The ten Greatest Hair Detanglers for Children of 2024

From curly and wavy to straight and coily—with extra hair sorts in between—brushing by youngsters’ tresses could be a actual journey. Good detangling merchandise and instruments, like sprays, brushes, and extra, assist decrease breakage and ache (or tears), save time, and hold youngsters’ hair wholesome. 

Your kid’s hair merchandise ought to match their texture and density and have mild, secure substances. To assist mother and father discover the perfect hair detanglers for teenagers, we spoke with licensed stylists, salon house owners, a scientist, and fogeys. Our specialists supplied perception into secure substances (and which of them to keep away from) and hair sorts and textures in youngsters. As well as, a pediatrician on our Professional Board reviewed this text for medical accuracy and integrity relating to youngsters’ hair detanglers and one of the best ways to judge these merchandise.

What’s the Greatest Detangler for Children?

In accordance with our specialists, the perfect detangler on your child relies on their hair sort. Hair sorts break down into 4 classes: straight, wavy, curly, and coily—typically known as sorts 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Inside sorts 2 by 4, the classes are subdivided into A, B, and C (i.e. 2A, 2B, 2C, and so forth.). Because the letter and quantity enhance, the feel turns into extra obvious, with 2A being a barely there seaside wave and 4C being a tightly coiled ribbon curl. 

Different components like density and porosity, which confer with the thickness and the way simply the hair can take in and retain moisture, additionally affect whether or not or not a product is a match. For superb hair, go for sprays with a thinner, extra water-based texture. “Typically, detanglers heavier in oils and butters work higher than water-based detanglers, however they might even be a bit heavy for superb hair strands,” says Gaby Longsworth, Ph.D., a licensed hair practitioner.

Alternatively, “when coping with a curly or coily hair texture, relying on the density, you may need to be beneficiant with the quantity of moisture used on the hair, particularly on high-density hair,” recommends Yvey Valcin, an award-winning grasp stylist.

Our Favourite Hair Detanglers for Children

Greatest Total: Fairy Tales Tangle Tamers Detangling Spray

Why We Like It

The Fairy Tales Tangle Tamers Detangling Spray helps you rapidly work by knots, handle frizz, and add moisture with out leaving a gunky residue behind. It is freed from harsh substances, like sulfates and parabens, and customary allergens, like nuts, soy, dairy, and gluten. 

In accordance with licensed stylist Jess Van Diest, the Fairy Tales detangling spray is one in all her favorites as a result of it is simple to make use of. She appreciates how the spray nozzle permits for extra focused product distribution, “so mother and father and caregivers can focus the detangler instantly on the issue areas, making it much less painful for teenagers,” she says.

However Take Be aware

Though the model says the detangler works on all hair sorts, we discovered that it won’t work for some youngsters with tighter curls and pure hair. Nevertheless, Fairy Tales additionally makes Curly Q Conditioner, which is particularly designed for extra textured hair sorts.

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 12 oz.
• Lid sort: Spray
• Hair sort: Straight, wavy
• Key substances: Vitamin E, keratin, jojoba, and aloe vera

Greatest for Curly Hair: Cantu for Children Conditioning Detangler

Why We Like It 

The Cantu for Children Conditioning Detangler nourishes and protects pure and curly hair by including sufficient slip for fingers, combs, and brushes to glide by with out inflicting ache or frizz. Key substances like shea butter, coconut oil, and honey hold hair mushy and moisturized all through the day with out utilizing dangerous chemical compounds. And each mother and father and tots will benefit from the mild and refined scent. 

We admire how the detangler satisfies the wants of three hair sorts: curly, coily, and wavy. Furthermore, it helps cut back breakage in the course of the combing course of and leaves hair feeling bouncy and wholesome as soon as dry. 

However Take Be aware

The small measurement may be a deal breaker for some mother and father caring for longer or extra textured hair, as they might want to make use of extra product to saturate and work by knots. Which will translate into a better price, because the 6-ounce spray bottle might not final lengthy. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 6 oz.
• Lid sort: Spray
• Hair sort: Wavy, curly, coily
• Key substances: Shea butter, coconut oil, and honey

Greatest for Cussed Tangles: SheaMoisture Children Additional-Moisturizing Detangler

Why We Like It

The SheaMoisture Children Additional Moisturizing Detangler may look like it’s greatest for teenagers with thick, curly hair, but it surely’s truly very versatile. You probably have a toddler whose hair tangles simply, no matter hair sort, this Shea Moisture youngsters’ detangler has sufficient slip to deal with tangles and knots. Pure substances like slippery elm extract, coconut oil, and hibiscus flower extract can do wonders to chop down detangling periods. This youngsters’ hair detangler retains locks frizz-free and mushy whereas offering hydration and defining curls. 

