The 21 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Tangled Hair
Published by Aida Turner
Fact checked by Annie
Stop putting up with knots and tangles.
The solution is straightforward.
You need the best shampoo and conditioner for tangled hair.
A no-tangle shampoo and detangling conditioner will put a stop to the pain and frustration.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo
- Prevents split ends and repairs hair damage
- Contains vitamin B3 and B5
- Infused with castor oil
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Detangling Conditioner
- Contains castor oil
- Provides heat protection up to 450 F
- Rich in vitamin B3 and B5
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream
- Defends against all types of hair-styling
- Leave-in conditioner to prevent split ends
- Natural shine and luster all day long
No-fail way to detangle hair
Once you have your new shampoo and conditioner, it’s time to put them to work to smooth your hair.
Wet your tresses and lather up with shampoo. Since you may have tangles already, take it easy and just massage your scalp the best you can.
Rinse thoroughly. Then, pick up the conditioner and pour out a little more than you think you need.
Apply most of it to the tips up to the middle of the shaft. Dab it on, don’t try to force your hands through your hair. Leave the roots for last unless you have a dry scalp.
Now, allow the conditioner to work its magic for a couple of minutes.
When you’re ready, start combing the ends of your hair with your fingers. You can also use a wide-tooth comb if you have one (1).
You can add more conditioner if you’re having trouble.
When the ends are untangled, move up the hair shaft towards the roots until all the tangles are gone.
Be gentle. It always takes longest the first time.
After you rinse, pat your hair dry, don’t rub it! Never rub it.
You could benefit from using a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt as they are less likely to rough up the cuticle of your hair.
Take your wide tooth comb and comb your hair a couple of times as it air-dries. You might also apply leave-in conditioner now or after your hair dries, depending on the kind you use.
Yes, I know that hair is weaker when it’s wet. But the end goal is to remove and prevent tangles. Since tangles can cause you to pull out your hair, the benefit balances out the risk.
Continue to spray on detangling conditioner each day to maintain sleek, frizz-free hair.
The next time you wash shampoo, the job should be easier.
Top Shampoos and Conditioners for Tangled Hair
1. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo
Product Overview
Let’s begin with a drugstore detangling shampoo .This one from L’Oreal gets rave reviews.
The shampoo is ideal for long hair. It helps repair and prevent split ends and fortify each strand.
When I say “repair split ends,” I need to be more specific. You’ll still need to trim the ends to cut off the split parts. But the shampoo makes them less noticeable by sealing them.
- Contains vitamin B5 and B3
- Infused with castor oil
- Repairs split ends
- Locks in the moisture
The magic depends on three essential ingredients: castor oil and vitamins B3 and B5.
But if you read the label, you’ll there is silicone, niacinamide, and plant protein, too. These help seal in moisture, strengthen, and smooth the hair.
Pros
- Repairs split ends and damaged hair
- Deeply nourishes and moisturizes
- Seals the hydration in the hair follicle
The Cons
- Contains silicone
2. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Detangling Conditioner
Product Overview
Here’s the matching conditioner for the shampoo above. Again, it contains castor oil and vitamins B3 and B5.
It immediately detangles the hair. It also prevents breakage and split ends.
- Contains lots of botanicals
- Infused with castor oil
- Thick and health hair growth
- Based vitamins B3 and B5
Plus, it protects against damage from heat-styling. The heat protection can handle up to 450°F.
There is one caveat: if you have oily hair, don’t apply the conditioner to the roots.
Pros
- Combats hair damage and dryness
- Helps with heat protection
- Provides a natural dose of shiness
The Cons
- Doesn’t work great with oily hair
3. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream
Product Overview
If you prefer to trim your hair as little as possible, you need this No Haircut Cream. It’s a leave-in conditioner that prevents split ends.
- Rich and hearty lather
- Conditioning and hydrating ingredients
- Works great with heat protection
- Leave-in conditioner
It also defends against damage from blow-drying, curling, and flat irons up to 450°F.
Pros
- Works nice against damage
- Gets rid of split ends
- Repairs and maintains hair health
The Cons
- The packaging might be broken
4. L’Oreal Paris Elvive 8-Second Wonder Water
Product Overview
It looks like water. But this special conditioner contains positively-charged protein and amino acids that stick to damaged hair.
