If you have a friend, sibling, or parent willing to help, you can speed up the process. And if the knot is somewhere that is difficult to reach, they may be necessary. [1] X Research source Remember to take breaks. You may need to stop and rest your arms. If you don’t have time to deal with the knot, pull your hair into a bun and wait until you have enough time to dedicate to working it out. [2] X Research source
There’s an abundance of detangling products for curly-haired people. Look for sprays to use after the shower, plus rinses and shampoos that can help when you wash your hair. Look for gentle, no-tears versions for kids or very fine hair. If your hair is dry and damaged, look for a product that moisturizes as it detangles. You can also use a silicone-based de-frizzing gel to work out tangles. [3] X Research source Make your own spray by mixing conditioner and water in a clean, empty spray bottle.
If you need to, lightly mist your hair with spray or conditioner to add lubrication and “slip” to dry hair, which is often sufficient for working out a knot. Some experts recommend detangling right before you shower, so you can easily work shampoo and conditioner through your hair and comb it out afterwards. [5] X Research source
If you have a ton of tangles, it will be much easier for you to work in sections. [6] X Research source Try dividing your hair into about six sections and work on them one at a time. If you’re working through all your hair, make sure you separate the finished sections from those that are still knotted. You may want to braid the finished section so it doesn’t tangle again. [7] X Research source
Feeling the knot with your hands can give you a better idea of what you’re working against, like the size and how tightly the strands are knotted. [9] X Research source
Be very, very gentle when combing through the knot[10] X Research source If you can’t get the comb through the knot, try applying more product. Remember to take breaks if you get tired or frustrated. This process may take quite a while.
Make sure you are holding your hair firmly with your free hand, near the root. This will make the tugging less painful and can help prevent breakage. [12] X Research source If you can’t move the comb smoothly through your hair without hitting snags or tearing your hair, move upwards in smaller increments. [13] X Research source
If you have removed some hair from the tiny knot but it still won’t undo, see a salon professional. Never rip the knot out with a comb. [15] X Research source
Use soft hair ties, not rubber bands, to pull your hair back. Remove any bobby pins you may have used to style your hair.
Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, damaging living hair and causing major tangles. [19] X Research source As much as you may love every inch of your hair, dry, dead hair really doesn’t look very good. Remember that your hair will continue to grow, and it will look healthier and stronger if you get a minor cut every season. [20] X Research source
Check necklaces and collars often to make sure they aren’t catching your hair and forming a knot. [23] X Research source
