Elle Fowler: neverending hair struggle

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

neverending hair struggle

Posted by Elle Fowler at 4:27 PM

Everyone knows you are supposed to comb out wet hair with a wide toothed comb, right? Well I have always ignored that little bit of advice, mainly (manely? haha get it?) because my hair is extremely tangley. I have had hair dressers give up and ask me to comb out my own hair. My hair has a lot of texture to it, and I like to think it just looks like I have had a bad perm (as opposed to me sticking my finger in a socket when I was a baby) (which is what some people think. cough mom cough). So from a young age, I learned to just attack it with a hair brush so I don't have to sit there for an hour every day combing out my hair.

Fast forward to this week. It has come to my attention that my hair might not be growing the length I want it to grow because I break it with a brush every single time I shower (bad Elle). So, I hopped in the car and ran over to Walgreens to buy a wide toothed comb. This is the one I picked out ------->

I showered this morning, all excited to try out my new comb. I used my Aussi 3 minute miracle deeeep conditioner in the shower, and then a John Frieda leave in conditioner to my towel dried hair. I let it set while I applied my Lush Therapy Message Bar to my legs (another project 10 lush contender), and then started to comb.

Opinion? It was horrible. I think my hair just got more and more tangly as I went along, as gentle as I tried to be. I think I damaged my hair more than I do with my brush! What am I doing wrong? For those of you that use these combs... is there any hope for my hair type? Do you brush it in sections? Share the knowledge!

- Elle Fowler

203 comments on "neverending hair struggle"

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Anonymous said...: Try combing it when you have your conditioner in while you're in the shower. I have very curly/tangly and that's the only way I can ever comb it out. Try it and it would make a huge difference! :)
Anonymous said...: You should try using a detangling spray, or brusing it while you have the conditioner in your hair, and brush it before you get in the shower. Sometimes the towel actually makes it more knotted too, so maybe you should put a towel on ur sholders instead of around your head? hope this helped.
Anonymous said...: i use that exact same brush after i shower and it works and i have extremely tangly hair, like everyone comments on it when i dont brush it. i just start from the bottom in sections. then when its a bit dryer, i use a large brush. - megan
Jessica Hobin on March 3, 2010 at 5:03 PM said...: Brush from the bottom up! untangle the bits at the bottom, then work your way UP instead of down. Also, try combing it in the shower while you have the aussie conditioner in it, that will work for sure.
tofupoo on March 3, 2010 at 5:03 PM said...: ooo I'd like to know too, my hair is just endlessly tangley. I even have that exact brush, but in blue.
Kristina | Pretty Shiny Sparkly on March 3, 2010 at 5:04 PM said...: I'm the same way, except my hair is very fine (there's just a lot of it).

What i do: paddle brush--start at the ENDS and once all your ends are untangled, move up higher and do that "row" if you will. eventually you get the top and no more knots!
Olivia Gray on March 3, 2010 at 5:04 PM said...: My hair is really similar to yours, it's always tangly! What I do is I always leave my conditioner in my hair for about 2 minutes and then comb it. That way, it's soft (because of the conditioner) and it's really wet since you're in the shower. Hope this helps!
Anonymous said...: well i don't like combing it when it's wet... it gives me a headache and gets me nowhere, haha. I usually comb it BEFORE i get in the shower then when i do my conditioner i comb it through & let it set for like 2 minutes. Then i towel dry my hair, blow dry it, then comb it out & brush it afterword. I've been told you should always comb first because it's a better way to get rid of tangles & a brush on tangly hair just rips ur hair out lol. brushes r good 4 making hair smoother & shinier, not 4 detangling your hair. So that's what I do... it works really well on my extremely thick wavy hair. hope this helped =] XOXO
Anonymous said...: i have very textured hair too. its super wavy and SUPER thick and mostly a big pain in the butt. however i use lots of conditioner as you do and i ALWAYS comb through my hair with a widetoothed comb in the shower. it also helps condition your hair better! i also make sure not to towel dry (like rubbing it with a towel and such) because that just tangles me all up again. i leave it up in a towel for 10 minutes and then i take it down and comb it out. after which i put chi silk infusion in it and comb it out again. and then i just let it air dry for another few minutes while i moisturize and such.

it sounds like a lot of work but its really not. and its the only way i can keep my hair from looking like edward scissorhands!
Antonea on March 3, 2010 at 5:06 PM said...: I have very similar hair that is currently down to my butt.

I suggest trying it in sections. I HAVE to do that. Either by right-left or bottom-top.

Usually before a bath/shower, i brush my hair before even getting in! this way, when i wash my hair, its already free of tangles. I use a brush for this.

And after, i comb it.

Keep using those products! They are great! (i also like to Chi or Aussie spray leave in conditioner too).

Good luck!
Devea on March 3, 2010 at 5:06 PM said...: I think that as long as you are gentle with a regular brush it will be okay. I mean if you think about it they are both the same thing, if you are brush roughly then it will harm your hair, if you are careful, then it will not do damage! Also, try using a detangling spray!! :)

http://cupcakesofsilk.blogspot.com
Anonymous said...: well this comb is not meant for all hairs, my hair is super long and tangly so it does not work for me.i brush my hair with a brush but my hair still grows.but i only use patene ice shine on my hair.
hope this helps
Anonymous said...: I used to have to same problem but last year I realized how damaged my hair was so I started using a wide tooth comb, too :P I also brush my hair before I shower, comb it while the conditioner is in, and then comb it when I get out. Try not to let your hair dry too much before you start to comb it; then it will be extra-hard!
Good luck!
Anonymous said...: I have the same problem.. i just offer to comb out my own hair now at salons. I swear by this:

joico daily care leave-in detangler (i use a lot of it though) and a wide tooth comb. it detangles SO MUCH EASIER when i use the detangler and then i use joico kpak reconstruct leave in protectant. it doesn't weigh my hair down, smells good and i love the way my hair feels. i don't know if i can ever go back to using a regular detangler or comb.

i'll include a link of the comb to use. i think it might be used for african americans. i got mine at sally's beauty but i'm sure ulta has them too.

this is the exact one i have:

http://www.amazon.com/Diane-Ionic-Extra-Wide-Handle/dp/B0011DUE9C/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1267654131&sr=8-7

i'm telling you, you have to try it out. i absolutely love it and can't use any other comb without my hair tangling and breaking.
Kendall said...: my hair's the same way but I have a gr8 thing working 4 me. b4 I get in the shower I brush it out then when I'm in the shower after I condition (b4 I wash it out) I use a wide tooth comb & go through it again. then after I get out I go again with the wide tooth comb and put in leave in conditioner. it works gr8! -XOXO- Kendall
Anonymous said...: i think the best this to do is like what alot of people already said.. comb it in the shower, with conditioner.

