Do you struggle with knotty hair? Wake up with a new knot everyday? Worse – Have a child with knotty hair that seems to be nearing dreadlocks? You certainly aren’t alone. Knots in the hair add time and stress to your routine and can see you losing hair.
So what is the solution to this knotty problem?
Introducing my detangler spray DIY, my natural and chemical free DIY leave-in detangler is a quick and easy way to make your own detangling spray that will save you money.
My daughter, Soraya, has wavy, long hair and it seems to be in constant knots. The older she gets, the worse it seems to get – she’ll not brush her hair for days as she can’t stand the pain of it. It all becomes one big messy knot.
I hadn’t thought of detangling spray in a long time. My hair is pretty straight and tame and luckily I haven’t had to worry about it. However now I have a daughter with somewhat crazy hair- I find myself reaching for it all the time.
There are natural hair detanglers you can purchase. They can be super pricey though and making your own is a totally cost effective solution if you are going to be frequently using it.
Creating my recipe for a DIY natural detangler took a few tries with various options until the ingredients were just right. I wanted to make a detangler spray kids could use as I would primarily be using this on my daughters hair.
In this guide, I run you through everything you need to know about how to make your own detangler spray, explaining what a DIY detangler for hair is, why you should make one and, of course, my natural detangler recipe.
So, let’s get started and make a DIY detangling conditioner!
What Is A DIY Hair Detangler Spray?
A DIY hair detangler spray is a combination of various ingredients that work together to make brushing your hair a whole lot easier.
Detangler spray is a product that is used to coat and soften the hair follicles to make it easier to comb apart. It is a product that has been made to help those who are prone to tangles and knots in their hair.
A DIY detangling spray for adults is much the same as a detangling spray for kids and is basically a leave-in conditioning spray that features ingredients you most likely have sitting in your kitchen cupboard.
PinStore bought hair detangler sprays can contain ingredients like silicones and acidifers. These are definitely not friendly ingredients for our hair, particularly those with curly hair. If you have been looking for a DIY detangler spray for curly hair, my recipe is perfect for you.
The ingredients I have used in my homemade detangling conditioner will not only help to detangle your hair, it can help to protect the hair, make it shine and improve the overall health of your hair when used frequently.
Other benefits of my essential oil detangler spray is reducing frizz, heat protection and reducing breakage. It is a pretty underrated hair product, honestly.
Why Make A DIY Detangler Spray?
There are a heap of benefits to making your own homemade detangler for natural hair with the obvious being helping to detangle knotted hair. I have listed more below
Natural And Chemical Free
One of the best things about making your own detangling spray is that you can make it completely naturally and free of chemicals.
It is a great idea for those who want to reduce the amount of synthetic additives and chemicals in their hair.
Cheap And Easy
Making your own detangler spray is cheap and easy and you most likely have the ingredients already waiting for you in your kitchen cupboard. Mixing up your detangler spray takes no more than 15 minutes with big results.
Can Help To Improve The Health Of Your Hair
The ingredients in my essential oil hair detangler recipe are super nourishing and beneficial for your hair – outside of just detangling. This detangler spray will help to reduce breakage, soften the hair, strength it and moisturise it.
PinCan Be Used On All Hair Types
The ingredients in my hair detangler can be used on all hair types and by children and adults.
Smells Great
You can customise the essential oils in your DIY detangler to create all kinds of different aromas, fun and fruity, fresh and clean, it’s up to you.
Ingredients For The Best Homemade Detangler Spray
One of the best things about making this easy DIY detangler for natural hair is that you actually only need a few ingredients to make it work that you may already have – and probably already do for one of the recipes I give you.
And if you don’t, you can buy them at the supermarket. So easy!
Apple Cider Vinegar
PinApple cider vinegar is a great product for your hair. It helps to flatten the hair, making it much easier to brush/comb through. It reduces frizz and it is a natural conditioner for your hair. You definitely don’t want to skip this ingredient!
If you have especially thick and/or curly hair and you find the recipe below is not working to get rid of all your knots, add some more apple cider vinegar to your spray and this should do the trick.
Outside of detangling your hair, apple cider vinegar is also a natural anti-inflammatory and a natural exfoliant and is great for keeping your scalp healthy which promotes hair growth.
Olive Oil
PinOlive oil is used sparingly in this recipe as it does have the potential to weigh down thinner hair types. Olive oil is a great choice for adding moisture and shine to the hair, it softens the hair and helps the detangling process.
Olive oil is particularly good for dry and thick hair, it smoothes the hair and keeps your hair strong and hydrated.
