Afro hair has a spiral structure that prevents natural scalp sebum from distributing evenly along the strands.

This leads to dry, brittle hair that is difficult to manage due to knots and tangles. In this article, we will explore the best detangling products to use and gentle detangling techniques to minimize breakage.

How To Choose the Best Detangler For Black Hair?

Composition

Afro hair requires regular hydration, so it's important to choose detanglers rich in humectants (like glycerin) and nourishing oils (jojoba, argan, coconut) that help retain moisture within the hair shaft.

Detanglers with shea butter and panthenol can also soften the hair, making it easier to manage. Avoid products with controversial ingredients (sulfates, silicones, parabens) as they can dry out the hair.

Usage

Detanglers come in various forms such as spray milk, leave-in cream, and conditioners. Choose the texture and routine that suits you best. To assist in your quest, we have grouped together the 14 best detanglers for different hair textures.

#1 The Best Detangler for Afro Hair: CHÉRIBÉ Daily Refresh Hair Milk

Composition

Contains 99.2% natural ingredients, including green tea to prevent hair loss from breakage, oats to detangle and repair split ends, and glycerin to seal moisture in the hair shaft. Its smart hair repair technology identifies fragile or damaged cuticles and infuses a Chébé Complex to repair the hair fiber.

Hair Issues

This hair milk repairs, detangles, and tames frizz. Its express detangling mist melts knots with one application, making the hair easier to style. Between shampoos, it refreshes the hair lightly while providing intense hydration.

Usage

Versatile; can be sprayed on dry or damp hair, from scalp to ends. It makes hair softer and shinier day by day while forming a protective shield.

SHOP THE CHÉRIBÉ DAILY REFRESH MOISTURE MILK

#2 Shea Moisture

The Deep Moisturizing Detangler is formulated with certified organic raw shea butter and natural botanical extracts. It provides excellent slip to help detangle knots and reduce breakage. Suitable for dry and damaged hair. However, its fragrance is formulated from essential oils, so if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using the product.

#3 Mielle

Pomegranate & Honey Detangling Conditioner is infused with pomegranate extract, honey, and babassu oil for intense hydration and frizz control. It retains moisture, strengthens thick, curly hair and prevents breakage and split ends. Lightweight, provides excellent slip for detangling. Ideal only for thick, curly type 4 hair.

#4 Cantu

The Cantu Protective Styles Detangling Revitalizer is formulated with marula oil and aloe vera, and is free of mineral oil and silicone. It softens, smoothes, and hydrates hair, sealing in moisture within the hair shaft. Can be used as a pre-treatment for detangling protective styles like braids and locks. One user mentioned it leaves some residue on the hair even after washing.

#5 Camille Rose

Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk is a softening leave-in conditioner made with rice milk and macadamia oil for softness and shine. Lightweight and perfect for daily moisturizing and detangling. The brand recommends it for low-porosity hair although the product contains Persea Gratissima (avocado) oil and Ricinus Communis (castor) seed oil, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which tend to weigh down hair with low porosity.

#6 Deva Curl

DevaCurl One Condition Original is formulated with olive oil and botanicals for hydration and frizz control. Provides excellent slip for detangling and can be used daily. This rich creamy conditioner is recommended for medium to coarse dry curls and not for hair with low porosity, as olive oil will tend to weigh it down.

#7 Design Essentials

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner is enriched with almond and avocado oils for superior moisture and slip. Helps to easily detangle and manage hair : promises to save up to 30 minutes of detangling time ! Contains fragrance, which might cause sensitivity in some users.

#8 Mizani

The 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner provides 25 benefits in one step, including hydration, protection, repair, and detangling. It is suitable for all textured hair types but contains silicones (Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol), which can have an occlusive effect and smother the scalp, altering the natural texture of curly, frizzy, and kinky hair.

#9 Rizos Curls

Rizos Curls Deep Conditioner is enriched with shea butter, sunflower oil, and olive oil for deep hydration. Excellent for deep conditioning and detangling. Its signature fragrance (California lemon & lime citrus notes anchored in a base of sandalwood & coconut milk) may not please everyone.

#10 Curlsmith

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream is made with a blend of organic oils including avocado, sunflower, and apricot kernel. Provides intense moisture and helps with detangling.

For all curl types and any porosity. The brand regularly updates certain ingredients in its formula. Always check the product packaging for the latest, most accurate information.