In seconds, they coat each strand to leave it sleek and silky. The end result is glossy, healthy-looking hair that feels lightweight and natural.
- Positively-charged proteins
- Amino acids to help with damage hair
- Fast results and visual changes
In only one use, it works a miracle.
You only need to use it couple times a week on wet hair after you shampoo.
Pros
- Doesn’t have sulfates, oils, gluten or other chemicals
- Moisturizes and hydrates your skin
- Repairs damaged hair and split ends
The Cons
- Not the best for oily hair
5. Garnier Hair Care Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner, plus Leave-In Treatment
Product Overview
This set contains everything you need to enjoy tangle-free hair.
It was tested in 97% humidity and proven to banish frizz.
- Contains argan oil
- Full of vitamins
- Active fruit proteins
- Healthy remedy for skin and hair
All three products contain argan oil from sustainable sources in Morocco. The soil is an ancient remedy for dry skin and hair.
They also have Active Fruit Protein and vitamins to promote strong, healthy tresses.
Pros
- Deeply nourishes your skin
- Works perfect as a daily cleansing
- Moisturizes and hydrates
The Cons
- Might get a spilled bottle
6. MATRIX Total Results Mega Sleek Shampoo
Product Overview
The Mega Sleek Shampoo was created to defend against frizziness. It’s made for color-treated, natural, or damaged hair.
When tested against non-conditioning shampoos, it proved to leave hair five times smoother.
- Works great with color-treated hair
- Lorem ipsum dolor siHelps with damaged hair
- Leaves hair five times smoother
But to get the most out of it, follow up with the accompanying conditioner below.
Pros
- Deeply nourishes your hair
- Fights dandruff and dead skin cells
- Provides all the necessary nutrients for hair
The Cons
- Has a changed formula
7. MATRIX Total Results Mega Sleek Conditioner
Product Overview
The Mega Sleek Conditioner , like the shampoo above, uses shea butter to tame unruly hair.
It seals the cuticle to leave each strand shiny and soft.
- Works for maximum silkiness
- Contains shea butter
- Seals cuticle
- Locks moisture in the follicles
For maximum silkiness, finish styling with the Matrix Mega Varnish.
Pros
- Packes your hair with nutrients
- Nourishes and moisturizes
- Cleanses your hair and detoxifies
The Cons
- Not the best consistency
8. Design Essentials Honey Creme Super Detangling Shampoo
Product Overview
Design Essentials customizes their hair care products to specific needs. The shampoo is best for dry or damaged hair.
It doesn’t matter what hair type you have. It will help you detangle curly or straight hair. It also helps with relaxed styles and dreadlocks.
- Works great for daily usage
- Best for dry and damaged hair
- Works nice for curly and straight hair
While it contains a sulfate, it’s a mild one. Feel free to wash daily if needed. Just use the accompanying conditioner.
If you aren’t impressed with the shampoo, the company offers a money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses and moisturizes your scalp
- Has a nice and pleasant scent
- Offers a money-back guarantee
The Cons
- Contains a sulfate
9. Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Trio Set
Product Overview
It’s hard to choose between the different shampoos that Shea Moisture offers. They all have vital benefits, especially for coily and curly hair.
I settled on the Virgin Coconut Oil series of shampoo, conditioner, and detangling treatment.
- Works great with curly and coily hair
- Infused with virgin coconut oil
- Contains coconut milk and acacia extracts
- Protects against extreme heat
All three contain coconut milk and acacia from Senegal that restore moisture and manageability. As you can imagine, they also smell like coconut.
Plus, the leave-in treatment protects against extreme heat.
Pros
- Soothes dry hair
- Deeply cleanses and hydrates
- Smells like coconut
The Cons
- You might not like the smell
10. Keranique Deep Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
Product Overview
How can a keratin-rich shampoo help with tangles?
Well, the smoother the cuticle of your hair, the easier it is to detangle. If the exterior of each hair shaft is sleek and shiny, it’s much easier to comb your hair.
- Creamy formula
- Signature nourishing qualities
- Hydrating effect
- Keratin to ensure strength
Keratin fixes the hair’s cuticle by filling in where it’s damaged. It fortifies each strand and eliminates frizziness.
It doesn’t hurt that the shampoo also adds volume to fine hair.
Both products are free of parabens and made in the USA.
