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A Guide on How to Detangle Hair Avoiding Damage & Breakage I Kent Brushes Blog

A Guide on How to Detangle Hair Avoiding Damage & Breakage

THE DETANGLING SECRETS YOU MUST KNOW TO AVOID HAIR DAMAGE
Are you tired of dealing with knots and tangles that seem impossible to manage? Whether you have straight, fine hair, thick, wavy, curly or textured hair, detangling can be a daunting task. Especially for children – the moans and groans can be unbearable. But, with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve smooth, tangle-free locks without causing damage. We’re here to give you simple and effective ways to detangle your hair while maintaining its health and beauty. So, let’s unpick the reasons behind why your hair gets so knotty and solve those detangling mysteries for you.


WHY DOES HAIR GET TANGLED?
Well, factors such as friction, dryness, and natural hair texture can contribute to knots and tangles. Curly and textured hair types are more prone to tangling due to their shape and tendency to interlock. But of course, natural, environmental stressors like wind and humidity can exacerbate the problem as well as your lifestyle. Do you swim or exercise with your hair down? Or perhaps you simply forget to brush your hair regularly. Unfortunately, once hair starts to get knotty, it can matte up quicker than you’d imagine, so regular and gentle brushing will prevent any dramatic knotting.


THE IMPORTANCE OF DETANGLING YOUR HAIR
It's crucial to address tangles with care to prevent hair damage. Using the wrong tools or being unnecessarily aggressive with your knotty hair can lead to breakage and split ends, leaving your hair looking dull and lifeless. By adopting gentle detangling techniques, you can keep your locks healthy and vibrant.


HOW TO DETANGLE HAIR
It may seem obvious, but clean hair is often easier to detangle, so be sure to wash your hair regularly. You might want to consider using a shampoo brush to really clean your scalp, activate those blood cells and encourage new hair growth. Brushing your hair with a hairbrush that is suitable for your hair type and length is the simplest form of self-care and can have transformative results. There are many different types of detangling hairbrushes, so read on to find out which one will be best for you.


ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES TO DETANGLING HAIR
The golden rule for detangling your hair is to start from the bottom and work your way up. Begin by gently untangling the ends of your hair, then gradually move upward toward the roots. This approach prevents further knotting and minimizes breakage, especially for those with long or textured hair. Too much brushing can irritate your scalp and cause stress and breakage. Depending on your lifestyle, as a loose rule, we recommend brushing long hair 2-3 times a day.

If you have short hair, finger detangling can be a very simple way of separating knots. Gently running your (clean) fingers through your hair can release tight tangles and can also be a very relaxing act. In fact, our AH10G hairbrush features oversized pins that replicate fingers and gently detangle your hair. This collection of wide-tooth pins are perfect for people who have to detangle regularly. Why not throw one in your sports or swimming bag?

A wide-toothed comb is also a great option for thick, curly or textured hair. It minimises hair loss through brushing and is an effective way to separate tight knots and curls. We would highly recommend large rake combs such as the A10T - Handmade 199mm Large Handled Rake Comb or A14T - Handmade 170mm Rake Comb – these combs are also great for distributing hair masks or leave-in conditioners. Remember to start at the ends and work your way up using gentle strokes to untangle knots.

And of course, the most effective tool for detangling is a hairbrush. This tool is going to be your best friend, and with a wide range of detangling hairbrushes, we really do have something for everyone. Our hairbrushes are designed to glide through knots without causing damage, making them ideal for all hair types, including fragile or damaged hair. Keeping your hair knot-free will result in stronger, healthier and more manageable hair.


HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DETANGLING BRUSH FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE

1. FOR FINE AND THIN HAIR
Choose a smaller quilled brush or a narrow paddle brush such as the LPB2 - Small Cushioned Paddle Brush or PF18 - Fine Quill Paddle Brush – both can be used on damp or dry hair and are perfect for knot-busting. For dry hair, (opposed to wet or damp) a bristle and nylon mix brush is a great smoothing tool for flyaway fine hair, as the bristle smooths whilst the detangling benefits of the nylon quill will leave your hair super sleek – check out the PF01 - Large Cushion Bristle Nylon Mix Brush or LPF4 - Vented Oval Cushion Bristle Nylon Mix Hairbrush, it’s going to be your favourite new hairbrush, we promise!


2. FOR THICK AND CURLY HAIR
Tangles are going to be a regular occurrence for you. We get it! We recommend splitting your hair up into manageable sections before brushing. You can use your hands to do this, or our A8T sectioning comb is a handy tool to have up your sleeve. If you need to just bust those knots and be on your way, then the Airhedz fat pinned hairbrush is the best for detangling curly hair; the  AH6G - Extra Large Paddle Brush with Large Quill or PF19 - Large Quill Paddle Brush are equally amazing. Another great detangling brush for thick or curly hair is our LPF2 - Large Vented Fine Quill Paddle Brush, it also has wonderful blow-dry benefits due to the venting at the back of the brush. Hot air passes through the vents as you blow-dry, brush and detangle your hair.

3. FOR DAMAGED AND COLOUR TREATED HAIR
Whatever your hair type or length, the focus is always to be as gentle as possible as to not cause damage when detangling, this is particularly true of coloured or fragile hair. Colouring your hair with strong chemicals can cause damage to the structure of the hair so it is important to take extra care when brushing so as not to tug, rip or impair the structure of your hair further. Fortunately, our range of detangling hairbrushes are made with extra soft rounded quills that prevent scratching or splitting to the hair follicle.  A cushioned paddle brush such as the KCR5 - Fine Quill Paddle Brush or PF17 - Perfect For Straightening Fine Quill Paddle Brush provides extra comfort whilst brushing, protecting your scalp and minimising stress to the hair. Bristle hairbrushes are a great way to detangle dry damaged hair, as the bristle distributes natural oils (sebum) from your scalp down the length of your hair, making it glossy and shiny.~


4. OTHER TIPS AND TRICKS TO PREVENT TANGLED HAIR
If you’re looking for even more ways to manage your mane and prevent damage and knotting, then we have you covered. Remember, dry and damaged hair is going to be more susceptible to knotting, so stay healthy and hydrated, your hair will thank you. Consider using hair masks, detangling sprays or leave-conditioners to counter resistance and over-pulling your hair. Silk pillowcases and hair wraps are also wonderful ways to reduce friction and minimize tangles as you sleep.


CELEBRATING NATURAL BEAUTY
So many people have unrealistic expectations of what their hair should look like, how it should or shouldn’t be worn, what length it should be and so on and so on. People with straight hair want curly hair, curly haired folk want straight hair – let’s face it, perfection is a myth! Big hair, wild hair, braided, shaved, blonde, black, brown or red – whatever combination of hair type you have, embrace it!

Learning how to brush your hair correctly and mastering simple detangling tips and tricks will be essential in maintaining the health and beauty of your locks. Adopt our gentle detangling techniques and you will achieve smooth, tangle-free hair without causing damage. So, don’t forget; start from the bottom and work your way up the hair, invest in quality tools such as our wide-tooth combs, shampoo brush and detangling brushes, and for best results, make brushing your hair a daily habit.


EMBRACE YOUR UNIQUE STYLE WITH KENT BRUSHES
At Kent Brushes we have a commitment to supporting all hair types and textures on their journey to health and happiness. However you choose to wear your hair, we will provide you with the best hairbrushes in the world. Brushing your hair can be such a therapeutic experience and this small act of pride in your appearance can promote self-appreciation and enhance overall well-being. So, fall in love with your hair, it really is amazing.

READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR DETANGLING ROUTINE?
Explore our detangling brushes today and discover the perfect brush that celebrates your unique hair - because you deserve to feel fabulous every day.
Contact us in case you need assistance in picking the best brush for your hair type.

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