms of cost per use
"I'm also into Rahua Hydration Detangler," Kim tells Byrdie. "It's really lightweight, so you can layer it on." This ultra-moisturizing spray plays nice with all hair types, working to soften, smooth, and protect while it detangles. It won't weigh down fine hair, but it's still substantial enough to make a difference on thicker, textured hair.
Who It's For
It's lightweight enough for fine hair but also moisturizing enough to help prevent thicker, curlier manes from becoming tangled.
Size: 6.5 fl. oz | Scent: Passionfruit and mango | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best In-Shower
TGIN 3-In-1 Co-Wash Conditioner And Detangler
Hair looks soft and shiny
Available in multiple sizes
Thick, luxurious feel
Not Byrdie Clean
If you run into knots frequently, you know getting them out often begins in the shower. With that said, you'll be glad to have a bottle of TGIN Quench on hand when you're working out the kinks. This triple-threat product can be used to wash, condition, moisturize, and detangle, and you can count on softer, smoother, shinier hair every time.
Who It's For
If you want to get a head start on detangling before stepping out of the shower, this moisturizing co-wash is just the thing.
Size: 13 / 32 fl. oz | Scent: Original | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Post-Shower
Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer
Contains nourishing oils
Smooths hair
Pump bottle is easy to use
Scent could be improved
If your tangles tend to appear when you step out of the shower, reach for The Wizard. This multi-tasking potion contains hydrating sea buckthorn berry, nourishing avocado oil, fortifying tocopheryl (aka vitamin E), and smoothing panthenol. As if by sorcery, it instantly detangles your locks while prepping them for styling. And—bonus!—it protects your hair from heat damage and reduces your blow-drying time.
Who It's For
This multitasker instantly eliminates post-shower tangles while providing heat protection and cutting down your dry time.
Size: 4 fl. oz | Scent: Original | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Leave-In
Pattern Leave In Conditioner
Helps detangle serious knots
Moisturizes hair
Works on kinky, coily hair
Strong scent
We're also loving Pattern's Leave-In Conditioner. Touted as one of the best leave-in treatments, the creamy formula draws on natural oils and honey to untangle knots, loosen matted hair, and seal in moisture. After showering, apply it to soaking-wet hair, then work it through so it's evenly distributed from root to tip.
Who It's For
Formulated for curly, coily, and textured hair, this leave-in treatment loosens knots and replenishes lost moisture.
Size: 9.8 / 25 fl. oz | Scent: Floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Runner-Up, Best Leave-In
Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler
Affordable
Smooths frizz
Hydrates dry hair
Reviewers note it has a strong smell
Another option for a detangling leave-in treatment is this one from Kinky Curly. The brand's products are geared toward those with curly and natural hair, but Knot Today is effective at removing knots and tangles on all hair types. It also provides moisture to make detangling easy and pain-free. The strong herbal scent might not be for everyone, but it definitely gets the job done.
Who It's For
Made with naturally curly or kinky hair in mind, this leave-in detangler adds moisture so you can comb wet hair without painful tugging.
Size: 8 fl. oz | Scent: Herbal | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Frizz-Control
It's a 10 Silk Express Miracle Silk Leave-In Conditioner
Hair looks sleek and shiny
Smells great
Tames frizz and flyaways
Not Byrdie Clean
Since its 2006 launch, It's A 10 has walked the line between drugstore and high-end haircare with finesse. The brand's beloved Silk Express not only rids your hair of tangles but also smooths the cuticles and softens the hair shaft to protect against flyaways and frizz. Spritz it on wet or damp hair from mid-shaft to the ends, then carefully comb it through and style as usual.
Who It's For
Since you're only supposed to spray it onto the bottom half of your hair, this product is best for those with relatively straight or slightly wavy hair.