#11 Pattern

Pattern Leave-In Conditioner contains honey, biotin, and sweet almond oil for hydration and protection.

Designed to provide long-lasting moisture and manageability. But contains silicones, which isn't great for sensitive scalps and textured hair whose nature could be modified.

#12 Adwoa Beauty

Hair milk leave-in conditioner with melonberry is enriched a melonberry™️ proprietary blend contains up to 70% essential fatty acid like linoleic acid and includes oleic, palmitic, and stearic acid. Rich in natural vitamin E to promote cell regeneration, and moisture retention. Formulated for fine and curly hair. Warning: also contains olive and avocado oils, which are not friendly to low-porosity hair. 

#13 Bread Beauty Supply

Baby-soft is enriched with watermelon, ceramide complex and finger lime to help hair maintian moisture. Specifically designed to be ultra-high slip, detangling even the densest, knottiest of hair. More expensive than the other products on this list ($24).

#14 Sienna Naturals

Sienna Naturals Untangled Conditioner is made with baobab oil, castor oil, and moringa oil for deep conditioning.

Provides excellent slip for detangling and leaves hair soft and manageable. Some users may find it less effective on extremely thick or coarse hair.

How to Detangle Natural Hair?

The curly and spiral nature of afro hair makes it more prone to knots and tangles. But with the right products and gentle detangling techniques, you can easily manage knots and minimize breakage.

Step 1: Hair Sections

• After shampooing, wring out your hair and divide it into small sections.

Step 2: Pre-Detangling with Oils (Optional)

• Before applying your detangler, you can use a light oil (jojoba, grape seed, sweet almond) to soften your hair.

Step 3: Applying the Detangling Product

• Apply your detangler to damp hair from roots to ends, focusing on the lengths.

Step 4: Detangling with Appropriate Tools

• Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.

FAQ

What is Detangling Milk for Hair?

A detangling milk combines light hydration, protection, and ease of detangling. It is generally formulated to be left in the hair (leave-in) and is suitable for daily use on dry and fragile hair like afro hair.

How to Apply Detangling Milk?

Apply a detangling milk to both dry and damp hair. Make sure to distribute the product evenly from roots to ends.

When to Use Detangling Milk?

• After washing: Apply to clean, damp hair after shampooing.
• Before styling: Apply to damp or dry hair before styling to facilitate detangling and prepare the hair for styling.

What is Detangling Conditioner for Hair?

A detangling conditioner is designed to rehydrate hair after shampooing, whose cleansing effect can sometimes dry out the hair shaft. It also helps soften the hair and reduce knots.

How to Apply Detangling Conditioner?

Apply a detangling conditioner to wet hair and rinse with clear water. During the application time (3-5 minutes), you can use a wide-tooth comb to facilitate detangling.

When Should You Use Detangling Conditioner?

A detangling conditioner is typically used on wash days. Either as a pre-shampoo to nourish and repair hair deeply, or right after shampooing. In any case, a detangling conditioner should be rinsed out.

Detangling Conditioner Vs. Leave-in Conditioner: What’s the Difference?

Detangling Conditioner:

• Usage: Applied and rinsed out after shampooing.
• Texture: Often thicker and richer in hydrating ingredients.
• Role: Hydrate, soften, and facilitate hair detangling.
• Ideal for: A complete routine for very dry and damaged hair needing deep hydration.
• Long-term benefits: Provides intense hydration after washing and immediate detangling.

Leave-In Conditioner:

• Usage: Applied to damp or dry hair and not rinsed out.
• Texture: Lighter to avoid product buildup on hair.
• Role: Continuous hydration, facilitates styling, and offers extra protection.
• Ideal for: Maintaining hydration between washes, refreshing curls, and protecting hair from daily aggressors.
• Long-term benefits: Continuous hydration throughout the day, protection, and ease of styling.

Conclusion

Dry and fragile by nature, black hair is thirsty! It's vital to regularly apply moisturizing products, which help seal and maintain moisture at the heart of the hair fiber, and to use gentle detangling techniques to limit breakage.

And to detangle knots properly, you need to use detanglers rich in humectants and nourishing ingredients. Whether spray, cream or conditioner... The key is to ensure that the product respects your hair texture, both in terms of composition and texture. 

At Wash Day, you can combine a detangling conditioner after your shampoo, to moisturize your hair and make detangling easier, then top it off with a leave-in conditioner that will provide continuous hydration and greater protection between washes. Keep your beautiful black hair healthy!