comb before leave in conditioner and and comb after to distribute the product.. and i think your worst problem might be the towel drying it probably tangles more?
Sarah said...: I would definitly opt with brushing with your wide toothed comb while conditioning your hair in the shower. Hope this works! Good luck!
Dreams That Glitter xoxo on March 3, 2010 at 5:12 PM said...: Elle, have you tried the Tangle Teezer? I don't know if they sell it in the UK, but it's seriously the answer to your hair woes! I've used it for a while now and won't ever use another brush! Best of al you can use it in wet AND dry hair. Honestly, it's something that hopefully sort your problems out. Everyone I know who has one LOVES it. Oh and it comes in Pink or Black, it's a bit of a winner :)

xoxo
Rebecca Diane on March 3, 2010 at 5:14 PM said...: I have very thick curly and dry hair! The only way I can comb it is with conditioner. My hair dressers always say that as long as you have strong enough hair and a safe brush it's not wrong to brush your hair wet. Some people just have to. The next best thing is to use a pick. They always work!
Genabee6 on March 3, 2010 at 5:16 PM said...: If you go to Sally's look for a comb called a detangler brush (or ask someone there) it's kind of similar to the brush you have except it has three rows bristles (if that's what you call it) and they're spaced ever so evenly that they glid through your hair.
Anonymous said...: You can also use a detangle spray, I have really curly and tangled hair and I use one from Pantene it works great!
Destinee said...: Heyy most deff try it in the shower that's how I do mine I have the same hair as you so let me know if it works for you
faintsunrise on March 3, 2010 at 5:19 PM said...: i like combing it through with a wide tooth comb in the shower while I have the conditioner in (after about 2 mins it's softer that way)
remember to start on the bottom and work your way up slowley

also when you get out of the shower dont rub your hair with the towel it will tangle more.. put the towel under the hair on your sholders, lay the hair on top of the towel and fold it over, it will get most of the water out but it won't frizz up :) so that means less tangles!

good luck
Molly said...: I just recently started combing my hair while in the shower with a wide tooth comb. I have very long, naturally straight hair but it has always been very tangled. Like you said, I would try to be as gentle as possible but the first three or four times I did it, it was extremely painful (I'm very tender-headed). After I did it a few times though and would try to brush my hair once it dried every now and then throughout the day, I don't have any problems getting the comb through it now. Also, I take a shower first thing when I wake up in the morning -- if you sleep with your hair down, it just gets worse throughout the night so I brush mine out really good before I get into bed and put it up in a ponytail. Haven't had any problems since. :)
Anonymous said...: Hey girl,

I use that exact same comb. I have the same issue as you when it comes to tangles.

Heres what helped me:

I ALWAYS used pureology shampoo and conditioners...then they started to make my hair fall out (AHHH!!!) so I went to a new salon where they use Sebastian products.

Sebastian has been my LIFE SAVER! I use Sebastian Drench Shampoo and then I use Sebastian Penetrait Conditioner (Has protein in it to strengthen hair) This is the best conditioner I have ever used, I RARELY have tangles now. I comb my hair about 3-5 minutes after the conditioner has been sitting in my hair (meaning I comb it before I was the conditioner out) Then I rinse, then I comb again.

Once I get out of the shower I put in a quarter size glob of Redken Crema Care and brush that through, then two pumps of Redken Blow Dry Lotion, brush that through. Then blow dry.

Before I use my chi I either use Rusk or Sebastian Trilliant.

A year ago when my hair started falling out because of the pureology and anemia I had to cut my hair to my CHIN (yikes!)... Its now about there cleavage starts (No clue how else to describe that area! Hahaha!)

Anyways, hope that helps. Im 23, blonde color treated hair. Find me on twitter if you wanna know anything else. AshMarSmi
Anonymous said...: comb it at the ends first, then work your way up.
Unknown on March 3, 2010 at 5:20 PM said...: Elle, you might just be using the wrong products. Those expensive brands never do me any good either. ( and I have a lot of hair and its thick long and curly! ) That Aussi conditioner NOT GOOD! I remember using that one time in Florida since that was the only thing my friend had at the time. ( I forgot to bring my conditioner )

Another thing, its better if you detangle your hair in the shower. Because I notice that once your hair gets cold hair, it gets harder to comb out.
lake breeze on March 3, 2010 at 5:21 PM said...: Do you comb it in the shower? I do that and then yes I brush it later on wet. I should try to comb it though, but I have a similar issue.
Anonymous said...: When ur in the shower comb through ur hair while u have the conditioner or the 3 minutes miracle it will help detangle because u have the conditioner in ur hair. hope this helps! :)
Gabrielle said...: My hair is naturally curly and extremely tangly when I get out of the shower too! I just got mine highlighted again and trimmed on Monday, and the hairdresser used a brush on my hair, and the other lady yelled at her for doing it haha. Well a couple of weeks ago, I bought a comb to try it out because I too have been brushing my hair because it's just so much faster and easier. When I'm in a hurry I still use a brush but here is what I do most days after I get out of the shower now. After I towel-dry my hair for a couple of minutes, I spray pantene pro-v detangling in my hair all over, it helps so much and conditions too while I use it. I have to use a lot but it really helps when using a comb on your hair, if you come to a tangle you can't just pull through you have to work it out with your comb and be patient. Good Luck! (:
RyannLiz on March 3, 2010 at 5:33 PM said...: I used to have long tangly hair like yours so what I would do is keep a brush in my shower and brush though my hair as I rinsed out the conditioner then I had an easier time combing out my hair after I towel dried it. I wish I knew the name for the brush I used. It wasn't a paddle brush. It was like a widetooth comb in brush form... does that make sense? lol
Anonymous said...: While in the shower, put your conditioner in your hair and comb through it, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Rinse the conditioner out like normal. When you get out if the shower, DO NOT put your hair in a towel OR rub your hair with the towel, that is very bad for your hair and creates more tangles. Instead, use the towel to gently squeez the excess water out of your hair. Less tangles, less damage and much easier to comb.
Anonymous said...: THERE IS A SOLUTION! :)

When you are rinsing the conditioner, comb through you hair while water is running over it.
The conditioner makes it easy to glide over and detangle. Once you're out, dry, and it will be SO much easier than what you're telling about.
I do it myself, and my hair is HORRIBLE. believe me,

Emma, :D
xoxo,Natalie on March 3, 2010 at 5:38 PM said...: comb it when its wet not when its dry or even a little damp make sure its pretty damp or fully wet! =] good luck =]
Juliana said...: You should try the TANGLE TEEZER. I had exactly the same problem with my hair and decided to give it a go after lollipop26 recommended it on one of her videos. It is an amazing brush and I only paid about £10 for it!! I love it! good luck x
Lexi said...: Aaagghh!!! It's the comb! Use one that's a "pick" target has some conair ones with wavey teeth and it is amazing! (it's not 'wide tooth' but it's a pick and it is what works the best for me) I used to have the exact sane problem!!
Unknown on March 3, 2010 at 5:38 PM said...: Get a tangle teezer, think you can get them in sallys, or eBay I'm not sure if they are just a uk product xxx
Anonymous said...: My intention isn't to be mean, Elle, but you blow-dry and straighten your hair everyday, and that might be the reason your hair doesn't grow longer! No amount of product, serum, or reconstructive spray can work effectively if you keep putting your hair through so much heat.

