Detangling Breakthroughs... Break up with breakage

This post is for people who might not get what they need from the usual detangling solutions like  conditioner or deep conditioner. Or leave-in conditioner. Or just- gritting your teeth through the ripping and snapping. 😬  Tangle-prevention, that's what we need!

First, we have some basic principles for prevention and problem-solving. And then some products or recipe links to get you there.

  1. Detangle with a product. If oils and spray-conditioners make your hair tangle more, I hear you! Stick with me to the end, there are great options for you too.
    • I like to pre-detangle dry hair, as in, just get in there and make sure there are no major traffic jams. This is tangle-reconnaissance.
    • Then detangle either wet hair with a conditioner, or apply a super-slippery product to detangle dry hair first.
  2. Bond-repair/strengthening is a must - those products improve elasticity to reduce breakage. You can find a list of those products here. And a DIY recipe that works really well here.  Most of the products below are also providing bond-strengthening benefits.
  3. Reduce tangling. 
    • Cover your hair when out in the wind, or secure it in a bun, braid(s) etc. Always be prepared with a scrunchie, a hair elastic, a scarf or headband.
    • Use a styling product that prevents flyaways and keeps your hair "together." For straight hair - that might be a styling cream or serum. For wavy, curly and coily hair, that might be a gel, foam, both. Something that holds your hair in its wave or curl pattern rather than letting hairs spread out, where they may catch and tangle.
    • Use a leave-on product with great slip (lubrication) to reduce friction, especially when you must wear stand-up collars (coats, blazers).
    • Pre-shampoo treatments - they detangle and do so much more. 💥 Tangle prevention! ⚡️ 
    • Detangling shampoo. 💯 Unless you need squeaky-clean hair. 💥 Tangle prevention! ⚡️ 
    • Stretched hair? Protective styles? Elongating curls (twists, roller sets, blow drying) can reduce tangling thanks to fewer points of contact between hairs. Protective styles can reduce breakage as hairs have less chance to experience force individually. Weigh these benefits against tension on your roots, styling time, heat damage if heat is involved.
    • Blow-drying? Some people can let their hair blow all around without tangles. But if that's not you, use a brush or your fingers to restrain your strands.
Products that help detangle or prevent tangles
Approximately $1-per-ounce products have this symbol 💵. This translates into less than $10 for an 8oz bottle of product.
Some of the items below contain affiliate links, for which I may receive a small commission when clicked, at no cost to you, and not revealing your personal information to me.

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