Get ready for summer pool season by whipping up a batch of kids’ detangler spray — perfect for frizzy, snarly, difficult-to-control hair. it’s ready in minutes using simple household ingredients!
Growing up, my sisters and I swam in our neighbor’s pool almost EVERY single day in the summer. We all had very long, very snarly hair (mine was curly too) — so we used detangler spray on a very regular basis.
Fast-forward 25 years… I wasn’t the least bit surprised when I realized Nora had a head full of crazy curls and lots of snarls.
Add to the fact that she had major sensory issues as a toddler, and brushing her hair was officially at the top of my list of LEAST FAVORITE things to do each day.
We tried special treats and snacks, we tried watching a show while brushing, we tried combing it in the bath, we tried not brushing for as long as possible — none of those ideas worked.
So… I just cut her hair into a cute bob and kept it short for a while.
At that time, I had a newborn and an 18-month-old (in addition to my snarly-haired 3-year-old)… so I think my brain was a little fried. Eventually, though, I remembered my childhood snarls and the lightbulb went on!
Even though Nora wasn’t swimming every day, I figured the detangler spray might be just what we needed for her crazy curls and snarls!
At the time, I didn’t want to head out to the store with 3 kids, so I opted for a homemade version instead.
Ding, ding ding. The detangler spray worked like a charm!
Over the last 5 years, I’ve mixed up this “magic spray” many times, AND I’ve tested out a new recipe for all-natural hair detangling spray that works really well too!
Now both our girlies can enjoy snarl-free hair with minimal effort and tears.
If you’re gearing up for pool season, if your kiddos have long snarly hair, if they have sensitive scalps, or if you’re just tired of whining and complaining when it’s time to brush their hair, give my super easy DIY kids’ detangler spray a try!
I share both the traditional and all-natural versions below!
The Easiest DIY Kids' Detangler Spray (2 Options)
Get ready for summer pool season by whipping up a batch of this kids' detangler spray (a.k.a. "Magic Spray"). Choose either the all-natural option or the traditional version -- either way, it's ready in minutes using simple household ingredients!!
Materials
The All-Natural Recipe
- 1/4 c. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 c. water (distilled is best)
- 1 t. olive oil (or jojoba or sunflower seed)
- Optional Essential Oils (20 drops)
The Traditional Recipe
- Small Spray Bottle
- 1 tsp. Hair Conditioner (any variety)
- 1/2 c. water (distilled is best)
Instructions
For the All-Natural Recipe:
- If using essential oils, add those to the bottle first.
- Then add apple cider vinegar and let sit for a minute.
- Add oil and swirl to combine.
- Finally add water and shake to dissolve.
- Spray in wet OR dry hair before combing (you may need to shake each time if the oil and water separate).
For the Traditional Recipe:
- Pour conditioner into the spray bottle.
- Add water until the bottle is almost full.
- Shake to dissolve the conditioner.
- Spray in wet OR dry hair before combing.
Notes
Make a small batch -- it lasts for a LONG time as you only need a few spritzes per head!
Using distilled water is preferred as bacteria COULD possibly grow in tap water. If you don't have distilled water, you can boil a small amount of tap water and let it cool before making the detangler spray.
For the traditional recipe: This is a great way to use up those sample-size packets of conditioner you get in the mail, in magazines, etc.
For the all-natural recipe: I personally don't use essential oils, but if you like the smell, it's a nice touch -- however, you may want to use a darker glass bottle if you plan to use essential oils.
This spray works on WET OR DRY hair!
We call it "Magic Spray" at our house -- the girls are always more willing to get their hair brushed with magic spray versus detangling spray 🙂
Recommended Products
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A Few More Tips
1. This recipe makes a fairly small batch as it seems to last us a long time. However, if you have a house full of long-haired girls, you might want to mix up a double batch in a larger spray bottle.
2. ANY type or brand of conditioner will work… but do NOT use shampoo + conditioner.
3. If you find this detangler spray is not “strong” enough for your tangles, simply add a bit more conditioner or oil to your mixture (depending on what recipe you’re using).
4. If you do the math, my version of kids’ detangler spray is essentially free (assuming you already have some type of conditioner or oil in the house). It’s a HUGE savings over store-bought detangling sprays.
