Here’s Why Your Hair Gets Tangled So Easily—and What You Can Do to Prevent It

Tangles, knots, and snarls are never fun to deal with, no matter what you call them. While it may seem like the reason for tangles is simple—just not brushing your hair—it turns out there are several factors at play. (Though yes, your brushing habits, or lack of them, are certainly a major cause.) The good news? With a few simple tips and tricks, you can drastically reduce tangles and even undo any knots that do appear. Below, top stylists share their best advice to help you keep your hair smooth, shiny, and tangle-free.

There are many factors that contribute to tangled hair.

• Skipping regular hair brushing. The most obvious culprit: not brushing your hair often enough, especially before bed. If you don’t regularly remove the small tangles that form throughout the day, they can build up and become worse, eventually leading to matting, explains Kenna Ehman, a master stylist and co-owner of Kenna Kunijo in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Note: not all brushes or brushing methods are equal, so read on for tips on the best approach.)
• Having dry or damaged hair. Dry, damaged hair is more likely to tangle. “When hair is dry, the cuticle, the outer layer of the hair strand, is open,” explains Angel Mendez, a stylist at Salon YOSHIKO at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. This creates more friction and less slip, which makes tangling more probable. Moreover, using products with drying ingredients or undergoing chemical treatments like bleaching or straightening can contribute to your hair tangling more easily.
• Product build-up. Using multiple hair products without thoroughly washing them out can lead to product build-up. The residue left behind is often sticky, causing hair strands to stick together and tangle, according to Ehman. That’s why double shampooing is a good idea, especially if you’ve gone a while without washing or have piled on a lot of styling products.
• Split ends. This is just another reason to keep up with regular trims. “Split ends are fragile and tend to tangle with themselves, almost like Velcro,” Ehman explains. As mentioned earlier, split ends are often so damaged that they no longer have a cuticle, which makes them more likely to snag onto healthy hair strands, Mendez adds.
• Natural hair texture. While many of the above issues can be managed, one factor is out of your control: your natural hair texture. “Finer hair tends to tangle more easily,” Ehman says. “It’s like comparing rope to a fine string—thicker rope won’t knot as easily as a thin string,” she explains.

How to Avoid Tangles

As the saying goes, prevention is key. If you can stop tangles before they even begin, you’ll be ahead in the quest for smooth, manageable hair.

• Brush regularly (with the right brush). Regular brushing not only helps prevent knots but also helps spread natural oils from the scalp throughout your hair. (And remember, the more moisturized your hair is, the less likely it is to tangle.) Just make sure to use the right kind of brush for your hair type. For fine hair, a soft, boar bristle brush works best to detangle without causing damage, says Mendez. For thicker, coarser hair, a nylon bristle brush is ideal because it’s firmer and better at managing more textured hair. For medium-textured or curly hair, a mixed bristle brush is the way to go, as it combines the benefits of both types of bristles.
• Condition thoroughly (and brush again). Both stylists we spoke with emphasize conditioning your hair every time you wash. After applying conditioner, take a moment to brush it through your hair. This not only helps distribute the product evenly but also reduces tangles once you’re out of the shower, explains Mendez. He recommends using a Tangle Teezer brush, which smoothly glides through wet, conditioned hair.
• Adjust your sleep routine. We’re not talking about your bedtime or phone habits. Start by swapping your cotton pillowcase for a silk one. Friction from cotton creates tangles, but the smooth surface of silk prevents this. Additionally, avoid sleeping with your hair loose; tie it in a loose ponytail or braid to keep it in place and reduce movement that causes tangles, Ehman suggests.

How to Detangle Your Hair the Right Way

Even if you've tried everything and still find yourself with stubborn knots, don’t panic. Begin by adding moisture—trying to detangle dry hair only makes it harder and can cause damage. Mendez recommends using a bit of oil (coconut, argan, or olive oil works well for all hair types) or a detangling spray. This will provide the needed slip, making it easier to work through the tangles.

If you’re facing numerous tangles, it’s best to divide your hair into sections and tackle one piece at a time. Start by brushing the ends and gradually move upward, rather than brushing from the roots downward. Brushing from top to bottom pushes tangles further down and makes them more compact, worsening the situation, according to Ehman.