13 Best Shampoos For Tangled Hair, Hairstylist Picks (2024)
Keep your unruly tresses knot-free and soft to the touch with these advanced formulas.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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Detangling your hair is tiresome and time-consuming. It can even lead to damage, hair breakage and may affect hair elasticity. Hence, try the best shampoo for tangled hair to keep your hair conditioned and tangle-free. It will protect your hair cuticles from damage and make your hair easy to manage. These shampoos make your hair knot-free, smoothen your hair, and keep it soft. In this article, we have mentioned the 13 best shampoos that detangle your hair. Keep scrolling to read further!
In This Article
13 Best Shampoos For Tangled Hair – Top Picks Of 2024
1. Best For Damaged Hair: AMOS PROFESSIONAL True Repair Shampoo
The AMOS PROFESSIONAL True Repair Shampoo is curated with Cell Membrane Complex formula that strengthens hair elasticity and repairs brittle hair. The moisturizing shampoo is enriched with the goodness of Argania Spinosa Kernel oil and Camellia Japonica seed oil that smoothens coarse strands and nourishes cuticles. The Korean product improves hair texture and extensively controls frizz and transforms dehydrated hair. Numerous reviewers have recommended this for its lightweight formula and pleasant fragrance.
Pros
- Suitable for oily scalp
- The nice scent of jasmine and peony
- Rich lather
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Contains SLS
"This product smoothens out my hair and leaves it with a salon-fresh scent. Whether used alone or with its companion conditioner, it has improved my hair health, making it soft and manageable. I've found it effective, especially for detangling, and will continue to use it."
Caution2. Best For 3A To 4C Type Hair: SheaMoisture Detangling Shampoo
The Detangling Shampoo from SheaMoisture is formulated with cocoa butter, red palm oil, vitamins, and flaxseed oil to enhance hydrated hair. It is ideal for curly, transitioning, coily, shrinkage-prone, 3A to 4C type hair. The cocoa butter moisturizes and softens the hair, and the red palm oil is rich in antioxidants that fight free radical damage. Along with other vitamins and flaxseed oil, this anti-shrinkage blend enhances the curls and keeps the hair smooth, soft, shiny, long, and frizz-free. It comes with a pleasant scent that does not irritate a sensitive or dry scalp.
Pros
- Contains organic ingredients
- Sulfate-free shampoo
- Coconut oil-free
- Suitable for 3A to 4C hair types
- Color-safe
- Unisex
- Natural fragrance
Cons
- The ingredient list keeps changing.
3. Best Ph-Balanced: Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
The Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo moisturizes and deep conditions the hair while cleansing it thoroughly. It removes excess sebum from the hair and scalp without drying, reduces hair breakage and flyaways, and improves split ends.
This hydrating shampoo is formulated with natural botanical extracts and is pH-balanced. It contains hydrolyzed wheat protein that strengthens hair. The shampoo seals hair cuticles, repairs damaged hair, reduces breakage, and improves cuticle alignment, leaving your hair soft and shiny. You can check this YouTube video detailing the tester’s experience for more information about the product. Several reviewers have praised the product for its added nourishment and healthy detangling properties.
Pros
- Contains natural botanical extracts
- pH-balanced
- Non-stripping
- Makes the hair soft and shiny
Cons
- Contains DEA and EDTA
- Contains added fragrance and color
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 572 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
AMOS PROFESSIONAL True Repair Shampoo Best For Damaged Hair | SheaMoisture Detangling Shampoo Best For 3A To 4C Type Hair | Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo Best Ph-Balanced | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Damaged | All | Damaged,Dry |
| Package Dimensions | 10.98 x 4.84 x 3.27 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 1.1 Pounds | 13.5 Ounces | 8 Ounces |
| Dimensions | - | 2.68 x 2.68 x 6.2 inches | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 459 | 572 |
| Price | $23 | $6.9 | $9.01 |
4. Best Alcoholic-Free Formula:Design Essentials Honey Creme Shampoo
The Honey Creme Shampoo from Design Essentials is a moisture preserving and detangling shampoo that softens, smoothens, and conditions dry and damaged hair. It has a gentle, non-alcoholic formula that lathers well and suits all hair types and textures. This shampoo contains honey crème that nourishes and smoothens the hair cuticles to stimulate healthy hair growth. It provides intense moisturization and boosts hair manageability and shine. It is safe for relaxed and color-treated hair and suitable for kids and adults.
Pros
- Suits all hair types and textures
- Gentle formula
- Alcohol-free
- Unisex
- Child-safe
- Safe for relaxed hair
- Color-safe
Cons
- Contains ammonium lauryl sulfate and EDTA
- Contains added color
5. Best For Hair Breakage:Rapunzel Hydrating & Detangling Shampoo
The Rapunzel Hydrating & Detangling Shampoo is pH-balanced and offers superior detangling for comfortable wet and dry hair combing. This shampoo cleanses the hair thoroughly, removing all dirt and excess oil without drying. The hydrating formula is enriched with aloe vera, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and rosemary extract to keep the hair soft and manageable.
