Long hair often tends to get tangled, sometimes easily, sometimes much more stubborn. This can affect both the lengths and the roots, especially in people with curly or frizzy hair. Understanding its causes allows you to better anticipate it on a daily basis.
Why do hairs get tangled?
The formation of knots in hair generally results from several combined factors, related to the structure of the hair and the external aggressions it undergoes on a daily basis.
Friction
Friction is one of the main causes of knots. Wind, movement during sleep or sports activities, as well as contact with clothing, cause repeated friction that promotes tangling of the hair.
Sebum and shampoo
Sebum is a lipid film naturally produced by the scalp that protects hair from external aggressors and prevents dryness. It also acts as a natural lubricant: the more lubricated the hair, the easier it glides against the strands and the less prone to tangling. Washing too frequently can remove some of this protective film, making hair more susceptible to knots.
Water and the opening of the cuticles
The water used during washing causes a temporary expansion of the cuticles, the thin scales that cover and protect the hair fiber. When open, these scales can catch on each other from one hair to another, much like the fibers of Velcro, which promotes the formation of knots.
Dry and damaged hair
Dry or split ends have permanently open cuticles, making them particularly prone to tangling. Conversely, well-nourished and hydrated hair has smoother cuticles and generally tangles less.
Lack of maintenance
Insufficient or irregular brushing allows impurities (dead cells, product residues, pollution particles) to accumulate on the surface of the hair, which can promote the formation of knots over time.
How to limit the appearance of knots on a daily basis?
Several simple steps, integrated into the hair care routine, can significantly reduce the formation of knots.
Daily brushing remains essential: it's recommended to use a brush suited to your hair type , ideally with natural bristles or flexible pins that follow the curve of the hair. For very tangled curly or frizzy hair, a wide-tooth comb, used in the shower with conditioner, generally makes detangling easier. The gentlest technique is to start brushing at the ends, then gradually work your way up to the roots, without pulling abruptly on the knots.
For particularly stubborn knots, detangling with your fingers before brushing helps minimize breakage. Trimming the ends regularly, about every three to four months, also helps prevent split ends, which contribute to knots.
Nourish and protect the lengths
The lengths of the hair, being the oldest part, tend to dry out and become damaged more easily. Vegetable oils such as castor, coconut, or avocado oil are traditionally used in oil treatments to form a thin protective layer that helps seal in moisture and reduce breakage, leaving hair softer and easier to detangle.
Heat (from hair dryers and straighteners) tends to open the hair cuticles and weaken the hair: limiting its use, or opting for air drying, can help reduce tangling. When rinsing shampoo, cold or lukewarm water closes the cuticles more effectively than hot water.
Adapting your nighttime routine and your outings
During sleep, repeated friction of the hair against the pillowcase promotes the formation of knots. A loose hairstyle, such as a bun or a loose braid, or the use of a silk or satin pillowcase, which reduces friction, can help limit this phenomenon.
Similarly, wind, rain, sun, or air conditioning tend to dry out and tangle hair. Protecting your hair with a light silk or satin scarf during prolonged exposure to these elements can be helpful.
The role of food
Hair health depends in part on nutritional intake. A diet sufficiently rich in protein, essential fatty acids, iron, and biotin (vitamin B8) contributes to the quality of the hair fiber. Hair that is well-nourished from within tends to be more supple and less prone to breakage, which can indirectly limit the formation of knots.
Precautions
In case of very frequent knots that are difficult to untangle despite these precautions, or if the hair seems particularly dry and brittle along its entire length, it may be useful to consult a dermatologist or a specialist hairdresser to assess the general condition of the hair fiber and adapt the care routine.
Frequently asked questions about knots in hair
Why do my hair get tangled every morning?
Morning tangles are usually caused by hair rubbing against the pillow during the night. Loosening your hair before bed or using a silk pillowcase can help reduce this.
Should you brush your hair wet or dry?
Wet hair is more fragile because the cuticles are open. If detangling is necessary on wet hair, it's best to use a wide-tooth comb and apply a detangling treatment beforehand.
Do vegetable oils really help to reduce knots?
Vegetable oils applied as a hair oil treatment can form a protective layer that makes hair smoother and easier to detangle, which indirectly helps to limit the formation of knots.