If you encounter a tangle or matted area while combing your hair, stop combing, and immediately apply a creamy conditioner to the area. Finger massage the conditioner directly into the tangle and gently and slowly separate the hairs until the tangle is removed. Apply more conditioner if needed for stubborn knots. Once you can run your fingers smoothly through your hair, you can resume combing.
The best way to prevent your hair from snagging on something (which can cause tangles and split-ends) while you sleep is by piling it on the top of your head in a loose bun or ponytail and then sleeping on a satin pillowcase. For even more protection, you can wrap your hair with a satin or silk scarf.
Detangling hair safely, gently, and efficiently can be accomplished best by using 3 of your senses. To do this effectively, you will need to comb your hair in front of a mirror, not in the shower. Here's why:
Touch, of course, is an essential sense for this task. Feel your fingers slide smoothly through your hair before you even pick up a comb. If you encounter any resistance, stop to separate matted hairs or knots before continuing.
Speaking of knots, it's important to use your sight sense to see how many hairs are involved. It is best to try to get the entanglement down to two hairs before you snip it out with scissors, if necessary. Looking in a mirror will enable you to easily spot matted areas or tangles before they turn into knots.
Next, use your hearing sense to help prevent damage while combing. Listen for any snapping or popping sounds because this can mean that you are being too rough and need to ease your touch. Even though it can be convenient to detangle in the shower, it is nearly impossible to hear hairs breaking with the water running. Why not do your hair a favor and use your senses of touch, sight, and hearing for safer and healthier detangling?