DIY Natural Hair Detangler Spray: Achieve Smooth, Tangle-Free Hair Naturally

Transform your hair care routine with this incredible natural homemade hair detangler spray. Designed to make combing through even the most stubborn tangles simple and stress-free, this DIY recipe uses just a few common ingredients you likely already have at home. Say goodbye to painful brushing sessions and hello to silky, manageable hair for the whole family.

This post is sponsored by NOW® Solutions. All opinions are 100% my own.

Anyone who has a child with long hair, or even struggles with their own prone-to-tangles locks, knows the daily battle that can ensue during hair brushing. When my daughter was little, I quickly discovered the “joy” of untangling her fine, straight hair after a day of play. Despite my own wavy, curly hair being prone to knots, her hair seemed to gather huge tangles at the back of her head, making brushing a frustrating experience for both of us.

The constant fighting, squirming, and the inevitable “Are we done yet?” questions made me realize there had to be a better solution. I wasn’t keen on relying on store-bought detanglers, which often contain artificial fragrances and potentially harmful chemicals. This led me on a mission to create a natural, effective, and safe alternative.

The result is this incredible homemade detangler spray. It’s so effective, we sometimes affectionately call it our “anti-fight spray” because it truly transforms brushing from a dreaded chore into a much smoother process. This DIY hair detangler leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable without any greasy residue, making knots much easier to release. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

Why I Created My Own Recipe:

The motivation behind developing my own natural detangler recipe stemmed from a desire for transparency and safety in the products my family uses. Many conventional hair detanglers on the market contain a cocktail of ingredients that raise concerns, such as synthetic fragrances, methylisothiazolinone, polysorbate-80, and cetrimonium chloride. These are substances I prefer to avoid exposing my children and myself to daily.

I wanted a natural option that would not only be effective but also gentle and safe for all hair types. My daughter’s fine, straight hair and my own wavy texture both benefit immensely from this natural detangler, proving its versatility. It’s a simple recipe featuring ingredients known for their hair-nourishing properties, ensuring a product you can trust.

For all my natural product needs, NOW® Solutions remains my go-to brand. I’ve been a loyal user and recommender of their products for years, consistently impressed by their unwavering commitment to quality, purity, and ethical sourcing. This partnership allows me to confidently share recipes using ingredients I genuinely believe in.

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Homemade Natural Hair Detangler Ingredients:

Crafting your own hair detangler gives you complete control over what goes into your hair. Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen for its specific benefits, contributing to a powerful, yet gentle, detangling solution.

Water: The foundation of any spray, water helps dilute the other ingredients. To prevent spoilage and ensure the longevity of your homemade product, it’s crucial to use distilled water or water that has been boiled and thoroughly cooled. This minimizes the risk of bacterial growth, keeping your detangler fresh and safe for use.

Vegetable Glycerin: This incredible humectant is a hero for dry, tangled hair. Vegetable glycerin works by drawing moisture from the air and locking it into your hair strands, providing intense hydration and helping to smooth the hair cuticle. This makes hair softer, more pliable, and significantly easier to comb through. I highly recommend NOW® Solutions Vegetable Glycerin, which is sustainably sourced from non-GMO palm, grapeseed, and coconut oil, ensuring a high-quality product.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): More than just a kitchen staple, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic natural conditioner. Its slightly acidic pH helps to seal the hair’s cuticle, which can become raised and rough, leading to tangles and dullness. By smoothing the cuticle, ACV enhances shine, reduces frizz, and makes hair feel incredibly soft. It also helps to clarify the scalp by breaking down product buildup and excess oil, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth (source).

Jojoba Oil: Often called nature’s most versatile moisturizer, jojoba oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish both hair and scalp. What makes it unique is its close resemblance to the natural sebum produced by our own scalp, making it easily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue. It’s an exceptional moisturizer that can soften hair, soothe scalp dryness, and add a healthy sheen. NOW® Organic Jojoba Oil has been a long-time favorite of mine, used in various skincare products like my Homemade Makeup Remover. If jojoba oil isn’t available, other light carrier oils like olive oil or almond oil can be used as alternatives.

Essential Oils: While entirely optional, adding essential oils can elevate your detangler spray with wonderful natural fragrances and additional hair benefits. For this particular recipe, I’ve chosen a blend of lemon, chamomile, and lavender essential oils. These not only smell divine but also offer properties that promote hair health. NOW® is renowned for its commitment to providing the purest, highest-quality essential oils at accessible prices, making them an excellent choice for your DIY projects. See below for a detailed list of essential oils beneficial for hair.

Tools You May Need:

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth and easy preparation process for your homemade detangler.

• Glass spray bottle (a 4oz or 8oz bottle is ideal for easy handling and storage, like this one)
• Measuring spoons (for accurate ingredient ratios)
• Small mixing bowl or directly into the spray bottle (for combining ingredients)

Tips For Effortless Detangling Hair:

Detangling hair doesn’t have to be a painful ordeal. With the right techniques and tools, you can minimize breakage and make the process much more pleasant. Incorporate these tips along with your homemade detangler for the best results:

• Always Detangle When Hair is Wet or Damp: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Dry hair with knots is significantly harder to comb out and much more prone to breakage. Wet hair has more elasticity and the detangler can spread more effectively, allowing knots to loosen without resistance.
• Invest in the Right Tools: Ditch standard brushes for a specialized detangling brush, a wide-tooth comb, or a wet brush. A wet brush, in particular, was a game-changer in our household, designed to glide through tangles with minimal pulling.
• Distract Little Ones: If you’re detangling a child’s hair, keeping them entertained can make a world of difference. Offer a book, put on a favorite show, or engage another person to help distract them while you gently work through their hair.
• Start from the Bottom Up: Never begin brushing at the roots when detangling. Always start at the very ends of the hair and work your way up in small sections. This prevents pushing knots further down the hair shaft, making them larger and more difficult to remove.
• Use Your Detangling Spray Liberally: Don’t be shy with your homemade detangler! Spritz it generously over knotted areas. The lubricating properties of the spray will help soften the hair and allow the comb to glide through more easily.
• Section Your Hair: For very long, thick, or curly hair, divide it into smaller, manageable sections using hair clips. This ensures you can focus on one area at a time, making the detangling process more efficient and less overwhelming.

