Detangling 101: Pain-Free Methods for Knots and Curls

Knotty, tangled hair can make even combing a nightmare, especially for curly or textured hair. The good news is that with the right prep and technique, detangling can be gentle and even relaxing. The key is moisture, patience, and the right tools. Prep is Everything: Start on wet or damp hair with plenty of slip. Never try to detangle dry curls – they’re brittle and more prone to snap. After shampooing, generously apply a conditioner or detangler. You can also add a bit of extra leave-in conditioner or a water-based detangling spray at this stage. Wella hair experts emphasize that hair should be soft and moist before detangling – they even recommend blotting excess water with a soft T-shirt so conditioner can penetrate Step-by-Step Detangling: