How to Fix Tangled Hair

Co-authored by Gina Almona and Amber Crain

Last Updated: March 1, 2023 References

Tangled hair is a frustrating problem for people with many hair types, especially for those with long hair or curly hair. Not only are tangles difficult and painful to get out, but the process is also time-consuming and can significantly damage your hair. Luckily, there are many tips and tricks you can use to combat tangles and minimize knots in your hair. By using the right tools and proper hair care techniques, you can significantly reduce the time and energy spent on tangled hair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Right Tools

1
Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Avoid using a regular brush on your tangles, since this can tear your hair and cause damage. Always work through tangles with a wide-toothed comb, especially if you’re detangling wet hair.^{[1]
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Research source} Start below the knot and gently work your way up until it is completely loosened. Go slowly and be patient. Vigorous combing can make tangles even worse.
- When combing tangled hair, always start at the ends and work your way up toward the roots.
- If you deal with tangles frequently, consider getting a detangling brush. They are specifically designed to painlessly remove knots from your hair.
- Detangling brushes are great for detangling dry hair, but wide-toothed combs are almost always the best option for detangling wet hair.
2
Use a soft bristled brush 2 to 3 times per day. If you have long or tangle-prone hair, don’t go all day without brushing it at all. Use a soft bristled brush 2 to 3 times throughout the day to keep your hair tangle-free. Be gentle when you brush your hair to minimize damage.^{[2]
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- Always brush your hair right before you take a shower and immediately before you go to bed.^{[3]
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- The size and shape of the brush are up to you, as long as the bristles are soft. In general, the longer your hair is, the larger the brush should be.
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3
Get a good detangling product. Detanglers are very effective products made specifically to help you remove tangles. Most of them are meant to be sprayed onto wet hair, making it much easier to get a wide-toothed comb through knotted wet locks. Most of these products offer other benefits, as well, such as hydrating the hair and making it look shiny.^{[4]
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- Different detanglers work better for different hair types. If you have straight hair, a detangling spray may be ideal for you. If you have wavy or curly hair, a detangling cream might be a better bet.
- Look for detangler formulas that include keratin. Also check the ingredients for moisturizing botanicals like aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, and grapefruit extract.
4
Avoid all hair products containing alcohol. Alcohol is extremely drying to the hair. If you’re prone to tangles, alcohol can make it even worse. Check the ingredients on all of your current hair products. Get rid of any that contain alcohol. Replace them with natural hair products that are alcohol and sulfate free.^{[5]
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- Most holding sprays and gels contain alcohol, so pay close attention to the labels when selecting these types of styling products.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Detangling Your Hair

1
Wet your hair and apply a good detangler. Use a spray bottle filled with water to soak your tangled hair well. You can also jump in the shower to wet your hair, but do not apply shampoo. Shampoo will make the tangles even worse.^{[6]
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Research source} Once your hair is wet, spray a good detangler product all over your hair.^{[7]
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- After an all-over application, concentrate on applying the detangler generously around the knots and tangles.
- You can use a detangler, an oil based product or a moisturizing conditioner.
2
Begin working through the tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Choose a tangled chunk of hair and gently begin to comb through it, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.^{[8]
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Research source} Whenever you’re working on a section, hold onto your hair near the root so that you aren’t jerking your scalp as you comb.
- If your hair is very tangled, don’t try to get the tangle out right away. Instead, work on loosening the hair around the knot first. In this case, it's a good idea to start at the nape area and work your way up the head.
3
Apply more detangler to your hair. This time, focus the spray only on the knotted areas. Be sure to spray the knots themselves, as well as all of the hair immediately surrounding the knots. Gently massage the product into the hair. Then resume working at the tangles with the wide-toothed comb. Stop occasionally and use your fingers or the end of a rat tail comb to separate some of the knotted hair, then continue trying to comb through the knots.
- If you’re dealing with a very stubborn knot or matted hair, try using a detangling brush.
- In most cases you shouldn’t brush wet hair, but a detangling brush can really help if you're dealing with severely matted hair.
- In some cases, it might be necessary to untangle the hair with your fingers at the start.
4
Alternate using the comb and the detangler. Continue working at the knots using the comb, your fingers and, if necessary, the detangling brush. Alternate these techniques until the tangle finally comes loose.^{[9]
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Research source} Be gentle and patient with the tangles.
- Getting out stubborn knots can be time-consuming, but rushing through the process can cause a lot of damage to your hair.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Tangles

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Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. Knots can happen during the night as you toss and turn on your pillow, especially if your hair texture is fine or fragile. Avoid cotton pillowcases completely. Instead, opt for pillowcases made from silk or satin.^{[10]
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Research source} These materials are not rough on your hair and can help prevent tangles the next morning.^{[11]
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2
Condition your hair after every shampoo. Apply conditioner to your hair liberally while you’re in the shower. If your hair tends to get greasy, apply the conditioner only to the ends of your hair.^{[12]
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Research source} Run a wide-toothed comb through your hair while conditioning it. This will distribute the conditioner evenly and help to keep your hair untangled. Leave the conditioner in your hair while you finish the rest of your shower.^{[13]
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- Right before you get out of the shower, rinse the conditioner from your hair.
- Rinse most of the conditioner out, but don’t rinse it out completely. The small amount left behind will help you stay tangle-free after your shower.
3
Avoid rubbing wet hair with a towel. This is one of the biggest culprits for tangling hair and most people are unaware of it. After your shower, squeeze your hair with a towel, blotting it gently instead of rubbing it.^{[14]
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Research source} Another option is foregoing the towel altogether and using a t-shirt to dry your hair instead.^{[15]
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- The smoothness of the t-shirt material can help prevent frizz and tangles.
- Microfiber towels are also a good frizz-reducing alternative to traditional terrycloth towels.
4
Use a deep conditioner at least once per week. Apply a deep conditioner right before you get in the shower, then put a shower cap over your hair. Get in and wash the rest of your body before moving on to washing your hair. The steam will give your hair a healthy dose of moisture while under the shower cap.^{[16]
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- Apply coconut oil to your hair before you get in the shower.^{[17]
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  Research source} This is another deep conditioning trick that can do wonders for your tangles.
- Simply apply the oil to your hair and then proceed with washing your hair normally.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you get through tangles if you don't have a detangler?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Although you don't have a detangling solution, you should be able to use a regular conditioner, whether it is a spray or cream form. Follow all of the same directions above, but with conditioner.
Question

I have long, straight, thick hair, but I get a lot of tangles. What should I do to avoid tangles?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Make sure that you brush your hair every day. Also, consider wearing buns and braids so that your hair isn't loose and as likely to tangle.
Question

How do I get tangles out of really thick hair?

Community Answer

Use a wide-toothed comb and a good detangler product when working through the knots. Be sure to deep-condition your hair at least once per week.