Detangling

Ingredients with detangling function help hair to separate into strands more easily and cling to each other less when combing. They usually work by using a thin conditioning film on the surface of the hair.: it smoothes the raised areas of the cuticle, reduces friction and reduces static electricity. As a result, the hair becomes more manageable, less tangled after washing, easier to distribute along the length and less likely to break due to mechanical tension. In the CosIng cosmetic classification, this function is explicitly described as the ability to make hair more comfortable to comb. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)

Most often, such components are found in conditioners, masks, indelible sprays and 2-in-1 mild shampoos. They primarily affect the hair, not the skin: they improve gliding, soften the length and help maintain a smoother feel of the hair web. At the same time, they can make the texture of the product more "caring", creamy and silky when applied. The effect is especially noticeable on long, dry, damaged, colored and curly hair, where the friction between the fibers is higher. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)

Typical examples of such ingredients are Behentrimonium Chloride and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride. The first one refers to cationic conditioning agents and is widely used to soften hair and reduce tangles. The second is a cationic derivative of guar: it precipitates on the hair after washing, improving gliding and facilitating care. Both components are often added to formulas when it is necessary to make hair smoother to the touch and reduce damage when combing in wet and dry conditions. (pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)