There are very few things that make women tear up when it comes to beauty - maybe THAT wax once we all get out of lockdown, or when you break a fresh pot of powder after clumsily throwing it on the floor (sob). Getting your comb or brush caught on a knot, though, is another level.
Luckily, a detangling spray is the answer to your prayers. It can be added into your morning or evening routine so easily it doesn't feel like a lot of work, but the difference it'll make to your hair is VERY noticeable.
Simply sprayed on to towel-dried hair, it makes your tresses manageable, combats frizz and, most importantly, melts those knots as though they were never there. Many products also contain heat protection, UV protection, will repair split ends and more. Plus, you can use a detangling spray as a leave-in conditioner overnight, if you fancy it.
Here are our favourite detangling sprays:
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Best detangling spray
1 of 9Mane 'n Tail Detangler
Mane 'n Tail Detangler is easily the most well-known detangler out there and that's because it's up there with the best. Yes, it was originally formulated for horses but this is specifically for humans - we promise. It's a miracle-worker and that's all you need to know. The holy grail.
2 of 9L'Anza KB2 Hydrate Detangler
L'Anza KB2 Hydrate Detangler is a weightless, instant conditioner which improves your hair's shine and manageability while leaving it thoroughly detangled. A tiny amount works wonders with this stuff.
3 of 9TIGI Bed Head Beach Freak Detangler Spray
This spray from TIGI helps to easily detangle knotty hair, smooths frizz, flyaways and static, plus has UV protection which is a nice bonus. It smells amazing and even people with hair that gets greasy easily will be impressed - you get that weightless, full-of-life feel from this spray.
4 of 9Bloom and Blossom Matilda's Miracle 2-in-1 Detangler Conditioner
Just because something is marketed at children doesn't mean adults can't use it too! Bloom and Blossom's spray smells absolutely divine, detangles hair easily, will give you a lovely relaxed feeling due to the soothing ingredients made for bedtimes, and is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
5 of 9JUSTICE Professional Detangler Spray Leave-In Conditioner
This spray from Justice is a bit of a multitasker. It improves body and texture while detangling unruly hair, controls even curly locks, minimises frizz and repairs split ends. What's more, it protects from heat styling and chlorine while solar filters protect against the damage caused by the sun's UV rays and heat. A great all-rounder.
6 of 9Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coil Calm Detangler
Created for those with curly hair, Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coil Calm Detangler smooths and perfects the look of curls, kinks and coils. It will moisturise your locks while adding shine, too.
7 of 9Child's Farm Hair Detangler
Every parent out there knows how good Child's Farm products are and the hair detangler is no different. The grapefruit gives it a gorgeous smell, and the tea tree essential oil helps with tangles and deters head lice, which is a nice bonus if you do have kids. It's also suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin and won't leave any greasy residue on hair.
8 of 9Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Detangler Spray
Oh Aussie, what did we deserve to get products that smell THIS good? This spray detangles and protects hair, leaving it glossy, smooth and manageable.
9 of 9Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Another one that has a multitude of uses, Living Proof's spray helps to strengthen and smooth hair, provides UV and heat protection and, of course, detangles hair while adding shine. It provides all day conditioning and smells divine.
Why does our hair get tangled?
We spoke to Johanne Herald, senior master stylist at Charles Worthington, to find out more.
"We’ve all experienced the dreaded tangles at some stage, normally we book our trim and treatment as soon as we notice a change in condition like getting knotty on ends. Sadly we have to wait until July as we’re separated from our lovely stylists during the lockdown.
"Heat - both electrical and sun/sweat can cause a mesh of knots. Harsh, chemical-full products or hair dye and bleach used incorrectly can also affect our hair. Plus, lack of moisture and protein from all the above.
"Also, with longer hair, necklaces and bags on our shoulders can snag and catch strands - we tend to pull and break pieces to get free which in turn stresses out cuticles. Think of pulling a ribbon; it curls up when tension is pulled, that’s what hair does when pulled or brushed too roughly."
What types of hair are more susceptible to knots?
Johanne told us, "Finer, longer hair tends to be naturally tangly (a bit like baby hair), and longer, curly hair is always tangly. Incorrectly conditioned hair will tangle for sure, and we all recall the post-holiday sun and sea tangles."
What can you do to relieve your hair of knots?
"I’m a big believer in choosing products to suit your hair type. For example, if you use a moisturising shampoo and conditioning ritual but your hair's lacking protein, your hair will undoubtedly feel soft and smell nice when washed. However, it dries and expands through the day/night, giving you an almost fluffy, flyway, very annoying texture, it’s too soft! Double-edged sword.
"Treat your hair with protein first to build up cuticles, so they can take heavier, more moisturising products. Ask your stylist to do an elasticity and porosity test to help you figure out your hair type (when it is safe to do so)."
As well as a detangling spray what other things can you use to combat tangled hair?
Johanne gave us her top tips:
- Make sure you're using the correct brush or comb - soft bristled brushes and non-static combs are a hairdresser's best tools.
- Brush your hair before bed and tie it up in a soft scrunchie.
- Using a silk pillow instead of a cotton one will help your hair retain moisture.
- Comb or brush your conditioner through in the shower before rinsing well.
- Use a leave in cream or oil if blow drying or a conditioning spray if leaving natural.
- Regular trim thin, over-processed ends. If you have long hair, your hairdresser can trim a very thin section of the hair at the nape of the neck to stop it getting caught in necklaces.
- Go easy on the heat. Use a heat-protectant cream or spray and ensure hair is completely dry before applying tongs or irons.