How to Stop Hair from Tangling

How to Stop Hair from Tangling

Tangles can make your hair look like a bird’s nest. Talk about a terrible hair day. While that’s bad enough, they can also cause breakage and hair loss. This is an issue that affects all hair types. So, here’s a complete guide to prevent tangling. 


Credit: Envato Elements/ BLACKDAY

 

1) Choose a Hydrating Conditioner

Dry, brittle hair is way more likely to knot up, so hydration is key. Look for conditioners with hydrating ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or glycerin.

When applying conditioner, focus on the mid-lengths and ends, not your scalp. Your roots already get natural oils. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing to give your hair time to soak up the moisture. 

 

2) Use a Hair Mask Weekly

A weekly deep-conditioning treatment makes a huge difference. Hair masks are more concentrated than regular conditioners, so they repair damage, add hydration, and make your hair softer—all things that help prevent knots. Choose a mask based on your hair type. If your hair is thick and coarse, go for something rich and creamy. If it’s fine, choose a lightweight mask.

Apply it after shampooing, leave it on for 10–20 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Cool water helps seal the cuticle. 

 

3) Use a Microfiber Towel to Dry Your Hair

Regular bath towels are rough on your hair and can cause more tangles. The friction lifts the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and knots. Instead, switch to a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt. These are gentler, absorb excess water faster, and help reduce breakage.

To dry your hair:

  1. Don’t rub! Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water with your microfiber towel.

  2. Wrap your hair up in the towel for a few minutes to soak up moisture.

  3. Let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer on low heat to avoid more damage.

 

4) Use a Leave-In Conditioner or Detangling Spray on Damp Hair

Right after washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. Regular conditioner helps in the shower. Leave-in products keep your hair smooth and protected all day.

How to apply:

  1. Towel-dry your hair (with a microfiber towel, of course).

  2. Spray or apply the product from mid-length to ends. Avoid the roots to keep your hair from looking greasy.

  3. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly.

 

5) Comb and Brush Your Hair Correctly

If you’re yanking a brush through your knots, you’re just causing more breakage. Most hair types can use a wide toothcomb. If you have curly hair, use the Tangle Teezer detangling brush. Hold a section of your hair in one hand and start detangling with the other. Start from the ends, not the roots. 

 

6) Braid Your Hair Before Sleeping

Tossing and turning at night can turn your hair into a tangled mess by morning. The best way to stop this is to braid your hair before bed. A regular three-strand loose braid works great. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to cut down on friction even more. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and create frizz.

 

7) Trim Your Hair Regularly

Split ends make tangles so much worse. Once your hair starts splitting, the strands get rough and catch onto each other, creating knots. Regularly trim your hair every 6–8 weeks if it’s excessively damaged. If your hair is fairly healthy, you can stretch it to every 10–12 weeks.

 

8) Avoid Excessive Heat and Chemical Treatments

Blow dryers, curling irons, straighteners, bleach, and hair dyes all weaken your hair. If you overdo it, your hair loses moisture and elasticity which makes knots even harder to remove.

Here’s how to keep the damage under control:

  • Use heat styling sparingly. If you must use a blow dryer or curling iron, keep the heat on low and always use a heat protectant.

  • Air-dry your hair when possible. If you’re in a rush, use your blow dryer on the cool setting instead of blasting it with heat.

  • Be mindful of chemical treatments. Bleach, perms, and relaxers strip your hair’s natural oils. If you color your hair, use deep-conditioning treatments to keep it hydrated.

 

9) Tie Your Hair When Working Out

When you work out, your hair rubs against your clothes, your skin, and itself which in turn leads to knots. Tie your hair into a ponytail, braid, or bun before hitting the gym. Use only scrunchies, spiral hair ties, or fabric-covered elastics instead of tight elastics. 

Also, wash or rinse your hair after a sweaty workout. Sweat contains salt, which can dry out your hair and make it more prone to tangles. If you don’t have time for a full wash, just rinse with water or use a little leave-in conditioner.


Summary


That’s it! Keep your hair hydrated, be gentle with it, and protect it from damage—those are the keys to preventing tangles. 

Tired of hair ties that pull, snap, or slip? Burlybands are designed to hold even the thickest hair securely without causing breakage or discomfort. Shop with us today.

 

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