However Take Be aware 

The corporate says you’ll be able to apply the detangler to moist or dry hair. Nevertheless, relying in your youngster’s hair sort, it might trigger their hair to develop into stiff if utilized on dry locks.

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 8 oz.
• Lid sort: Spray
• Hair sort: Wavy, curly, coily
• Key substances: Elm extract, slippery elm, coconut oil, and hibiscus flower extract

Greatest Depart-In: SoCozy Children Detangler & Depart-In Conditioner Spray

Why We Like It 

The SoCozy Detangler and Depart-In Conditioner Spray for Children has clear substances, smells nice, and actually works. This detangler is freed from sulfates, phthalates, and customary allergens like gluten, wheat, and nuts. It really works with most hair sorts and never solely detangles however additionally strengthens hair after washing it.

However Take Be aware 

Whereas it’s efficient at banishing knots, some customers might discover the detangler’s odor disagreeable. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 8 oz.
• Lid sort: Spray
• Hair sort: All
• Key substances: Keratin, soy protein, kiwi extract

Greatest Detangling Brush for Straight and Wavy Hair: Tangle Teezer The Final Detangler 

Why We Like It 

Irrespective of how good a detangling product is, as a rule, you’re going to wish to make use of instruments. The Tangle Teezer hairbrush is a superb choice for attacking knots as a result of it works by moist or dry hair. Plus, it’s accessible in a rainbow of colours, so you’ll find one thing your baby will like.

The 2-tiered enamel design is versatile sufficient to be mild on strands and your youngster’s scalp. You should utilize it in your youngster no matter their hair sort, and it’ll depart them with mushy, clean, frizz-free hair. Nevertheless, understand that the extra textured your youngster’s hair is, the much less beneficial it’s to detangle it dry.

However Take Be aware

Whereas this hairbrush is a fan favourite for a lot of, it has fallen out of favor with some extremely curly and coily hair sorts through the years as extra actually versatile bristle brushes have emerged (extra on that later).

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 8.7 x 2.6 in.
• Lid sort: N/A
• Hair sort: Straight, wavy
• Key substances: N/A

Greatest Detangling Brush for Coily and Curly Hair: Bestool Detangling Brush

Why We Like It 

If conventional detangling brushes don’t appear to make fast work of cussed knots, then this very uniquely designed detangling brush might develop into your new favourite software. What units the Bestool Detangling Brush aside is the eight separate columns of bristles that permit it to maneuver independently by strands. Plus, a measurement management bar adjusts the spacing between the columns. 

To hurry up your detangling time, use the Bestool Detangling Brush on damp hair and saturate apparent tangles with a product. When you end detangling your kid’s locks, any shed hair from the comb is simple to take away. Whereas we selected the detangler brush for curly and coily textures, it really works on all hair sorts. 

However Take Be aware 

There’s a slight studying curve to utilizing this brush. Maintain the comb vertically when tackling tangles after which use it horizontally (the way you’d usually maintain a brush) when smoothing out a size of hair.

The Particulars:  

• Measurement: 9.85 x 3 in.
• Lid sort: N/A
• Hair sort: All
• Key substances: N/A

Greatest Conditioner for Straight and Wavy Hair: Johnson’s Extremely Hydrating Conditioner

Why We Like It 

Johnson’s Extremely Hydrating Conditioner incorporates nutritional vitamins and proteins that defend your kiddo’s hair and assist hold strands moisturized and robust. Due to a delicate components freed from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes, it is tear-free and secure for toddlers and youngsters. Plus, it is hypoallergenic and budget-friendly for its giant measurement.

However Take Be aware 

Johnson’s Extremely Hydrating Conditioner isn’t fragrance-free, and the scent is barely overpowering. It might remind some mother and father and caregivers of a child odor, just like child powder and different merchandise.