5. If your kiddos don’t love getting their hair brushed, just call it “magic spray” — hair brushing instantly becomes more fun! 🙂
6. Our most favorite FAVORITE hairbrush for snarly hair is the Wet Brush! (here’s the Canadian link).
One more Before/After:
In the photos below, I sprayed the detangler spray directly onto dry hair and it brushed out so easily!
To be honest, Nora still doesn’t love having her hair brushed (seriously — she’s 8!) and Clara isn’t much better. They both seem to have such sensitive scalps (either that or very low pain tolerances).
Thankfully, we have our trusty hair detangler spray to keep our girls’ hair manageable all summer long as they are in and out of our little Costco pool!
So yes, my free, DIY hair detangling spray (a.k.a. “magic spray”) is definitely worth 20 seconds of effort.
There are days when we use it multiple times per day — but always after showers/baths at night.
Their hair is super soft, smooth, and snarl-free!
Related Hair Articles:
- Our favorite (easy) hairstyles for little girls
- How I style my short hair (video tutorial)
- How to clean hairbrushes and combs
More All-Natural Recipes:
- How to make all-natural face wash and makeup remover
- How to make all-natural foaming hand soap
- The simplest “recipe” for all-natural hair wash and rinse (a.k.a. homemade shampoo and conditioner)
- All my favorite all-natural cosmetics and beauty products
- The ultimate list of simple DIY cleaning products
It might just save hours of your life that would otherwise be spent fighting and crying over hair brushing!
Theresa says
This recipe looks awesome!
I wonder if witch hazel would be a good replacement for the apple cider vinegar?
It’s like rubbing alcohol but gentler so would soothe any ouchies on the scalp and wouldn’t be as stinky and yucky to kiddos.
Andrea says
Hmmm… I’m honestly not sure about that, but you could always give it a try and see if it works well.
The vinegar smell doesn’t last long, but you’re correct in that it’s not the best smell in the world!
Ashley says
Can i use calendula oil instead of olive oil with a few drops of chamomile its for a 6 month old and i have to finger comb her hair because its spiral curls that start from the root and imposibble to comb without hurting her tender little head and making her scalp red
Andrea says
hmmm you could try it. I’ve never thought about this, but it’s probably worth a shot. She must be blessed with LOTS of hair for such a tiny little squirt!
Just make a really small batch so you don’t waste oil if it doesn’t work 🙂
Julie says
Hi! I know this is an old post, but Pinterest… 🙂 Wondering if one recipe works better than the other or are they about the same? We are just getting to the long hair stage. I attempted the ACV one (different recipe) and it worked well, but even with essential oils it didn’t smell that great. And I used a decent amount! Then I found your post and I’m going to try the one with conditioner now. Thanks so much for your post!
Andrea says
Hi Julie, We still really like the conditioner route — smells better than ACV and doesn’t sting if they have a scratch or cut on their neck/face (or if they are sunburned in the summer!) It only takes a squirt or 2 of conditioner for a whole bottle… so if you’re worried about it not being ‘all natural’ it’s probably not a huge deal (in my opinion).
Carol Laughlin says
I LOVE THIS STUFF!! Thank you so much! It works so much better than $6 spray I just got at Target. We used to spend a lot of time brushing out my 8 year old’s hair every morning and now it’s so easy and lays so much better (she has long straight hair)! This is on MY list of favorite things this month!
Andrea says
yay — glad it’s working well for you! It’s especially nice in the summer when hair gets tangled from the pools!
Janet says
Just wanted to tell you that I’ve been using this solution for my 4 year granddaughter for a few years.I spray it on her dry hair and finger comb it because she has really curly hair. It works like a charm.
Joy says
Andrea, I have two girls and we found an amazing brush on Amazon. It’s called the “Wet Brush.” It’s great for detangling or just a regular brush. We use it on wet and dry. We love it so much we have 2 more in our travel bags. Great for after the pool/beach as well. They have regular and mini sizes which are great for little kids. Here is a link. But just do an amazon search and it will pull up a bunch – cool colors too. http://www.amazon.com/Wet-Brush-Standard-Squirt-Combo/dp/B00ANTO702/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1422381306&sr=8-7&keywords=wet+brush&pebp=1422381332431&peasin=B00ANTO702
Deborah says
I always want to comment on you, your family and your blog but always distracted. At 3:00 am and nothing to distract me I thought I would tell you what a awesome mom you are, and young woman. Your daughter is beautiful like her mama! You are so ahead of your years with your simplified life and outlook. I have 3 adult age children, but still enjoy your blog! God Bless!
