The thicker your hair is, the more sections you should use. Brushing through small sections of hair will aid in keeping hair smooth and frizz-free, which can help prevent knots. Once you have combed through all sections, run the brush once or twice through all of your hair to minimize the appearance of parts and sections.
If the ends of your hair are knotted, start at the tips and work your way up. This is a great way to avoid tangles, as well; brushing from the mid-shaft down, then going from the root down will sort through any stray hair or flyaways, and will help your brush avoid yanking.
Even with a wide-toothed comb, you should approach any existing knots gently. Separate the knot as much as possible with your fingers, then move on to combing.
Although plastic will do, plastic combs often have small barbs and rough edges that can damage hair. If possible, use a comb made of wood or bamboo for a smoother, gentler finish. Once you have detangled your medium or long hair, you can use a fine-toothed comb on it. If the hair is still knotted, however, it may cause more breakage.
Dry, brittle hair results in knots and tangles, so minimizing dryness is a must. When brushing with a boar bristle brush, brush in sections, and finish by turning your head upside-down, brushing from the base of your hairline to the crown of your head.
Shampooing can be extremely drying. If you are prone to dry hair, shampoo only once every other day, or even once per week. If you put shampoo directly on the ends, it can dry your hair out, leading to more tangles.
One of the most common causes of tangles is dryness. Keeping your hair moisturized and healthy will cut down on tangles.
If you do trim your hair yourself, instead of a licensed cosmetologist, avoid cutting extreme lengths, layers, and cutting straight across. Instead, cut in small sections, holding your scissors at a slight angle to keep the ends even.
Not all oils are created equal. Although coconut and olive oil can be great for hair treatments, they are not ideal for everyday use, as they can weigh hair down. Opt for a thinner oil, such as argan, when searching for an everyday hair oil. Less is more where hair oils are concerned. Use only one or two drops, rub the drops between your hands, and comb your hands through the ends of your hair. Your hair should not feel stringy or damp following the application of hair oil. If it does, you have used too much oil, or the oil is too thick.
When purchasing a detangler, pay close attention to the ingredients. The ingredients should be moisturizing (think oils), rather than drying. If a detangler has alcohol or other drying agents in it, it may do more harm than good. If you do not have a detangling spray, mix ⅓ cup of filtered water, ⅓ cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of oil. Using a spray bottle, spray this mixture onto your hair and comb through as usual. [7] X Research source
Using a dryer too often can result in breakage. Avoid drying when you are able, and refrain from holding the dryer closer than 4-6 inches.
You can purchase nylon bands from your local supermarket or beauty store. Look online as well. You can make your own using an old pair of tights. To make your own, simply cut your tights into 1-inch strips width-wise. Nylon bands will stretch out faster and easier than rubber bands, so expect to get only 2-3 months’ use out of each one. Because they don’t last as long, cutting up old, unused nylons is the more economical option.
Use nylon hair ties during the night, especially, as you will likely experience some tossing and turning. Rubber bands can dig into the hair during this time, causing breakage overnight. All sleep styles should be done loosely. A tight ponytail, bun, or braid will tug on hair and risk breakage. A loose french braid or loose, low bun are the safest options.
If you prefer showering at night, try to do so at least an hour before going to bed. On days when this is not possible, you can use a hair dryer on its lowest setting. If you do this, be sure to brush your hair before getting into bed.
This does require a bit of an investment, as silk pillowcases are not cheap. Be careful when choosing your pillowcase. Search for 100% silk, and avoid satin and other synthetic fibers.
Oil treatments are best for dry, coarse hair. Use treatments with argan, olive, or coconut oil for thick, dry hair. Keratin treatments can be supplemented using oils. Fine, thin hair is best helped by lighter ingredients, such as keratin. If your hair is fine or thin, oil might weigh your hair down and should be avoided.
To help yourself relax before bed, drink a warm cup of tea and read a book or listen to soothing music. Avoid using electronics right before bed, as the blue light from electronics can disrupt sleep cycles and lead to fractionated sleep, resulting in more movement and additional knots.
