How to Detangle Hair Without Damaging It

Detangling long hair can be a painful process that can damage follicles if you're not careful. Follow these steps to remove those troublesome knots.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Wide tooth comb
• Towel
• Hair dryer

1. Shampoo hair as you normally do. Have a wide-toothed comb within reach.
2. Apply conditioner while in the shower. Comb the conditioner through your hair starting at the bottom and working your way up. Apply additional conditioner if needed.
3. Wrap your hair in a towel and wring out as much water as possible without ruffling your hair, which will only cause new tangles.
4. Comb through your hair again, beginning at the bottom.
5. Work through tight tangles with a single tooth of the comb until it loosens.
6. Dry hair with a hair dryer while avoiding ruffling. Continue brushing from the bottom up while drying to prevent additional tangles.

Tips & Warnings

• Separating the tangle from the rest of the hair may makes it easier to work with.
• If you do not have a wide-toothed comb, try an ionic hairbrush. It works well on wet or dry hair.
• To prevent dry hair from tangling, spray a leave-in conditioner on dry hair, concentrating on the ends.
• Never try to brush a tangle from the top down. This is painful and damages hair.
• Don’t try to detangle sopping wet hair. Hair should be between damp and dry to prevent damage.