Size: 4 / 10 fl. oz | Scent: Original | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Multi-Use
Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Softening Leave In Conditioner
Great value
Softens hair
Vegan, clean formula
Strong scent
Multi-use cosmetics are having a moment. And when it comes to hair products, you really can't go wrong with Melanin Haircare's leave-in conditioner. The all-star formula is a godsend for tangled hair, and there are tons of ways to use it. We're talking pre-shampoo treatment, regular conditioner, co-wash, hair mask, post-shower styling cream—you name it. It's light enough for daily use, but if you want to reap even more of its benefits, you can leave it on for up to 30 minutes.
Who It's For
If you want a reliable product that does it all and can be applied to wet or dry hair, this one's for you.
Size: 16 fl. oz | Scent: Mint | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Moisturizing
Bed Head by TIGI Beach Freak Detangler Spray
Moisturizes hair
Smells great
Inexpensive
Contains silicones
As Moore notes, a lack of hydration is often to blame for tangles and mats. And the last thing you want to do is try to get knots out of dry, brittle hair. With this in mind, Bed Head Beach Freak moisturizes thirsty strands all the way to their core while detangling and smoothing your hair. A few spritzes of the lubricating formula are all you need.
Who It's For
Suitable for all hair types, this lightweight, milky spray lubricates parched strands to untie knots and prevent more tangles.
Size: 3.4 fl. oz | Scent: Citrus | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Oil
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil
Lightweight yet hydrating
Absorbs quickly
Nourishing blend of oils
Expensive per ounce
Sometimes, you need to grease up to untangle knotted hair. Bumble and bumble's Hairdresser's Invisible Oil contains a moisturizing blend of coconut, safflower, grape, macadamia, argan, and sweet almond oil to unwind all the twists and turns that have you tied up. The lightweight, super-absorbent formula also addresses frizz and split ends.
Who It's For
Though it's pretty lightweight, the oil content might be too heavy for fine hair. But thicker, naturally curly, and textured hair will drink it right up.
Size: 3.4 fl. oz | Scent: Original | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Unscented
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Detangling Spray
Gentle on hair
Detangles and softens
Hydrating formula
Packaging could be improved
If you prefer pared-down products without strong fragrances, Briogeo's unscented Be Gentle, Be Kind might be right up your alley. Formulated with aloe vera, oat milk, and green tea, this naturally sourced detangling spray is easy on stressed hair and tough on knots. It also has a smoothing effect that helps control flyaways. Spray it onto slightly damp or towel-dried hair and comb it through before air-drying or blow-drying.
Who It's For
This gentle, plant-based detangler is ideal for folks who don't like strong scents in their beauty products.
Size: 5.9 fl. oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Heat Protectant
Ceremonia Guava Rescue Hair Heat Protectant Spray
Lightweight
Hydrating and strengthening
Protects up to 450ᵒF
Reviewers note that the spray nozzle could work better
Heat can dry out your hair, which, according to Moore, is a major no-no if you want to keep tangles at bay. With this in mind, you might consider a heat protectant-detangler combo, like this pick from Ceremonia. It contains natural ingredients that promise to safeguard your hair from the sun's UV rays, blue light from electronic devices, and heat styling up to 450 degrees. Then it goes above and beyond to smooth and hydrate each strand.
Who It's For
People with all hair types can benefit from using this product, especially those who regularly use hot hair tools.
Size: 6.7 fl. oz | Scent: Fruity | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Slip
IGK Good Behavior Prep Spray
Lubricates to minimize friction
Moisturizing yet lightweight
Smooths and enhances shine
Strong coconut scent
When it comes to detangling hair, many products promise to offer the elusive "slip." This essentially means they lubricate your hair to minimize friction so knots easily untie and matted sections loosen. IGK's Good Behavior Spray gets the job done with a lightweight concoction of natural oils. Beyond untangling, it provides heat protection and up to 24 hours of frizz control while smoothing your hair and adding shine.
Who It's For
If you're detailing with fairy knots or matted sections of hair, this product will provide the slip you need to get them out.
