How to Make a Homemade Hair Detangling Spray That Actually Works!

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Interesting in making a DIY hair detangling spray? I’m sure my mom would have loved to have this recipe when I was a kid!

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When I was a kid I had crazy curls. My mom used a commercial detangling spray on my hair after a shower. This was so she could get a brush through it before it dried and became a fortress.

Then I used the whole bottle on my doll who also had crazy curly (yarn) hair.

My mom wasn’t happy — and who could blame her since that stuff was so expensive!

Too bad she didn’t know that it’s so easy (and cheap!) to make at home (sorry, Mom, but it’s true!).

I typically don’t use commercial body products (I even make my own deodorant) so if I were to buy a detangling spray it would have to be made from high-quality ingredients.

Ours costs about $.40 for a 4 oz bottle and judging from the reviews of the store-bought one, it works better too!

As a homesteading mom, It’s important to me to have healthy products (no harmful chemicals). But I also can’t spend a fortune buying organic and natural ones at the store. So DIY products are my go-to choice!

Why Make Your Own Hair Detangling Spray?

I’ve already mentioned how Diy hair detangler can help save money while being natural and safe, but it’s also better fro the environment. Commercial leave-in conditioner sprays are often packaged in single-use plastic, which isn’t great for the planet.

By making your own hair detangling spray, you can control what goes into it. You’ll use simple, natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair and your wallet. And the best part? It’s super quick and easy to whip up at home. Trust me, once you see how well it works, you’ll never look back.

Benefits of Homemade Detangling Spray

Making your own detangling spray isn’t just about saving money (although that’s a big perk). Here are a few more reasons to give it a try:

  • Cost-Effective: For about $0.40, you can make a 4 oz bottle. Compare that to store prices, and it’s a no-brainer.
  • Non-Toxic: No parabens, synthetic fragrances, or other questionable ingredients. Just pure, natural goodness for your hair.
  • Eco-Friendly: Skip the single-use plastic and reuse your spray bottle again and again.
  • Customizable: Love lavender or prefer citrus? You can choose essential oils that suit your preferences.
  • Multi-Purpose: It works as both a detangling spray and a leave-in conditioner. Two for the price of one!

Why It Works

Each ingredient in this detangling spray has a specific job to help tame your hair:

  • Vegetable Glycerin: This natural humectant draws moisture into your hair, leaving it hydrated, smooth, and easier to manage. What a relief!
  • Vitamin E Oil: Known for its nourishing properties, vitamin E helps strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage and promoting healthy, shiny locks.
  • Lavender Essential Oil: More than just a calming scent, lavender essential oil supports scalp health by soothing irritation and adding a touch of aromatherapy to your routine.

Together, these ingredients create a lightweight, non-greasy spray that makes brushing a breeze and leaves your hair looking and feeling its best.

Homemade Hair Detangling Spray

Make your own hair detangling spray with this simple recipe. It's easy to make, inexpensive, and really works. See how I tamed my daughters curls with it.

Homemade Hair Detangling Spray

DIY detnagling spray wiht natural ingredients

Materials

Instructions

  • Add the vegetable glycerin and vitamin E oil to your spray bottle.
  • Drop in your essential oils for a lovely scent and added benefits.
  • Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, leaving a little space at the top.
  • Shake gently to combine. That’s it!

Notes

How to Use: Spray generously on wet or dry hair, then comb through to detangle. It also doubles as a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair smooth and frizz-free.

OG also has crazy curly hair so after washing it I spray some of this on and comb out her tangles. I’ve also used it on my own hair as a DIY leave-in conditioner. It tames fly-aways and frizz really well without looking or feeling greasy.

Tips for Use and Storage

Homemade beauty products can be tricky to care for. Here are my suggestions from many years of experience!

  • Be Gentle: If you have sensitive skin or allergies, test the spray on a small patch of skin first. (To be honest, I don’t actually do this one, but it’s a good idea!)
  • Start Small: Make a small batch (4 oz is perfect) to ensure it stays fresh. This recipe doesn’t contain preservatives, so it’s best to use it within 1-2 months. I’ve never had a problem with it going bad though since I use distilled water and vitamin E in my recipe. But it’s best to stick with small patches just in case.
  • Store Properly: Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you live in a hot climate, storing it in the fridge can help extend its shelf life.
  • Shake Before Use: Since this is a natural product, the ingredients may separate over time. A quick shake before each use will do the trick.

Common Questions

1. How long does it last?

Homemade products don’t have the same preservatives as store-bought ones, but I’ve found that this spray lasts longer than you’d think—around 1-2 months. If it starts to smell or look off, it’s time to make a new batch.

2. Can I use different essential oils?

Absolutely! Lavender is great for calming and soothing, but you could try tea tree oil for scalp health or citrus oils for a fresh, energizing scent. Just avoid anything you might be allergic to.

3. What if I don’t have vitamin E oil?

No problem! You can skip it or substitute it with a few drops of argan or jojoba oil for added nourishment. If you add oils without the vitamin E, the shelf life may be lower.

4. Can I use tap water instead of distilled?

Distilled water is recommended because it’s free of impurities that could affect the spray’s shelf life. If you’re in a pinch, boiled and cooled water can work too. I have also used unboiled tap water for a quick half batch and made sure to dump it after a few days.

5. Will this work on all hair types?

Yes! This spray is gentle and lightweight, so I think it would be a great option for all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and curly.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Have you tried making a homemade detangling spray or leave-in conditioner?

Make your own hair detangling spray with this simple recipe. It's easy to make, inexpensive, and really works. See how I tamed my daughters curls with it.

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16 Comments

    1. I LOVE this spray!! I’ve been spending a fortune on Living Proofs products which work but I like this even better and it is so much less expensive. THANK YOU!

  5. This sounds good and cheap. But unfortunately, I don’t have any vitamin E. I read online that wheatgerm oil is a good substitution so I’m gonna use that and orange essential oil instead of lavender. Do you think that would work just as well? Thanx for the recipe.

    Reply