On a recent car trip, I stumbled upon what might be the largest Target I have ever seen. I initially stopped just to use the restroom, but I was quickly drawn into the beauty and body section. While I am not typically a makeup enthusiast, I have always been a sucker for versatile body or hair products that are easy to use and smell fantastic. At first, I noticed a travel-sized Sun Bum leave-in hair conditioning spray, which, like all Sun Bum products, had a beachy and amazing scent. However, spending $20 for such a tiny bottle seemed a bit steep. I could easily imagine spritzing it twice and then accidentally dropping it into a dark crevice of my car, never to be found again.
Discovering a Childhood Favorite
Craving a cheaper but equally pleasant-smelling hair mist, I spotted a green beacon from my childhood perched on the shelf: Suave Kids Silly Apple detangling spray. The timeless label proudly declares it is "tear-free." Priced under $10 for more than double the size of the Sun Bum bottle, I immediately grabbed one. It costs $5 at Target and Walmart, and a 6-pack is available for $30 on Amazon.
A Nostalgic Scent
As a child of the '90s, the unmistakable green apple scent instantly transported me back to summer camp, swim lessons, and going to sleep with wet hair. I vividly remember my parents and babysitter using this spray on my thick hair to help with tangles and knots as they brushed it out. Using it again felt sweet and nostalgic. In my day, the bottle featured a purple octopus, which has sadly been replaced with a green cartoon lion.
Versatile and Effective
I looked forward to using this product after a much-needed shower, and upon reading the label, I learned it can also be used on dry hair. As it is technically a leave-in conditioner, the spray helps with flyaways and styling while keeping hair super soft. It is not a hair spray, so it has no hold, but that also means it is not sticky and leaves no residue. The non-aerosol spray dispenser is easy to use and allows you to apply the product exactly where you want it. Whether sprayed on wet or dry hair, you do not feel it the way you would with a texture spray or dry shampoo. It simply lets you run a brush, comb, or your fingers through your hair easily while adding a little extra shine and smoothness.
Perfect for Low-Maintenance Hair
I have low-maintenance hair and the hygiene habits of a teenage boy, so I do not need much from a product other than a pleasant scent and help with tangles. Yet even for those with an intensive hair care routine, I would recommend this budget-friendly timeless throwback for its scent and ability to tackle knots and tangles. Many reviews are from adults who use it themselves, noting that it works on curls and performs better than some salon-grade products. Some even mention that it helped them with severe matting and knotting when postpartum depression made hair maintenance challenging.
The Irresistible Scent
Again, I must emphasize the smell: it is super fresh and fruity without being too sticky sweet or overwhelming. It simply makes you feel good. I have been jokingly calling it my new perfume, though the fragrance only lasts for about an hour after you spray it on your hair. I recently mentioned my purchase to a child-free friend, and to my surprise, she said she keeps some in her house for herself as well. The softness and detangling are just bonuses.
Reviews from Other Adults
Here are some reviews from other adults who love this "kid" product:
- Carl W. via Target: "I absolutely love this stuff! I’m a grown man in my mid-20s, and I used to use this back in the early 2000s when there was an apple octopus on the bottle. It is affordable and still smells the same years later! It still works as well. I used another detangler spray, but they changed the formula for the worse and it is insanely priced. I decided to go back to the reliable detangler of my childhood. I can buy this anywhere, it smells great, is super effective, and is usually at a great price point. I know the bottle says 'kids,' but this stuff is great no matter your age. Seriously buy this!"
- Kay via Target: "This product works for kids and adults! I have thick hair and this product helped my hair get untangled!"
- nltakacs via Target: "Okay, so I read the previous review about the lady who has hair depression, and I’m the same way. I had postpartum depression where I would let myself go and not brush my hair. This is magic. A must have! Works great for kids too, but amazing for adults as well. I’m now pregnant with #2 and my hair is becoming really curly and knotty, and it can comb through my curls with ease. It also makes my curls more noticeable and healthy looking. Everyone has been giving me compliments about how good my hair looks and asking what perfume I am wearing. It’s the Suave detangler! And it is like three bucks. A hair must have!"
- Hemmyhere: "Great smell, easy-to-use nozzle, but most importantly great detangler. Between myself and my kids, we have short to very long hair."
- EmilyB2723 via Target: "This product is not just for kids! Even as an adult I struggle with my hair getting tangled. This is the only product that helps detangle my hair. Been using it since I was a kid. Although the bottle has changed from the octopus to the lion, the apple scent is still my favorite and smells amazing. Can’t rave about this product enough!"
- Val via Target: "I am an adult and have been using this since I was a kid for about 15 years. I absolutely love it! I have tried other products but always come back to this one for the wonderful apple smell and because it is great at detangling without leaving oiliness. All around great product and not just for kids."
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