This is something I've tried: Buy a bottle of cheap conditioner, a HEAVY conditioner, and slather half of the bottle or more into clean dry hair (don't blow dry it!), then push all your hair up into a shower cap, and then sleep that way the whole night. The next morning, take a shower and wash your hair as you normally would with shampoo and conditioner, and it should feel much more hydrated and manageable, making it more resistant to extreme heat.

I think the obvious conclusion, though, is to avoid heat damage as much as possible. This is most likely contributing to hair breakage more than brushing wet hair with a brush. Rock the curly hair! Your curls and waves were cute in your hair routine video! Every girl and woman is naturally beautiful.

Oh! I almost forgot! You mentioned you limit your intake of meat a while back, and as a vegan, I find that my skin and hair are better off if I take a few oil supplements to make up for the oils I may not be getting from meat, eggs, or dairy. I take vitamin E and fish oil capsules every few days.

Good luck!
Anonymous said...: Try combing it in the shower first, so it doesn't get that tangly while washing your hair.

Also, when you have a know, start at the ends of your hair, combing out the tangles at the ends and then going upward.
If you start at the top when you yank the comb downward you're basically just pulling any knots you have tighter.

Hope that helped.. (:
Anonymous said...: I'm in cosmetology and the best method I have picked up thus far is this: People with sensitive scalp and curly curly hair should wash their hair as if they had extensions.
(step one) brush out hair before shower. (step two) through out the shower, tilt your head back so the water is streaming from your fringe area to the rest of your hair, this keeps your hair from being tangled by water pressure. (step three) wash your roots with your normal shampoo, that's where the oil and dirt buildup is. work it through your roots with your finger tips, gently massaging it in instead of scrubbing. Almost as if you were itching your scalp gently. (step four) wash the shampoo out with the tilted method, working it out using your finger tips. (step five) wash the rest of your hair with a moisturizing shampoo by tilting your head back and gently smoothing over your hair without scrunching your hair together and scrubbing. Just pull your fingers and hands through your hair to work it in. (step six) tilt your head back and wash shampoo out, gently run your fingers through it to work it out. (step 7) work conditioner in and wash it out using the same method. This will keep your hair from tangling as much. comb it out immediately after you shower!
Jessica Shelton on March 3, 2010 at 5:43 PM said...: Ok so I have the exact same problem as you!
I had that wide tooth comb, its conair, right? There was no way it was getting through my hair, ever.
I gave up and went back to my brush, however recently I've purchased some things off folica.com which is a site your sister suggested in a few of her videos, and I bought the mebco wide toothed comb, and it has two sides to it sorta. (link)http://www.folica.com/Mebco_Tortoise__d402.html
I have to say, this is the most amazing thing in the world! I flip my head over and I start combing it upside down, then I flip my hair back up normal and do each side. I also use this in the shower to comb through my conditioner!
Unknown on March 3, 2010 at 5:46 PM said...: I use a wide tooth comb brush i i brush my hair before i put shampoo in after i put my shapoo in and while my conditioner is in and when i got out and when its dry there is not one tangle in it!!!!!!!!
Anonymous said...: I have super curly hair so it is also super tangly. I use a pik (I bought mine in a pack of 3 at Target. It is soo much easier to get the tangles out with a pik than a normal wide tooth comb. Also, I keep one of them in my shower and I comb through it after I condition. Hope this helps!!
nycgirls on March 3, 2010 at 5:50 PM said...: i have your EXACT hair type.. i tried combing after, combing while conditioning, everything! but then i found what works best for me...
i comb my hair with a wide tooth comb BEFORE i shower, when my hair is still dry.
then i shampoo, condition (i use aussie deeep conditioner too!) and rise that all out.. warm water first, then cool water... as i rinse it with cool water i comb through it with my fingers.
i get out of the shower towel dry, let it dry fully, then i comb it with a wide tooth comb again. if it's still knotty i use a brush..
I HOPE THIS HELPS! xo.
Anonymous said...: I had the same problem. My mom who is a hair dresser told me to comb through my hair in the shower while it has conditioner and then rinse the conditioner out and comb through again. Also condition your hair last thing you do in the shower because as you do other stuff in the shower it dries some and tangles. I would love to know if you try any of the tips let me know my twitter is: ab22heartsmac
Rachael on March 3, 2010 at 6:07 PM said...: I, too, am a victim of endlessly tangly hair, and have found that brushing my hair with a brush in the shower (not a comb) after I apply my conditioner helps distribute the product and 'pre-detangle' my hair. Then, after I put in Redken's Anti-Snap on the ends, a spray leave-in conditioner, and curl/straightening creme, I comb through my hair with a medium tooth comb and either straighten it or apply mousse and air dry (it's naturally curly). Either way, brushing in the shower helps to detangle, remove hair that is shedding, and prevent the massive episode of frizz that would ensue if I brushed instead of combed after the shower. Not sure if it'll help you, but it has been working for me for years; I am also growing out my hair and it is already past my mid-back/bra area and I'm excited to see it lengthen! Good luck, Elle! (btw, love your videos!)
LaurenDianne on March 3, 2010 at 6:09 PM said...: I have VERY textured hair as well, it was always a constant struggle.. I actually just don't like combing my hair out in the shower (with conditioner on), it feels strange to me for some reason; even though it does work.

Before putting my hair up in a towel, I squeeze all the excess water out of my hair using just my hands, spray it with my leave in conditioner and comb it out while it's still quite wet. I also start at the bottom, with my hair split into top and bottom sections (the same as when I blow dry) I find it's easier to get the bottom tangles out first if you're not trying to force your way thru the top layer also. And start at the ends and work your way up to the roots :) then I put it up in a towel for about 10 minutes before adding any other styling products, etc. When you take it out of the towel it should still be tangle free! good luck, it took me almost all of my 23 years to get it right, haha :)
megs said...: My hair is curly and I never use a comb either!
Have you ever thought about getting a Brazilian Blowout? It semi-permently straightens your hair. It works so well! It would be perfect for you because your hair isn't extremely curly, so after you get it done all you would have to do is blow dry your hair and it would be straight! That way you use less heat on it, so less damage. PLUS the formula they use to straighten it actually is good for your hair and conditions it, so it will help it grow!
I love it!
lindsay said...: my hair is thick, and although straight for the most part, it's so hard to manage! i like to put in conditioner in the shower and brush my hair out with a comb. then i rinse it out after leaving it in for a few minutes. when i get out of the shower i like to use a detangler that i can spray all over. i love john freida root awakening. also, i love those johnson and johnson kids hair detanglers- they smell good and they dont hurt! no more tears is my favorite.
cutie18gs on March 3, 2010 at 6:19 PM said...: Elle,
I have the same problem as you! But what I do is:

