Tangled hair can be a frustrating and time-consuming problem, especially for those with long or curly hair. While many products on the market claim to help, the right shampoo can make all the difference. They should not only detangle but also nourish and strengthen the hair. After testing dozens of shampoos, we identified the top five shampoos for tangled hair that we believe will make a noticeable difference in the health and manageability of your hair.
What Makes Hair Tangle?
Understanding the root causes of tangled hair is the first step toward finding the best solution. Several factors contribute to this issue, including:
- Hair Texture: The texture of your hair plays a significant role in how easily it tangles. Curly and wavy hair types are more prone to tangling than straight hair because the irregular shape of the hair strands interlocks more easily.
- Hair Length: Longer hair is more likely to tangle because there is more surface area for the strands to interact with each other and external factors like wind, friction, and clothing.
- Dryness: Dry and damaged hair is more prone to tangling because the cuticle layer, which normally lays flat and smooth, can become rough and raised. This allows hair strands to catch on each other more easily.
- Lack of Conditioning: Proper conditioning and moisturizing your hair can help prevent tangling. Conditioners and hair oils add moisture, making the hair smoother and less likely to catch on each other.
- Environmental Factors: Wind, humidity, and exposure to the elements can contribute to tangling. Wind can blow hair around and cause strands to tangle, while humidity makes hair swell and more prone to tangling.
- Friction: Rubbing your hair against clothing or other surfaces can lead to tangling. This is why hair can become more tangled during physical activities or while sleeping.
- Hair Accessories: Using certain hair accessories like rubber bands or hair ties with metal parts can lead to tangling if not used properly. They can snag and pull on the hair, causing knots.
- Chemical Treatments: Hair that has been chemically treated, such as with dyes, perms, or relaxers, can be more susceptible to tangling due to the damage these treatments can cause to the hair’s structure.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Tangled Hair
When searching for the best shampoo for tangled hair, there are several features to consider to ensure that you choose the right product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Hair Type
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a shampoo for tangled hair is your hair type. Different hair types require different formulas to effectively remove tangles without damaging the hair. For example, those with curly hair may need a shampoo that is specifically designed for curly hair to help detangle and define curls.
Ingredients
It’s important to look for shampoos that contain ingredients that are known to help detangle hair. Some common ingredients include:
- Silicones: These can help smooth the hair cuticle and reduce tangling.
- Keratin: This protein can help strengthen hair and reduce breakage, leading to fewer tangles.
- Aloe vera: This natural ingredient can help soothe the scalp and reduce irritation, leading to less tangling.
Look for shampoos that contain natural oils like argan, coconut, or jojoba, which can help moisturize and soften the hair. Additionally, shampoos free from sulfates and parabens can help prevent further damage to the hair.
Formulation
The shampoo formulation can also play a role in how well it detangles hair. Look for a lightweight shampoo that won’t weigh down your hair but is still moisturizing enough to help reduce tangling. Some shampoos also come with built-in conditioners, which can help further reduce tangling.
Price
Price is always a consideration when choosing any hair care product. While choosing a high-quality shampoo that will effectively detangle your hair is important, you also don’t want to break the bank. Look for reasonably priced shampoos that offer good value for the money.
8 Best Shampoos for Tangled Hair Review
1. Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner for Kids
If you are looking for a shampoo and conditioner set that will transform your kid’s hair into soft, silky perfection, Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner for Kids is a great option.
Pros
- The shampoo and conditioner set is the ultimate detangling and smoothing solution for unruly knots and curly tops.
- It is safe to use as a toddler shampoo and conditioner perfect to use with your favorite detangler brush.
- The shampoo calms eliminates frizz, and moisturizes with Panthenol and Vitamin E + enriched with Keratin and Vitamin B.
Cons
- The shampoo may not be suitable for people with dry hair.
- The scent may be too strong for some people.
- The shampoo may not lather as much as other shampoos.
We have been using Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner for a few weeks and are impressed with the results. The shampoo and conditioner set has made combing through our kid’s hair a breeze, leaving their hair feeling soft and silky.
The shampoo and conditioner set is sulfate, paraben, phthalate, gluten, soy, dairy, and nut-free, making it safe for the whole family to use. It is enriched with Keratin and Vitamin B, which strengthens, smooths, and detangles all hair types.
In addition, It is easy to use. Simply wet hair, apply shampoo, lather, and rinse. Follow up with the conditioner, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse. The shampoo and conditioner set works best when used together with Fairy Tales Detangling Spray.