Aloe vera has moisturizing and scalp-soothing properties, while the rosemary extract keeps flaky scalp clean. The wheat protein in the formula strengthens the hair, enhancing its texture. Reviews on online forums praise this shampoo as it helps reduce hair breakage by sealing hair cuticles. It also repairs hair damage that results in smooth and silky hair.
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Fortifying
- Soy-free
- Makes the hair soft
Cons
- Contains sodium and added fragrance
"I've found this shampoo truly effective for my curly hair, deeply cleansing without over-stripping. It has revitalized my treated and heat-styled hair, giving it softness and body. It's a line worth exploring for healthier hair."
6. Best For Shine:African Pride Shea Miracle Detangling Shampoo
The African Pride Shea Miracle Detangling Shampoo cleans hair while boosting its natural shine. It lathers well and permeates the hair to nourish it from within and detangle it easily. This shampoo contains rich moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like argan, olive, and coconut oils that moisturize and strengthen the hair while protecting it from UV rays. It also contains aloe vera extract that soothes the scalp. The rosemary extract in the formula has antimicrobial properties and keeps dandruff at bay. If you still need to decide about purchasing, you can check out a review detailing a tester’s experience of using this product on YouTube.
Pros
- Increased hair shine
- UV protection
- Sulfate-free
- Ideal for natural hair
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Contains added fragrance and color
- Contains MEA
"I've tried many hair care products, and this particular shampoo has earned a spot in my rotation. It manages my curls effectively and maintains moisture. The scent is pleasant and lingers around for a good while."
7. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
The Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo conditions and detangles the hair, leaving it softer and hydrated. This shampoo is formulated with humectants and conditioning agents like panthenol and hydrolyzed wheat protein that volumize, strengthen, and gloss-up dry and dull hair. It contains 100% natural Jamaican black castor oil that nourishes and treats dry, itchy scalps and improves hair length and strength. This shampoo fortifies hair from root to tip and suits all hair types and color-treated hair. Several reviewers have noticed a reduction in hair shedding and recommend the shampoo for its volumizing effect.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Suits all hair types
- Contains 100% natural Jamaican black castor oil
- Color-safe
Cons
- Contains phenoxyethanol and synthetic fragrance
8. Best For Itchy Scalp:Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Shampoo
The Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Shampoo claims to work faster than any other detangling shampoo. This shampoo contains nourishing ingredients like almond and avocado extracts and is safe for daily use for both kids and adults.
Sweet almond oil moisturizes the hair and prevents hair damage and loss. The mineral-rich avocado extract replenishes the scalp, stimulating better blood flow and unclogging blocked hair follicles. It also helps moisturize dry, brittle, and damaged hair. This shampoo also contains wheat protein that improves shine and strength and coconut milk that volumizes the hair, making it thick and bouncy. It deeply cleanses the hair and scalp, removing any dirt and buildup without drying. The product is also not tested on animals, making it an ideal choice for ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Unisex
- Child-safe
- Paraben-free
- Paraffin-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Ideal for all curl types
Cons
- Leaves residue
- Not easy to wash off
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 363 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
9. Best Moisturizing:The Mane Choice Easy On The Curls Detangling Hydration Shampoo
The Mane Choice Easy On The Curls Detangling Hydration Shampoo is ideal for curly hair. The shampoo is formulated with special detangling ingredients to improve hair manageability. It cleanses and moisturizes hair to keep it soft, clean, and shiny and boosts growth and hair retention.
The biotin and vitamin E in the formula transform the hair, making it healthier, longer, and thicker. The vitamins A, B, C, and D infused in the product minimize hair damage, breakage, and shedding by strengthening and moisturizing it. Several reviewers recommend this gentle shampoo for removing buildup and other impurities from the scalp without drying.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Ideal for curly hair
- Natural fragrance
Cons
- Contains added color
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 745 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
10. Best For Dry Hair:Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti Frizz Shampoo
The Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti Frizz Shampoo is known for its nourishing and moisturizing properties that allow penetration to a deeper level. The shampoo is ideal for dry as well as oily hair, owing to its non-greasy formula that softens the strands without leaving any residue. It is curated with nutritional oils like coconut and almond oil that support hair health and frizz-free tresses.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Imparts luster
- Contains natural oil extracts
- Cleans scalp buildup
- Suitable for dry/oily hair
Cons
- Contains SLS
"After switching to Dove, managing my granddaughter's thick curls has become easier, and the formula remarkably smooths my gray strands without weighing down my hair. It's a pleasant surprise how it tackles frizz and flyaways, leaving even my coarse, thick locks feeling soft and revitalized, with or without the conditioner. It's a worthy consideration for similar hair types."
11. Best For High-Porosity Hair:Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo
The Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo is infused with nourishing ingredients like papaya butter, rich coconut, and plumeria extracts. This creamy and gentle formula is ideal for thick, curly hair and helps moisturize the hair, making it shinier and healthier. The coconut oil and papaya butter in the formula prevents tangles and control frizzy hair. They also enhance hair softness and body, leaving it bouncy and full. This shampoo enhances the curls and waves and suits high-porosity hair.
