Woman in white tank top brushing her long hair with blue comb.

Tangled hair can be a real struggle. Those frustrating knots can turn your morning routine into a losing battle, whether you have long, luscious locks or a . All the yanking can cause clumps of hair to fall out or lead to . But don’t lose hope just yet. When preventing and detangling matted hair, you only need adjustments to your usual haircare routine.

Why Your Hair is Full of Knots

Snarls can occur when strands of hair become intertwined and stuck together. While anyone can suffer through tangled hair, some experience it more often, usually because of their . , by nature, is more prone to tangling because it has a smaller diameter. Thanks to its textured waves, is also no stranger to knots.

As the saying goes, the best offense is a good defense. Understanding the root cause of your tangled hair is the first step to achieving smoother, more manageable locks.

You don’t brush your hair enough.

Regular brushing helps distribute your scalp’s natural oils and gently smooths out small knots before they become bigger. Choose the right tool for your specific hair type. For those with fine or straight hair, a brush with widely spaced, flexible bristles works best. On the other hand, thick or curly hair can benefit from one made with dense bristles or a .

You use too many products.

One culprit behind tangled hair is product buildup from hair sprays, mousses, gels, and serums. The sticky residue makes your strands cling together, creating a web of knots. Additionally, it attracts external debris, such as dust and pollutants, further exacerbating the problem. Without proper washing, your hair can become limp and weaker over time.

Your hair is dry and damaged.

Overwashing, , coloring, rebonding, and heat styling change the structure of your hair. These lift the protective outer layer of each strand, making them rough, dehydrated, and more prone to tangles.

How to Tame Tangled Hair

It may be tempting to hack your way through the nest of hair, but there are techniques to make your things less painful. Follow these tips to keep your hair smooth and tangle-free at home.

1. Try a pre-poo treatment.

No, we don’t mean the bathroom ritual. “Pre-poo” is a condensed term for “pre-shampoo,” which entails moisturizing the hair with oils or conditioner before shampooing. One of its main advantages is the formation of a protective barrier around the hair shafts, enabling the shampoo to cleanse each strand without excessively stripping away natural moisture.

To integrate a pre-poo treatment into your routine, begin by selecting a conditioner or oil that suits your hair type and requirements. Consider using Cream Silk Treatment Keratin Damage Repair, formulated with and collagen, for deep nourishment of your locks. For textured and over-processed hair, opt for Vitakeratin Treatment Deep Repair, which contains keratin, vitamin E, and to restore damaged hair.

Once you've chosen the product, apply it to dry hair and use your fingers to gently comb through your strands. This will ensure the even distribution of the conditioner and minimize tangles after showering. Afterward, allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.

2. Style with caution.

We all love experimenting with different hairstyles but extreme heat from curling irons and straighteners has serious downsides. To reduce potential damage, apply a heat protectant before styling your hair. Pay special attention to the ends as they are more prone to dryness. You can also layer the product with a leave-in conditioner to prevent tangled hair.

In addition, regular deep conditioning is crucial to maintain your hair health, especially after chemical treatments like a dye job, perm, and Make it a point to do a weekly hair spa at home with Dove Advanced Keratin Treatment Mask. It boasts a powerful mix of Nutri-Keratin Repair Actives, , and vitamin complex to repair and protect damaged hair.

3. Schedule regular trims.

If having  is on your manifestation list, getting a monthly trim may seem counterproductive. However, holding off your salon appointment can result in split ends, which can get tangled up with other healthy strands.

Ask your hairdresser for a dusting to avoid dealing with tangled hair. Want to take matters into your own hands? Twist a section of hair and the dry, split ends will poke out. Finally, cut them with a sharp pair of scissors.

4. Sleep smart.

Morning bedhead, anyone? Protect your hair while you sleep by using a satin or silk pillowcase. These fabrics create less friction than cotton, reducing the likelihood of tangles. Plus, they feel so soft against the skin and help .

Alternatively, you can put your mane in a protective hairstyle, like a simple braid or a top bun. You could also wrap it in a . No matter how much you toss and turn at night, your strands will stay soft and come out in gorgeous .

Dealing with tangled hair shouldn’t be a daily hassle. Lock these tips in your arsenal, so you can confidently take on any hair challenge and rock tangle-free locks.