Size: 7 fl. oz | Scent: Coconut | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Brush
Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler
Gently detangles
Good value
Cute color
Not meant to be used with heat
"You can also go ahead and just get yourself a Tangle Teaser," says Kim. Featuring over 300 flexible, two-tiered teeth, this thoughtfully designed hairbrush is a great companion to your detangling product of choice. Just a heads up, it's not meant to be used with heat—so don't use it as a blow-out brush. But you can use it in the shower with a conditioning treatment or post-shower before you blow-dry.
Who It's For
This brush can be used in the shower to work a mask or deep conditioner through your hair or on damp, towel-dried hair.
Runner-Up, Best Brush
Wet Brush Hair Brush
Flexible nylon-tipped bristles
Gently loosens knots
Minimizes yanking and tugging
Stylists advise against detangling wet hair
The Original Wet Brush helps gently loosen knots without yanking at your roots. With flexible, nylon-tipped bristles, it vows to minimize the pain of brushing while cutting down on breakage and the overall effort of detangling. Though the brand says it can be used on wet or dry hair, some stylists (Moore included) advise against trying to detangle wet hair, which is generally weaker than dry hair.
Who It's For
If brushing your hair tends to be a frustrating or painful task, this gentle detangling brush will make it all-around easier.
Best Comb
Mason Pearson De-Tangling Comb C2
Gently detangles
Classic design
Durable
Reviewers note it can break easily
Mason Pearson combs have reigned for over a century. The iconic brand's detangling comb builds on the trusted quality of the original to effortlessly separate knotted hair and avoid weakening it further. The wide-toothed design is easy on your hair, allowing you to smooth and separate it without yanking or tugging on your scalp.
Who It's For
Folks with all hair types, lengths, and textures can benefit from having this wide-toothed comb in their arsenal.
Where We Stand
Oribe's Run-Through Detangling Primer is by far the best detangler product, easily untying knots and leaving smooth, silky hydration in its wake. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option, you can count on Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry to get the job done. And in terms of detangling tools, your best bet is the Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler.
What to Look for in a Detangling Product
- Intended Use: When browsing detanglers, you'll want to think about the intended use of each product. There are sprays, creams, conditioners, leave-ins, oils, hair primers, co-washes—you name it. While some can be used in several ways, like Melanin Multi-Use Softening Leave In Conditioner, others are meant to be applied either in the shower or when you get out. If you like to work through your knots in the shower, go with a conditioner, co-wash, or detangling cleanser. If you want something that makes it easier to comb through wet hair, opt for a leave-in treatment, whether it's a primer, cream, spray, or oil, like Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil.
- Ingredients: When it comes to getting knots out, you'll almost always need something containing oils. Depending on the formula and how much oil is used, this doesn't necessarily mean the product will leave your hair greasy. With that said, look for detanglers blended with plant-sourced oils, like avocado, apricot, coconut, argan, soybean, castor, or macadamia. The Mane Choice Soft As Can Be is a great product with a natural oil blend. The best products contain ingredients that help nourish, fortify, and condition the hair. Look for detanglers with aloe vera, biotin, vitamin E, glycerin, cocoa butter, sea buckthorn berry, tocopheryl, panthenol, and amino acids.
- Hair Type: Though most detanglers can be used on all hair types, some are formulated with different textures in mind. Those with curly or kinky hair may want to look for products that are a little heavier on the oils for a glossy finish, such as Pattern Leave-In Conditioner. To avoid an overly slick, weighed-down appearance, people with fine hair should opt for a lightweight formula, such as a primer, like Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer. Alternatively, they can use in-shower treatments, like hair masks and deep conditioners.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in makeup, skincare, and haircare. Having rocked multiple rows of hair extensions for nearly a decade, she's no stranger to detangling products. From this list, she's a fan of Oribe, Garnier, Amika, Briogeo, and It's A 10.
- Sky Kim is a New York-based hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio and a member of Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Review Board.
- Kali Ferrara is a New York hairstylist and colorist at The Salon Project.
- Latoya Moore is a hair artist and educator specializing in textured hair.