Technique
Detangling without tears
Ends first, five centimetres at a time.
Every step in the free app links to the technique it uses.
Why it matters
Starting at the roots drags every knot in the hair down into one tangle at the bottom, which is what turns detangling into a fight. Freshly washed hair is often the hardest to work through: the strands are clean and smooth, so the comb has nothing to grip and slides into knots instead of through them.
How to do it
- Start the comb about five centimetres from the ends, not at the roots.
- Work through the knots in that section until the comb runs free.
- Move up five more centimetres and repeat, working your way up to the roots.
- If freshly washed hair is fighting you, a light leave-in spray on damp hair, or waiting until the next morning, makes it easier to work through.
How to check it's right
- The comb passes through the last five centimetres without catching.
- A comb run from root to tip in one smooth stroke without snagging.
Common mistakes
- Starting at the roots instead of the ends, which drags every knot down into one tangle at the bottom.
- Forcing the comb through a knot that's caught, rather than using short strokes on just that section. Forcing it pulls the knot tighter and pulls at her scalp.
Used in these styles
- Tangle-Free BrushingFree, in full on this site
- Classic PonytailFree, in full on this site
- High PonytailFree, in full on this site
- Two Even BunchesFree, in full on this site
- Half-Up, Half-DownFree, in full on this site
- Three-Strand PlaitIn Beyond the Ponytail
- Plaited PigtailsIn Beyond the Ponytail
- Top KnotIn Beyond the Ponytail
- French PlaitIn Beyond the Ponytail
- Dutch PlaitIn Beyond the Ponytail
- Sports BunIn Beyond the Ponytail
Common questions
Why does detangling without tears matter?
Starting at the roots drags every knot in the hair down into one tangle at the bottom, which is what turns detangling into a fight. Freshly washed hair is often the hardest to work through: the strands are clean and smooth, so the comb has nothing to grip and slides into knots instead of through them.
How do I know I'm doing it right?
The comb passes through the last five centimetres without catching. A comb run from root to tip in one smooth stroke without snagging.
What is the most common mistake?
Starting at the roots instead of the ends, which drags every knot down into one tangle at the bottom.
Which styles use detangling without tears?
Tangle-Free Brushing, Classic Ponytail, High Ponytail, Two Even Bunches and Half-Up, Half-Down and 6 more. Each step that uses it links back here.
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.