Best Essential Oils For Hair Health and Fragrance:

Essential oils not only provide a delightful natural fragrance but can also offer therapeutic benefits for your hair and scalp. When selecting essential oils for your detangler, consider their unique properties:

Lavender Essential Oil: Universally loved for its calming and soothing aroma, lavender is also beneficial for hair. It can help promote a healthy scalp, encourage hair growth, and leave hair with a beautiful, soft scent. It’s generally considered safe for children, making it a popular choice for family recipes.

Chamomile Essential Oil: Known for its gentle, soothing properties, chamomile can help soften hair, enhance natural shine, and calm an irritated scalp. It’s particularly good for delicate hair types and adds a lovely, subtle floral note to your detangler (source).

Rosemary and Peppermint Essential Oils: These powerful oils are often lauded for their potential to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp circulation. However, a crucial note: they are not safe for young children. If you are preparing this recipe for kids, it is best to omit these oils entirely. For adults, a small amount can be invigorating.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil can add a refreshing scent and impart natural shine to hair. It’s often associated with brightening effects. *There is always a concern for phototoxicity when using citrus oils (they can increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight), but since this recipe contains a very small, diluted amount and is typically used on hair rather than exposed skin, it should be fine. If you have concerns, especially with sensitive skin or direct sun exposure, you can skip lemon essential oil in this recipe or use it primarily at night.*

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: This exotic floral oil is wonderful for balancing oil production on the scalp, which can benefit both oily and dry hair types. It also contributes a rich, sweet fragrance that is often used in perfumery and can help strengthen hair strands.

Note: The combination of lavender, chamomile, and lemon essential oils creates a truly magical and uplifting aroma. The first time I used this blend on my 4-year-old, she exclaimed, “Wow! That smells heavenly!”

How To Make Your Homemade Natural Hair Detangler Spray

Creating your own natural hair detangler is incredibly simple and takes just a few minutes. Follow these easy steps to mix up a batch that will keep your hair smooth and free of knots.

Step 1: Combine Liquid Ingredients

In a clean jar or directly into your spray bottle, add the distilled water, vegetable glycerin, apple cider vinegar, and jojoba oil. Stir or gently shake the mixture to ensure these ingredients are well combined. The glycerin and oils will help the detangler spread evenly through your hair.

Step 2: Add Essential Oils (Optional)

If you choose to use essential oils for their fragrance and added benefits, now is the time to add a few drops to your mixture. Remember the safety notes for children when selecting your oils. Give the container another good shake to disperse the essential oils evenly throughout the solution.

Step 3: Store and Use

Pour the entire mixture into your glass spray bottle. It’s essential to shake the bottle well before each use, as the oils and water can naturally separate over time. For optimal freshness and to prolong shelf life, store your homemade detangler spray in the refrigerator and aim to use it within one month. This prevents any potential spoilage, especially since it contains natural ingredients without harsh preservatives.

How To Use Your Detangler:

For the best detangling experience, follow these steps after washing your hair:

• Prep Hair: After washing your hair with your favorite natural shampoo and following up with a good conditioner, gently towel-dry your hair until it’s damp, but still quite wet.
• Shake and Spritz: Gently shake your detangler spray bottle to mix all the ingredients. Then, generously spritz the detangler onto your damp hair, focusing on areas prone to tangles and knots. Ensure good coverage without oversaturating.
• Comb Gently: Starting from the ends of your hair, begin to comb through with a wet brush or a wide-tooth comb. Work in small sections, gradually moving up towards the roots. This method minimizes pulling and breakage. If you encounter a stubborn knot, apply a little more detangler directly to it and gently tease it apart with your fingers before combing.
• Enjoy: Once all tangles are removed, style your hair as usual. You’ll be left with soft, smooth, and moisturized hair that’s easy to manage throughout the day.

Explore More Homemade Natural Products:

Once you start making your own natural hair and body products, it’s hard to stop! Here are some of our other favorite DIY recipes to inspire your natural living journey:

• Homemade Face Wash
• Green Tea Clay Face Mask
• Rosemary Water For Hair
• DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner
• Homemade Hair Spray
• Anti-Frizz Serum
• Scalp Scrub

If you try this recipe and love it, I would truly appreciate you coming back and giving it 5 stars. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy this natural solution too! Please and thank you!

Making your own homemade hair products offers a fantastic way to control the ingredients you expose your body to, reducing unnecessary chemicals and embracing natural alternatives. What are some of your favorite DIY hair care recipes you’ve tried? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

A huge thank you to NOW® Solutions for sponsoring this post. Their dedication to natural, high-quality products, from essential oils and carrier oils to foods and supplements, makes them an invaluable partner in promoting a healthier, more natural lifestyle.