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Detangle with a wide-tooth comb

When a comb catches in your hair, work through a small section from the ends first. This lets you release tangles without pushing them into a tighter knot farther down.

Step by step

  1. Woman separates one narrow damp section and brings it forward; her comb rests on the counter.
    STEP 1 OF 5

    Bring one small section forward

    • Let freshly washed straight hair partly dry. Work on curls or coils while damp or wet, with conditioner for slip.
    • Separate a section you can comfortably hold in one hand and bring it toward your shoulder. Keep the remaining hair aside.
    • Keep your comb and any clips within reach. Divide the section again if you can’t work through it comfortably.
  2. Woman supports a damp wavy-curly section while a wide-tooth comb begins at the lowest hair tips.
    STEP 2 OF 5

    Comb the tips first

    • Hold the section above the ends with one hand, keeping it loose at the scalp.
    • With your other hand, place the comb near the tips, teeth pointing down. Make short strokes toward the ends.
    • Stay at this level until the comb passes through the tips without catching.
  3. Woman supports a damp hair section above the middle while a wide-tooth comb moves down through already-cleared ends.
    STEP 3 OF 5

    Start each pass a little higher

    • Move your supporting hand and the comb a little higher on the same section.
    • Comb downward through the ends you’ve already cleared. Repeat, starting higher only when the hair below is tangle-free.
    • If the comb stops, lift it out and use the next step. Don’t push it through the snag.

    Every comb stroke goes toward the ends. Only the starting point moves closer to your scalp.

  4. Woman holds above a small tangle and loosens strands at its edge with her other hand; the comb is on the counter.
    STEP 4 OF 5

    If you hit a snag, loosen it with your fingers

    • Put the comb down. Hold the section above the snag so you don’t tug at the roots.
    • With your free hand, ease a few strands out from the edge of the knot. Stop if it hurts or won’t loosen gently.
    • Pick up the comb and restart below the snag. Skip this step when the comb passes freely.
  5. Woman starts a final downward check near the roots of an already detangled section, with her other hand resting loosely near the ends.
    STEP 5 OF 5

    Check the whole section

    • Once the tangles are out, loosen your supporting grip and gently comb from near the roots down to the ends.
    • Stop if it catches. Return to that snag instead of pulling the comb through.
    • If the whole section combs through easily, leave it alone and repeat on the next section.

    This final pass starts near the roots only after you have cleared the tips and middle.

Allow about 5–20 minutes to section and detangle your hair and clean the comb. Drying beforehand and any conditioner waiting or rinsing time are extra.

Time varies with hair length, density and the number of tangles. Take breaks when you need them; a stubborn knot is a reason to stop, not to rush.

You’re done when…

Each section combs through without catching or pulling. If you used a rinse-out conditioner, finish its waiting time and rinse it out. Remove caught hair from the comb and wash it as its care instructions allow.