Pros
- Fortifies your hair and eliminates frizz
- Maintains a healthy hair
- Makes your hair soft and shiny
The Cons
- Strong perfume
11. HASK KERATIN PROTEIN Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner
Product Overview
HASK also offers a variety of excellent shampoos and conditioners for specific needs. Their products are so good that they are used by Hollywood stylists.
This set features keratin. The hydrolyzed keratin, or protein, coats the hair fiber to leave it smooth and strong.
- Features hydrolyzed keratin
- Free of sulfates, parabens and gluten
- Smoothes and strengthens hair
Both products also moisturize and help prevent frizziness from high humidity.
Meanwhile, neither contains sulfates, parabens, gluten, phthalates, or drying alcohol.
Pros
- Protects your hair from damage
- Ensures strong and smooth hair
- Deeply nourishes and conditions
The Cons
- Hard to lather
12. Mane ‘n Tail Micellar Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Product Overview
Once upon a time, Mane ‘n Tail shampoo was only for horses. I kid you not.
Since then, the company has developed formulas for humans who want to have glossy manes of their own.
I like the micellar shampoo and conditioner because they don’t contain drying sulfates that strip away the natural oil from your scalp and hair.
- Doesn’t have sulfates, parabens or phthalates
- Has detoxifying ingredients
- Contains biotin
- Completely vegan conditioner and shampoo
Instead, the micellar particles detoxify while biotin promotes healthy growth.
Be sure to use the vegan conditioner to detangle your locks without weighing them down.
Pros
- Prevents your hair from split ends
- Keeps your hair healthy and shiny
- Ensures a healthy and nice hair growth
The Cons
- The package might get to your broken
13. 909 Shampoo, Conditioner and Magic Spray Detangler Kit
Product Overview
This shampoo, conditioner, and detangling spray are good for extensions. (They also work on wigs)
They have silk amino acids and coconut oil to leave the hair lustrous and moisturized. They also protect against the elements and heat-styling.
- Silk amino acids
- Contains coconut oils
- Infused with aloe vera
- Reduces dandruff
If you use it them on extensions, keep the conditioner away from the bond.
Finally, the detangling spray loosens matted hair with aloe vera extract. It also helps reduce dandruff.
Pros
- Provides all the nutrients
- Deeply nourishes and calms irritation
- Are good for extensions and wings
The Cons
- Doesn’t help with oily scalps
14. Nairobi Exquisite Hydrating Detangling Shampoo, Soft Finish Leave-in Conditioner, Wrapp-it Shine Foaming Lotion
Product Overview
These products are a match made in heaven for African-American hair.
They are pH-balanced to protect the moisture of both the curls and the scalp.
- pH balanced formula
- Contains polymeric protein
- Nice and rich lather
- Works great with curls and scalp
Moreover, they contain a proprietary solution called Nairo-Plex. It’s polymeric protein that conditions the hair to leave it touchably soft and gorgeous.
The foaming lotion is the perfect accompaniment for styling. It immediately gives hair a silky appearance.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
- Strengthens your hair with polymeric proteins
- Makes your hair nice, smooth and silky
The Cons
- The package might get broken
15. Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch, Instant Leave-in Detangling Therapy
Product Overview
If you already have a favorite shampoo and conditioner that aren’t resolving your problem with tangles, I have an idea for you.
Try a leave-in conditioner like this one. Apply it every day to keep your hair sleek and manageable.
- Leave-in conditioner
- Contains shea butter and cocoa butter
- Glycerin and soybean oil
- Spray it directly onto knots
Spray it directly onto the knots. Then comb gently, one small section at a time.
It contains shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, and soybean oil to increase moisture and prevent breakage.
Pros
- Works great with curls
- Deeply cleanses sensitive scalps
- Adds volume and shiness
The Cons
- Doesn’t have enough moisture
16. Aunt Jackie’s Girls Knot Havin’ It, Leave-in Ultimate Hair Detangler
Product Overview
What’s the difference between this product and the one above? Aren’t they both detangling sprays?
To be honest, there isn’t a lot of difference. The ingredients vary a little, and so does the fragrance. But the result is the same.
- Nice fragrance
- Organic and natural ingredients
- Free sulfate and parabene formula
You’ll end up with detangled hair that’s much easier to manage and less susceptible to frizz.
