Whether you have thick or fine hair, curly or straight, oily or dry, you'll likely have experienced the eye-watering pain of trying to brush and comb through tangled hair. No matter your hair type, a detangling spray – a specialised form of a leave-in conditioner – will make brushing through those annoying knots a breeze while also strengthening your hair and making it smell great!
It can be hard to work out which spray to pick, so we've put together some helpful tips so you can choose the best option for your hair and lifestyle. We've done the research and found the best detangling sprays in the UK for both adults and kids available on Amazon and Boots so you can shop from the comfort of your own home.
Quick List - Top Detangling Sprays
John Frieda
Vitamin Enriched and Safe for Use on Coloured or Treated Hair
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Table of Contents
When looking for a detangling spray, it is important to keep your hair type in mind. If you have naturally thick and frizzy hair, then you'll see better results when using a spray designed for you rather than one for fine hair or kids.
Many detangling sprays on the market are designed to soften curls or target damage, so it's also worth keeping an eye out for things that could be of benefit to your hair type. That's not to discourage the use of all-purpose sprays, however, as some of the best out there are so good that anyone can use them!
Dreaming of bouncy, manageable curls? Supplement your spray with one of the best conditioners for curly hair.
All sprays can be applied to either wet or dry hair, but you'll find them much easier to use when applied to damp, towel-dried hair. You'll have a good idea of how your hair reacts to certain products when dry but the best time is to apply right after a shower.
While this may not always be possible, there are some products that work great while your hair is dry when you're out and about. This shouldn't be a problem for oily, fine hair – as it can be put straight on dry and then brushed through – but if you have curly or naturally dry hair, you'll want something specific.
As with any other hair, beauty or cosmetic product, you'll want to know what you're introducing to your body to make sure that you're not putting anything unwanted on it. Whether for allergies, preferences or ethical reasons, you'll want to check the list of ingredients in full to be safe.
Many detangling sprays have active ingredients that do much more than make your hair smell nice. Argan oil, for example, can keep curly, dry hair healthy and some sprays will contain proteins and vitamins designed to repair damaged hair. Bear in mind, however, that one of the most common is silicone, which many curly-haired folks prefer to avoid due to its propensity to cause build-up on the scalp.
It's also worth noting that some inclusions, such as creatine, aren't vegan-friendly while some sprays are PETA and Vegan Society certified. Just because something isn't certified doesn't mean it's not vegan-friendly so, once again, it's always worth double-checking the ingredients.
Prefer plant-based beauty? Check out the best vegan shampoos for all hair types.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mane 'n Tail Detangler | ![]() | A Cult Spray You Can Use Anywhere, Anytime | |
2 | Tangle Teezer Everyday Detangling Cream Spray | ![]() | A Vegan and Cruelty-Free Option for Curly Hair | |
3 | Tangle Teezer Everyday Detangling Spray | ![]() | One of the Few Sprays Aimed at Finer Hair | |
4 | John Frieda Frizz-Ease® Daily Miracle Treatment | ![]() | Vitamin Enriched and Safe for Use on Coloured or Treated Hair | |
5 | Pantene Leave-On Detangling Milk | ![]() | With Moisturising Argan Oil to Detangle and Soften Curls | |
6 | Tangle Teezer Detangling Spray for Kids | ![]() | Avoid Tears With This Detangling Spray for Kids | |
7 | Bead Head by Tigi Beach Freak Detangler Spray | ![]() | Perfect for Days at the Beach Thanks to Added UV Protection | |
8 | Fudge Professional One Shot Leave in Conditioner | ![]() | A Professional-Grade Product That Adds Strength and Shine | |
9 | Avon Naturals Kids Magnificent Mango Detangling Spray | ![]() | A Perfect Pick for After Swimming Lessons |
Originally developed as a horse care product over 40 years ago, some owners couldn't resist trying it out on their own hair. Upon discovering almost miraculous results on damaged and dry hair, Mane 'n Tail worked on a formula for humans and it's one of the best in the world.
Suitable for all hair types, this detangling spray can be used on both wet and dry hair anywhere and anytime. Simply spray, work it into your hair and brush it out for incredible results thanks to the natural herbal extracts and secret formula.
With a fresh and fruity scent including notes of rhubarb and vanilla, the Tangle Teezer Everyday Detangling Cream has been designed specifically for thick and curly hair. The shea butter helps nourish hair and reduces frizz.
It is one of the few sprays on the market that is both PETA and Vegan Society certified so you can be sure the product is cruelty-free. Tangle Teezer's spray is as innovative as their popular brushes!
While there are plenty of detangling sprays on the market aimed at frizzy or curly hair, there are far fewer specifically designed for finer hair. As with all Tangle Teezer sprays, it is PETA and Vegan Society certified.
This lightweight spray moisturises and strengthens finer hair, reducing static and making it more manageable thanks to the inclusion of wheat protein as an active ingredient. It leaves a fruity scent and a smoother, softer look.
If you have tight, frizzy curls, or straight hair that sometimes feels like straw, you'll know what a nightmare it is to try and find a way to help you deal with those days when the weather wreaks havoc with your hair.
This spray from John Frieda is a great way to spruce up dry and damaged frizz-prone hair with wheat proteins and glycerin, coating each strand with a blend of protective vitamins. It's also safe to use on coloured and chemically treated hair.
This Leave-On Detangling Milk from Pantene is for those with thick and curly hair looking to soften their curls. Best when applied after a shower or when the hair is damp and left to condition, this creates a smooth look and feel.
It's also infused with argan oil which is used to condition and moisturise thicker hair. Traditionally used in Mediterranian and Arabic countries, where the oil originates, it's particularly beneficial if your hair suffers in humid environments.
Brushing through knots is painful, but at least you know what to expect when brushing your own hair. When you're brushing a child's hair, however, you can't always tell when you're ripping through those tangled areas.
If your child has particularly knotty or tangled hair, then a quick spray of this Detangling Spray for Kids after a bath or shower is a great way to avoid tears while brushing. It reduces static without adding any weight.
Tigi's Bead Head Beach Freak detangling spray has been specially designed to prevent your hair from becoming frizzy, tangled and damaged from a day at the beach. It also has UV protection to prevent your hair from becoming damaged by the sun.
Creating a protective barrier to protect against damaging summer elements, it contains glycerine and seaweed extract that is rich in proteins and minerals, stopping hair from drying out. It has a nice "beach breeze" fragrance as well!
The Fudge Professional One-Shot is ideal at repairing over-processed hair and reversing signs of damage which makes it a great choice for coloured or bleached hair. It contains wheat and silk protein, as well as guarana.
The inclusion of creatine, however, means that it's not vegan or vegetarian friendly and some people may find putting animal products in their hair offputting. If you're OK with it, this is a fantastic choice to rejuvenate and strengthen.
This fun and fruity-smelling spray is designed specifically for kids and works great at freshening up tangled hair after a swim. It works great to get rid of that overpowering chlorine smell that often lingers after a dip in the pool.
Its tear-free formula means you won't have to worry about any nasty chemicals or irritants, but some people have said that the mango fragrance can be a little too sickly sweet for a hair product.
Written and researched by David Sexton
No. 1: Mane 'n Tail|Detangler
No. 2: Tangle Teezer|Everyday Detangling Cream Spray
No. 3: Tangle Teezer|Everyday Detangling Spray
No. 4: John Frieda|Frizz-Ease® Daily Miracle Treatment
No. 5: Pantene|Leave-On Detangling Milk
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