We all probably have some mildly traumatic childhood memories of tangles being pulled out of our hair. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t always get much better as we age. Tangles hurt. Thankfully, there are some tried-and-true ways to make removing tangles easier and less painful. Here are five tips for detangling your hair.
Sleep on Silk
Your pillowcase makes a bigger difference than you may realize. Materials like cotton increase friction and pull moisture from your hair, creating more tangles. No matter how cozy that flannel sheet set looks, it’s not doing your hair any favors.
Instead, choose silk or satin to help your hair stay smooth. Remember that any material your hair comes in contact with can contribute to tangling, so if you have long hair or move a lot while you sleep, your blankets, sheets, and pajamas can create friction, too. In that case, wrapping your hair in a silk sleep bonnet may be a better choice.
Choose the Right Brush
Your brush or comb has a big impact on how easy it is to detangle your hair. Fine-tooth combs can cause breakage, while soft, natural bristles won’t penetrate the tangles well enough to work knots loose. Your best bet is to choose a paddle brush, wide-tooth comb, or a brush designed specifically for detangling. For particularly bad mats, consider using your fingers to detangle your hair before moving on to a brush.
Brush Correctly
There’s definitely a right and wrong way to detangle your hair. Brushing from root to tip may seem like the fastest way to smooth out your hair, but it will only push the tangles farther down. They’ll be pulled tighter, hurt more, and ultimately, your hair will be more likely to break. Instead, always work from the bottom up.
You may also consider combing your hair upwards toward your scalp. According to professional stylist Wendy Iles, who styles for the likes of Heidi Klum and Diane Kruger, combing in a downward motion stresses the hair, so she advocates combing with upward strokes. Hey, sometimes an unconventional approach is better. Give it a try.
Tame Your Tresses
Have you ever brushed all the tangles out of your hair only to find that it had knotted up the exact same way an hour later? Hair can hold the shape of tangles the same way it holds the shape of curls, but it’s probably not the style you’re going for. Braiding your hair or putting it up in a ballerina bun can help keep tangles from reforming. And sleeping in braids will help prevent tangles from forming in the night.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Dry hair is tangled hair. If you’re noticing more tangles than usual, it’s a clear sign that your hair lacks moisture. Make sure the products you use are free of drying ingredients like sulfates, and instead, opt for natural oils.
Remember that you should always condition your hair after shampooing. It’s an essential step to close your hair cuticle and seal in moisture. If your locks are feeling parched, we recommend Hidden Waterfall or Terrace Garden for a thoroughly quenching experience.
Also, keep in mind that dry heat, UV rays, chlorine, saltwater, and wind all rapidly remove moisture from your hair. If your hair needs some extra TLC, try using a hair mask once or twice a week. We have some easy DIY recipes here.
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