The Ultimate Guide To Tackling Tangled Hair
If you regularly struggle with tangled hair, you’ll know just how frustrating and time-consuming dealing with it can be – particularly when you find a really stubborn knot.
Tangled hair can affect just about anyone that has hair long enough to twist and knot together. While all hair types can be prone to tangling, hair that is fine, curly or damaged is far more susceptible.
The natural curl pattern of curly (or coily) hair lends itself to creating more opportunities for locks to wind around each other. Fine hair, that has thinner strands and more of them, easily intertwines, while hair that has become damaged through heat styling, chemicals or environmental stressors, has rougher hair cuticles that snag together, making them far more likely to knot.
As frustrating and often painful as tangled hair can be, there are some simple ways to help tackle the problem. So, before you even think of reaching for that pair of scissors to hack at any knots, take a look at our handy guide on how to keep tresses smooth, sleek and tangle-free.
What Causes Tangled Hair?
Hair can become tangled for a number of reasons. These include:
· General day to day movement and handling – this may be intensified for those with dry or damaged hair due to the level of friction that occurs between strands
· Excessive washing or the use of harsh products - that strip hair of its natural oils
· Rough towel drying - that can damage the hair’s cuticle and leave it feeling rough or appearing frizzy
· Overuse of heat-styling tools - resulting in dry and damaged hair
· Failing to brush hair in between wash days
· Environmental factors including; heat and humidity, sunlight, wind and severe temperatures
How Can I Detangle My Hair?
Before washing, brush through hair gently using a wide-toothed comb, such as the GHD Detangling Comb £10.95 or Wet Brush Pro Detangler Brush £13.99
Try not to pull or tug on any knots as this will only damage hair further. Start with a wide-toothed comb and always work from the ends upwards to remove the bigger knots, then move onto a smaller comb. Beginning at the roots and working downwards can make tangles worse!
Once you’ve removed as many knots as possible, wash hair with a good quality sulfate-free shampoo that is suitable for your hair type. Using your fingers, gently massage the scalp in a circular motion and try to avoid rubbing strands together
Apply a conditioner through the lengths and use a wide-toothed comb to smooth it through
Gently squeeze out any excess water and then wrap hair in a microfibre towel
For hair that is particularly prone to tangling swap out your usual conditioner for a leave-in conditioning spray instead, such as Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Spray Conditioner or add a detangling spray into your hair care routine.
Once your hair is knot-free, style as usual.
Fine, straight hair may only require gentle combing through with the fingers rather than a brush or comb when it is dry. However you can also detangle fine hair when it is damp.
Hair that is exceptionally curly will need to be detangled when damp as this will allow the comb to work through tangles more easily. Consider using a leave-in conditioner and ensure you are not pulling or tugging at your hair.
The golden rule: Be gentle!
The Best Products For Tangled Hair
Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Spray Conditioner £30 is a leave-in spray conditioner for normal to dry or curly hair.
The formula contains panthenol for added shine and has a range of detangling benefits that moisturise the hair to bring back its elasticity and bounciness.
Colour safe, PETA approved, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from sulphates, parabens, and silicones.
Centred Unwind - Detangling Hair Primer £18
The Unwind Detangling Hair Primer from Centred is the equivalent of an SPF primer but for your hair. A versatile and lightweight spritz, it hydrates and protects locks before styling and features a range of zero-weight conditioning agents, including glycerin, panthenol and Vitamins A and E. These enhance natural shine and shield tresses from the environmental stressors of UV rays and pollution.
Provides heat protection up to 185⁰C. Suitable for all hair types.
Fibre Clinix De-Frizz Smoothing Spray £21
Achieve smooth, frizz-free hair with Fibre Clinix De-Frizz Smoothing Spray, a repairing conditioner formulated with Bondxtend Technology that strengthens hair by creating inner hair bonds.
Designed for coarse, unmanageable hair, this leave-in spray detangles, controls frizz and provides heat protection up to 230⁰C.
Integrated with Passion Fruit Oil that adds smoothness and shine for an instant frizz-free finish.
Suitable for frizzy, unruly or coarse hair.
If you’re still really struggling to remove the knots in your hair consider speaking to a stylist. They may be able to suggest an alternative style that is easier for you to manage.
Joseph Ferraro Hair (JFH) Ltd is a team of professional stylists that deliver exceptional hairdressing services for the individual. Owned and founded by Authentic Beauty Concept Ambassador and North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year (2016), Joseph Ferraro, the JFH team is dedicated to providing expert hair care. Should you need further information or advice on our range of products or wish to speak to a member of the team, please email enquiries@josephferraroonline.co.uk