When you have really long hair, it's pretty much expected to get tangles on the daily. From the weather, to city smog, to countless hair products, there are many ways your hair can develop a bunch of bothersome knots throughout the day. This has always been a huge problem for me, but there is one thing I keep in mind to never do to my tangled hair: Rip it. Yes, this includes brushing it out aggressively without detangler or pulling it apart yourself.
I'll admit — sometimes I'm very much tempted to just pull out the knots myself, but then I rememer how horrible and damaging it can be to my tresses. Not only are you breaking your strands and making it more difficult to repair, but it's also extremely painful. One time, when I got extremely frustrated with tangles from beach hair, I ripped my hair to get rid of a huge knot and let me tell you, it was not the wisest decision I've made, nor was it easy for me to fix the damage I caused to my strands.
What I've learned is to be extremely patient, whether it's when I wake up with full-on bedhead or when I encounter a bunch of tangles mid-day. Although it might take more time to maintain and get rid of the knots, it's definitely worth it. Trust me.
Here are a few alternatives to ensure you get rid of those tangles in a healthy way, without having to severely damage your hair:
Always Use Detangler
Verb Leave-In Mist, $14, Amazon
I've come to learn that detanglers are your hair's best friend. Whenever you have any sort of tangle, whether large or small, you know you can count on detangler to help you get through it. All you have to do is apply it to your strands and you should be good to go. Applying the solution will allow you to comb through your hair with ease, making it less painful.
Use The Right Comb
Crave Naturals Detangling Brush, $11, Amazon
Whether you are using a brush or a comb to get those tangles out, make sure you pick the right one. I've found that using a paddle brush or a wide-tooth comb helps keep my strands smooth after brushing them. It also doesn't hurt to spend a little more or invest in a brush you can trust. Your hair will thank you in the long run.
Be Extremely Gentle With Wet Hair
Whenever you get out of the shower or if you're done with a day at the beach, be sure to never rip through your strands impatiently. Ripping your hair will cause a lot of damage. New Beauty explained that when you're hair is wet, "the cuticles are open, making it weak and more vulnerable." So wait a little for your hair to dry, apply a little product, and then brush it the right way.
Buy The Right Products
Aveda Rosemary Mint Conditioner, $14-$40, Nordstrom
I can't emphasize how important it is to buy a shampoo and conditioner that works best for you and tangled hair. Conditioning is extremely important in making sure you avoid any unnecessary tangles, so I'd highly recommend finding products that are well worth it and will help your hair care routine in the long run.
Carry Around A Dry Conditioner
Detox Dry Conditioner, $23, Sephora
The brilliant folks over at drybar created a dry conditioner that not only smoothes and hydrates your hair, but detangles hair in between washes. Throw it in your purse and spritz it on throughout the day to ensure your strands stay smooth.
Images: Courtesy of Brands; Helene Cyr/Stocksy, Guille Faingold/Stocksy
