Best Hair Detangler for Kids 2023 - Today's Parent (2024)

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Toddlers: fierce defenders of their independence, and with that often comes some pretty gnarly hair as they experiment with all sorts of things like rolling down hills, gluesticks and more. To tackle everything from helmet hair to crunchy chlorine from vacationing at one of the best all-inclusive resorts, here’s the skinny on the best hair detanglers.

What to look for in the best hair detanglers

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

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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.

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Best budget

Aussie Kids Moist Detangling Spray

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Everything you need to know about this moisturizing detangling spray is right there in the title: it gives serious moisture while detangling. Made specifically for all hair types, this powerhouse packs a punch at only $5 a can. It hydrates, moisturizes, smooths and detangles and it’s also paraben-, sulfate- and dye-free.

This top-rated formula is also certified PETA cruelty-free). The smell might send some parents backward in time—it smells great, just like all Aussie products do. It leaves natural hair free of knots and tangles with ease.

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Best scented

TotLogic Kids Detangler Hair Spray and Toddler Leave-In Conditioner

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TotLogic is a brand started by a mom, so it’s definitely got some firsthand, insider knowledge on what other parents are looking for in detanglers. This detangler spray can help with wavy, curly and frizzy hair for both adults and children, and it’s rich in antioxidants and nourishing plant-based ingredients. It makes air dry styles a breeze.

It’s naturally scented with essential oils, featuring spa-like ingredients such as bergamot, chamomile and lavender. TotLogic’s products are free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates and more. Bonus: the products are made in the U.S.A.

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Best for curls

SheaMoisture Kids Extra Moisturizing Detangler for Curly Hair

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Sheamoisture might be a brand you trust for your own hair, and it's one you can trust for your kids too. It has an impressive line of kids’ products, including a detangler made with shea butter, coconut and hibiscus. Frizz will disappear when using this detangler, and it’ll add back in the moisture curls desperately need.

Apply it to wet or dry hair and comb through it to give curls a glossy bounce other hair care products simply can't compete with. It’s made without silicones, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil or petrolatum.

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Best organic

Earth Baby Conditioner + Detangler

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While most detanglers are made without harsh chemicals, there are options for parents who want to go fully organic. Earth Baby uses certified organic and natural ingredients, and that’s true for its conditioner and detangler, too.

The products are hypoallergenic, non-irritating and do not use any artificial ingredients such as dyes, fragrances or preservatives. It's free from things like formaldehyde, mineral oil, cocoamidopropyl betaine, petrolatum and lanolin.

The brand was started by a grandmother, so you know there’s real heart behind it. Dermatologist tested and pediatrician recommended, it’s a great option for those looking to further eliminate the bad stuff while keeping hair strands soft.

Instead, it has essential oils, jojoba oil and murumuru butter and more to keep your kid’s hair soft and tangle-free.

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Best for fine hair

Baby Bum Conditioning Detangler Spray

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Sun Bum, the sun care brand, also has a line of kids’ products, including its Baby Bum Conditioning Detangler Spray. It’s a non-sticky, non-greasy spray perfect for all hair types, but especially finer ones that won’t want to get weighed down by a heavy formula. It’s great for post-swim detangling, as well as everyday hair maintenance.

The brand is known for being vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, hypoallergenic and free from all sorts of chemicals. It works on just about every type of tangled hair, and moms swear by it as a heat protectant on their own tresses.

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Best luxury

Pipette Leave-in Hair Detangler

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This non-toxic, clean kids' brand is known for its high-quality, great-smelling products. The Pipette Leave-in Hair Detangler is a silicone-free detangler spray that is silicone-free and derived from plant-based ingredients such as quinoa, vitamin b5 and squalane.

It’s even Environmental Working Group (EWG)-certified, which means it’s got an environmentally-friendly seal of approval. If you like the orange and vanilla scent, the brand also has a shampoo and conditioner in the same scent.

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This article was originally published on

May 10, 2023

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