Take my shower.
Then, wrap my hair in a towel turban for 5 minutes.
Then, I apply all the products that I usually apply to my wet hair BEFORE I BRUSH it out.
After that, I separate my hair in half, and I start brushing one side STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM AND MAKING MY WAY UP. I then do the same to the other side, and it works GREAT!!
Hope I helped, let me know if you want me to do a video about this and send it to you!
Arular on March 3, 2010 at 6:20 PM said...: I have really curly hair, and I use the same comb. The trick is to detangle in the shower with the conditioner still in your hair. You want to start by detangling from the ends and work your way up. I part my hair into two semi-even parts and work on each side until both sides are smooth and tangle free. It does take patience, but if you want your your hair to grow its worth it. :)
Anonymous said...: elle! i used to have the same problem! The only difference is i used garnier fructis deep conditioner. a biiiiig difference has been not to towel dry my hair! it causes so much breakage! think about it-you are rubbing your course hair against the rest of your course hair, especially with alot of texture and layers, it's worse! i always always let my hair air dry, no matter how long it takes. if you don't have time for that, use heat protectent and just crazily blow dry it, THEN brush! but for me personally, i don't lay a finger on it til it's dry. Hope this helps!
Anonymous said...: Hey elle, i have the same problem, i usually wash my hair like normal and wrap it in a towel, however instead of waiting for it to dry a little bit itself, i usually squeeze my hair tight within the towel then unravel the towel, flip my hair back and grab all my hair in one hand to the side and comb from the bottom and work your way up the hair. it always works for me :) hope this helps x
Melissa said...: I have extremely long, thick, curly hair. I donated 15 inches to locks of love less than 9 months ago and have already had to cut my hair twice. My hair grows incredibly fast and I have always brushed it.

I use a brush when my hair is wet or dry. A comb is just useless. It makes my hair worse like you said!

I split my hair in half. Like if I were to do a middle part and separate the two sections. I brush from the bottom up which makes much less pulling and damage. If you try to get all of those big knots which seem to stay below your ear line first then brush straight through from roots to end it works much better.

I think if you have very fine, thin, delicate hair brushing while wet could be bad but for girls with volume and thicker hair I think our hair can withstand much more. I do not have any damage or anything and the hair dressers in my salon always compliment me on it!

I think genes play a big part in growing your hair. I take after my dad, who used to have long flowing hair like I did way back when and he said his hair grew so fast too. My sister on the other hand has hair just like my mom which takes forever to grow!
Anonymous said...: I have curly hair and a lot of it, I comb my hair when I am in the shower and the conditioner is on!! It is way easier and don't break my hair as much..
Anonymous said...: i have vvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeery tangly hair and what i do is brush my hair out with a brush or comb then brush my hair while im in the shower once before conditioner then again after then brush it before i pot any products in when i get out

hope this is helpful :)
Anonymous said...: I have hair that's like identical to yours. I've seen yours wet and mine is crazy kinky curly but not in a pretty corkscrew taylor swift way. I got a wide tooth comb from my hair salon it was a little pricey but really works its called a nubone II. its supposed to cut frizz and hangs on to hair so itll brush it through not just slide out at a tangle ya know?
ileeners said...: Heres what I do!
start combing from the bottom
then do mid-bottom
then once theyre untangled start from the top
also if ur conditioner feels soft in the shower itll be easier while ur in the shower
good luck!
DowntownDarling14 on March 3, 2010 at 6:47 PM said...: I actually comb my hair in the shower when the conditioner is in it!
It made my whole life SO MUCH BETTER! haha.
srz on March 3, 2010 at 6:49 PM said...: i too have had tangled hair. it can be so annoying. but! i did find something that works for me. the SUAVE SLEEK shampoo and conditioner (orange bottle). this works SO WELL! my hair feels like water, it's soooo smooth! really like it :) <3
Unknown on March 3, 2010 at 6:49 PM said...: I have hair like yours too. I like to comb it out in the shower when I have conditioner in. Sometimes I'll even brush it dry before I get in the shower, just to make it even easier.
Anonymous said...: i have the same problem! i hate using wide toothed combs because i feel like it just makes a bigger tangled mess for me. i use johnson and johnson no more tangles spray. it really does work and it smells like green apple! i would definitely recommend it! :)
Lucelle on March 3, 2010 at 6:59 PM said...: Aww I feel bad for you!
I had that problem too, and wide tooth combs may be good for wet hair, but not mine! I use a regular comb, from the bodyshop, which is special for thick hair. I take a strand of hair and start at the bottom and take it up... then take the next strand of hair blablabla.. The body shop has good hair brushes and combs! maybe you should take a look?
pribe on March 3, 2010 at 7:01 PM said...: i have really bad hair in that department and what i do is not comb it or brush it when its still wet. i just flip my head over and blowdry it. after its about 60% dry i comb through it and start to blowdry in a "straight" position. that is how i do it its really easy to do it this way.
xoxo
pribe
Anonymous said...: I've got the same problem, my mom says I have enough hair on my head for like three people, it's sooooooo thick. But recently I found this leave in conditioner called milkshake, I got it at my hair salon do I don't know if you would be able to get it. It helps a lot though and smells kind of like a piña colada but it smells really good. Use it generously or it won't do much just make sure you towel dry your hair really good first then spray the stuff on like every inch of your hair and let it sit for a few minutes. The only down side to this is that it's kind of pricey and it runs out kind of fast but it's totally worth it!
Anonymous said...: I comb my hair out in sections starting on the bottom layer. I start combing the ends and then work up from there so when i get to the top part of my head the bottom is already combed out.
Yasmine r said...: Hi! i have the same problem, except my hair is frizzy and puffy and reallt thick!! i would try to get the john freidas detangeling spray its in a green bottle(with a kinda funky spray part :P)but just spray it in ur hair like 2 on the either sides the 2 sprays underneath on either side and then comb it out , and it will really help with getting ur hair combed out fast!! hope this helps thanks :)
kirayna on March 3, 2010 at 7:23 PM said...: Another recommendation for the Tangle Teezer, it's the only thing that will get through my thick knotty mess. They ship worldwide from the website http://www.tangleteezer.com/default.aspx

Also have you tried Lush's Jungle solid conditioner?
Brooke said...: My hair was always really tangly when I had it long, so here are a few tips I learned: Brush it really well before you get in the shower. Do not pile your hair on top of your head when you shampoo it; just lather the shampoo in your hands, then massage into the roots. When you get out of the shower, blot your hair dry, then apply a detangler and comb it out starting at the bottom and working your way up. Good luck!
Anonymous said...: I use Tresemme no frizz ultra light shine spray on my wet hair as soon as I get out of the shower - before combing or anything. If I spray my hair all over it is SO much easier to comb through, and as an added plus it keeps me frizz-free, even if I let my hair air dry. I definitely recommend it! Love your videos by the way. :)
Anonymous said...: I brush my hair out as best as i can before i hop in the shower. i shampoo and condition as usual. when i am rinsing out my conditioner, i comb through my hair with a wide tooth comb. (it will be very silky at this time.) when i get out, i comb through my hair when it is still pretty soaking. It works for me. :)

also your supposed to brush your hair out with a soft bristled brush every night before you go to bed so you can distibute the natural oils of your hair evenly. this will make it smoother and softer. Good luck Elle! :P
LL cool J (lydia =) on March 3, 2010 at 7:33 PM said...: Hi Elle!
I think your problem might be the comb. I have use a black conair from CVS: http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=445644&productId=445644&navAction=jump&navCount=3
It words wonders!

