How To Detangle Hair | Steps to Take and Tools To Use

After two decades behind the chair, I can tell you that most breakage, frizz, and thinning don’t start with heat or color; they begin with how you detangle your hair.

When you pull or brush too aggressively, the cuticle layer (the outer shield of each strand) lifts and fractures, leading to long-term damage known as mechanical breakage. According to studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, repeated tension from brushing can weaken the keratin bonds that give hair its strength. That’s why a brush designed to flex and move with your hair isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Every tug, every snap of a strand adds up. The key to learning how to detangle hair in a healthy, smooth, salon-worthy way is not just the products you use, but the brush and comb that touch your scalp every single day.

I still remember the first time I used an A.MAE brush during a blowout. It didn’t catch or pull; it simply glided. My client actually turned around mid-blow dry and said, “Wait, that didn’t hurt.” That’s when I knew I’d found something special.

Step-by-Step: How to Detangle Hair the Right Way

Every head of hair tells a story, and every tangle has a cause. Whether your strands are fine and silky or dense and curly, the detangling process should never feel like a battle.

Here’s exactly how I teach my clients to detangle safely, gently, and effectively without sacrificing the health or integrity of their hair.

1. Start with Moisture

When learning how to detangle hair, make sure you never detangle dry, brittle hair. Dry strands lose their stretch, so even gentle brushing can cause the ends to snap. Hydration gives the hair enough flexibility to handle detangling without stress or damage. Apply a leave-in conditioner, detangling spray, or a bit of water to give your strands elasticity.

Pro tip: Start in sections, working through damp hair reduces mechanical stress on each strand.

2. Section Your Hair

Use clips or hair ties to divide your hair into manageable sections.

This prevents you from brushing the same area repeatedly and helps focus on one knot at a time.

Pro Tip: Detangle one section at a time and brush from scalp to ends once it’s smooth. This helps evenly distribute your scalp’s natural oils, leaving your hair shinier and healthier overall.

3. Start From the Ends, Not the Roots

It’s instinctive to brush top-down; resist it. When you start from the roots, your brush pushes smaller tangles into larger ones, tightening the knots and creating unnecessary tension on your scalp. This not only makes detangling more painful but can also cause strands to snap mid-shaft. Begin at the tips and work your way up slowly. This keeps tangles from tightening and reduces pull on your scalp.

Pro Tip: If you hit a tough knot, pause and hold the hair above the tangle before brushing through. This stabilizes the strand and keeps the tension from transferring to your scalp or roots.

Use the Right Tool for Your Hair Type

As you learn how to detangle hair, keep in mind that your success depends heavily on matching your brush to your texture.

Below is a quick-reference table I use with my salon clients:

 

The Science Behind A.MAE’s Design

Every A.MAE brush is crafted from premium acetate, a high-quality, plant-based material often used in luxury eyewear. Acetate is prized for its strength, flexibility, and smooth finish. It resists cracking, glides effortlessly through the hair, and gives each brush a polished, weighty feel that plastic simply can’t match.

But what truly sets A.MAE apart is the bristle design. Each brush features polished stainless-steel bristles that move seamlessly through knots without pulling or scratching the scalp. Unlike nylon or plastic pins, stainless steel remains cool to the touch, antimicrobial, and resilient, making it ideal for detangling without causing friction or breakage.

Together, the acetate base and stainless-steel bristles create a balanced tool that is both gentle and powerful:

• Flexible acetate base absorbs pressure, allowing the brush to contour naturally to your scalp.
  

• Smooth stainless-steel bristles glide effortlessly through hair, stimulating microcirculation without static or snagging.
  

• Even bristle spacing reduces friction and prevents cuticle damage.
  

• Rounded tips offer a soothing massage effect that promotes healthy hair growth.
  

• Ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control without heavy wrist strain.
  

This dual-material design, acetate for flexibility, stainless steel for precision, is what makes detangling with A.MAE effortless, effective, and undeniably luxurious.

Don’t Skip the Comb

For tighter curls, thick hair, or post-shower knots, a fine detangling comb is your best first step.

Comb through wet or conditioned hair to loosen tangles, then follow with your A.MAE brush to smooth and polish.

The A.MAE Comb + Brush Duo is designed for this exact technique: the comb gently separates, the brush perfects the finish. Together, they create a snag-free, silky flow from root to end.

Quick Tips from Behind the Chair

• Never rush detangling; patience saves strands.
  

• Condition first: a slip is essential to prevent friction.
  

• Clean your brush weekly: product buildup can make hair harder to manage.
  

• Work in small sections: fewer tangles, faster results.
  

• Always finish with a serum or oil to seal in moisture and smooth cuticles.

When you use the right technique and the right brush, detangling becomes therapeutic, not tedious. Your hair feels smoother, shinier, and healthier, not just today, but over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I detangle dry hair?

Ideally, no. Always add slip (conditioner or spray) before detangling to prevent breakage.

 

How often should I detangle?

Depending on your texture, daily for straight hair, every 2–3 days for curly or coily hair.

 

Can A.MAE brushes be used on extensions or wigs?

Yes! Their flexible acetate bristles are gentle enough for extensions, wigs, and delicate hair systems.

 

A.MAE | Luxury Brushes For Healthy Hair

After years behind the chair, I’ve learned that most people don’t know how to detangle hair the right way. Going back to the fundamentals is required. After all, the right brush can do what even the best products can’t: it protects your hair from everyday damage. That’s why I reach for A.MAE brushes in my own routine and in my salon. They’re the perfect balance of beauty and engineering: acetate bases that flex with the scalp, and stainless-steel bristles that glide through every tangle without snapping a single strand.

If you’ve ever thought detangling had to mean pulling or breakage, it’s time to experience what a true luxury brush feels like. A.MAE’s collection, whether you choose Liquid Courage, Femme Fortune, or Scarlet Kiss, was designed with intention, crafted to last, and tested by stylists who understand that healthy hair starts with the tools you use every day.

A.MAE brushes aren’t just about untangling hair; they’re about preserving the integrity of every strand. Because true luxury isn’t about spending more; it’s about caring smarter.

Discover your perfect detangling duo at A.MAE Brushes