8 of the Best Detangling Products and Tools to Use After Protective Styling
Getting a fresh set of braids or twists not only means you get to show off a hot new style — you also get to enjoy six to eight weeks of pure, simplified haircare bliss.
However, once time's up, the real work begins, and you'll need to spend a few hours not only unbraiding your hair, but also carefully detangling your natural strands to avoid any potential breakage.
"Detangling removes knots and your natural shedding," explains Brendnetta Ashley, artistic educator at The Salon by InStyle Inside JCPenney. "It makes managing your hair much easier."
To get started, the expert stylist recommends having the right products and tools on hand, like a good leave-in conditioner and a comb or brush that was specifically designed for detangling. "Start in small subsections and brush from the ends of your hair up towards the roots," Ashley says. "A key tip is to hold your section with the opposite hand so you aren’t tugging and pulling on your hair."
Below, Ashley shares some of her go-to products and tools for properly detangling delicate hair.
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The Wet Brush Rock 'n Roll Original Detangler Brush
To shop: $10; jcpenney.com
"A detangling brush like The Wet Brush [is one of the] best tools to use," Ashley shares. "Avoid using small tooth combs or boar bristle brushes, because they will pull at the hair, creating damage."
Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner
To shop: $10; jcpenney.com
This ultra-nourishing conditioner, enriched with natural agave extracts, mango butter, and lavender oil strengthens the hair and helps to smooth the hair cuticle so detangling and styling is a breeze.
The Wet Brush The Works Children's Formula Detangler
To shop: $11; jcpenney.com
Don't get it twisted, this product isn't only just for kids — although it will make wash day a lot easier for your little ones. "The Wet Brush The Works Detangler is my favorite detangling sprays," says Ashley.
This spray gives the hair lots of extra slip to allow your tools to glide through curls.
Matrix Biolage All-In-One Coconut Infusion
To shop: $17; jcpenney.com
Ashley is also a big fan of Biolage's All-In-One Coconut Infusion spray, calling it one of the best products for detangling hair. Bonus: it's paraben-free and also acts as a heat and color protectant.
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Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Detangling Hairbrush
To shop: $40; jcpenney.com
The Tangle Teezer has a cult following for a reason: it's extraordinary. Use this ergonomic brush on wet hair to easily (and painlessly) detangle your strands while also helping to define your curls and coils.
Urban Hydration Detangler
To shop: $11; jcpenney.com
Let this paraben, sulfate, and silicone-free formula help nourish and detangle your curls with its expert blend of castor and argan oil, honey extract, aloe, and vitamins A and E.
Mizani Miracle Milk Oz Leave in Conditioner
To shop: $19; jcpenney.com
This ultra-hydrating spray will not only leave any hair texture silky soft and free of knots. It also smooths hair, provides color protection, and combats frizz, if that's what you're into.
KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
To shop: $9; jcpenney.com
When it comes to detangling, especially after taking out your braids, not only should you have a good conditioner on hand, but it's equally important to use a specially formulated cleanser. Keracare's Hydrating Detangling shampoo works to remove excess oils and buildup from both the hair and scalp without stripping moisture. It also helps to decrease interfiber friction to reduce breakage overtime.
This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.