I reconmend you use detangling spray or a setangling come (:

I thought you might like this one:
http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=448007&productId=448007&navAction=jump&navCount=3

It's a little more expensive, but i's by Nexus (:

Good luck I hope I helped!!!

<3 lydia
BeautyBlotter said...: I have super tangle-y hair, and to detangle your hair more easily, you have to section your hair as you comb after spraying a generous amount of detangling spray over your whole head. It's easy: start at the root and comb a 1-2 inch section gently, holding off the 1-2 inch section with your fingers so you don't pull the comb down too far. Once you've untangled the first section, move to the next, making your way to the ends. The goal is to divide the detangling into smaller portions so you don't hit a snag and get frustrated. If you do hit a rough spot, just spray some more detangling spray on it. Breaking it up this way makes it tons easier to comb out your hair. You'll have less damage to your hair.
Confidence is Key on March 3, 2010 at 7:52 PM said...: Definitely try to comb it in the shower while conditioner is still in your hair! Or try before you towel dry it, when it is more wet...this works with my curly hair! :)
Emilyahutchison on March 3, 2010 at 8:03 PM said...: I have curly tangled hair too and I do what some people have already mentioned, I comb my hair out while the conditioner is sitting thickly in it, then when I rinse it it rinses straight.
Anonymous said...: I have really thick wavy hair that gets tangled really easily. I brush it before i shower, then comb it with the comb in the shower when my conditioner is in. When i get out of the shower i comb starting at the tips of my hair and work my way to my roots.
Anonymous said...: Hey Elle! Try to do it while you are in the shower, it works a lot better for me and I don't even need to comb it out after :)
Anonymous said...: I never comb my hair because I don't ever want to break it. I use Fekkai's Brilliant Glossing Cream which helps protects, strengthens, smooths and most importantly DE TANGLES hair. (Can be used on wet or dry hair) Give it a try! They have a sample size from Sephora, it's 10$ and it may seem small but it lasts you a LONG time. I've had mine for about 1 year and I think I still have more then 1/2 the bottle left. It just requires a small pea sized amount! I hope this helps :)
Katie on March 3, 2010 at 8:57 PM said...: use BedHead's "Moisture Maniac" Conditoner and leave it in for 3-5 minutes. (Personally I think the longer you keep it in the more it works) them after the time is up brush it w/ the conditioner in w/ a wide tooth comb. Then let sit 1 minute. Then rinse. For Shampoo I use Pantene's "Beautuful Lengths" this works really well. But buy the one that says Shampoo not Shampoo and Conditonor. And when using this keep it in for about 2 minutes. I hope this helps!!!
Letícia on March 3, 2010 at 9:04 PM said...: Hey Elle!

This is steh first time I leave a cosment here! Lazyyyy me

So, what I do is I conditioner my hair in the shower normally than I towel dry it and I divide it in sections and apply my leave-in and start to comb from the tips to the roots. It does take a little time but doesn't break your hair as much as if you just brush through it.

Another tip is: use a wood comb. There`s a lot of types of wood combs but the better ones are the wide toothed ones. The trick is the wood doesn`t make your hair look fluffy. (Something abt wood and NO FIRZZ!!!!) wich is great!

XOXO
Anonymous said...: If you are a person who just whips your hair straight up in the towel right after you get out of the shower, i suggest you don't do it. I've found it a lot easier, to comb through your hair if you just put the towel to your head and like run the water out of it, like run it down your hair. ( does this make sense? probably not. but try to understand lol!) also there is less frizz/ a tangled mess!
Hope this helps some!
Lacey said...: I never wrap my hair up in the towel after I shower. Anytime I've tried that, it definitely made tangling worse. If you really prefer to have your hair up as you go about another section of your routine, I'd recommend combing your hair, then putting it up in the towel, that may help. :)
Anonymous said...: hi elle!
i have the same problem.
i've found that when i brush my hair out right before i go into the shower and then shampoo and condition it in the shower, its so much easier to work with!
hope i helped :)
beautifullyrandom on March 3, 2010 at 10:26 PM said...: I think you should definately try to comb through it while your conditioner is on your hair when u are in the shower! I also use the 3 minute miracle, and I comb through mine, and it's so much easier to comb through once I get out of the shower too! good luck!
Anonymous said...: sometimes my hair gets very tangly, so instead of brushing it out with a comb/brush first, i will run my fingers through my hair until I am satisfied with the amount of tangles. then and only then do i use a brush/comb. you have more control using your finger, and can be a lot more gentle!

also i recommend brushing your hair before you go to bed (on your satin pillowcases! ;) ), that way in the morning, it isn't such a problem

good luck!
Heidi said...: hey elle,
i have super long and tangly hair. i spray in Big Sexy Hair detangling volumizer then with a wide tooth comb start from the BOTTOM of your hair and work your way up in small strokes. thats the key i believe :) good luck!
heidi
Unknown on March 3, 2010 at 10:50 PM said...: this sounds realllly weird but i have the SAME problem and my hair never grew so i litterally stopped brushing my hair when its wet. I just let it go and in the morning when its dry, its sooo much easier to brush through! Just try it once! my hair has started growing MAJORLY since ive been doing it!!!! :)
Kitti on March 3, 2010 at 11:05 PM said...: 1. brush your hair before you shower
2. part your hair and brush it a bit with your fingers while it is still soaking wet under the running water, so when you come out its already long.
3. use desired products
4. wring out hair a little bit
5. With a towel, instead of rubbing your scalp, bend over and scrunch your hair, collecting from the bottop upwards, gently with the towel, squeazing all the poisture out. Alternatively, wrap sections of hair with a towel and squease the water out vertically.
6. When combing, start from the verry bottom, and work your way up, using in and out chopping motions like a little axe. dont pull down through your hair, just in and out moving down slightly.
7. If you encounter a tangle or a clumo of hair, find the place where it tangles and gently use the same motion to undo the knot and then start over from the bottom upwards.