Andrea says
Wow… thanks Deborah! And yay for your first comment 🙂
Amber says
Hi Andrea,
This is a great idea. I remember my own mom using a detangler on my unruly curls as a child.
I highly recommend the “wet brush” it truly is magic on wet and dry hair. No tangles of pulling at all. I was given the travel size version for a gift and it works great for long hair. They sell them everywhere. Target has the travel size for around 6$. It’s a bit expensive, but worth it if you are in the market for a new hair brush 🙂
Amber
LIsa says
Just have to say that I’ve always loved Nora’s out of control curls — they always make me smile! BUT she’s so cute with her big girl cut!! It makes her look so grown up!
Andrea says
Thanks Lisa — and yes, Nora is a big girl now 🙂
Kim says
Love the idea for a DIY detangler spray. My daughters also have fine, curly hair and we go through our fair share of detangler. 🙂 Have you tried using a “Wet” brush? Wet is the brand and it seems to work quite well on combing knotted, snarly hair. You may not need it if the spray works really well, but we have found that it definitely helps.
http://www.thewetbrush.com/
Andrea says
Thanks Kim — Nora’s hair isn’t super thick yet, but I have a feeling once it gets thicker, we may need a special brush to go with the detangling spray 🙂
Melanie says
I was just coming to comment and suggest The Wet Brush. I love this brush and give it as gifts. My stylist recommended it to me and it is a game changer!!
Kat says
When did Nora go from toddler to little girl? Seriously cute!
One more vote for the wet brush! I have curly hair that used to take a forever to comb through after a shower. No more. A few swipes with the wet brush and I’m done. That thing is a miracle worker. Even my daughter who has straight fine hair- but a tender head- loves hers.
Don’t wait until she’s older. Get one now. They make baby
sizes and are the best thing since sliced bread.
Julie G. says
Hi! I have another huge vote for The Wet Brush! My oldest daughter has long, thick (yet fine), straight hair. My son has long, fine, (and pretty out of control) curly hair, and my second daughter has super fine straight hair. All tangle very easily, and they all have my very sensitive head. The Wet Brush handles all of them! We’ve been using it for a few months, and I’m sold! Each kid has a different color, and I’ve even gotten one for me and my long, straight, fine hair. It really works well!
Andrea says
wow — looks like I need to get a Wet Brush!
I’ve honestly never even heard of it before — but it sounds like everyone else is using it with lots of detangling success!!
Kimberley says
Nora is such a cutie!!! 🙂
Andrea says
she gets it from Dave 🙂
Amy says
Awesome! I was just thinking I should buy a bottle of this for my girls, but need a natural one and they are expensive. I can’t wait to try this with our own conditioner. Thanks for posting!
Andrea says
yay for making your own! also, I figured this would be great for people who wanted more of a natural/organic product without the extra cost!
Barb says
Thank you, thank you, I have two girls with long hair and tangles are always a problem. Definitely going to try this!
April says
Andrea,
What a beautiful young lady Nora is becoming. I know having a young family is exhausting at times, but I miss it now that mine are 16 and 19.
Andrea says
Thanks April!
Rose says
First off…..She CAN’T get any cuter! I have dry, curly, Italian hair—I have spent tons of cash on different products…..I’m gonna certainly try this….
Rose says
Ooops! Thanks for coming up with this idea to do research on for all of us! Have a wonderful week!!
Felecia says
Hi Andrea! Thank you so much for sharing your ‘Magic Spray”! I will definitely be making this for my great-nieces when they come to spend the night! They all have long, thick, curly hair, so this will save me so much time when brushing! I can hardly wait to share this with their Mom’s! Thanks again, Andrea! Blessings from Bama!
lydia @ frugaldebtfreelife says
What part of Alabama? We are on the coast!
Debbie W. says
I am going to definitely try this for my girls. Thank you!
Jen says
Nice! My girl has long hair that she now washes herself, but she’s at that age where she’s not very good at it yet, so it’s always a little…questionable… unless I help her, which she hates.
She is EXTREMELY tender-headed. I have had “You’re killing me!!!” screamed at me as I ever-so-gently worked at a knot on more than one occasion. She got a Tangle Teezer for Christmas and it was a total game changer. Like, I find myself staring at it thinking, “What is this magic?” But adding a good detangler on top of that might make it even better.
No, I do not represent Tangle Teezer. I promise. I am a convert, though, for sure.