Knotted hair and tangled hair is frustrating, and we’ve all considered just ripping or cutting it out. After all, you’ve probably been trying to get a brush through your mane for the last five minutes - and there’s only so much pain you can tolerate as well as time you have before you need to admit defeat.

But you really don’t need to use scissors and attempt a DIY haircut. In fact, there’s a whole host of simple tricks that can help to untangle your hair - however long it may be or whether it’s hair extensions. Plus, we even have some advice to help you to prevent tangles and knots in the first place. Just think of us as your haircare fairy godmother… 

How to detangle hair

For starters, the way you try to detangle hair depends on its length and whether it’s wet or dry. If you’ve jumped out of the shower, and your hair’s already resembling a do that Hagrid would be proud of, then it’s important to reach for your best hair detangling product. 

For wet tangled hair, spritz all over and brush through. If you do reach any knots, be kind and gentle! On particularly pesky parts, feel free to spray some more detangler. Be patient and keep repeating the process until your hair is silky smooth. 

If you have dry tangled hair, you can detangle it in the same way as wet hair - just make sure that your detangling spray is suitable for both wet and dry styles. This will help to dampen your hair, making it easier to work with.

Don’t worry if you haven’t got a detangler though. Simply moisten your hair with water or even some leave-in conditioner. Then, grab a wide-tooth comb and work it through your hair. Again, you should keep repeating this until you have smooth hair. 

A top tip is to work your way from the ends of your hair, upwards, holding onto the hair at the root to prevent pain and protect it from further damage.

Why does my hair get so tangled?

Any length of hair can get tangled but usually it happens more often to long hair that’s thick, wavy or curly. Tangling happens because the hair doesn’t have enough moisture in it and so is overly dry. Hair tangling also happens to those who need to wash their hair more often. 

What makes hair tangle?

How to stop hair from getting tangled

So now you know how to remove tangles from your hair, as well as the most common causes, you might be wondering what some of the easiest ways to avoid hair knots are.

The truth is, there's quite a lot you can do. But to help you out, we’ve pulled together our best tips to prevent tangled hair from happening in the first place.

• Brush your hair before washing to help remove knots. Find out more on our "Ultimate Guide to Hairbrush Types" in which we have complited a huge list of hairbrush types for each and every strand of hair. 
• Use your fingers before you reach for your comb, separating the hair into sections and gently running them through.
• Be sure to only use shampoo on the scalp as this is where most of the oil sits and use lots of conditioner on the rest of your hair.
• Use a comb to pull the conditioner through the hair to evenly distribute it and remove any tangles.
• Brush your hair from the end to the roots or, if you have hair extensions, hold your hand over the roots to secure it and then brush from the bottom up.
• Add a hair mask to your weekly routine for a little bit of hair care TLC.
• Instead of using a towel to dry your hair, gently squeeze the hair dry.
• Put your hair up when you’re sleeping to protect it as you toss and turn.
• Invest in a silk pillowcase as it’s much softer on your skin and hair, compared to the standard cotton ones.
• Consider braids when you’re exercising or sleeping to protect your hair - just be sure to keep these loose as tight braids can cause further damage to the root.
• Use clips and headbands when it’s windy to stop your hair from getting matted.
• Make sure you’re getting regular trims to remove any dead and split ends.
• Have more days in the week where you don’t use heated styling tools.
• Rinse your hair with lukewarm water - not hot.
• Invest in the right products such as detangling shampoos and conditioners, and a detangling brush and comb.

How to get a knot out of your hair

Similar to tangled hair, knotted hair can be easily fixed. You simply need to wet the area of hair where the knot is and slowly work a comb or brush through it. If it’s a particularly bad one, you could consider massaging the conditioner into it and teasing the knot out with your fingers. 

How to detangle hair without a brush

If you don’t have a brush to hand, try to find a comb. And, if you can’t find one of these either, then you’ll have to put your hands to good work. 

Start by separating your hair into sections with your fingers. Wet the area with a detangling spray, conditioner or water and gently run your fingers through the tangles. Think of it like a homemade hairbrush… 

What to use for tangled hair

You’ve probably guessed that conditioner, water, a detangling spray and comb of some sort are going to be your saving grace when it comes to tangled hair. However, oils can also be effective at removing any knots and hydrating your hair.

Before starting, ensure that your hair is conditioned - just enough. Too much residue will stop the oil from doing its job. With your hair clean and knot-free, apply a few drops of oil, like olive oil, onto your scalp and hair for 20 minutes. Then rinse off. You can repeat this once a week for best results, and why not look out for other oils like coconut and lavender for the ultimate DIY spa session?

Best way to get rid of tangled hair

The best way to detangle your hair is to start when your locks are dry - so before you wash it. Saturate it with a detangling spray, leave-in conditioner or water and run your fingers through it to get rid of any large matted areas.

Then, run a wide-tooth comb through it. It’s important to use a lot of conditioner or moisture to avoid unnecessary damage. You should also start at the ends of your hair and work your way up for best results. 

Don’t worry if it seems that a lot of your hair is falling out. This is completely normal and means you’re getting rid of the knots. If it’s painful however, hold your hair at the root to stop the pulling sensation.

Take your time until you’re able to run your fingers through the hair freely. Then, it’s time to rinse your hair with cool water. 

Best hairbrush for tangled hair

When it comes to the best hairbrush for tangled hair, there’s only one contender in our eyes. The Satin Touch Detangling Hair Brush. Crafted from high-quality flexible bristles, this detangle hair brush glides through your hair - and any knots - creating less friction and pain compared to ordinary hair brushes. It’s also suitable for all hair types, meaning no-one has to miss out!

Looking for the best haircare products and accessories to help you to look after your hair? Perhaps, you want to enhance your look for the festive season with hair extensions? 

At Cliphair, we have a huge range of hair extensions, hair care and accessories - as well as shampoo for tangled hair - to help you to feel your best, whatever the occasion. We also have a color match service and advice service to ensure that you get a salon-worthy look, every time. 

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