I have pretty long hair and sometimes you cant escape the brush of death but you just gotta be patient:)

Kitti
Unknown on March 3, 2010 at 11:08 PM said...: Hey. I use that comb in and out of the shower. A detangling tip: try brushing beginning at the ends and working your way up (if you won't already). You can also try a detangling spray. These two suggestions are just my opinion: try asking your stylist to thin your hair a bit, a little at a time so you are comfortable with it, and I have also heard that the 3 minute miracle is not very good for hair, but at the same time, I know a lot of people love it. One last thing you can try is a fine toothed comb to get out all the snarls.
Anonymous said...: I have VERY thick, longgg hair. I started using a wide tooth comb last year and I have it down now, took time to get used to. Start by by putting your hair in three easy sections (sides and back) and comb from the bottom up little by little. You'll get used to it and it'll go faster.
Anonymous said...: I was reading some other comments ... AND NEVER WRING YOUR HAIR! that'll cause even more damage then brushing.
Anonymous said...: yeh elle...do NOT let ur conditioner 'set'. if ure using regular conditioner (nt the leave-in kind which has alcohol in it n will contribute to tangling_ then as soon as u apply it start coming thru- start from the bottom of ur hair then make ur way to the top. angle the comb down rather than str8 across- it helps
jodienas on March 4, 2010 at 1:50 AM said...: Hey Elle, I know what you mean. My hair gets so tangly its not funny and if I don't comb through my hair I'll always get two big knots that are strangely always in the same areas LOL. I've been using one of those detangling hair products that are marketed at children. Its made it easier for me to brush my knots out. Mine is by Smackers and its pink and smells like strawberries =).
Anonymous said...: I have really long all one length straight hair that is super healthy. I think I'm just lucky. But I do use a wide tooth comb and comb it out before I go in the shower. I place it all behind my head. Then I shower and don't pile my hair on top of my head at all. I just wash it very gently working the shampoo while it stays as straight as possible behind me. Then I towel dry it (I'm still in the shower) by just blotting the end to half way up. This is important because you want your hair to soak in the conditioner. If it's super wet you're just conditioning the water. Very carefully keeping it straight down. Then I put in my conditioner and I'm very liberal with the amount. I smooth it down keeping it still straight down. You can then use your wide tooth comb to comb through it very gently, working from the bottom up to about half way. Then I let it sit and then rinse it out and run as cold as possible water on it (it smooths down the cuticle). Then I blot it a lot keeping it straight down as I get out of the shower. Then comb through it with comb bottom up. Good luck
Mi said...: You should do all the de detangling in the shower with the conditioner on, then don't mess with it to much. Wrap your towel like a head scarf, don´t put it like you did in your video. It show solve you problem! :)
Cristina on March 4, 2010 at 2:55 AM said...: The SECRET is combing it starting with the ends of your hair and working your way up :)

But plastic hair combs aren't all that great, try getting a wood one from the Body Shop or something :)
Anonymous said...: def recommend the tangle teaser. Its amazing, my hair gets to tangled when I wash it too...I used to brush thru when I had the conditioner in it, and it does work a bit, but its still knotty.

TANGLE TEASER ALL THE WAY!!

xx
natasha'sspace on March 4, 2010 at 5:49 AM said...: do not comb it whatso ever my hair grows so quickly . when i just brush it after towel drying it , it is better as you have applied heat to your scalp.
Mandy on March 4, 2010 at 10:02 AM said...: Elle, I have long, thick hair that can easily get tangled and this is what I do. After I've conditioned and am done with my shower, I stand in the shower and flip my head over and gently comb through with my comb. This will help to get all the excess water out too. I think the key is starting at the roots and giving a full comb through to the ends. Then go to the sides then the front. From there, I put my hair wrapped in my towel. I hope this helps!
Anonymous said...: You are waiting too long to start combing. You should comb as soon as you get out of the shower. Then you can apply all your products. You've just conditioned it, so it shouldn't be too bad. Plus, the longer you wait to comb, the more frizz you'll get as well. Also, are you placing hair onto the top of your head when you wash? that's a no-no. Always be as gentle to it as possible in the shower, and it shouldn't get too tangled.
Melissa said...: My response is an echo of a lot of people's.

Brush before you get in the shower and comb when conditioning. I have natural curly, very thick hair and if I do this I usually don't even need to comb it once I get out.
Anonymous said...: use the comb in the shower while you are rinsing out your conditioner. I have super curly and insanely tangled hair and this works every time. i also user it right after i apply the leave in conditioner. if you wait too long your hair starts to dry and then the it just gets harder and harder to comb through
Anonymous said...: start by combing JUST the ends. all the way around. then, once they have no more tangles, start around tha nape of your neck. comb down from there. continue up, until you're at the top.
Unknown on March 4, 2010 at 2:02 PM said...: Comb it while you have your conditioner on, starting from the end of you hair and keep going up till its all finished. Thats work for me.
Kate said...: Before you get in the shower, brush your hair. When you're in the shower and have shampoo in your hair, after it's lathered, comb it. When you put the conditioner in, comb it. I do this, and when I get out of the shower, I can just comb my fingers through my hair and don't need even a wide toothed comb! This works really well for me, since my hair is naturally very wavy. I just do this, comb my hair with my fingers after I put it up in a towerl, and it curls (of course, if your hair is naturally straight, it won't do this)! I hope this works, Elle!
Anonymous said...: TRY CIBU MISO KNOTTY LEAVE IN DETANGLER! IT WORKS WONDERS! AND MAYBE A WIDER TOOTHEDCOMB
candycaneps on March 4, 2010 at 3:40 PM said...: Try this:

1. Brush your hair BEFORE you even get in the shower.
2. When you shampoo, just concentrate on the roots and rinse.
3. Apply conditioner and comb hair then rinse.
4. When you get out apply leave in conditioner and repeat the combing process.
n a d i n e on March 4, 2010 at 3:52 PM said...: Hey Elle,

I had the exact same problem with my hair. I actually think that my hair is worse than yours since mine is EXTREMELY thick, and when it dries, it becomes frizzy and wavy. When I straighten my hair, it becomes extremely frizzy...rarely flat.

But anyways, I also brushed my hair with a big brush...pulling and tugging all the chunks of hair that were tangled. I used to pull out the tangles using the brush. I then started using a detangling spray but it didn't help (this was about when I was 10-14 years old).

What the hair stylist used to do to me, is spray more water as they were combing through my hair. They would then seperate my hair, comb in the small sections, starting with the tangled ends of my hair.

As of now, I don't even use that trick. I actually made my life easier and do NOT comb/brush through my hair. I know it sounds weird but it works for me. Through that, my hair just air dries and its calmer...less frizz and I can comb through my hair with my fingers (thats when I want to :P). The only time I combed through my hair is when I straighten and/or curl my hair (which is once every two weeks).

Hope this helps :)
Arabella08 on March 4, 2010 at 7:10 PM said...: I think a big paddle brush is the way to go, my hair is really thick and knotty too, sectioning it off helps alwell. I just started blogging my first blog is on hair,please follow me, your an inspiration! x
Anonymous said...: I definitely agree with everyone about brushing it out while you still have conditioner in your hair.

