11 best detangling sprays, creams and balms, according to hairstylists
The best formulas double as a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant.
R+Co Candy Stripe
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$34.00
Best for coarse hair
$10.43
$13.30
When building this list, our experts recommend I keep the following in mind:
After being introduced to this detangling spray by her hairstylist, NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks says she now can’t live without it. Not only does it help detangle her type 2B/2C curls, but it also noticeably reduces her frizz, she says. While it works on her curly hair, it’s also suitable for all hair types and textures, according to the brand. To use, Fredricks adds a few sprays from her ends to the middle of her hair and then brushes the formula through before either air drying or diffusing.
Formulation: spray | Scent: vanilla, clover and fresh citrus
When it comes to detangling thicker hair, Jeffrey Jagling, a hairstylist and owner of Art + Autonomy, a salon in New York City, recommends this option from R+Co. You can use this fast-absorbing spray to help prevent breakage and seal your cuticle, which can actually prevent tangles from forming, says Jagling.
I love using this on my hair post-shower — it helps make my hair more manageable before brushing and styling it. To use, I spritz the creamy spray from my roots to my ends. I love that even though I spray a lot, it doesn’t weigh down my waves, maintains my volume, and even makes my very dry hair feel softer and more moisturized.
Consistency: spray | Scent: notes of juniper berries, blood orange, and violet
This milk-like detangling spray, which has a 4.0-star average rating from over 600 reviews at Sephora, is specifically formulated for those with reactive and sensitive skin. It has oat milk, aloe vera, and green tea to moisturize, soothe and protect your hair, according to the brand, and reviewers say it’s best for those with thick hair since it can be too heavy on fine hair.
Formulation: spray | Scent: fragrance-free
This Iles serum is suitable for all hair types, though it’s especially great for those with fine hair because it’s lightweight, according to Ahmed, who says it also gives the hair a silky finish. While it comes in a pump and has a serum consistency rather than a typical spray, it still has detangling benefits and helps protect hair from heat damage, humidity and more, according to the brand. (One consistency isn’t better than the other, but a serum is generally better for finer hair because you can concentrate on specific areas without over-saturating your hair, according to Ahmed.) You can also apply it to wet or dry hair.
Formulation: serum | Scent: white tea
This detangler, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 3,000 reviews on Amazon, comes in cream form rather than a traditional spray; creams can give coarser hair more moisture, according to the brand. It has ingredients like shea butter, sea kelp and argan oil to give your hair some needed slippage to release knots while also minimizing breakage, according to SheaMoisture. While you can use it post-shower, you can also use it as a pre-shower treatment if you’re experiencing extreme tangles and knots.
Formulation: cream | Scent: shea butter
Since I have wavy hair, humid conditions make my hair frizzy, so I always keep this multitasking spray in constant rotation. When I use it, I end up with fewer knots and less hair breakage since I don’t have to yank and tug on my hair while brushing. Since I have a lot of hair, I tend to be a bit more heavy-handed when using this spray, but my hair absorbs it quickly and it doesn’t leave it feeling waxy.
Formulation: spray | Scent: floral
This detangler and leave-in conditioner hybrid targets knots while also repairing your hair and conditioning it, according to the brand. Suitable for all hair types and textures, reviewers say this doesn’t weigh down their hair and leaves dull hair feeling silky smooth. It has a 4.7-star average rating from over 9,700 reviews on Amazon.
Consistency: spray | Scent: fresh
If you have thick or coarse hair, consider this balm, which comes recommended by Ahmed. Although it’s not in spray form, it has “the best slip” and will also enhance natural curls, she says. The floral and citrus-scented balm doesn’t leave behind crunchy waves, curls or coils, according to the brand.
Consistency: cream | Scent: floral, amber, coco-de-mer, pistachio and more
Strawberries, aloe and baobab oil give fine, untamed hair added moisture and manageability, according to the brand. Reviewers say this works great on their kid’s hair in helping prevent tangles from forming after application. A little goes a long way, so only mist a little at first and add as needed because too much can leave behind a residue.
This detangling spray, which has a 4.3-star average rating from over 670 reviews at Target, is also available in a coconut and milk version, which is especially great for thick, unruly hair, according to the brand.
Formulation: spray | Scent: Strawberries and oat milk
When it comes to detangling her curls, NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez always reaches for this spray. “It works instantly to detangle my curls and also helps fight frizz, which, as a frizzy-haired girl, is a must for me,” she says. The spray has a powerful herbal and floral scent, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, this may not be the best option for you.
Formulation: spray | Scent: herbal and floral scent with notes of rose, bergamot and orange
Reviewers say this Oribe primer, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 1,400 reviews on Amazon, works well with all hair types and textures, including children’s hair, which can be prone to stubborn knots. That’s because the spray has a blend of pomegranate, coconut and apricot oil to smooth the cuticle and separate the strands so you can easily brush through your hair. It also helps seal the cuticle so hair looks and feels healthier and more shiny, according to the brand.
Consistency: spray | Scent: notes of lemon, white butterfly jasmine, sandalwood and more
When you’re shopping for a detangling spray to incorporate into your hair care routine, our experts recommend focusing on a formula’s ingredients and your specific hair type.
As mentioned, you’ll want hydrating ingredients like aloe, glycerin, argan oil and coconut oil in your detangling spray. Depending on your hair type and texture, you may need a variation of one or more of these moisturizers. For example, those with fine hair should look for lightweight detanglers that won’t weigh down the hair; look for options with argan oil and jojoba oil, says Ahmed. For those with coarse hair, you’ll want a detangler that can help soften and hydrate, so you should look for ingredients like glycerin and shea butter, according to Ahmed.
Detanglers typically come in spray form, but you can also find them in creams or balms. If you have fine hair, you’ll want to opt for a spray because they’re more lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down, says Jagling. If your hair is on the thicker side or tends to lack moisture, consider using a cream instead. These products tend to be denser and will have more moisturizing ingredients, according to Jagling.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I'm an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care for NBC Select. I recently reported stories on the best shampoo bars and hair dryers. For this article, I interviewed four hair experts and included their direct recommendations along with highly rated detangling sprays that were in line with expert guidance.
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