As a mom with daughters who have long hair, I totally get the struggle of dealing with a hairbrush. At times, their hair reached their waists, and it tends to be thick and wavy, which makes things even trickier because they have really sensitive scalps. So, how do we manage? The answer is a good detangling spray!
Over the years, my girls have had long, thick, wavy hair, and people often ask if they have hair extensions. Nope, they just have a lot of it! I started using detangling spray on my oldest daughter when she was just a few months old because she was born with about two inches of hair! We’ve found some special brushes that help, but they haven’t completely eliminated her fear of hair brushing.
I wasn’t a fan of store-bought detangling sprays since they’re packed with chemicals, especially when I needed to use them every day on my little ones. Back then, natural options were hard to find, so I began making my own using just conditioner and water.
This simple mix worked okay, but then I discovered a post on Frugally Sustainable about using marshmallow root in homemade hair detangler. Luckily, I already had some on hand. This new formula changed our routine for the better. My daughter loved how it smelled, how soft it made her hair, and how it reduced the pain of brushing, so she even started using it herself.
I was thrilled because it also gave me some breathing room for other daily challenges! Over time, I tweaked the recipe with different natural ingredients like chamomile and nettle to get the best results.
I love making things from ingredients I already have, and this recipe is super simple with just three essential ingredients and a few optional ones. You just mix them in a spray bottle, shake it up, and you’re all set.
The recipe calls for a healthy store-bought conditioner made with safe, natural ingredients. Thankfully, there are more companies now that avoid harsh chemicals like parabens and preservatives. To make this spray, I use distilled water, marshmallow root, conditioner, and optional essential oils. I prefer natural conditioners, especially for kids, because while they’re pricier, a single bottle lasts over a year for my three daughters.
I’ve found a few natural brands that smell great, work well, and are free from harmful ingredients. I use a glass spray bottle from a local store, but I’ve also tried one from Amazon that has a better sprayer.
This detangling spray keeps hair shiny, clean, and fresh-smelling without making it heavy or greasy. As you can see in the photo, I sprayed my daughter’s damp hair after a shower and let it dry naturally.
Do you use a detangling spray? Have you tried making your own? Share your thoughts!