If your hair is a knotty nightmare, try these seven simple steps for silkier and smoother tresses that are easier to manage in the morning.
1. Get hair ready for bed
If you don’t want to wake up with knotty bed head in the morning try putting your hair in a loose bun, ponytail or braid before your head hits the pillow. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf, or sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase also works. Finally, never go to bed with soaking wet, uncombed hair.
2. Shampoo your scalp
Using the right hair washing techniques can help you avoid tangles. While most of us probably work shampoo into all of our hair, it’s actually just the roots and scalp we need to concentrate on. If you want to shampoo the ends as well, remember not to bunch up the hair, as that leads to more tangles.
3. Don’t shampoo every day
Tempting as it may be to wash your hair every single day, shampooing this often can strip the hair of natural oils, leaving you with very dry locks, which are even more likely to get knotty. Instead, limit shampooing to every other day, at least.
4. Rinse in cool water
Turn the water temp down a little when it comes to rinsing your hair. It doesn’t have to be freezing – lukewarm also works well – but cool water closes the hair cuticles, leaving you with softer and shinier hair that is easier to brush and less likely to become tangled.
5. Be gentle when you dry
Rubbing your hair dry with a towel can damage your tresses and cause knots to form. Instead, squeeze out the excess water and pat it dry to keep it smooth. Afterwards, leave it to air dry rather than wrapping it up in a towel, which can lead to more tangles and damage.
6. Use detangling products
There are TONS of detangling products in the form of sprays, gels, creams and brushes on the market, but here are a few of our favourites:
- Tangle Teezer – An AMAZING hair brush that gets rids of knots rather than getting stuck in them. Life changing (seriously) and also great for children’s hair.
- L’Oreal 10 in 1 – Suitable for all colour-treated hair types, this BRILLIANT new multi-purpose spray will improve the look and feel of colour treated hair by detangling, smoothing, conditioning, refreshing and protecting.
- Matrix Oil Wonders Indian Amla – Suitable for all hair types, this is an oil-infused strengthening treatment that renews weakened hair while enhancing softness and shine. Just add two drops to your conditioner and you’ll notice how soft your hair is when you step out of the shower.
- DIY detangling spray – If you don’t want to spend money on detangling products, just put a tablespoon of conditioner into a spray bottle and fill with water, then shake it well.
7. Take your hat off
Hiding a bad hair day with a hat can leave your tresses feeling dry and damaged, which can cause knots. Instead, try braiding your hair back. We especially like this easy take on the classic French braid.