Pros
- Cleanses and makes your hair smooth
- Deeply moisturizes your scalp
- Makes your hair much easier to manage
The Cons
- You might not like the smell
17. Pantene Detangling Milk Hair Treatment for Natural and Curly Textured Hair
Product Overview
Pantene’s Gold Series is made for textured hair. If you don’t know what that means, you probably don’t have it.
One example of textured hair is African-American hair with natural coils and curls.
- Perfect for natural coils and curls
- Based on argan oil
- Smooths the hair cuticle
- Doesn’t make your hair greasy
This leave-in treatment is based on argan oil. It smooths the cuticle of the hair without weighing it down or making it greasy.
Pros
- Makes a great deal as a leave-in treatment
- Deeply moisturizes your scalp
- It smooths the cuticle of the hair
The Cons
- You might not like the smell
18. Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer
Product Overview
Chances are, if you try one of Oribe’s products, you’ll get hooked. They are premium solutions for everyday problems.
To illustrate, this delicious-smelling spray instantly removes tangles and leaves the hair silken and moisturized.
It also offers thermal protection and prepares it for styling.
- Premium ingredients
- Offers thermal protection
- Delicious smelling formula
- Has an anti-static effect
Why is it so good?
For one, it’s packed with exotic ingredients that nourish the hair and offer a multitude of benefits. It has watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss to prevent damage from the elements and color fading.
Then, there’s pomegranate and apricot oil to smooth and separate tangled strands. At the same time, amla extract leaves the hair luminous.
Lastly, an anti-static complex puts a stop to flyaways.
Pros
- Heals damage and repairs split ends
- Prevents further damage
- Doesn’t fade color-treated hair
The Cons
- A bit pricey
19. Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler
Product Overview
Pamper your hair with this luxurious conditioner right after you shampoo. You won’t need to rinse it.
(It’s also possible to use it on the ends of dry hair to resolve tangles.)
- UV protection included
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Packed with natural ingredients
- Works as a spa treatment
It’s free of harsh ingredients and provides UV protection. It’s suitable for natural, color-treated, and keratin-treated hair.
Like other products in the same company, it’s packed with exotic natural ingredients. It’s like a spa treatment to make your locks luscious.
Pros
- It’s free of harsh ingredients
- It’s suitable for color treated hair
- Makes your hair luscious
The Cons
- You might not like the smell
20. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Detangling Spray
Product Overview
Those with curly and kinky hair often turn to products from Ouidad. Their trust is well-placed.
If you’d like to find out why for yourself, start with this detangling spray.
It seals in moisture and stops frizz with silk nano proteins. Next, grapeseed, macadamia nut, and other natural oils condition every curl.
- Silk nano proteins
- Macademia nuts and grape seeds
- Stops frizz
- UV filter and thermal protection
They prevent breakage, too.
There’s also a UV filter and thermal protection.
Pros
- Great detangling spray
- Packed with natural oils and vitamins
- Seals the moisture and stops frizz
The Cons
- You might not like the smell
21. The Honest Company Sweet Orange Vanilla Conditioning Detangler Spray
Product Overview
Although this detangler spray was made for kids, adults can enjoy it as well.
It’s lightweight and it smells fantastic.
Use it as often as you need as it won’t make hair greasy or limp.
- Jojoba and quinoa protein
- Shea butter and argan oil
- Fantastic for adults and kids
- Only natural ingredients
It’s based on shea butter, argan oil, quinoa, and jojoba protein. These natural nutrients tame tangles and leave hair shiny and manageable.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses and moisturizes
- Won’t make your hair greasy
- It’s lightweight and smells fantastic
The Cons
- Does no visible change
Conclusion
You can do a lot to improve your hair from the safety of your home.
Simply switching to a better shampoo and conditioner can fix problems like tangles and frizz. They can also prevent split ends.
At the very least, a leave-in conditioner detangling spray can work wonders on knots.
Give your hair and scalp a break. Stop yanking on them and getting frustrated. Try the hair care products above, then come back and tell us how they are working for you.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo
Prevents split ends and repairs hair damage
Contains vitamin B3 and B5
Infused with castor oil
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!
Source:
1. https://www.wikihow.com/Detangle-Dry,-Damaged-Hair published February 20, 2020, accessed May 13, 2020