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...

Second, some products or DIY 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. This is the mid-2020s, detangling products don't just detangle, they improve hair-health.
  • 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 (blog post link). And a DIY recipe that works really well here.  Most of the products below are also providing bond-strengthening benefits. Protein not for you? No problem, not all "strengthening" ingredients are protein - check out that post!

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. 
  • In a similar category as ^^^ if your hair is extremely tangle-prone, use a little oil, pomade, shine serum, detangling spray on the ends of braids, on shorter hairline-hairs. Extra flexibility for loose hairs + slipperiness.
  • Use a leave-on product with great slip (lubrication) to reduce friction, especially when you must wear stand-up collars (coats, blazers). Apply to the nape-of-neck hair in particular if your hair is long.
  • Pre-shampoo treatments - they detangle and do so much more to reduce tangles and maintain strength. You'll find some of those in the list below💥 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. It helps support the blog. 

Pre-shampoo Products

  • Devacurl Washday Wonder: Another pre-shampoo treatment with lots of moisturizers and bond-repair ingredients to make detangling easier.

  • Hask Mega Slip Pre-Shampoo Detangler: 💵 This is like a rinse-out conditioner, but it contains ingredients for added slipperiness and moisture, like Squalane, Glycerin, Aloe, and Coconut oil. 
  • Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Ultra-Shield Pre-Poo : 💵 Loaded with bond-repairing moisturizers, amino acid - this product detangles and reduces breakage in the long run.
  • Oil pre-wash treatments: (link takes you to another blog post) 💵 If oils work for your hair, and you have 10-30 minutes to leave the oil on - oil pre-wash treatments can reduce tangling during washing, and even between washes. I like to recommend these to clients because it's hair care. Not a trend. Not a product that might be discontinued. 
Conditioners, Leave-on Products

  • Ion Swimmer's Leave-In Conditioner: 💵 All about slip! This product uses Amodimethicone for slip - which also protects damaged hair (pool-hair, heat-damage, coloring damage). Plus a little protein for strength and hydration.
  • Pantene Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multitasking spray: This product uses Amodimethicone for slip - which also protects damaged hair (pool-hair, heat-damage, coloring damage). Plus a little protein for strength and moisturizer (Propylene glycol) for hydration.

Shampoos

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