It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids and has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe the scalp, protect the hair and potentially help with hair growth.
Essential Oils
PinEssential oils add a great aroma to your detangling spray and is very helpful at covering the scent of apple cider vinegar. Some people can find the scents and effects of essential oils irritating and for these reasons, it is a totally optional ingredient.
I personally enjoy using essential oils in my detangling spray, I opt for lavender and lemon essential oils, not only for the great fresh scent but I find it helps to condition and soften the hair as well. Lemon oil is also a great choice for oily hair types.
I also like peppermint essential oil. It is good for balancing the oil production on the scalp and promoting hair growth. My kids, however, are not a fan of peppermint oil as they associate the smell with toothpaste 🙂
Click here to buy essential oils on eBay now.
Conditioner
Do you want to make a super quick and simple detangling spray? Add some conditioner to a spray bottle with water and give it a good shake; this is a quick and easy way to make an effective detangling spray.
The amount of conditioner to add to your mixture really depends on your hair type and how tangled your hair is. If you have thick, curly hair, you may need to add more conditioner to your detanlger spray than thinner hair types.
Any brand of conditioner is okay to use but do keep in mind creating a detangler spray with conditioner is probably not going to be all natural and chemical free which is really my main interest in creating my own.
It’s totally up to you though. If you find this method easy and effective, go for it.
How To Make Detangler Spray DIY
Are you ready to make detangling spray? Here is how you do it.
PinFirstly, pick your preferred recipe from the two options provided below.
The first recipe is my preferred pick as it is all natural and chemical free and can help the overall health of your hair from reduced breakage to soothing the scalp and encouraging hair growth.
The second choice is a good pick if you are looking for a very quick and easy option with products you are more than likely to have on hand.
Once you have made your decision, gather all of your ingredients, funnel and a clean spray bottle (on eBay) and follow my recipe below.
PinBoth of the recipe options below will provide you with about 1 cup of detangler spray. Both of the recipes include water. It is best to use distilled water as there is possibility for bacterial growth in tap water.
I personally have not had any problem using tap water and if you are going to be using your spray right away, it will unlikely be an issue.
Natural Hair Detangler Recipe
If you are looking for a DIY natural hair detangler spray perfect for kids or adults, here's your best option.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- OPTIONAL: 20 drops of your choice of essential oils
- Spray bottle
Instructions
- Pour apple cider vinegar into an open spray bottle using a funnel
- Add the essential oil
- Let it sit for 10 minutes
- Add the olive oil and water
- Put the lid back on spray bottle
- Shake until combined
Super Quick And Easy Homemade Hair Detangler Recipe
If you are looking for a quick and easy hair detangler spray recipe, here you are! You can make this with ingredients you already have in your home for an easy DIY detangler spray with conditioner
Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons conditioner (whatever you have)
- 1 cup hot water
- OPTIONAL: 20 drops of your choice of essential oils
- Spray bottle
Instructions
- Pour the conditioner into an open spray bottle. A funnel can help
- Optionally add essential oils to the spray bottle. Take into account that the conditioner will have its own smell so you need oils that will work with this smell
- Add hot water using a funnel
- Shake until well combined
You can also choose to use cold water in this recipe. The hot water just makes it easier to combine with the conditioner.
How To Use Your Homemade Hair Detangler Spray
This is the simple part.
Give your spray bottle a good shake and then spray it onto your wet or dry hair before brushing/combing. If you have any current knots and tangles, spray your homemade detangler directly onto them.
PinBegin by working with the tangles and knots at the bottom of your hair and slowly work your way to the roots of the hair.
For larger knots, spray it directly onto them and give it a massage with your fingers, then use your fingers to dentagle the knots before brushing or combing through them.
If you use a hair dryer to dry your hair, it it a good idea to spray the hair while wet and then again once dry before you style it.
It is going to leave your hair feeling smooth, soft and, of course, tangle free! If you choose to use essential oils in your detangler spray, it will also leave a great scent in your hair.
Final Words
If you deal with knotty hair, whether your own or your child’s, you know what a nightmare it can be. My homemade detangler spray is going to help control the tears and make for a more pleasant hair styling experience.
It will not just leave your hair tangle free, it will leave your hair smelling great, shining, smooth and soft.
I hope you have enjoyed this guide on how to make your own DIY detangling spray. I hope you give it a try for yourself.
Want to learn more? Find out how to use shea butter to improve your hair here or almond oil here. You can also find all my DIY natural recipes here for your skin and hair.
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