A woman gently brushes her blonde hair with a wide-tooth comb. A woman gently brushes her blonde hair with a wide-tooth comb.

How to Detangle Dry Hair Without Causing Damage

Brushing your hair without causing breakage can oftentimes be easier said than done—especially for those of us who are a more bit heavy-handed with the hairbrush. That being said, there are numerous ways to detangle hair wet or dry without damaging our delicate strands. Say goodbye to breakage, because we’re sharing a few tips and tricks to help you learn how to detangle knotted hair, including detangle hair products and smart techniques. Keep reading to find out how to detangle hair without causing damage.

Detangle in Sections:

Brushing from root to tip can rip through tangles, causing breakage and damage. The key to gentle detangling is to work in small sections. Start at the ends and gradually work your way up, carefully removing knots as you go. Select a brush that suits your hair type and texture.

A close-up of a red-haired woman carefully brushing a section of her hair.
 A woman brushes her hair, starting from the ends and working her way up.

Tackling Stubborn Tangles:

• Leave-in Conditioner: A leave-in conditioner can provide much-needed slip and make detangling a breeze. Garnier Whole Blends 10-in-1 Miracle Frizz Tamer, with coconut oil and cocoa butter, not only helps detangle but also tames frizz, smooths, and protects. Plus, it smells amazing!

• Weekly Hair Mask: Dry, dehydrated ends are more prone to tangling. Replenish moisture with a weekly hair mask like Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Mask containing hydrating ingredients like honey. This will help prevent future tangles and keep your hair looking its best.

Detangle in Sections:

Tangles and split ends go hand in hand. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks are essential for keeping your hair healthy, tangle-free, and looking its best.

A stylist trims the ends of a client's hair, emphasizing the role of regular trims.
Hands hold a bottle of hair oil, preparing for a deep conditioning treatment to help with detangling.

The Gentle Approach to Detangling:

• Detangle Like a Pro: Work in sections, starting at the ends. Use a detangling spray like Air Dry Butter Cream Leave-In Treatment for extra slip.

• Drying: Gently pat dry with a microfiber towel.

• Brushing: Use a wet brush for wet hair, a wide-tooth comb for dry.

• Pre-Shampoo Detangling: Detangle before you hop in the shower by using Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler.

• Deep Conditioning Treatment: For dry, tangle-prone hair, try a warm oil treatment. Apply coconut or avocado oil to your hair, wrap it in plastic wrap, and cover with a hot towel for a few hours before shampooing. This will deeply nourish and condition your hair, making it softer, smoother, and less prone to tangling.