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 13.6 oz.
• Lid sort: Squeeze bottle
• Hair sort: All
• Key substances: Professional vitamin B5, proteins

Greatest for Superb Hair: The Sincere Firm Conditioning Detangler

Why We Like It

For superb hair, we’re large followers of The Sincere Firm’s Conditioning Detangler, and so are our children. Whereas it’s nice for all hair sorts, it’s greatest for superb hair as a result of the detangling spray is light-weight. In accordance with licensed stylist Cozy Friedman, a heavy conditioner can crush superb hair—one thing to contemplate as you store for detanglers. 

This detangler has naturally derived substances, like quinoa extracts and jojoba protein, in addition to moisturizing substances, like shea butter and argan oil. The Sincere Firm detangling spray can be freed from harsh substances, so it’s tremendous clear and mild on the hair. Plus, the spray smells good and can depart the hair feeling mushy and clean.

However Take Be aware

Though this decide received’t crush finer strands, chances are you’ll want to make use of extra product to work by powerful tangles. Doubtlessly utilizing extra product is the primary downside of the detangler’s light-weight components, as it might not present sufficient slip and saturation to rapidly work by more difficult hair. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 4 oz.
• Lid sort: Spray
• Hair sort: All
• Key substances: Argan oil, jojoba protein, shea butter, quinoa extract

Greatest Multi-Goal: Paul Mitchell Taming Spray

Why We Like It 

Paul Mitchell’s Children’ Taming Spray is one in all our favourite detanglers as a result of it does far more than merely detangling. It’s a light-weight detangler and leave-in conditioner that helps calm, management, and defend all varieties of hair (together with hair with dandruff). The detangler works rapidly (which is essential for younger youngsters), reduces static, and leaves hair feeling mushy and stuffed with physique. 

However Take Be aware

We just like the faint floral vanilla scent as a result of it’s calming and pleasant. Nevertheless, some mother and father (and youngsters) might not like the mixture of the scents.

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 16.9 oz.
• Lid sort: Spray
• Hair sort: All
• Key substances: White ginger root extract, wheat protein, amino acids, silicone quaternium-22

Greatest Detangling Comb: Moist Brush Professional Detangling Comb

Why We Like It 

All our specialists agree that detangling combs are among the best methods to free hair from knots as a result of their broad enamel do the least quantity of harm to the hair cuticle. We notably love the Moist Brush Professional Detangling Comb, with its wide-tooth design and wavy enamel that assist evenly distribute moist hair for more practical and easier detangling. 

Likewise, broad tooth combs are sometimes beneficial for tighter curls and coils because the house helps to forestall extreme pressure on strands, making it simpler to work by tangles. Nice for all hair lengths, the Moist Brush Professional has an easy-grip deal with to assist hold the comb from sliding out of your hand since water and conditioner can get very slippery. Furthermore, it is a fantastic choice for older youngsters to care for his or her hair independently.

However Take Be aware 

This wide-tooth detangling comb ought to work on most hair sorts, but it surely might not be as appropriate with finer hair textures. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 10 x 4 in.
• Lid Kind: N/A
• Hair sort: All
• Key substances: N/A

Our Assessment Course of

To pick out the perfect hair detanglers for teenagers, we studied dozens of top-rated detangling merchandise and instruments, together with sprays, leave-in conditioners, brushes, and combs. We thought-about a number of attributes, equivalent to measurement, lid sort, hair sort, and key substances, to make sure the merchandise are secure for teenagers and helpful for varied hair sorts. 

Furthermore, we reviewed steering from the American Academy of Dermatology Affiliation (AADA) on how one can educate youngsters wholesome hair habits and the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) on dangerous chemical compounds in merchandise. We additionally spoke with a choice of specialists who specialise in hair care and requested them about what to search for in hair detanglers for teenagers. 

Our Specialists

The specialists we spoke with supplied perception into hair sorts and textures, and how one can take care of every of them. Additionally they gave steering on secure substances and which of them to keep away from.

