How to Keep Coarse Hair From Tangling

Coarse hair is particularly prone to tangling because of its general dryness.

People with thick, coarse hair are more likely to have tangles and knots than those with fine hair. Tangles often cause the hair to break, resulting in split ends and a dull, frizzy hair surface, a common complaints for those with coarse hair. Fortunately, there are several preemptive measures one can take to prevent tangles and maintain beautiful, healthy-looking hair.

Things You'll Need

• Wash-out conditioner
• Wide-toothed comb
• Leave-in conditioner
• Hair ties
• Satin pillowcase

Instructions

1. Secure your hair in a ponytail while spending time outdoors in windy conditions, exercising or sleeping. Strong winds can whip the hair around, causing the hair to form knots. Exercise results in a similar tangling swing. If shift positions while asleep, hair may bunch up and cause tangles. Use hair ties over rubber bands. The hair care blog, "Long Healthy Hair Advisor," also recommends sleeping on a satin pillowcase to prevent tangles.

2. Condition your hair everyday, even if you choose not to wash it daily. Conditioner is a very important step, particularly for those with coarse, tangle-prone hair. In fact, one of the best ways to remove a tangle or knot is to gently break it down in the shower, using conditioner and a wide-toothed comb. Conditioner for coarse hair is similar to moisturizer for dry skin. It rehydrates the hair, which prevents tangles. Always comb conditioner through with a wide-toothed comb and allow it to soak for a couple minutes. This allows the conditioner to penetrate the hair cuticles.

3. Trimming hair regularly also prevents both tangles and split ends. After a trim, hair is healthier and easier to maintain. This is because old hair develops a rough cuticle, particularly at the ends. The rough cuticles tend to catch on to one another, causing knots and further damage the hair. Most hair experts recommend getting a trim every six to eight weeks.

4. Apply a leave-in conditioner, but avoid using other styling products. Leave-in conditioner gives coarse hair the added moisture necessary to prevent the hair from sticking together. However, other styling products may cause product build-up or stickiness, which both lead to tangles.

5. Comb your hair at intervals throughout the day. The "Daily Glow" beauty website recommends combing through hair at least a few times a day. This is key for tangle prevention. However, if the hair is already tangled, it may be best to work it out with your fingers before attempting to use a comb.

References

• Long Healthy Hair Advisor: Tangled Hair Solutions to Prevent and Remove Hair Tangles
• Daily Glow; Tangled hair -- Tips to have tangle free hair & avoid hair tangling; James; May 7, 2009