If your child’s hair has any texture to it, you’ll want to consider a detangler. “A detangler is a leave-in conditioner that lubricates the hair shaft to make combing and brushing easier,” says Nell Duffy, a stylist at The Little Blue Jay, a kid’s salon.
She says to look for super-moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil and coconut oil, vitamin E and amino acids, while avoiding ingredients we know to be bad for kids like sulfates, parabens and phthalates.
Once you’ve picked a detangler, Duffy says to use it on damp hair, rather than relying on the detangler to we the hair. “Working in small sections, start at the ends and move towards the top,” she says.
“When paired with a proper detangling brush or comb, it can help reduce frizz and static and improve shine.” (Duffy likes a wet brush for this step.) Combine it with a shampoo and conditioner that works for your kid’s hair type and you’re good to go. Here are the best detanglers for getting the knotty job done.
The best hair detangler products for kids 2023
Best overall
The Honest Company Conditioning Hair Detangler
Merchant
Over 42,000 people on Amazon have rated The Honest Company’s Conditioning Hair Detangler for a good reason—it does double-duty of conditioning and detangling and its leave-in formula makes it easy to use.
It’s made without parabens, dyes, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, silicones, sulfates and other bad-for-you stuff. Instead, it uses natural ingredients like orange, vanilla, lavender, almond and coconut and is dermatologist-tested. It’s gentle enough for babies to use, too.
Pros
- Over 42,000 glowing ratings
- Free from known irritants
- Comes in three delicious scents: lavender calm, almond nourishing and citrus vanilla refresh
- No sticky residue
- Gentle enough for babies
Cons
- Some kids might not like the scents
