11 Tips on How to Avoid Tangled Hair ...

1. Condition, Condition, Condition

When you're figuring out how to avoid tangled hair, you'll quickly discover how important it is to condition. I mean, you really have to condition your hair. There are several ways to do so, and you can try them all if your hair reacts well. Conditioning in the shower is always good, because that leaves your hair smoother when you're ready to start styling. However, that's not always enough. If you need something more powerful than a rinse-out conditioner, try a leave-in treatment each day or do a deep conditioning treatment every one to two weeks. If you have oily hair and worry about making it worse, just remember to only condition the ends of your hair, not the scalp!

2. Cool Water Rinses

Rinsing your hair in cool or even cold water is so much better than using hot water to rinse. You don't have to make it freezing, although it's very refreshing in the summer. Cool or lukewarm works just as well. That's because cool water closes your hair's cuticles, so it stays softer and shinier. It's easier to comb and it's not as likely to get tangled throughout the day.

3. Go with Detangling Products

Detangling products are my best friends, especially when I just can't get through all those snarls. There are sprays and spritzes, creams and gels, and many other products available. Lots of them help strengthen your hair as well, so you get lots of help! If, however, you don't want to spend money on detangling products, just take some of your old conditioner, put a tablespoon of it into a water bottle, and fill up the rest with water. Shake it up, mix it well, and voila! Your own detangler!

4. Comb, Don't Brush

While it's technically okay to use a brush after your hair is dry, combing it is a much better option. This is a hard one for me to follow because, I admit, I always brush my hair … yes, even when it's wet, even though I know better. When your hair is wet and tangled, start with a wider toothed comb, because then it won't tug through the knots as painfully. Once you've mostly worked them out, you can switch to a fine toothed comb. That way, you get all the tangles and snarls, which doesn't always happen with a brush. Also, work from the bottom up, so you can smooth the worst knots first.

5. Don't Bunch It up

Using the right techniques to wash and dry your hair will also help you avoid tangles. Although you only have to suds the roots of your hair when you shampoo, I know many of us go ahead and work the shampoo into the ends as well. If you still prefer that technique, just remember not to screw or bunch up your hair, because that leads to more tangles. Similarly, don't bunch up your hair when you towel dry. Squeeze out the excess water and pat it so it stays smooth.

6. Avoid Alcohol

No, I'm not suggesting that if you enjoy beer or wine or daiquiris, your hair gets more tangled. What I mean is, avoid any hair care products that contain alcohol. It's damaging to your hair anyway, but if you're prone to tangles, then alcohol based products are even worse. Stick with gentle, natural products that promise smoothness.

7. Sleep Safely

If you know what it's like to wake up with tangled, snarled hair, you have my sympathy. The good news is that there are several things you can do to avoid a rat's nest of bed head in the morning. If it's not too uncomfortable, put your hair up in a bun, braid, or ponytail before you go to sleep. If that won't work for you, wrap your hair in a silk scarf. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase works too. Above all else, however, don't go to sleep with soaking wet, uncombed hair!

8. Don't Wrap Your Hair in a Towel

A lot of girls are quick to wrap their hair in a towel post-shower but did you know that that can cause damage? Remember #5 (don't bunch it up)? Wrapping up your hair can lead to more tangles when you remove the towel! Instead, pat your hair with the towel and just let it air dry.

9. Use Cloth-covered Scrunchies

If you're always tying your hair, use cloth-covered scrunchies rather than the regular elastic ones. It'll cause less stress to your hair! Try not to wear your ponytail TOO tight and too often because repeating stress in the same place over and over will cause damage.

10. Get Regular Trims

Let's face it, some damage is permanent. To keep your hair healthy, get your ends trimmed regularly. It'll promote hair growth and help keep your hair tangle-free!

11. Hat Hazard

Wearing a beanie or a hat is a very easy way to hide a bad hair day. However, cotton and wool hats suck the moisture right out of your hair! It leaves your hair feeling dry and damaged, causing tangles. An alternative to this is to just braid your hair to the side!

Avoiding tangled hair requires diligence, patience, and a lot of care, but it can be done. Remember, your hair doesn't have to be long to get tangles. Some are easier to banish than others, but with the right tips, techniques, and hair care regimens, you'll never have to waste twenty minutes trying to coax your snarls loose so you don't end up losing all your hair. Do you have any hair care tips for keeping your tresses silky smooth?