Want smooth and knot-free natural, 4c hair? Try these top detangling shampoos for black hair that can untangle the most matted hair too!
In my 15 years a cosmetologist, I have worked extensively with natural 4c, hair! The biggest issue I've seen my clients face while transitioning to natural hair is how matted and tangled the curls can get.
One way to get knot-free 4c curls is using best detangler shampoo for black hair which have a high-slip formula and can remove knots and tangles in the shower itself. I have reviewed the top 4 of detangling shampoos below.
| Best Detangler Shampoo For Black Hair | Best For |
| African Pride Moisture Miracle Shampoo | Oily 4c Natural Hair |
| Design Essentials Honey Creme Super Detangling Conditioning Shampoo | 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b Curls |
| Shea Moisture Red Palm Oil Detangling Shampoo | Dandruff/Build-up Prone Scalp |
| Mielle Organics Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo | 4c Black Hair/Dry Scalp |
Top Detangling Shampoos For Black Hair 2024
African Pride Moisture Miracle Shampoo
One thing I’ve noticed with a lot of detangling shampoos for natural hair is that they tend to be very “heavy”. In other words, they contain ingredients like butter and cream that weigh curls down.
So I was happy to find this African Pride shampoo that has honey and coconut oil as its chief components.
I was happy with the results after using it on my hair as it did its bit for detangling my knotted mess of a head.
A lot of users said it could do better in the detangling department but let me tell you a secret. You have to leave it on for 10-15 mins after combing your curls in the shower. That’s when the shampoo works to its full potential.
It’s not got any sulfates but there is a milder version of surfactants like Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine which are safe on color-treated hair according to the Cosmetics Ingredients Review Committee. So that’s was one more thing I liked.
Did the shampoo have it’s drawbacks? Yes. It’s full of added colorants and perfume. And while the fragrance is very pleasant, I don’t think it’ll suit sensitive or inflamed scalps.
Pros:
- Contains coconut oil and honey that moisturizes hair without weighing it down
Cons:
- Contains added perfume and colorants that can be harsh on sensitive scalp
My Ratings:
- Detangling Properties - 4/5
- Moisturizing Properties - 4/5
- Gentleness on Scalp & Hair - 3.5/5
Who It’s For - Limp curls, Smelly scalp
Design Essentials Honey Creme Super Detangling Conditioning Shampoo
Ever heard of the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none”? This shampoo is it.
At first, I was intrigued that the shampoo claimed to cater to all hair textures from 3a to 4c curls. But that’s what causes its downfall in my opinion.
It was good enough to detangle my 4c curls but not nourishing enough for them. I wish the formula (that has honey as a chief ingredient) also contained ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter.
But no. It actually uses Polyquaternium-7 to condition your hair. And while this ingredient is technically “safe” for hair, it causes product build-up. Like, a lot of it.
I actually saw Elmer glue-like chunks of it on my scalp right after showering. So this shampoo is so not worth it.
If you have “looser” curl patterns or need a detangler shampoo that adds volume this might be a good choice.
But for dry, 4c hair, I’d suggest sticking to SheaMoisture shampoos.
Pros:
- Good for all natural hair types (from 3a to 4c curls)
- Lightweight formula won’t weigh down curls
- Doesn’t use mineral oil to give it slip
- It’s sulfate-free so can be used on color-treated hair
Cons:
- Can leave certain hair textures dry as it’s not very nourishing
- Leaves sticky residue behind on hair
My Ratings:
- Detangling Properties - 4/5
- Moisturizing Properties - 3.5/5
- Gentleness on Scalp & Hair - 4/5
Who It’s For - Type 3-4 hair
Related: Nourishing Shampoos For Black Hair Growth
Shea Moisture Red Palm Oil Detangling Shampoo
Okay, so this is a very lesser-known SheaMoisture product. I am a loyal user of the SheaMoisture Jamaican Castor Oil shampoo for years now. And so when I saw that they sell a “detangling shampoo”, I just had to try it.
My experience with this product was very mixed. On one hand, it does a high slip as promised thanks to the red palm oil and cocoa butter formula. On the other hand, it left my hair feeling wavy and dry after use.
It’s supposed to be good for removing product build-up as well as it contains tea tree oil but I felt it made my curls very wiry.
The consistency of the shampoo was also very watery. So it’s a product you can easily overuse.
