Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Do you dread detangling your hair? It can be a real pain, especially if you have long hair. Luckily, there are some techniques that can make the process a lot easier.

Before you go and chop off a frustrating knot, read through this quick and helpful guide and learn how to detangle your hair without pulling out all your hair in the process!

We all know the feeling of waking up to a birds nest on our head. You know what I’m talking about – those pesky knots that seem to appear out of nowhere and are impossible to get rid of.

You try everything to get rid of them, from picking at them with your fingers to using a fine-toothed comb. But eventually, you give up and accept that you’re going to have a bad hair day.

Or do you?

There are actually a few things you can do to help make the detangling process much smoother and avoid those pesky knots in the first place.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to detangle you hair (wet or dry), no matter the hair type! We will also provide tips for preventing tangles in the future.

If you have ever wondered how to detangle your hair without damaging it, then this blog post is for you! Keep reading to learn all the tips and tricks for detangling your hair like a pro.

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 gone over how to tell if your hair is tangled, let’s talk about the causes of tangles and knots.

When two strands of hair entwine and become tangled, it’s known as a tangle or knot. The knot can grow bigger and more difficult to remove the minute a few strands are stuck together.

Curly hair and damaged hair are rarely smooth. The natural texture of curly hair is more likely to lead to knots and tangles. The curlier your hair, the more likely you are to have knots, and multiple knots can form throughout the day.

Damaged hair is also more susceptible to tangles because the cuticle (outer layer) is raised. When the cuticle is raised, the hair shaft is more likely to catch on other strands of hair, which can lead to tangles.

And, damaged hair (whether it’s from heat styling, coloring, or chemical treatments) is more likely to be dry and brittle, which makes it more susceptible to knots and tangles as well.

Also, loose strands, are more likely to become entangled with other strands as they are released from your scalp, causing knots to form.

Knots can also arise from rubbing your hair against various surfaces, such as cotton towels and pillowcases, the shoulder strap of your purse, seatbelt, etc.

You can also get tangles and knots from the environment you’re in. If you live in a windy area, for example, your hair is more likely to become tangled.

There are a few different things that can cause your hair to tangle, 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 gone over how to prevent tangles, let’s talk about how to detangle your hair.

It may be tempting to grab a brush or fine-tooth comb to combat the tangles in your hair. However, to avoid damage or breakage, it’s better to plan your detangling strategy more carefully.

There are a few different ways you can detangle your hair, depending on the type of knots or tangles you’re dealing with.

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

1. 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.
2. Separate your hair into small sections to make it easier to work with. To keep each section in place, use a hair clip.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Repeat the process for each section.
6. 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.
7. 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.

To detangle with oils

1. Start with dry hair.
2. Section hair into small sections then use a hair clip to keep each section in place.
3. Apply a few drops of oil to your palm and rub them together.
4. Then, apply the oil to your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.
5. 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.
6. Repeat the process for each section.
7. 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.

Some good oils to use for this method are:

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 a conditioner every time you wash your hair

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!