In addition, I also no longer put my hair up in a towel because that tangles my hair like crazy. I put a smaller towel over my shoulders (so the hair doesn't soak my clothes0 and let my hair dry in the open. I don't even bother with the whole hair-wrapped-in-a-towel deal. It's just become a waste of effort for me.
Anonymous said...: Someone may have said this already but make sure you begin combing out your hair at the bottom. If you start at the roots you are just bringing the knots together and making them worse.
Ashley on March 4, 2010 at 9:51 PM said...: I use my wide tooth comb IN the shower while my conditioner is in my hair, so it makes it so much easier to comb out. Then once I'm out of the shower, it's already detangled and I can just brush through it. :) The texture of my hair is a lot like yours though, not curly and not straight, just kind of fine yet I have a LOT of it. Mine is really hard to detangle if I don't do it in the shower with the conditioner.
Sarah on March 4, 2010 at 9:55 PM said...: I keep a wide toothed comb in the shower and comb through my hair when it's full of conditioner so that it's easier to manage after the shower. Then I have another wide toothed comb for after the shower, but sometimes when the going gets rough i use some leave in conditioner spray. My hair tangles easy too :( it's really fine, but thick. Like, the individual hair strands are super fine, but I have a lot of them haha. Anyway! Good luck!
Emma on March 4, 2010 at 11:24 PM said...: I think if you don't towel dry it it's easier - there are special towels you can use, or just a T-shirt. Also, make sure you pat or squeeze your hair dry, don't twist or rub or anything.
Jamie on March 4, 2010 at 11:31 PM said...: Use "Its a 10" leave in treatment... I had this same issue but then I found its a 10 and Ive been in love ever sense... It is amazing because its a lot of things in one... heat protector, detangler, strengthener, 10 different things... Try it out!
Anonymous said...: I know exactly what you mean, my hair can be a real nightmare. If you can, take your comb in the shower and use it to comb your conditioner/mask into the ends to give yourself a head start. When I get out I squeeze (not wring or twist) my hair into a small absorbent hair towel and let it dry for a few minutes. Spritz on some leave-in conditioner and gently (Patiently) comb through ends first. Work your way up to the roots and go about styling as usual... Just be nice to your hair. :) What did it do wrong, right? ;) Hope this helps...
Jackie on March 4, 2010 at 11:41 PM said...: YES, Elle, I used to have hair JUST like you, but now my hair, even when I get out of the pool in the summer, is almost NEVER tangly! (:

Well first I was checking out different conditioners and found that Pantene Pro-V worked really well for me. On the directions it is said to while you're showering, after finishing with shampoo, to do your conditioner stuff but before you wash it out, comb through your hair and then just let it sit for a little bit, then wash it. It SOOO worked for me! I did this routine daily.

But I then outgrew doing that; I just became very lazy, so now I use shampoos with conditioners in them and I use a conditioner called Amplify afterwards and it works WONDERS, it makes my hair soooo soft.

Hope I helped somehow (:
Anonymous said...: comb from the bottom up when you still have conditioner in your hair, i have really thick tangly hair and it's awful if i don't do this before i get out of the shower.
Mia S. on March 5, 2010 at 1:25 AM said...: I have just the same kind of hair texture that you have elle. When you made that bloopers video and shoved your hair all crazy after blowdrying, that's exactly how my hair looks! I use a wide tooth comb and brush my hair section for section very gently and always starting at the bottom and working my way up. But I think it sounds like a really good idea with brush your hair in the shower when conditioning like many of the girls say...
Anonymous said...: well, i have the same hair as u do;; and i just gave up and blowdry it first, and then comb it with a wide toothed comb.... and still it doesnt get all of it, and ive got a huge brush, seriously almost as big as my head when you hold it next to it, and that does the trick,, but im tryin to be gentle tho;;:) good luck:D
Anonymous said...: I don't know if this has been suggested (too many comments to read) but I'd really recommend you try the TANGLE TEEZER. I am not sure where to buy it in The US but I got mine from www.hqhair.com and www.lookfantastic.com both are UK websites.

http://www.lookfantastic.com/accessories/tangle-teezer/tangle-teezer-black.html

I have very long hair so after towel drying them, I spray some Chi Keratin Mist and then use the Tangle Teezer. It works like a charm! Also it's a super light brush so it's easy to carry around in your handbag.

http://www.blogtobealive.com
Anonymous said...: i have the same problem. my hair is naturally wavy and very tangled. i used to use a brush as well, you might want to try a pick, that works for me. good luck
jdublove said...: I have really wavy/curly hair as well...when I get out of the shower I always comb my hair otherwise my hair gets frizzy. I part my hair down the middle, have both on either side of my head and start in very short sections on the bottom and continue up...it might take you awhile to get used to it, but it'll get better as you do it more (:
Jill on March 5, 2010 at 1:32 PM said...: This is your solution.

I have your hair type, I've been doing this for years, to achieve straight, nice hair.(as my pic shows)

Go to Walmart and buy a BLOWDRYER WITH A BRISTLE BRUSH ATTACHMENT.

This will not only brush your hair out, but straighten and dry all at the same time.
(I know its not recommended blah blah, but people with our hair have to do what we gotta do, and it works)

After you do that, do your normal straightening iron thing and voila!

Good luck!
Mrs. M. on March 5, 2010 at 5:02 PM said...: You need to try Tangle Teezer....google it. Seriously this is the best brush for hair tangles, It was on Dragon's Den here in the UK. I'm a buyer for a baby store chain and i've bought this as a detangling brush. Heaps of people in the office have user trialled it and can't speak highly enough of it....my boss even bought one herself and carries it round in her handbag all the time!
Emily on March 5, 2010 at 5:55 PM said...: After I put my leave-in conditioner in, I brush through with my fingers a little. I use a brush, too, because my hair broke my wide-toothed comb! I haven't replaced it yet. Just work slowly with small sections of your hair, and start at the bottom and work up.
Blessed on March 5, 2010 at 7:21 PM said...: ALWAYS comb starting from the ends!!!!
once you got the ends detangled, move up, and comb from that section down... never ever start from the top.
Anonymous said...: Here's one that's good:
Wait until your hair is completely dry before you brush it!
It may get frizzy-but that's what we have hair products for right? :)
Anonymous said...: hey elle :) i love your videos keep them up !!
i read about your combing problem & i have some advice. My hair is the same exact texture as yours. Its not that thick but its kinda curly kinda not and frizzy if i let it air dry, straight if i use a blowdryer. Our natural haircolor is very similar as well & a few yrs ago i decided that i wanted to go lighter blonde & after about a year i realized that i could barely get a brush through my hair. it didnt look or feel damaged but i was ripping my hair everytime i would comb it.
blonde hairdye removes color from your hair and leaves it very porous if you dyed it darker the hair dye fills in the holes of your hair strand and you would be surprised at the overall difference it would make on your hair. i went from having blonde hair that i couldnt detangle with a wide tooth comb to brown hair that i basically dont even have to brush after the shower. the leap of faith to becoming a brunette is a hard one (trust me i know!) but the results you get are just amazing!!
Amy said...: Hey Elle!
It is best to comb your hair whilst the conditioner is still in it, then you rinse it out when it is all properly combed. Im not sure about that comb but i use scunci and tresemme combs. I have very thick, long hair and these work, so im sure they will for you

