How to Detangle Natural Hair: A Gentle Guide for Kids and Adults

Whether you're brushing your child's curls before school or working through knots in your own hair, the right technique can make detangling easier. This guide covers straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair, with special attention to gentle brushing.

1. Start with sections

Separate longer or thicker hair into manageable sections. Use your fingers to locate knots before pulling a brush through them.

2. Add slip

Shake Hair Hero detangling spray and mist onto damp or dry hair, concentrating on tangled lengths and ends. Avoid spraying toward the eyes or face.

3. Work from the ends toward the roots

Hold the section above the knot to reduce pulling on the scalp. Begin with a wide-tooth comb or suitable detangling brush at the ends, then move upward a little at a time.

4. Slow down for stubborn knots

When you meet resistance, stop and loosen the knot with your fingers. Reapply detangler if needed rather than forcing a brush through.

5. Help prevent new tangles

Gentle bedtime braids, appropriate protective styles, and reducing friction during sleep can help make the next brushing session easier. Choose styles that do not pull tightly at the scalp.

Detangling children's hair

For school mornings, after swimming, or knots after a nap, start with small sections and let the child take breaks. Parents looking for a children's hair detangler or toddler hair detangling tips can read our children's detangling guide. Hair Hero contains essential oils for light fragrance and is not represented as tested for a specific minimum age.

Detangling adult hair

The same ends-to-roots approach works for adults with long, curly, coily, or easily tangled hair. Adjust the amount of spray and the tool to the hair texture.

Also caring for a wig?

Hair Hero is designed for synthetic wigs and extensions too. See our wig care guide for tips.

Shop Hair Hero

Explore our lightly fragranced aloe-based detangler in 1 fl oz travel and 4 fl oz full sizes. Shop Hair Hero detangling spray.