The first thing people notice about me is my hair. It’s down to the hip, straight, thick and glossy – if I do say so myself. But I won’t give my good hair genes all the credit; I heavily rely on brilliant conditioning and detangling hair sprays to make sure it’s always got a healthy swish, luscious shine and smooth ends.
I’m constantly asked how I’ve managed to grow my hair to this length and maintain its healthy-looking shine. Truthfully, my hair story begins quite traumatically, by a very short and spiky haircut when I was five. Ever since, I’ve committed to growing my hair out as long as possible. As a child and young teen, while my hair grew longer, I took inspiration from Disney princesses (oh, how I dreamt of running a dinglehopper so effortlessly through long hair as Ariel did) and began daily morning and evening rituals with my mother, where I’d sit by her vanity while she brushed my hair. The fruity scent of L’Oréal Kids’ Tangle Tamer will be forever etched in my mind.
Fast-forward 20 odd years and I’ve come to find that with great hair comes great responsibility. Washing and blow drying my hair takes around 40 minutes in total (it usually takes two stylists in the salon to dry it within reasonable time), nourishing hair masks, lots and lots of hair brushing, and the best detangling sprays to make sure my locks stay healthy.
Why use a detangling hair spray?
While the right hair brush helps to detangle those pesky knots, a great detangling spray offers additional benefits for incredible hair; from reducing frizz and offering heat protection, to conditioning and providing UV protection. But the formula isn’t the only thing it comes down to – the way you use your detangling spray is key for painless, snag-free brushing.
How to use detangling spray
Towel dry your hair (pat and press your hair dry rather than rubbing, as this causes more knots), part your hair and spritz through the lengths. Using your favourite hair brush (I love the Manta hair brush that’s great on wet or dry hair, is 360 degrees flexible for easy gliding, and is made of gentle silicone), brush through the lengths carefully.
The best detangling sprays with added benefits
Make brushing a breeze with these six of the best detangling sprays that will remove stubborn knots to reveal a smooth shine that’s fit for a Disney princess.
Best for: thick or curly hair
Tangle Teezer Everyday Detangling Cream Spray, £7.99
Knots, frizziness and lacklustre hair are a common bug bear for those with thicker, curlier hair types. If your hair feels particularly dry, this shea-butter infused spray nourishes your hair with long-lasting moisture to reduce frizz. Plus, the lightweight creamy mist helps to maintain natural curl definition with a smoother and softer finish.
Best for: fine or fragile hair
Redken Extreme Anti-Snap, £18.25
Thin hair types are more prone to damage, and brushing out knots can be painful. This anti-snap treatment from Redken does exactly what it says on the tin – it fortifies your delicate strands to reduce the risk of breakage. Enriched with ceramides and a complex of proteins, it smoothes the cuticle while protecting against heat styling and brushing.
Best for: sun and colour protection
Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, £16
The summer season means plentiful sunshine and holidays to sun-soaked locations. Untangle those salty seaside knots with this multi-tasking mist that’s packed with a special blend of coconut oil, banana pulp and peel and quinoa protein. And as its name suggests, it not only prevents split ends, controls frizz and conditions the hair for easy brushing, but it also provides sun, UV and colour protection.
Best for: sensitive scalps
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Leave-In Detangler, £21
Stressed-out tresses and uncomfortable scalps will love this kind-to-skin spray. The formula, which is made without fragrance, essential oils, lactose, soy or gluten, has been approved by dermatologists. Instead, you’ll find 99% healthy, natural and vegan ingredients such as green tea extract and yep, you guessed it – moisturising oat milk and soothing aloe vera.
Best for: frizz
John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Miracle Leave-In Conditioner, £6.99
Frizz and flyaways, be gone! Loved by beauty editors worldwide, this super lightweight conditioner spray is packed full of vitamins and green tea extract to keep locks hydrated and frizz at bay. And if your frizz is down to damage from colour treatments and bleaching, don’t worry – it’s safe to use on colour, as well as chemically-treated hair too.
Best for: heat protection and pre-styling
Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer, £20
Exposure to high heat changes the shape of your hair’s keratin strands, leading to weaker hair with less elasticity. If you find that your hair breaks easily or is prone to split ends, heat styling and blow drying could be the cause. This clever hair primer from Amika protects against heat of up to 230 degrees. It also cuts down on blow dry time, nourishes with avocado oil and sea buckthorn, and is safe for colour and keratin-treated hair.
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