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Ideal for thick and curly hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Gluten-free
- SLS-free
- Synthetic dye-free
Cons
- Contains sodium chloride and a synthetic fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 401 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
12. Best For Frizz Control:Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo
The Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo is formulated with pro-V nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen the hair. This shampoo lathers well and softens the hair strands for improved detangling and long-lasting shine. Its moisturizing formula is enriched with argan and avocado oils that replenish and strengthen hair to prevent damage. They moisturize hair and provide all-day frizz and humidity control. The shampoo has a refreshing floral scent of wild berries and creamy vanilla infusion.
Pros
- All-day frizz control
- All-day humidity control
- Long-lasting shine
- Floral fragrance
Cons
- Contains SLES, SLS, and sodium chloride
"After using this shampoo, my hair feels smoother and free from tangles, living up to its claims for sleekness. It consistently made it softer and easier to manage. Perfect for maintaining frizz-free locks that last for a good while."
13. Best For All Hair Types:Wella SP Luxe Oil Keratin Protect Shampoo
The Wella SP Luxe Oil Keratin Protect Shampoo is infused with nourishing ingredients like keratin extract and hair-enriching antioxidants. These ingredients improve moisture retention, hair shine, elasticity, and softness. This shampoo also contains panthenol which repairs hair damage. Jojoba and argan oils moisturize the hair and soothe the scalp. This product refreshes and protects the hair while removing any impurities and excess sebum.
Pros
- Improves shine
- Mild formula
- Lightweight
- Suits all hair types
- Ideal for dull and damaged hair
Cons
- Might not suit sensitive scalps
If you notice that your hair is tangling up more than before, especially after showering, then the time has arrived to re-evaluate the shampoo that you are using. There are various shampoo brands that cater specifically to help reduce tangles while cleansing and nourishing the hair and scalp. To help you choose the best one for yourself, we have listed some factors to keep in mind while you make your next purchase.
How To Choose The Best Shampoos For Tangled Hair
- Ingredients To Look For
The presence of natural ingredients which are rich in moisture content, can help in retaining hair moisture and thereby prevent tangled hair follicles. Some of the popular detangling elements include coconut, aloe vera, cocoa butter, and Vitamin E. All of these aforementioned ingredients provide hydration to your hair by adding moisture. Apart from detangling your hair strands, they also make your hair silky and smooth, while also providing the proper nourishment that your hair follicles deserve.
- Ingredients To Avoid
Avoid shampoos that contain ingredients and harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oils, and other such ingredients that make your hair dry and damaged. Also, avoid synthetic fragrances and strong scents that dry the hair and cause irritation in the scalp.
- Formulation
Other than detangling elements, look for formulations according to your hair and scalp types. For fine or oily hair, avoid shampoos that are thick, creamy, and contain essential oils to make hair healthy. These make the scalp oilier and weigh down the hair. For dry, dull hair, look for moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil, and ceramides. Also, add color-safe shampoos to your hair care routine if you have color-treated hair.
Additional Points To Keep In Mind
If you want to enhance the overall effects of detangling shampoo and make your hair softer, you will most likely also need to use a detangling conditioner. Alternatively, you can also utilize a leave-in conditioner spray.
- Avoid frequent heat-styling or tight ponytails if you have finer hair texture.
- Avoid excess exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
- Always dry brush the hair using a detangler before showering and comb your hair after washing.
- Practice sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase, which can make it easy to brush your long, straight, and fine hair without tangles in the morning.
Infographic: Easy Steps To Wash And Condition Tangled Hair
Tangled hair can be frustrating, but with the right shampoo and conditioning routine, you can make the detangling process a breeze. The infographic below lists the steps to properly wash and condition tangled hair and achieve smoother, healthier-looking tresses that are easier to style. Check it out to know more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Tangled hair can cause knots and eventually lead to hair breakage and hair loss. Various reasons can contribute to the tangling of hair. We need hair care products like shampoos and conditioners or tools like wide-toothed combs that do not damage your hair to detangle those knots. The shampoos for tangled hair make your strands manageable and knot-free. The AMOS PROFESSIONAL True Repair Shampoo is a top pick for its effective nourishing benefits. If you are looking for a natural formula with no harsh chemical formula, then the SheaMoisture Detangling Shampoo is highly recommended. For soft and smooth hair, try the Design Essentials Honey Creme Shampoo. These products are color-safe, unisex, and paraben-free. However, some shampoos may not suit extremely sensitive scalps. Do a patch test beforehand to avoid scalp irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my hair always knotty?
The most common cause of knotted hair is dryness. Matted hair is caused by a lack of moisture in the strands.
Is it better to untangle hair wet or dry?
It is better to untangle wet hair because conditioning products are better soaked when the hair is wet, which makes it effortlessly glide through our fingers or comb.
How often should you detangle the hair with shampoo?
Try to detangle every time you wash your hair with shampoo, but make sure not to go hard on your hair and use shampoos specially formulated for tangled hair.
Should I detangle before I shampoo?
You must detangle your hair before and after shampooing to reduce hair breakage.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
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