The ten Greatest Hair Detanglers for Children of 2024

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

Your kid’s hair merchandise ought to match their texture and density and have light, protected substances. To assist dad and mom discover the perfect hair detanglers for teenagers, we spoke with licensed stylists, salon house owners, a scientist, and fogeys. Our specialists supplied perception into protected substances (and which of them to keep away from) and hair varieties and textures in youngsters. As well as, a pediatrician on our Skilled Board reviewed this text for medical accuracy and integrity concerning youngsters’ hair detanglers and the easiest way to judge these merchandise.

What’s the Greatest Detangler for Children?

Based on our specialists, the perfect detangler on your child is determined by their hair kind. Hair varieties break down into 4 classes: straight, wavy, curly, and coily—generally known as varieties 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Inside varieties 2 by way of 4, the classes are subdivided into A, B, and C (i.e. 2A, 2B, 2C, and many others.). Because the letter and quantity improve, the feel turns into extra obvious, with 2A being a barely there seaside wave and 4C being a tightly coiled ribbon curl. 

Different elements like density and porosity, which consult 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 advantageous hair, go for sprays with a thinner, extra water-based texture. “Usually, detanglers heavier in oils and butters work higher than water-based detanglers, however they could even be a bit heavy for advantageous hair strands,” says Gaby Longsworth, Ph.D., an authorized hair practitioner.

Then again, “when coping with a curly or coily hair texture, relying on the density, you might 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 General: Fairy Tales Tangle Tamers Detangling Spray

Why We Like It

The Fairy Tales Tangle Tamers Detangling Spray helps you shortly work by way of 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. 

Based on licensed stylist Jess Van Diest, the Fairy Tales detangling spray is one in every of her favorites as a result of it is easy to make use of. She appreciates how the spray nozzle permits for extra focused product distribution, “so dad and mom and caregivers can focus the detangler immediately on the issue areas, making it much less painful for teenagers,” she says.

However Take Notice

Though the model says the detangler works on all hair varieties, we discovered that it may not 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 varieties.

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 12 oz.
• Lid kind: Spray
• Hair kind: 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 way of with out inflicting ache or frizz. Key substances like shea butter, coconut oil, and honey preserve hair smooth and moisturized all through the day with out utilizing dangerous chemical compounds. And each dad and mom and tots will benefit from the light and delicate scent. 

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

However Take Notice

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

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 6 oz.
• Lid kind: Spray
• Hair kind: 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 would possibly seem to be it’s finest for teenagers with thick, curly hair, however it’s truly very versatile. If in case you have a toddler whose hair tangles simply, no matter hair kind, this Shea Moisture youngsters’ detangler has sufficient slip to sort out tangles and knots. Pure substances like slippery elm extract, coconut oil, and hibiscus flower extract can do wonders to chop down detangling classes. This youngsters’ hair detangler retains locks frizz-free and smooth whereas offering hydration and defining curls. 

However Take Notice 

The corporate says you may apply the detangler to moist or dry hair. Nevertheless, relying in your youngster’s hair kind, it could trigger their hair to change into stiff if utilized on dry locks.

The Particulars:

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

Greatest Go away-In: SoCozy Children Detangler & Go away-In Conditioner Spray

Why We Like It 

The SoCozy Detangler and Go away-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 varieties and never solely detangles however additionally strengthens hair after washing it.

However Take Notice 

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

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 8 oz.
• Lid kind: Spray
• Hair kind: 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 want to make use of instruments. The Tangle Teezer hairbrush is a superb choice for attacking knots as a result of it works by way of moist or dry hair. Plus, it’s out there in a rainbow of colours, so you could find one thing your toddler will like.

The 2-tiered enamel design is versatile sufficient to be light on strands and your youngster’s scalp. You need to use it in your youngster no matter their hair kind, and it’ll depart them with smooth, easy, frizz-free hair. Nevertheless, remember the fact that the extra textured your youngster’s hair is, the much less beneficial it’s to detangle it dry.

However Take Notice

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

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 8.7 x 2.6 in.
• Lid kind: N/A
• Hair kind: 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 change into your new favourite instrument. What units the Bestool Detangling Brush aside is the eight separate columns of bristles that enable it to maneuver independently by way of strands. Plus, a dimension 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 varieties. 

However Take Notice 

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 kind: N/A
• Hair kind: 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 shield your kiddo’s hair and assist preserve strands moisturized and robust. Because of a delicate system freed from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes, it is tear-free and protected for toddlers and children. Plus, it is hypoallergenic and budget-friendly for its giant dimension.

