Tired of struggling with tangled hair? Detangling can be a hassle, especially with long locks. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with some simple techniques to make the process a breeze.
Before you resort to drastic measures like cutting off knots, check out this quick guide. Learn how to detangle your hair without causing damage or losing your patience.
We’ve all experienced those frustrating knots that seem to pop up out of nowhere, turning a good hair day into a nightmare. With the right approach, you can banish tangles and keep your locks looking fabulous.
In this article, we’ll show you how to detangle your hair, whether wet or dry, regardless of your hair type. We’ll also share some tips to help prevent tangles in the future.
Types of Tangles
One of the first things you need to do when detangling your hair is to figure out what type of knots you’re dealing with. There are two types of knots: surface knots and deep knots.
Surface Knots
Surface knots are the most common type of knot and they usually happen when your hair is dry. These kinds of knots are easier to deal with because they’re not as tight as deep knots.
To get rid of surface knots, start by using your fingers to gently loosen them up. Once the surface knots are gone, you can move on to deep knots.
Deep Knots
Deep knots are the kind of knots that are tighter and harder to get out.
To deal with deep knots, start by spraying your hair with a detangling spray or conditioner. This will help to loosen up the knot and make it easier to brush through.
Once you’ve sprayed your hair, use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb through the knot. Start at the bottom of the knot and work your way up.
The Causes of Tangles and Knots
Now that we’ve discussed how to identify tangled hair, let’s delve into the reasons behind those pesky knots.
When strands of hair intertwine and clump together, they form what we commonly refer to as tangles or knots. These knots can quickly escalate, becoming larger and more stubborn to unravel.
Curly hair, with its natural texture, is particularly prone to tangles. The more pronounced your curls, the more likely you are to experience knots. Throughout the day, multiple knots can develop, complicating matters further.
Additionally, damaged hair is highly susceptible to tangling. Damage, whether from heat styling, coloring, or chemical treatments, compromises the hair’s structure, making it more prone to dryness and brittleness. When the outer layer of the hair, known as the cuticle, is raised due to damage, strands are more likely to snag and tangle.
Loose strands that have shed from the scalp can also contribute to tangles as they intertwine with other strands.
External factors can exacerbate tangling as well. Friction from rubbing your hair against surfaces like cotton towels, pillowcases, purse straps, or seatbelts can create knots. Environmental conditions, such as windy weather, can also increase the likelihood of tangling.
Various factors can lead to tangled hair, including:
Causes of Tangles
- not brushing your hair regularly
- vigorously combing or brushing your hair
- using the wrong brush for your hair type
- damage from heat styling
- not using conditioner
- sleeping with wet hair
- sun damage
- bleach damage
- long hair
- dry hair
- alcohol-based substances, such as hairspray, mousse, or gel, that are frequently used on hair
How to Detangle Your Hair – The Right Way!
Now that we’ve covered strategies for preventing tangles, let’s discuss how to effectively detangle your hair.
When faced with tangled hair, the immediate impulse might be to grab a brush or fine-tooth comb for a quick fix. However, to minimize damage and breakage, it’s essential to approach detangling with caution and care.
The method you choose for detangling largely depends on the type of knots or tangles present in your hair.
For surface knots
– Use your fingers to loosen up the knot.
– Gently brush through with a wide-toothed comb.
– If the comb is snagging, try using a detangling brush instead.
For deep knots
To detangle with a detangling spray or conditioner mix
How to Detangle Hair
- Spray your hair with a detangling spray. Detangling sprays are designed to make it easier to untangle knots in your hair by lubricating them. They can be used on dry or damp hair.
- Separate your hair into small sections to make it easier to work with. To keep each section in place, use a hair clip.
- Start by working one section at a time, saturate your hair with the detangling spray and allow it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the hair shaft.
- Then, use a wide-toothed comb (or favorite detangling tool) to gently and slowly comb through the knot, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Don’t rush through the process or you may cause breakage.
- Repeat the process for each section.
- After you’ve gone through each section, remove the clips and repeat the process with a brush or wide-tooth comb a few times to make sure the knots are gone.