Overall, we highly recommend Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner for Kids to anyone looking for a shampoo and conditioner set to transform their hair into soft, silky perfection.
2. Dove Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Shampoo
If you want shiny, silky hair that is easy to manage and touchably soft, then you should try Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Shampoo.
Pros
- Infused with natural oils, it moisturizes and deeply nourishes hair, leaving it shiny and manageable.
- This shampoo is part of the range of frizz-control hair products, which instantly helps tame frizzy, unruly hair.
- Continuous use gives progressive nourishment over time for hair that looks and feels healthier.
Cons
- The shampoo may not be suitable for people who don’t like the smell of oil in their hair.
- It may not work well for people with extremely oily hair.
- Some users have reported that the shampoo makes their hair feel greasy.
We have personally used this shampoo and can attest to its effectiveness. The weightless Nutri Oils in this shampoo gently cleanse and deeply nourish hair from within, making it soft and manageable from the very first use. With regular use, your hair will look and feel healthier over time.
The non-greasy formula doesn’t weigh hair down and is suitable for daily use. When used alongside Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Conditioner, this Dove anti-frizz shampoo dry hair treatment helps to smooth up to 100% of roughness and controls frizz, leaving you with hair that looks soft and shiny.
Simply apply this shampoo for damaged hair to wet hair, lather, and rinse. Follow up your hair oil treatment with Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Conditioner or dry hair treatment mask for best results.
In summary, we highly recommend Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Shampoo if you want to have soft, manageable, and healthy-looking hair.
3. Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo for Kids
If you’re looking for a shampoo that can detangle your hair and keep it smooth and silky, then Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The shampoo is perfect for kids and toddlers but also great for adults with unruly knots and curly hair.
- It’s enriched with Keratin and Vitamin B, which helps strengthen, smooth, and detangle all hair types.
- It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
Cons
- Some users find the scent too strong.
- The shampoo may not lather as much as other shampoos.
- It may not work for extremely tangled hair.
Our experience with Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo has been great so far. We love how it makes our hair soft and silky, and it’s definitely easier to comb through after using it. The shampoo is also safe for kids and toddlers, which is a big plus.
The shampoo is enriched with Keratin and Vitamin B, which helps strengthen and detangle hair. It’s also free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
However, some users may find the scent too strong, and the shampoo may not lather as much as other shampoos. Additionally, it may not work for extremely tangled hair.
Overall, Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo is a great product worth trying. It’s gentle, effective, and safe for the whole family.
4. COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo
We highly recommend the COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo for those with color-treated hair looking for a sulfate-free, professional-grade shampoo that promotes healthy hair.
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling clean and healthy
- Safe for all hair types and colors
- Do not strip hair of color
Cons
- Expensive compared to other shampoos
- It may not lather as much as some people prefer
- Some users may not like the scent
This shampoo is specifically designed to protect and preserve color-treated hair. It lathers well and leaves hair feeling clean, soft, and healthy. It is also safe for all hair types and colors, so there’s no need to worry about it damaging your hair. The shampoo is sulfate-free so it won’t strip your hair of its natural oils or color.
One downside to this shampoo is that it is expensive compared to other shampoos on the market. Additionally, some users may not like the scent, although it is not overpowering. Finally, some users have reported that the shampoo does not lather as much as they would like.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality, sulfate-free shampoo to protect your color-treated hair, we highly recommend the COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo.
5. Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo
If you’re looking for a shampoo that can add volume to your fine hair, Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo is worth considering.
Pros
- Adds volume to fine hair
- Lightweight formula
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- Expensive compared to other shampoos
- It may not work for all hair types
- Strong fragrances may not be suitable for everyone
We tried Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo and found that it did add volume to our fine hair without weighing it down. The lightweight formula made our hair feel clean and fresh. We also appreciate that it’s cruelty-free and vegan.
However, the shampoo is expensive compared to other options in the market. It may not work for all hair types, so checking the ingredients before purchasing is important. The strong fragrance may not suit everyone, so it’s important to consider this factor before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a shampoo that can add volume to your fine hair, Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo is a good option to consider.
6. Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo
If you’re looking for a deep hydrating shampoo for very dry hair, Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo is a great option.
Pros
- Moisturizes hair to prevent breakage
- Contains Biolage AromaScience™ fragrance
- Paraben and silicone-free
Cons
- It may be too much for hair that isn’t already very dry
- Slightly expensive compared to other shampoos
- It may not work for all hair types
We’ve been using this shampoo for a while now, and we can confidently say it’s one of the best hydrating shampoos out there. It moisturizes hair to prevent breakage and leaves it soft and shiny. The shampoo also contains Biolage AromaScience™ fragrance, which gives hair a refreshing scent.