This shampoo has no sulfates so it won’t lather up. But it will still cleanse your hair and scalp, so whatever you do, please don’t use a lot of it to get that lathery, soapy texture.
Using a large amount of product will dry your curls! So be careful.
Coming to the good stuff. I liked that the shampoo doesn’t rely on ingredients like mineral oil to give it that extra slip. So it’s good for your scalp health.
As it’s a good clarifying shampoo, it makes a good match for oily or dandruff-prone scalps.
Overall I’d suggest using this shampoo for black people wit 3c or 4a curls. You’d be better off with African Pride or Mielle for your 4c curls.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free formula is safe for colour-treated hair
- It doesn’t use mineral oil to give it slip
- Tea tree oil formula clarifies scalp
Cons:
- The clarifying formula dries out your scalp
- It’s sulfate-free so it won’t lather well
My Ratings:
- Detangling Properties - 4/4
- Moisturizing Properties - 3.5/5
- Gentleness on Scalp & Hair - 4/5
Who It’s For - 3c/4a Curls, Dandruff-Prone Scalps
Related: Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner For 4C Hair
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
I don’t really Mielle products on a day-to-day basis as they’re on the expensive side. But holy cow was this shampoo worth it!
The chief ingredients here are honey and babassu oil and while you may be sceptical at the lack of heavy nourishing butters, this shampoo makes it work.
I liked how it detangled my hair and added definition to my curls at the same time.
A lot of detangler shampoos do not do much for adding volume and bounce to curls so I was really happy with this result.
I really wish the shampoo didn’t have added fragrance though. I liked the scent, but as usual, the addition of perfumes makes it a questionable choice for certain scalp types.
There is also Polyquarterium-7 here, which is probably why it’s so good at making hair look voluminous. But you’ll need to be careful as this particular ingredient can cause build-up on scalp in the long run.
Pros:
- Oil-based formula is very nourishing and has lots of slip
- Easily detangles hair on first wash itself
- Nourishing ingredients suit even 4c hair
- Hydrolyzed keratin adds definition to limp curls
Cons:
- Expensive compared to stuff from SheaMoisture
- Oil-based formula not for looser curls or low-porosity hair
My Ratings:
- Detangling Properties - 4.5/5
- Moisturizing Properties - 5/5
- Gentleness on Scalp & Hair - 4/5
Who It’s For - Very dry scalps, Dehydrated 4c Curls, High Porosity Hair
Quick Comparison
| Detangler Shampoos for Black Hair | African Pride Moisture Miracle Shampoo | Design Essentials Honey Creme Super Detangling Shampoo | Shea Moisture Red Palm Oil Detangling Shampoo | Mielle Organics Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo |
| Images |
|
|
|
 |
| Silicone-Free | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Sulfate-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Detangling Properties | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Moisturization | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Gentle On Scalp | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 3/5 |
How To Choose A Detangling Shampoo For Black Hair
When it comes to maintaining strong, healthy, and beautiful black hair, detangler shampoo is a must-have. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one for your hair can be overwhelming.
To help you make an informed decision, we've outlined some important considerations when selecting the best detangler shampoo for black hair.
Firstly, look for a shampoo that is gentle and non-stripping. Black hair is naturally dry and delicate, and harsh shampoos can strip away its natural oils, leaving it prone to breakage and damage. A detangler shampoo that is formulated with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter can help nourish and strengthen your hair while detangling it.
Secondly, choose a shampoo that is designed specifically for black hair. This means selecting a product that is designed to address the unique needs of your hair type, such as its texture and density. Products that are specifically for black hair contain ingredients that help to smooth and protect the hair, making it easier to detangle without causing damage.
Thirdly, consider the texture of your hair. If you have coarse, thick hair, you may need a more intensive detangler shampoo to help work through knots and tangles. On the other hand, if you have fine hair, you'll want a lightweight product that won't weigh your hair down or leave it feeling greasy.
Conclusion
Natural hair is not a monolith. Depending on the condition of your scalp and the health of your strands, you might have to mix and match your detangling products.
But using a detangler shampoo for black hair is always the right place to start.
After shampooing, I highly recommend using a super-nourishing conditioner with lots of slip to keep your curls smooth.
Detangling sprays and serums might be enough for certain hair types but others (high-porosity hair, especially) would require more cream or butter-based products to remain smooth and untangled.