No matter your hair type, you've probably been traumatized by tangles that seem nearly impossible to get out.
Hair knots have no age limit and struggling to brush them out certainly doesn't get any better. With summer upon us and tangles getting worse with each dip in the pool or ocean, TODAY Style turned
to professional hair experts to uncover the best tricks of the trade. And if you have little ones at home, scroll to the bottom for kid-specific ideas.
1. Brush your hair before you wash it.
"The best way to avoid tangles and knots is to brush your hair out before you wash it. Go in sections, starting from the bottom where the most knots and tangles are, and work your way up," says celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena, whose clients include Mindy Kaling and Mary-Louise Parker.
Mena also recommends using a Mason Pearson brush since its soft bristles don't rip hair.
2. Try using conditioner before you shampoo.
"If your hair tends to get really tangled in the shower, put conditioner on the ends first and comb through with a wide-toothed comb," says Mena. "Leave the conditioner on the ends and then apply shampoo to just the scalp and rinse out both the shampoo and conditioner together."
Plus, he adds, "shampoos can be drying and can strip too many oils out of the hair that we need."
3. Always comb in an upward motion.
Just because it's always been done one way, doesn't mean it's the right way. Simply changing the direction in which you comb your hair could make a big difference.
"Always comb your hair from the neck upward," says celebrity hairstylist Wendy Ile's, whose clients include Heidi Klum, Alessandra Ambrosio and Diane Kruger. "Never pull a comb from the top sections to the nape. This adds stress on the hair."
4. Start the process in the shower.
Iles recommends using a sulfate-free shampoo as they are often less harsh on the hair, helping prevent knots from forming in the first place.
5. Be aware of how you sleep.
Put your hair in a loose ponytail on top of your head before hitting the pillow, recommends Quintero. He is also a fan of silk pillowcases, which are said to reduce frizz.
6. Your tangles might be sending you a message.
"When your hair gets tangled in knots, it's a sure indicator that your hair is dehydrated and ultra-dry," says Christyn Nawrot, a national educator for PHYTO. "Keep a leave-in nourishing cream handy that is specially designed to replace the lost moisture and lipids to your thirsty locks"
7. Make sure there's a method to your shampooing madness.
"If your hair has a tendency to tangle, make sure to use your fingertips in a gentle motion when you are lathering to work the shampoo from the scalp down the hair shaft," explains Nawrot.
JB Shelton, of Bosley Professional Strength hair products, warns that scrubbing the ends of the hair causes not only tangles, but dryness that can lead to even more knots in the future.
8. The sun can be a problem.
All of the outdoor activities and time in the sun can be extremely drying on hair. To avoid this, Nawrot suggests using a facial sunscreen on your hair and scalp.
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