One of the best things about this shampoo is that it’s paraben and silicone-free. This means that it’s vegan and contains no harsh chemicals that could damage your hair. The shampoo is also very easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of product to get the job done.
However, remember that this shampoo may be too much for hair that isn’t already very dry. It’s also slightly expensive compared to other shampoos, so it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget. Lastly, it may not work for all hair types, so it’s important to do a patch test before using it on your entire head.
Overall, if you’re looking for a deeply hydrating shampoo that will leave your hair soft and shiny, Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo is definitely worth trying out.
7. SO Jamaican Black Castor Oil
If you’re looking for a shampoo that will deeply hydrate your hair and prevent tangling, SO Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extreme Hydration & Detangling Shampoo is definitely worth trying.
Pros
- Infused with 100% pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Sesame Seed Oil and rose-hip Oil for healthy hair regrowth
- Promotes hair growth with its ultra-hydrating formula infused with Rose-hip and Sesame Seed Oils
- Protects hair from UV rays and shields your locks from becoming dull, brittle, frizzy and discolored
Cons
- The bottle is stiff and hard to squeeze out as much as you would like
- The scent is not feminine or floral, but not too masculine either
- You may need to use the conditioner for the best results
We were impressed with how SO Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo effectively detangles hair while also deeply hydrating it. The infusion of 100% pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil works wonders to treat dry, itchy scalp while adding volume and shine to your tresses.
The shampoo is excellent for all hair types and textures and is free of sulfates and parabens. It’s also an anti-fade formula, perfect for color-treated hair. We found that it thickens and adds volume to thinning hair.
To use, apply the shampoo daily to wet hair and massage it into a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary. For best results, use the SO Extreme Hydration & Detangling Conditioner.
Overall, we highly recommend SO Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extreme Hydration & Detangling Shampoo for anyone looking for a shampoo that will deeply hydrate and detangle their hair.
8. SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Detangling Shampoo
If you’re looking for a sulfate-free and color-safe shampoo that can detangle your hair, SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Detangling Shampoo could be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- This shampoo is formulated with high slip, so it can easily detangle your hair without causing any damage.
- SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Detangling Shampoo is blended with red palm oil, cocoa butter, flaxseed oil, and fair-trade shea butter to leave your hair soft, shiny, and tangle-free.
- This moisturizing shampoo is perfect for all hair types, especially damaged and natural curls.
Cons
- Some users have reported that this shampoo can leave a residue on their scalp.
- SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Detangling Shampoo is a bit expensive compared to similar products in the market.
- This shampoo may not work for everyone, as every person’s hair is different.
In our experience, SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Detangling Shampoo is an excellent product that can detangle your hair without causing any damage. It’s blended with red palm oil, cocoa butter, flaxseed oil, and fair-trade shea butter to leave your hair soft, shiny, and tangle-free.
We love that it’s perfect for all hair types, especially damaged and natural curls. However, some users have reported that this shampoo can leave a residue on their scalp, and it’s a bit expensive compared to similar products in the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality shampoo that can detangle your hair, SheaMoisture Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Detangling Shampoo is definitely worth trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a regular shampoo for tangled hair?
A: While you can use a regular shampoo, it’s advisable to opt for a shampoo specifically designed to tackle tangles for the best results.
Q: How often should I wash my tangled hair?
A: Washing your hair every 2-3 days is generally recommended. However, it can vary based on your hair type and lifestyle.
Q: Can I use a detangling brush after washing?
A: Yes, using a detangling brush after washing can further help prevent tangles. Be gentle to avoid hair breakage.
Q: Are there any home remedies for tangled hair?
A: Home remedies like using coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment or apple cider vinegar as a rinse can help manage tangled hair naturally.
Q: Can tangled hair lead to hair loss?
A: Excessive tangling and pulling can contribute to hair breakage, which may lead to the appearance of hair loss. Using the right shampoo and handling hair gently can help prevent this.
Conclusion
Achieving beautiful, tangle-free hair is within your reach. By choosing the best shampoo for tangled hair and following our expert tips, you can say goodbye to frustrating knots and hello to smooth, manageable locks. Embrace the confidence that comes with healthy, tangle-free hair, and make every day a good hair day.
