How To Make Your Own Detangler

When I was a kid, I had really long hair. My mom would have me shampoo it, and then sit with me, using a torture device (comb) to untangle the knots. It killed. That’s because my hair is prone to knots and tangling—we’re talking knots so snarled that you can only get them out by forcing the comb down your hair and hearing those little popping noises. 

For years, I woke up with snags in my hair, and every time I went anywhere windy, my hair would snarl up, and I’d have to brush it out all over again. Long-haired people: you understand.

Too bad I didn’t know about this DIY One-Minute Detangling Spray until now. Sure, there are detangling products on the market, but this one costs pennies. And works! And is made with stuff you already own! There’s a ton of recipes for this on the internet, but I tinkered around with one until it was up to my (exacting and totally scientific) standards.

You will need

• Empty spray bottle (I used a standard 12 oz. bottle, but it would be great to make a travel-size version, too)
• 2–3 Tbsp. regular conditioner
• Hot (not boiling) water
• optional: essential oil of your choice

 

Steps

1: Put 2–3 tablespoons of your favorite conditioner in your squirt bottle.

2: Fill up the bottle the rest of the way with hot water. This helps the conditioner to melt into the water quickly, so it doesn’t just clump up at the bottom.

3: Add 2–3 drops of essential oil for scent if you like. I used tuberose essential oil so my hair smells like a delicious and delicate rose garden.

4: Shake!

5: Spray on dry hair to untangle even the worst cases of bedhead or convertible-car-hair. Just spray on and comb through, marveling how your comb doesn’t snag on any tangles. You can also spray on damp hair to use as a leave-in conditioner. Both options will leave hair silky, soft, and shiny, and leave you feeling smug.

By Krista Burton