Tangle-Free Brushing
Not a style: the thing that makes every style possible.
Follow it step by step in the free app.
- Time
- About 2 minutes
- Steps
- 5
- Level
- Easy
- Hair type
- Every hair type
- Ages
- Toddlers to pre-teens
- Hair length
- Any length, short hair included
You'll need wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, soft-bristle brush, detangler spray, fine-mist water bottle. For curly and coily hair, also leave-in conditioner.
The foundation skill. Done right it takes two minutes and causes no pain.
Her job
She's in charge of the spray bottle. One mist when you ask.
See the steps in 37 seconds
The steps
Where the method changes for curly and coily hair, the step says so underneath. In the app, choose Curly or Coily under “her hair today” and you only see the steps for her hair.
Step 1 of 5
Pick the right tool
If her hair is tangled, use the wide-tooth comb throughout. Only swap to the soft brush at the very end, once the comb runs through easily.
Before you move on
You're holding the comb and she's sitting in front of you.
Why: Using a brush on a knot does not smooth it. It pulls hair out.
Curly and coily hair
Detangle it damp
Mist her hair until it's damp, not dripping, and smooth a little leave-in through with your fingers. Work in sections, ends first, fingers then the wide-tooth comb.
Before you move on: Your fingers slide through each section, root to tip.
Technique: Detangling curly and coily hair
Step 2 of 5
Set your anchor hand
Put your free hand around her hair about halfway down. Hold it firmly without squeezing. This hand acts as a shield to stop the pulling.
Before you move on
The hair below your hand hangs loose.
Why: This stops any tugging force from reaching her scalp.
Step 3 of 5
Clear the ends first
Start the comb 5 cm above the ends and pull down. If it catches, use shorter strokes on that bit until it runs free. Never force through a knot.
Before you move on
The comb runs freely through the last 5 cm.
Technique: Detangling without tears
Curly and coily hair
Clear the ends first
Work the ends of one section at a time. Fingers first until they slide through, then follow with the wide-tooth comb over the same bit. Mist again if a section is drying out before you reach it.
Before you move on: The comb runs freely through the ends of the section you're on.
Step 4 of 5
Work upward in stages
Move your hand up 5 cm to anchor the hair higher up. Comb down through everything below your hand. When that runs free, move your hand and comb up again. Repeat until you reach the scalp.
Before you move on
One smooth stroke from top to bottom.
Curly and coily hair
Work upward in stages
Move up the same section, fingers first then the comb, a little at a time. When one section runs free, twist it loosely out of the way and move to the next.
Before you move on: Each section runs free from root to tip before you move to the next.
Step 5 of 5
Smooth with the brush
Swap to the soft brush. Starting above her forehead, brush in long firm strokes down to the ends. Do the whole head: both sides, top and back.
Before you move on
The hair lies flat and looks shiny.
Curly and coily hair
Shape with your fingertips
Skip the brush. Shape each section with your fingertips, and mist lightly again if it's looking dry rather than reaching for the comb.
Before you move on: The curls look soft and defined, not flattened or frizzed.
If it goes wrong
What usually happens: She winces and pulls away, usually because the comb hit an uncleared knot higher up before the ends were free.
The fix: Stop, move your anchor hand back to the halfway point, and restart from the ends. Never move the anchor hand higher until the comb passes freely below it.
More in Fix It: She's crying or says it hurts · Her hair is badly knotted · She won't sit still
Common questions
How long does Tangle-Free Brushing take?
About 2 minutes once you know it, in 5 steps. The first few times take longer; the steps tell you what to check before you move on, so you are never guessing.
Does Tangle-Free Brushing work on curly or coily hair?
Yes. Tangle-Free Brushing suits every hair type. Where the method changes for curly and coily hair, the step above gives that version: detangle it damp, work in sections and keep the hairline soft. In the app, choosing Curly or Coily shows only the steps for her hair.
What do I need for Tangle-Free Brushing?
Wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, soft-bristle brush, detangler spray and fine-mist water bottle. For curly and coily hair, add leave-in conditioner. Each one is on the Kit page with what it is for and what to avoid.
What usually goes wrong with Tangle-Free Brushing?
She winces and pulls away, usually because the comb hit an uncleared knot higher up before the ends were free. Stop, move your anchor hand back to the halfway point, and restart from the ends. Never move the anchor hand higher until the comb passes freely below it.
What age is Tangle-Free Brushing for?
Toddlers to pre-teens, and any length, short hair included. In the app her age and hair length put the styles written for her first, and never hide one.
Do this in the app
The page tells you how. The app does four things a page cannot:
- Her hair, not hair in general. Choose Straight, Wavy, Thick, Curly or Coily under "her hair today" and the steps and pictures change to the method for her hair.
- A check before every step. Each step ends with what it should look and feel like, so you know it is right before you move on.
- Fix It, mid-style. When something is not right, "Something's not right" opens the fix for it without leaving the step.
- The diary. Add a photo and a note when you finish, and see what you have done and what to try next.
Free, with six everyday styles and all eight techniques. No account, no ads, no tracking.
