Tangled hair is a kind of that uninvited guest that always shows up at the worst times. Maybe you wake up to a mess of knots so stubborn they seem woven into your strands, or perhaps your hair transforms into a tangled jungle after a windy commute. If you’ve ever wrestled with post-shower snarls or found your ponytail turning into a matted nightmare, you’re not alone.
But you don’t have to suffer in silence (or with scissors). With the right techniques and a little patience, you can reclaim your knot-free strands. Here are the best ways to get out of tangled hair effectively.
1. Use your fingers
Before reaching for a brush, take a step back and use the best tools you already have—your hands. Yanking through knots with a brush only makes things worse, but working them apart with your fingers? That’s great.
2. Hair oil
If you grew up with an auntie, grandma, or mom who swore by coconut or castor oil for everything, they were onto something. Hair oil is a lifesaver for knots. Warm up a little between your palms and work it into the matted areas. Let it sit for a good 10–15 minutes (this is the perfect excuse to sip some tea and relax), then start working through the tangles.
3. Conditioner soak
Ever felt like your hair just refuses to cooperate? Instead of fighting it, let it soak. Jump in the shower, drench your hair in warm water, and apply a generous amount of conditioner. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes while you handle the rest of your routine (singing your favorite song is optional but recommended). When it’s time to rinse, don’t just scrub. The conditioner softens the hair and makes detangling way less painful.
4. DIY detangling spray
If you don’t want to spend money on detangling sprays, make your own. You can mix a few pumps of your favorite conditioner with water in a spray bottle and shake it up. For an extra boost, add a drop or two of oil (argan, almond, or even avocado oil works wonders). Spray it onto dry or damp hair before combing through. This homemade spray is great to keep in your bag, especially if your hair tends to tangle throughout the day.
5. The wide-tooth comb method
If your go-to hairbrush is a fine-tooth comb or a paddle brush, you might be making things harder for yourself. A wide-tooth comb is your best friend when dealing with knots. The trick is to start at the ends and work your way up in small sections. If you’re dealing with stubborn knots, take a deep breath, add a little extra conditioner or oil, and keep working slowly. Learn how to backcomb your hair.
6. Sectioning
If your hair is looking like a tangled bird’s nest, tackling it all at once is a recipe for frustration. Instead, divide and conquer. Section your hair into 4–6 smaller parts and focus on one at a time. Use hair clips or scrunchies to keep the rest out of the way. It’s especially useful for people with thick, curly, or long hair who struggle with knots regularly. Slow and steady wins the race, and your scalp will thank you for it!
7. Satin pillowcases & protective styles
Prevention is better than cure, and the best way to avoid tangles? Change up your bedtime routine. If you’re still sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, switch to satin or silk. And if your hair is long, try a loose braid, silk scarf wrap, or even a pineapple updo before bed. This stops your hair from rubbing against itself while you sleep, meaning fewer knots in the morning.
FAQs
Q1: How to untangle severely matted hair?
But before you reach for the scissors, take a deep breath! Put a generous amount of conditioner, detangling spray, or natural oil (coconut or olive oil works wonders). Let it soak in for at least 30 minutes to soften the knots. Then, grab a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush and start from the ends, working your way up in small sections.
Q2: What loosens knots in hair?
The best way to loosen knots is by using a leave-in conditioner or a few drops of hair oil. If you're in a pinch, warm water mixed with conditioner can also do the trick.
Q3: How to blow out hair to avoid getting tangled?
Always detangle before you start. Section your hair and use a round brush, working in small sections to smooth the cuticle as you dry. Always point the dryer downward to avoid roughing up the hair shaft. And here’s a pro tip: finish with a cool shot to lock in smoothness and prevent frizz. And it’s highly recommended to use Laifen Swift Special with a diffuser or a concentrator nozzle to help detangle your hair at home.
Q4: Is it better to detangle hair wet or dry?
Wet detangling works best for curly, coily, or thick hair, while dry detangling is safer for fine or fragile strands.
