We’ve all been there, trying to yank out a seemingly unsortable knot whilst attempting to hold back the tears. Don’t even pretend like you can’t relate – because we know you can – so if you’re fed up of ravaging, pulling and tugging on your hair, a good detangling spray is a worthwhile investment.
Unless you have been naturally blessed with hair worthy of a Herbal Essences ad, a detangling spray will be your SOS product for gently teasing out a stubborn knot, without causing any damage. While bleached and curly gals may rely on leave-in conditioners and wet brushes, a good detangling spray is a post-shower softening agent that will make brushing through your hair a breeze. Plus, most of the next-gen formulas offer a tonne of added benefits: heat protection, UV defence, nourishing ingredients and a delicate fragrance too.
So, how do they work? We’ve all experienced that heart-wrenching feeling as break-away hairs fall to the floor, so these slip-enhancing formulas are here to help. Designed to be used on wet hair – when it’s at its weakest – detangling sprays make your lengths more manageable to brush without them stretching and snapping. They coat each strand in lightweight conditioning agents, allowing knots to separate without friction. The result? Tangle-free, silky tresses that you can run your hand through without reaching a halting stop.
Top tips on how to detangle your hair:
- After stepping out of the shower (with clean, shampooed hair) mist the detangling spray through your towel-dry ends (or any particularly tangled parts).
- Avoid using the product on your roots as this can make your hair appear greasy, particularly if it’s a heavier formula.
- Using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, start from the ends and brush out, slowly working your way up the middle lengths of your hair.
From a salon-worthy option that nourishes as well as separates, to a budget buy that doubles up as heat protection, see below the best detangling sprays to tackle the most stubborn and unruly knots.
The best detangling sprays for easy brushing…
[1]
Best lightweight detangling spray – Mane ‘n Tail Detangler
Shop here, Dhs28
Nope, this isn’t for horses. Mane n Tail’s Detangler is one of the most famous tangle sprays out there, and for good reason. This non-greasy spray will help ease your brush through your tresses, wiping out any knots without weighing down your hair.
[2]
Best detangling spray – The Wizard Detangling Primer
Shop here, Dhs115
Aptly named the ‘Wizard’, Amika’s detangling primer works magic on all hair types. The formula is enriched with avocado oil and omega 7 – a fatty acid that boosts elasticity and hydration – which work together to smooth your follicles. This spray is specifically designed for priming your hair before blow drying and protects hair up to 230° C. So, be prepared for the bounciest blowout with a shine that can only be the result of sorcery.
[3]
Best detangling spray for fine hair – Tangle Teezer Everyday Detangling Spray for Fine/Medium Hair
Shop here, Dhs50
Particularly in dry weather, fine hair is prone to static. From the makers of your favourite brush, comes the Tangle Teezer Detangling Spray. The formula adds hydration and reduces static, all without weighing down your bounce – a holy grail for fine hair.
[4]
Best detangling spray for textured hair – Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair
Shop here, Dhs34
Once coily strands start to intertwine, it can be tricky to prevent them from tightening around each other. Using a wide-tooth comb and a hefty spritz of Cantu’s detangler spray, you can loosen those strands before putting your hair in a protective style. This will help fend off environmental wear and tear while giving your tresses a lil’ break. The shea butter works wonders to hydrate your locks and the light coconut smell is sooo good, too.
[5]
Best all-in-one detangling spray – Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
Shop here, Dhs120
We’re all looking for ways to streamline our routine, so if you’re after a product that saves time and money, here’s a great one-and-done multi-tasker. All captured in one aesthetically pleasing bottle, the OUAI leave-in conditioner hydrates, detangles and heat protects all in a few spritzes. Enriched with amino acids and vitamin E, it helps to strengthen and restore surface damage too, so your long-term hair health is covered. Oh – and its floral aroma smells just 😘.
[6]
Best detangling spray for bleached hair – Drunk Elephant wild marula tangle spray
Shop here, Dhs95
If you put your hair through the rigmarole of bleaching, then you’ll know that those platinum locks come at a cost. Often, bleached and coloured hair can become dry and damaged, and you may be nervous to brush your hair for fear of causing breakage. Drunk Elephant’s Tangle Spray is packed full of nourishing oils and amino acids which help to soften and hydrate the hair – ideal if your tresses need a bit of TLC.
[7]
Best vegan detangler spray – Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangler
Shop here, Dhs120
If you’re looking for a detangler that does the job – without all the extra bells and whistles – Briogeo’s offering is simple yet very effective. It has a kind-to-skin formula that all hair types can get along with: it’s derm and hypoallergenic tested so it’s a winner for the sensitive scalped. And, thanks to its nourishing combo of aloe, oat milk and green tea, it’s an A-grade option for keeping your strands protected while brushing.
[8]
Best detangler spray with heat protectant – Living proof Perfecting Spray
Shop here, Dhs104
It is well known that heat styling can cause damage to your hair and (dreaded) split ends. Living Proof is a cult hair brand with a range of sell-out products, and its multi-tasking Perfecting Spray is one of the best heat protectants and detanglers out there. The formula boosts each strand’s hydration, allowing a comb to slip through. While conditioning, it also protects your hair from heat styling – up to 200° C – so you can curl and straighten to your heart’s content.
Via Cosmopolitan UK