- Continue with styling your hair as usual.
Other alternatives to use in place of a detangling spray are a conditioner mixed with water or hair oils.
Detangling Products
The following detangling solutions may be used for various hair types depending on their ingredients and formulation.
Oyin Handmade Oh My Glide!
This detangling spray is ideal for natural and curly hair. It softens and moisturizes hair while also removing stubborn tangles.
Alikay Naturals Hair Detangler
This light-weight botanical-infused combination gives your hair slip and moisture while detangling, allowing you to work it through your tresses more easily.
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Slip 30 Second Detangle
It quickly breaks apart knots and tangles without weighing down your hair in 30 seconds! It’s also gentle enough for kiddos hair.
Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler
This is one of my favorite products. It prevents frizz and because of the marshmallow root and slippery elm, the slip is amazing!
Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler
This is another favorite detangler of mine. It is blended with great ingredients like oils, marshmallow root, slippery elm, and aloe juice.
The Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler as well as this product make great primers before applying your styling products.
To Detangle with Oils
- Start with dry hair.
- Section hair into small sections then use a hair clip to keep each section in place.
- Apply a few drops of oil to your palm and rub them together.
- Then, apply the oil to your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.
- Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently and slowly comb through the knots, starting at the bottom and working your way up.
- Repeat the process for each section.
- After you’ve gone through each section, use your fingers or wide-tooth comb a few times to make sure the knots are gone.
These products can help to lubricate your hair and make it easier to comb through tangles.
Oils to Use for This Method
Coconut oil (this is the only brand I use)
Olive oil
Jojoba oil
Avocado oil
Argan oil
Righteous Roots Oils Pre Wash Detangler (my go-to)
How to Prevent Tangles
The best way to deal with tangles is to prevent them in the first place! Here are a few tips for preventing tangles:
Sleep on a Satin or Silk Pillowcase
The material of a satin and silk pillowcase can help to reduce friction on your hair while you sleep, which can lead to tangles and breakage.
Sleep with Your Hair in a Loose Bun or Braid
This will help to prevent knots and tangles while you sleep. For more tips on how to preserve your curls overnight, check out this post.
Use a Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt
After washing your hair, use a microfiber towel or T-shirt to gently blot your hair instead of rubbing it. This will help to reduce friction and tangling.
Use Conditioner with Every Wash
Conditioner helps to keep your hair hydrated and less likely to tangle.
Deep Condition
Regular deep conditioning treatments can help to keep your hair hydrated and less likely to tangle.
Products That Can Help Make Detangling Easier
There are a few different products that can help make detangling your hair easier.
Detangling spray: Detangling spray can help to loosen up knots and make them easier to brush through. Look for a spray that contains conditioning ingredients like panthenol or marshmallow root.
Detangling conditioner: Detangling conditioners are designed to hydrate your hair and make it easier to comb through. Look for a conditioner that contains ingredients like glycerin or shea butter.
Detangling serum or oil: Detangling serums and oils are great for detangling hair when it’s dry. They can help to lubricate your hair and make it easier to comb through.
Leave-in conditioner: Leave-in conditioners are designed to be left in your hair after you shampoo and condition. They can help to hydrate your hair and make it easier to comb through. Look for a leave-in conditioner that contains marshmallow root, aloe juice, or vegetable glycerin.
A Few Tips for Taking Care of Your Hair After It’s Been Detangled
Detangling your hair can be a time-consuming process, but it’s important to take care of your hair after it’s been detangled.
- Apply a light oil to the ends of your hair. This will help to keep your hair lubricated and prevent tangles from forming.
- Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet or sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. Satin and silk are gentle on your hair and will help to prevent tangles while you sleep.
- Avoid using any harsh chemicals. This will help to keep your hair healthy and reduce the risk of tangles.
Conclusion
Following these tips, you should be able to detangle your hair like a pro! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!
How did this post help you? Did you learn anything new? What are your favorite tips for preventing or detangling knots? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this post with your friends if you found it helpful! ‘Til next time, happy detangling!
