Somehow, brushing a child's hair can turn into a much bigger production than expected. You find one knot, start working through it, and suddenly your child has decided that brushing their hair is absolutely not happening today.
Some hair types are naturally more prone to tangling, while other kids just seem to wake up with a mystery knot that wasn't there the night before. Either way, how you work through tangles can make a difference, especially when it comes to avoiding pulling and breakage.
Start at the Ends
When hair is tangled, start near the ends and work your way up instead of beginning at the roots and pulling the comb or brush all the way through. Working through smaller sections can also be helpful, especially with curly hair.
Straight hair can be more vulnerable to breakage when it's soaking wet, so allowing it to dry somewhat before gently combing is best. For curly hair, dermatologists recommend detangling while it's damp or wet, and using conditioner can help.
If you hit a knot that doesn't want to budge, it is probably best not to force through it. Use your fingers to loosen what you can, work on a smaller section, and then try a wide-tooth comb.
When You Need a Little Extra Help
A leave-in detangler can help make knots easier to work through and make brushing or combing more manageable.
Our Vanilla Grapefruit Hair Detangler Spray was formulated for Zoey’s curly hair and worked so well, we couldn’t wait to share it. It can be used on damp or dry hair and doesn't need to be rinsed out. The lightweight formula helps ease tangles and leaves hair feeling soft and manageable without heavy buildup.
We made ours to be silicone free and quat free, with a natural vanilla and grapefruit scent. We wanted something we could reach for when brushing that helped make the job easier.
Do You Still Need Conditioner?
A detangler doesn't necessarily replace conditioner. They can serve different purposes.
Conditioner is used while washing the hair and then rinsed out. Dermatologists recommend conditioner for children with dry or curly hair, where it can help make hair easier to manage. We like to use our Sweet Citrus Conditioner or Soothing Lavender Conditioner.
A leave-in detangler is something you can reach for later, whether you're combing damp hair after bath time or dealing with tangles that have appeared by the next morning.
For some kids, conditioner may be enough. For others, especially those with hair that tangles easily, having both makes sense.
After washing, gently wrap or blot the hair with a towel instead of rubbing it dry. Ponytails and braids shouldn't be pulled too tightly, since tight hairstyles can put tension on the hair.
There probably isn't a magic trick that will make every knot disappear, especially when kids seem particularly talented at creating them. But finding what works for your child's hair can make brushing a whole lot easier for everyone involved.
