How to Detangle Without Damage

Detangling hair should be a delicate matter. But let’s be real: that’s not always the case. In a rush, it can devolve into yanking that leads to snapped strands and a frizzy aftermath of regret.

“Detangling should be a calm process—with an emphasis on the calm,” says Amber Thorne, K18s Director of Education Design & Development.

No matter what your client’s hair type or texture, she adds, the cardinal rules for working a knot out always remain the same: “Start from the ends up in small sections, let your products do most of the work, and absolutely no tugging.”

Thorne shares her stylist-approved detangling approach for smoother, softer, stronger hair at home for every hair type.

step 1: strengthen before you brush
Every good routine starts with a strong base—and in the world of detangling, that means treating your hair “before a brush makes contact,” says Thorne.

The leave-in molecular repair mask strengthens and repairs at the molecular level for hair like new* in 4 minutes. Patented K18PEPTIDE™ penetrates deep into hair’s keratin structure, fortifying even the most sensitive strands from the inside out.

“Think of this protocol as your insurance policy,” says Thorne. “It requires a little bit of planning, but the more fortified your strands are, the fewer tangles you'll have long-term, and the healthier your hair will be.”

step 2: reduce friction + condition

For a knot-free glide with minimal effort, slip is everything–and HeatBounce conditioning heat protectant is formulated with a lightweight conditioning blend that enables effortless detangling—helping knots come undone, without undue force.

Thorne recommends applying HeatBounce on damp or dry hair. A hybrid leave-in conditioner powered by heat-shielding tech, it works as deep as heat damage goes* to fortify hair from within and help it withstand crazy-high temps (up to 450°F). Apply it before blow drying for 85% less breakage*.

step 3: lock in shine
To seal all that moisture in, molecular repair hair oil is the product you need. Lightweight and highly concentrated, it helps smooth frizz and reduce flyaways, leaving hair shinier than ever.

“Start with 1-3 drops, then build as needed to seal in moisture, minimize friction, and reduce split ends by up to 78%,” says Thorne.

step 4: use the right tools
They say you should never blame your tools, but in the case of detangling—the wrong ones really can be guilty of causing a whole lot of damage. “You should never hear hair snapping, ever,” says Thorne.

Her universal go-to for all hair types? “A wide-tooth comb or flexible detangling brush. Use it while drying hair as above or with the molecular repair hair mask in the shower, for a seamless detangling process without any fight back.”

On the days you don’t use the repair mask, take advantage of the slip that conditioner (like damage shield pH protective conditioner) gives you and brush in the shower while your client’s hair soaks up the K18PEPTIDE™. This is especially relevant for curly and coily folks who like to style their hair wet + define their curls in the shower—let your natural texture shine!

step 5: protect while you sleep
“Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase is one of the easiest ways to reduce future tangles,” says Thorne. It might sound extra, but it works due to the soft and smooth nature of the fabric which “dramatically reduces friction” as you snooze, which in turn helps maintain blowouts and other styles for longer. For an additional preventative layer, Thorne also likes to “put hair in a loose braid or bun with a little molecular repair oil to keep ends sealed and smooth until morning.”

For curls, take it a step further with a silk bonnet to ensure curl pattern is preserved and client’s hair retains moisture overnight.

BONUS tip: match your tie to your hair type
Yes, even your hair ties make a difference. “The wrong one can cause tension, dents, and even breakage,” says Thorne. But the right one for you depends on your hair type and texture.

For fine or straight hair

Elastic hair ties: Thin, soft options like Goody Ouchless or Gimme Bands for hold without tension.
Ribbon ties: No-snag, crease-free—great for overnight styles.
Silk or satin scrunchies: Reduce friction and breakage, ideal for sleeping or gentle styling.

For wavy hair

Fabric scrunchies: Medium size with stretch to hold without tightness, preventing frizzing or breakage.
Silk scrunchies: Smooth finish, minimal marks.

For curly-coily hair

Spiral ties: Coil designs, like Kitsch Spiral, are gentle on curls and preserve curl patterns.
Bungee bands: Customizable hold for volume, great for buns and braids.