Last week I conducted a little experiment with my 4 detangling co-wash conditioners. Three trials were conducted 🙂 In each trial, I got in the shower, wet my hair and divided it into two sections. I applied one conditioner to the right, and another to the left, and slightly wet the hair again (this helps to activate the conditioner and provide the best slip). I then proceeded to shower, shaved and finally detangled (first with my fingers then with the Jilbere comb). I judged the winner based on the easiest detangling session, and smallest amount of hair lost to the cause. I was testing for slip, moisture, and scent. Slip was the most important factor.
1st Trial:
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration vs. TIGI Moisture Maniac
Although both conditioners detangled well, HH was the clear winner. It detangled like a dream, smelled lovely (if you don’t mind a perfumey smell) and imparted a decent level of moisture. My hair felt great!!! The TIGI side was a little harder to detangle, but it definitely provided more moisture and a better, lighter scent. Although TIGI rated higher on the moisture factor, it wasn’t so significant that I’d choose to pay 12 dollars over 2 for the HH. Plus, I don’t leave it in, and my leave-ins impart wayyyy more moisture than TIGI ever could. Round 1 goes to HELLO HYDRATION!
2nd Trial:
Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner Vs. Paul Mitchell the Detangler
Now don’t get me wrong, Trader Joe’s NSC use to be a HG for me!!!! I loved it. I only stopped using it because it contains a small amount of protein (soy), and my hair, for some reason, detests protein. It makes my hair hard and rigid. I never had this reaction to TJ’s, I just stopped using it as a preventative measure. My girl Angie (Frizzcurls at NC.com) suggested that I revisit it, so I picked up a bottle last weekend. It detangled okay, but it wasn’t moisturizing enough. Also, I don’t care too much for the smell. I like really creamy conditioners and TJ ain’t cuttin’ it. The PM Detangler has been a long time favorite as well (using it off and on since 2006). I don’t care for the smell, but the consistency is perfect. It detangles like a dream- I lost very little hair during the detangling process. The moisture levels, however, leave much to be desired. The winner of this round:
3rd trial:
Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration vs. Paul Mitchell the Detangler
Both conditioners detangle like none other! My hair loves both of these. It was close, but HH is the overall winner. It imparts the most moisture and left my hair so slippery that detangling only took a few minutes. PM is a close second and I will continue to keep it on hand. By the way, the Generic Value version of PM at Sally’s works just the same. Try it out! 
So, what do you think?! Leave a comment about your experiences with any of these 4 conditioners. Do you agree…disagree?
Is the generic Paul Mitchell Detangler left in or rinsed out?
I love HH, its the best!!!!!
I love the HH, I am a new transitioner who recently gave up on the braids and is wearing my own hair in a bun. This conditioner works fabulously for detangling:-)
PS I love this site!
My hair does the same thing as far as getting stiff and feeling like straw when I use protein. I use TJ and it works for my hair, but I think I might try HH as a preventative. Plus, HH is more accessible for me. This was a great article!
Hi, I've been using HH for a while but wasn't very satisfied. Now I use only Batia&Aleeza curly hair products and trust me, they work soo well! Try it out and let me know how it works with your hair!
I've been using the HH for a while and my hairliked it I must admit 🙂 Although afrer a while, it appeared to become the same as before … dry and fuzzy. Now I'm using only Batia & Aleeza curly hair products and cannot say a bad word about it! Try it out and let me know how it works!
I am a flight attendant and I saw this lady with the most beautiful coils.. and moist hair. I had to ask her product of choice and she too recommended the purple bottle of HH..I am a natural hair junkie so I did not try it but thanks to your site, Nikki..I may try HH..I found ur site today and It was super informative..thanks!!
Agree!!! One of the only CHEAP products that works very very well. My hair can be a knotty mess and after a bit of using a shower comb I can easily glide my fingers through my hair 🙂
Dez, thanks for the rec. I will totally check out totally twisted…I see that Trenell uses that as well. Thanks for the heads up!
I can’t say enough about Hello Hydration. As my hair get’s longer, the tiny coils are tangling like nobody’s business. You were right on the money about the slip this conditioner gives. Plus I’m just plain addicted to the scent {blushes}.
I am a true conditioner junkie, but this one is in my top 6 faves.
BTW…HE’s Totally Twisted (it’s in the purple bottle) is wonderful for curly and/or coily hair. It makes my coils pop.
i just found HH and i must confess…it is THE TRUTH!!! and i have coarse 3c,4a,4b hair
i used to love tj nourish, but lately it has been doing nothing for my thick hair. being that i am a thick haired kinky curly girl, i’m sure my experience with these conditioners may vary. i do remember LOVING pm when i was relaxed but i haven’t revisited since…HOWEVER, since i’m bingeing on products this weekend, i might as well pick it up! ;-p