However Take Notice 

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

The Particulars:

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

Greatest for Wonderful Hair: The Trustworthy Firm Conditioning Detangler

Why We Like It

For advantageous hair, we’re huge followers of The Trustworthy Firm’s Conditioning Detangler, and so are our youngsters. Whereas it’s nice for all hair varieties, it’s finest for advantageous hair as a result of the detangling spray is light-weight. Based on licensed stylist Cozy Friedman, a heavy conditioner can overwhelm advantageous hair—one thing to think about 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 Trustworthy Firm detangling spray can also be freed from harsh substances, so it’s tremendous clear and delicate on the hair. Plus, the spray smells good and can depart the hair feeling smooth and easy.

However Take Notice

Despite the fact that this choose received’t overwhelm finer strands, chances are you’ll want to make use of extra product to work by way of robust tangles. Probably utilizing extra product is the primary downside of the detangler’s light-weight system, as it could not present sufficient slip and saturation to shortly work by way of tougher hair. 

The Particulars:

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

Greatest Multi-Function: Paul Mitchell Taming Spray

Why We Like It 

Paul Mitchell’s Children’ Taming Spray is one in every of 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 shield all sorts of hair (together with hair with dandruff). The detangler works shortly (which is essential for younger youngsters), reduces static, and leaves hair feeling smooth and filled with physique. 

However Take Notice

We just like the faint floral vanilla scent as a result of it’s calming and gratifying. Nevertheless, some dad and mom (and children) might not like the mixture of the scents.

The Particulars:

• Measurement: 16.9 oz.
• Lid kind: Spray
• Hair kind: 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 huge enamel do the least quantity of injury 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 less complicated detangling. 

Likewise, huge 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 way of tangles. Nice for all hair lengths, the Moist Brush Professional has an easy-grip deal with to assist preserve the comb from sliding out of your hand since water and conditioner can get very slippery. Furthermore, it is an excellent choice for older youngsters to care for his or her hair independently.

However Take Notice 

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

The Particulars:

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

Our Evaluate Course of

To pick 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 of a number of attributes, similar to dimension, lid kind, hair kind, and key substances, to make sure the merchandise are protected for teenagers and helpful for numerous hair varieties. 

Furthermore, we reviewed steerage from the American Academy of Dermatology Affiliation (AADA) on how one can train kids wholesome hair habits and the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) on dangerous chemical compounds in merchandise. We additionally spoke with a number 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 varieties and textures, and how one can take care of every of them. In addition they gave steerage on protected substances and which of them to keep away from.

• Gaby Longsworth, Ph.D., licensed hair practitioner and proprietor of Completely Every little thing 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 varieties.

Components to Contemplate in Hair Detanglers for Children

• Components to Keep away from: Based on Friedman, it’s finest 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 numerous industries, together with hair care, to create a gel-like texture. As a result of the FDA is unclear on the consequences of phthalates on human well being, it’s finest to keep away from the chemical wherever potential. 
• Components to Look For: Longsworth recommends searching for merchandise with a whole lot of “slippery substances,” similar 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 way of the hair. These substances are vital for curly and coily hair varieties, which regularly want further moisture and profit from slip to scale back breakage throughout detangling classes.
• Instruments: Detangling instruments embody fingers, combs, and brushes. Fingers might be best if you’re involved that conventional instruments might trigger breakage. Based on Moore, there are a number of elements to prioritize, particularly for curly and coily hair varieties. “When utilizing combs, ensure that it is a wide-tooth comb. This helps stop snagging and breakage, and the gaps between the huge enamel reduce friction on the hair strands,” they clarify. One other issue to think about is the grip. A textured grip is right—particularly if you might want to use vital quantities of product—since you will want to take care of a agency grip as you’re employed by way of your kid’s hair.

Are Children’ Detanglers Good for Hair?

Based on Van Diest, detanglers are actually good for hair as a result of they assist stop the breakage and harm that will happen when you attempt to forcefully brush by way of tangled hair with none safety. “[Detanglers] add sufficient of a slip to hair to get the comb or comb by way of,” 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 number of fundamental steps you need to comply with. Holding youthful kids distracted with toys or different objects whilst you detangle their hair could make the method sooner. Longsworth supplied a number of ideas for normal hair detangling:

• Use numerous water: Saturate the hair with water and use a detangler with a whole lot 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: It will preserve 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 reduce 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 various kinds of continually tangled hair, so she understands the pains of combing by way of a wiggly child’s knotted hair and the confusion of discovering the correct hair merchandise for advantageous, straight, thick, and wavy hair.

Extra 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 advantageous—however tangles simply. With intensive expertise detangling her daughter’s hair and her personal 4A/4B curls, she’s nicely versed within the excellent 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 a lot of them. Katrina’s son has straight hair that tangles simply after taking part in open air, sleeping, and simply shifting basically. As a result of her son’s hair is not tremendous lengthy, she at the moment makes use of a detangling comb to easy out knots.