The 13 Best Detanglers in 2023

“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). 

Pro: Expert-recommended; Multi-benefit; Works on all hair types 

Cons: Very thick

“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 hairstlist Adam Reed. You'll also want this on hand to finish of your style—it'll provide extra hydration to your ends and a nice shine.

Pros: Stylist-recommended

Cons: Hard to get even distribution

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. 

Pros: Lightweight; Good for fine hair; Adds shine

Cons: A little sticky

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. 

Pros: Multi-benefit; Smells great; Works on all hair types

Cons: Not a lot of product in the bottle 

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. 

Pros: Provides heat protection; Frizz control; Great for curls 

Cons: Strong scent 

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. 

Pros: Boost shine; Protects against damage; Works on all hair types 

Cons: Expensive 

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. 

Pros: Good for thick, coarse hair; Controls frizz

Cons: Too heavy for some 

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.

Pros: Color-safe; Includes heat protection

Cons: Strong smell 

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.) 

Pros: Ethically-sourced; Smells great; Powerful; Vegan

Cons: Can come out a bit clumpy

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. 

Pros: Adds shine; Lightweight; Not an overpowering scent 

Cons: Not great for low porosity hair 

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. 

Pros: Affordable; Large bottle; Can be used on dry hair

Cons: Too heavy for fine hair

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. 

Pros: Works on all hair types; Can be used on dry hair; Frizz control

Cons: Strong floral scent 

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. 

Pros: Has UV protection and heat protection; Strengthens 

Cons: Not hydrating enough for extra dry hair