• Gaby Longsworth, Ph.D., licensed hair practitioner and proprietor of Completely All the pieces Curly.
• Jess Van Diest, licensed stylist and salon supervisor at Kidtopia Salon.
• Cozy Friedman, licensed stylist and proprietor of Cozy’s Cuts for Children.
• Yvey Valcin, award-winning grasp stylist and salon founding father of Yvey Salon, a gender impartial and inclusive salon.
• Latoya Moore, a texture specialist and knowledgeable hairstylist at DevaCurl, and founding father of Elle Moore’s Magnificence, a salon specializing in curly and coily hair sorts.

Elements to Contemplate in Hair Detanglers for Children

• Components to Keep away from: In accordance with Friedman, it’s greatest to search for clear merchandise that keep away from sulfates and phthalates. As well as, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant discovered in lots of soaps and private care merchandise; whereas efficient at cleansing, it might probably trigger extreme dryness and irritation, resulting in breakage. Phthalates are chemical compounds utilized in varied industries, together with hair care, to create a gel-like texture. As a result of the FDA is unclear on the results of phthalates on human well being, it’s greatest to keep away from the chemical wherever doable. 
• Components to Look For: Longsworth recommends in search of merchandise with plenty of “slippery substances,” equivalent to marshmallow root, shea butter, jojoba oil, slippery elm, coconut oil, aloe vera, fatty alcohols, or glycerin. The slippery substances coat the strands to forestall tangle-causing friction, making it simpler to run a brush, comb, or your fingers by the hair. These substances are a must have for curly and coily hair sorts, which frequently want extra moisture and profit from slip to scale back breakage throughout detangling periods.
• Instruments: Detangling instruments embrace fingers, combs, and brushes. Fingers might be perfect if you’re involved that conventional instruments might trigger breakage. In accordance with Moore, there are a couple of components to prioritize, particularly for curly and coily hair sorts. “When utilizing combs, ensure it is a wide-tooth comb. This helps forestall snagging and breakage, and the gaps between the broad enamel decrease friction on the hair strands,” they clarify. One other issue to contemplate is the grip. A textured grip is right—particularly if you should use important quantities of product—since you will want to take care of a agency grip as you’re employed by your kid’s hair.

Are Children’ Detanglers Good for Hair?

In accordance with Van Diest, detanglers are actually good for hair as a result of they assist forestall the breakage and injury which will happen in case you attempt to forcefully brush by tangled hair with none safety. “[Detanglers] add sufficient of a slip to hair to get the comb or comb by,” she says.

How Do I Detangle My Kid’s Hair?

Whether or not you are detangling a child’s, toddler’s, or older kid’s hair, there are a couple of primary steps it is best to comply with. Protecting youthful youngsters distracted with toys or different gadgets when you detangle their hair could make the method sooner. Longsworth supplied a couple of suggestions for normal hair detangling:

• Use plenty of water: Saturate the hair with water and use a detangler with plenty of slip.
• Part the hair: The smaller the sections, the much less tugging and pulling for little ones. Mist the sections typically to maintain the hair moist, and add extra detangler if wanted. Every part you detangle ought to really feel slippery like seaweed and make a quacking sound when scrunched or squeezed. If it doesn’t do that, add extra water and extra detangler.
• Begin from the ends and work up in the direction of the roots: This may hold the pulling and tugging to a minimal. 

Particularly for curly and coily textures, Moore shares that caregivers ought to use a “good quantity of conditioner that helps to melt the hair and supply slip, [to] make [it] simpler to detangle and decrease breakage.” 

Who We Are

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting author and mother to 2 daughters, a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. Her daughters each have very several types of continually tangled hair, so she understands the pains of combing by a wiggly child’s knotted hair and the confusion of discovering the fitting hair merchandise for superb, straight, thick, and wavy hair.

Further reporting by:

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, well being, and parenting author at Dad and mom, and a mother of 1 daughter with very curly 3B hair that is superb—however tangles simply. With intensive expertise detangling her daughter’s hair and her personal 4A/4B curls, she’s effectively versed within the good ratio of slip to moisture to chop down the detangling time on her 5-year-old’s below-the-bum size corkscrew curls.

Katrina Cossey is a commerce author, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mother. She’s researched 1000’s of child merchandise, toys, items, and extra and personally examined lots of them. Katrina’s son has straight hair that tangles simply after enjoying outdoor, sleeping, and simply transferring normally. As a result of her son’s hair is not tremendous lengthy, she at the moment makes use of a detangling comb to clean out knots.