Easy Ways to Prevent Your Hair From Getting Tangled
We all know that curly hair, long hair and extension hair tangles easily. When left to its own devices, my natural hair loves to shrink, wrap and twist itself with all adjacent hairs. The longer my hair gets, the more prone it is to pesky tangles, which cause breakage and prevent visible hair growth. Here are seven easy ways to prevent hair tangles:
How To Prevent Tangles in Natural Hair
Low manipulation and Protective styling - Less is more, especially when it comes to styling and handling your hair. Strive for styles that promote hair growth. Protective styling is one of the best ways to achieve your hair length goals. Not only do these styles protect the fragile ends of your hair, they free up your time by taking the guessing game out of what to do with your hair every morning.
Less Heat - Heat styling causes damage to your hair, leaving it coarse and brittle. You may also notice that when you curl your hair with a curling or flat iron, it tangles much more easily. Two factors are at play with curled hair: First is the fact that it does not lay straight, so naturally it will tangle easier. The second and more important factor is that curling damages and dries out your hair, leaving it susceptible to knotting up. Prevent hair tangles by cutting back on heat styling and make sure you use a good protective spray when heat styling so that you have soft, manageable curls instead of coarse, tangly ones!
Avoid Harsh Dyes and Bleach - Many people dye or bleach their hair in some manner. Unfortunately, the harsh chemicals found in bleaches and dyes strip your hair of literally everything (especially bleach). I am still suffering the repercussions of a botched professional ombre done over 2 years ago! Damage is permanent unless you’re willing to chop it off, so just avoid using these harsh chemicals as much as possible!
No Hairspray - Hairspray only weighs down your curls with unnecessary product (which usually contains drying alcohols.) The more product you use, the stickier it becomes. To avoid knots, you want your fingers to easily run through your hair without getting stuck. Hairspray holds hair together so it definitely will contribute to hair tangles or broken hairs. Save it for fancy up-dos when you really want your hair to stay in place! But don’t make it a habit for daily or weekly use.
Conditioning Treatments – Your hair will love it! - The main cause for tangled hair is simply parched, dry, damaged locks. It’s important to do a weekly deep conditioning treatment to replenish the moisture that heat, humidity, product use and environmental hazards take away from our hair.
Get Regular Trims - Let’s face it, some damage is unavoidable. That’s why it’s important to get regular trims every couple months to get rid of split ends and give more life to your hair. Hair that doesn’t have split ends will tangle less, also!
Hat Hazard? - Wool hats and beanies can cause hair to become tangled pretty badly. We love to throw on a hat or beanie when it’s cold out or when we need to wash our hair. However, cotton and wool hats can suck the moisture from your hair. If you must wear a beanie, just wear it while outside or tie a silk/satin scarf underneath. Otherwise, consider rocking a side braid to prevent those pesky tangles.
*Word to the wise* Trying to detangle curly hair can be tedious, painful and overwhelming. It can also cause more damage if you’re not careful, so always be patient and gentle with your hair. Try detangling only when your hair is soaked with water and conditioner. If you get frustrated and need a break, take one and come back to your hair when you are more calm.
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