This DIY natural detangler contains none of the weird ingredients that are found in traditional detanglers. Use it after washing hair to help reduce tugging at tangles and frizz! Whether you’re dealing with a head of curls on your kids or your own mane that’s prone to knots, you’ll love this homemade detangler.
As any mom to a kid with curls galore will tell you, those adorable little tufts of super soft hair can make life miserable for all involved.
They tangle, they knot, they collect heaps of who even knows. It can be nearly impossible to make them look presentable.
Oh, and getting all of those knots out? It hurts! So, more often than not, we turn to some form of hair product to make life a bit easier.
As a kid, those Loreal Kids detanglers were a fave. Do you remember those fish-shaped shampoo bottles?
A Natural detangler for kids
I was shocked by what was in them.
“Water, PEG 14 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Cetrimonium Chloride, Citronellol, Amino Methyl Propanol” WHAT?!? I don’t even know what any of that is.
So I looked into making my own with natural ingredients. I wanted something that I wouldn’t feel like I needed to cover my kids’ face before spraying.
The Easiest DIY Detangler
This natural detangler is perfect for curls of all ages. In fact, I’ve been using it myself and LOVE how it’s been making brushing out my hair easier and keeping frizzies at bay!
It works great with my Cowashing routine as well!
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Natural Homemade Detangler Recipe
Here’s the super simple recipe to make this yourself. I made a small amount and it truly lasts a long time.
What you’ll need for DIY detangler
- 3 TBS apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup filtered water
- 1/2 tsp argan oil (olive oil or avocado oil would also work)
- Bottle
- Optional: essential oils*
Time needed: 5 minutes.
This natural DIY detagler is perfect for kiddos of all ages. Keep curls tamed and easy to brush out.
- Mix!
Mix all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake.
- Use!
Spritz over wet hair before combing to help release knots.
Tips for making natural detangler:
- I used 12 drops of sweet orange oil. I think lavender would be great if your kiddo takes a nighttime tub to help soothe them to sleep.
- If you plan on using essential oils, use a dark glass spray bottle to protect the oil.
- I do suggest using some sort of oil because while the AC vinegar smell evaporates, it does smell a bit before then.
- Most sources agree that a glass bottle is best to reduce ickies getting into your natural detangler.
Using the detangler
I’ve been using it on my boys after bathtime. Spray it all over damp hair and use a wide tooth comb to get any knots out.
When encountering a particularly tough knot, spray the knot and allow to sit for a bit. Rub the detangler into the knot, and then gently try to comb it out. Repeat as necessary.
Does your kiddo have crazy curls? Do you use a detangler? Let me know in the comments!
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Heather@hungryforbalance says
I love this! Matilda’s hair gets tangled so easily and I always feel so bad for yanking and tugging a comb through it! Pinning this for later!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
So genius! I’m just too lazy to buy detangler from the store so I’ll have to try this one out 🙂
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
ugh i used to have sooo many knots all of the time and i put up a fight every time my mom wanted to help me get them out…..im sure i will have a child now that does the same. what goes around comes around, right!? hahaha
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
You are so clever, girl! I need this for my crazy frizzy hair! ;P
Amberjane says
I love using argan oil Morgan so this sounds great – Thank you for sharing with Pin worthy Wednesday
Nikki Jo Frank-Hamilton says
Morgan I love this! When we can replace chemicals with natural ingredients it’s a win-win for all. We seem to forget that whatever we put on our skin absorbs into our body and it affects the way our body works as well as our health. I am sharing this with all of my friends I hope that they will be able to reproduce this for themselves as well as their children.
Gretchen Solomon says
well….I’m sooo excited!!!!! GREAT!!!!!! I’ll be using these tips!!!
Abby Fehr says
This is so great!! Thank you for sharing! We have plenty of hair drama at my house, so this should help!
Charlotte @Charlottes_cafe says
Thanks for sharing your detangler recipe! Found it on Snickerdoodle Sunday
angie says
thanks so much for sharing I will try for both my grand-daughter and my residents as well
thanks again
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
My daughters both get a lot of tangles so I may have to try this! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Share The Wealth Sunday!
Simone says
My daughter’s hair gets beyond tangled! Definitely trying this. Thanks!
Julie @ Logger's Wife says
It has never dawned on me to make a natural hair detangler. Thanks for the recipe! #Titus2Tuesday
Nicole @ The Professional Mom Project says
I have to try this! Both my son and I have super thick and curly hair and I would love a product that would help detangle our hair without the yucky chemicals. Found your post at Show and Tell Link Party
Leigh Powell Hines says
Great idea. I just featured your post on my Young Living Essential Oil Team via Enjoy Life Oils.com. This is a great idea and I love sharing ideas with them on how to use our Essential Oils. We have a lot of members who are interested in DIY type products. I will be sure to share you links in my healthy tips email blast, too.
Thanks,
Leigh Hines
HinesSightBlog.com and EnjoyLifeOils.com