How to detangle dry hair without causing damage

DETANGLE IN SECTIONS

The cardinal rule when trying to detangle hair wet or dry is to brush or comb in small sections, starting at the ends and slowly and very gently working your way up. This way you can gently remove the tangles instead of aggressively trying to break through them by brushing from root to tip. You may want to use a paddle brush, round brush, or nylon and boar bristle brush depending on your hair type.

USE A LEAVE-IN

Is your hair really knotted? You’ll want to reach for reinforcements. Try Garnier Whole Blends 10-in-1 Miracle Frizz Tamer with coconut oil and cocoa butter. Not only does it improve manageability as you detangle, it also helps to tame frizz, smooth, and protect—plus, it smells amazing!

TRY A HAIR MASK

If your dry ends are frequently becoming tangled, chances are they are dehydrated. Once a week, reach for a Hair Mask—look for ingredients like shea butter—and apply to your parched strands. Hair masks are a great way to deep condition dry hair and hydrated strands are much less likely to become tangled.

GO FOR A TRIM

Another leading cause of tangles? Hair that is in desperate need of a trim. Ever notice how split ends tend to become tangled overnight and look like a mess come morning? It’s because they need to be snipped off! By maintaining regular trim appointments—every 4-6 weeks—you can keep your ends in better condition and avoid detangling hair.

BE GENTLE

The best way to avoid breakage when detangling hair wet or dry: Be gentle with your hair. Pat and never rub your hair dry after a shower—if possible, switch to a microfiber towel which is less abrasive than traditional bath towels. Use a brush specifically designed to be used on wet hair to detangle your strands to avoid snags and breakage. Another trick for how to detangle knotted hair: Detangle hair pre-shampoo using the ends to roots method above to help avoid more tangles in the shower. When brushing your dry hair use a wide-tooth comb to get rid of tangles and knots instead of your paddle brush which can be harsher on tangled hair. This is also key if you’re a styling pro and need to learn how to detangle hair after braiding it. By treating your hair with a gentle touch, you can worry less about how to detangle knotted hair in the first place.

GIVE NOURISHING HAIR CARE PRODUCTS A TRY

In addition to using a hair mask to help nourish dry strands and soften knots, you might want to consider taking things a step further and applying a warm hair care oil—such as coconut oil or avocado oil—to your strands, wrapping your hair in plastic wrap, and covering with a hot towel. Let the oil work its magic for a couple of hours before rinsing out with a mild shampoo. Though it’s not a common detangle hair product, this hair care trick can leave your hair looking—and feeling—in tip top, healthier condition than before.