Your hair is most likely to tangle when it’s damaged. Though wind, salt water and sleeping can all tangle up your hair, most of the tangles will comb right out if your hair is healthy because the smooth strands slip easily apart. When your hair is damaged, however, its rough and ragged cuticles snag each other, creating snarls and hard-to-comb-out tangles. The most effective way to detangle your hair is to repair the damage and restore your hair’s natural smoothness.
Detangling Spray
For a quick detangling fix, combine 8 oz. of water with 2 drops of glycerin, a couple of drops of grapefruit essential oil and 1 tsp. of aloe vera gel in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously to combine the ingredients, and spritz the mixture generously on your hair when you need to comb through tangles. This mixture is fairly shelf-stable so you can keep it on your counter or in your shower for about 6 weeks before it loses its effectiveness.
Detangling Treatment
Repair damaged hair and make it easier to comb by healing the outer layer of your hair shaft, restoring its smoothness. Make an at-home hot oil treatment by warming a generous amount of olive oil for 15 to 30 seconds in the microwave and massaging it through your hair from roots to tip. Slip on a shower cap or wind a sheet of plastic wrap around your hair to seal in the heat and let the oil penetrate your hair for about 20 minutes before rinsing it out with warm water. The oil will coat and soften your hair so that it’s easier to comb.
Detangling Conditioner
Using a moisturizing conditioner helps repair damaged hair, making it easier to untangle. Beat an egg yolk until it’s foamy and pale yellow, then whisk in 1/2 tsp. of olive oil and 3/4 cup of water until they are completely combined. Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair for about 20 minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water. Your rinsed hair should be easy to comb and quickly tangle-free.