(: Amy
Anonymous said...: Hey Elle!,
I do a lot of research on hair. My friends always say i have the best hair in the entire school. But, it defiantly doesn't come naturally. I used to have the exact same problem and i have super long thick hair! Brush your dry hair before getting in the shower. Then after you get out of the shower, on wrap the towel from your hair. Do not flip your hair that will make it more tangly. Take your brush (i know, i know your not supposed to) and start brushing the ends your hair and work you way up. Im not kidding i do this everyday even with pool water in my hair and it works. Also, try using a detangler. If you want you hair to grow try using Garnier Fructis length and strength shampoo and conditioner. That makes my hair grow even longer too!:) TRY IT, IT WORKS!...~Oliveoil212 i am subscribed to you.!
Anonymous said...: I separate my hair down the middle and spray detangling spray and slowly comb from ends to root. my hair was always really tangy but this works for me.
Barbara
Unknown on March 6, 2010 at 3:19 PM said...: Use a wide tooth comb in sections!! Also L'oreal everpure shampoo and conditioner leaves here super soft (i switched to it from matrix!)and my hair is starting to feel a little less damaged!
Jessica on March 6, 2010 at 4:25 PM said...: I always hated combing out my hair when it's wet because my hair does the exact same thing. It's sooo tangly! But I just bought this exact comb and have been trying it. I always use the chi infusion spray? I think u've showed it in a video before...and that helps to comb it out. I have to spray alot of the spray to get it to comb out. I always start near the bottom and it does work...just takes a while!
Anonymous said...: What i used to do when I had long hair, and do to my sister's hair when I comb it for her, is that i start from the bottom up. I know i doesnt make sense but it works. Start detangling your hair at the ends and work your way up to the roots. It should work, my sister has long, wild, thick hair and that method saves her the ouches and me from loosing my arm from brushing too much/long, lol...hope it helps
Anonymous said...: hi, i know this may sound sort of kiddish. but i recomend that loreal kids detangler spray. its meant for kids but honestly i have thick hair and i use this stuff all the time.. and im not a child:P the stuff is amazing, so just spray it in and comb away with your wide tooth comb. its amazing. give it a try, let us know what happens in a video if u decide to use it:D
Anonymous said...: Hey Elle, I always put on leave in conditioner and a little bit of either biosilk or chi silk infusion and then I section off my hir and comb it out in sections. sometimes I also put conditioning creme from biologe just at the tips of my hair to siften them up and make it easier to comb through.
Unknown on March 6, 2010 at 7:37 PM said...: i use a wide-toothed comb when my hair is wet in the shower and go slowly down my hair. if you hear your hair RIP then you are damaging it. i go slowly but yeah, it's a lot easier on wet hair! oh and i use a detangler.
Tori on March 6, 2010 at 7:58 PM said...: try brushing it with a paddle brush before you get in the shower and get all the tangles out, then when you get out of the shower apply the john frieda leave in conditioner to the ends and comb it out, starting at the ends and working your way up. don't let it sit, the sooner you comb the better. if that doesn't work, try a detangler. also, before you apply the leave in conditioner, part your hair with your fingers and run your fingers through your hair to seperate the big knots.
CreativeThreat on March 6, 2010 at 8:27 PM said...: Okay ... I've always used a hair brush too... but recently all of my hair brushes broke and all we had left were wide toothed combs, so I had to learn how to use them. This is what I do, I use extra conditioner in the shower and leave it in for 5 minutes (even if its not a deep conditioner) and I use TRESemme Thermal Recovery Replenishing Conditioner, which is for damaged hair. My hair isn't exactly damaged but I like for it to get those extra minerals and vitamins it needs. Anyway when I wash it out, I dont wash it out completely, so that a little bit stays in my hair. then I go on to towel dry, spray in loads of my john freida leave in conditioner (which I bought thanks to you), and then I section it off. I take one section at a time and hold my roots so I'm not pulling my hair (my hair gets extremely tangly too, and I have soo much of it) I SLOWLY brush through. The more you wash your hair this way, the easier the process will become, I promise. Anyway hope this was helpful. BTW thank you so much, thanks to you I have bought so many amazing products.
Yesenia
Anonymous said...: Try combing it in the shower! And when you take it out of the towel dont flip your head upsidedown that just makes more tangles.
Nancy said...: brush your hair with a paddle brush BEFORE you take a shower then let your conditioner stay in your hair for like 10 minutes. it should help combing with a comb. my hair is exactly like yours.
hope it helps
(:
Unknown on March 6, 2010 at 10:17 PM said...: 1. take the comb in the shower with you- comb it out while you have the deep conditioner in your hair

2. when you dry your hair make sure not to toss your hair around in the towel- squeeze the water out of your hair while gently pulling the towel down the length of your hair

3. use a detangler- specifically a detangler like the one form pantene pro-v, vo5, or infusium 23 and COMB IT OUT IN SECTIONS!!!! spray the detangler to each individual section!

-I had realllllllly long hair- down to my butt, and this is the only method that actually worked for me. Hope you try it!
Unknown on March 6, 2010 at 10:33 PM said...: Hi Elle!
I totally get you. It's definitely hard to untangle my hair in the shower every time I wash it because that's the only time I do it. But I kinda got used to it. My father is a hairdresser and he never complained much with all the heat I put my hair trough, but while I was growing up he got really annoyed when I fiercely brushed my hair trying to untangle it. I also have dry damaged hair and it is mainly because I use a curling iron almost every day but I try to keep it easy when I comb it.
Tip: Try holding the strands of your hair that are tangled and brush them softly so that you don't pull your roots and use extra conditioner on those areas. Also.. it is normal to have tanglier in humid weathers.
Love your videos and your energy ^.^
BellaCarito said...: Hey Elle boy do I know what your going through in the hair department, I have VERY curly fine hair that tangles easily so I have to detangle it everyday while I'm in the shower(I shower everyday so I can style my ringlets...) and what works for me is using a heavy creamy conditioner, I use Tresemme and I can't stand to use light based coditioners like herbal essence...just two words more knots, and detanglaling my hair during my shower when I have the conditioner on. Plus it helps to have a good comb, I like the brand Goody. I hope this helps!

P.S Sometimes detangaling sprays act more like hairspray than what they are meant to do, this is because they some times contain alcohol...can someone say frizz alert? If you feel this is what happens to you perhaps you need to change to a detangaling cream, some good ones are from pantene, tresemme, bumble&bumble,sedal(if they sell it where you live), and john frida.
Mademoiselle Brigitte on March 7, 2010 at 2:29 AM said...: You can't get a comb through your wet hair because you are using the worst hair products. OMG. The only decent product Frieda makes is his hair serum. And the Aussi products, it's junk.

Get a french hair product. Order some phyto from Sephora. You can also get it online from Saks or Neimans it there isn't one near you.

You seem to be pretty savy about your makeup products, how could you use such junk on your hair?
ηιяυ on March 7, 2010 at 2:35 AM said...: You should comb your hair in sections but also right after you get out of the shower... my hair is very tangly so that's what i do... it is soo much better... plus if you are not going to straight your hair or anything brush your hair 2 or 3 times a day... it won't be that tangly than.! I hope this helped you.s
anete (: on March 7, 2010 at 5:34 AM said...: oh i have the exact same comb.. i love it :P
xx Frankie xx on March 7, 2010 at 6:29 AM said...: Ok, here's what i do. BRUSH your hair and comb it so its 100% tangle-free, then get in the shower, wet ur hair blah blach, when you get to washing your hair, wet it all the way through, and comb it. And comb it. And comb it. Then use ur shampoo, and as you rinse it out, comb thourh your hair. Same with conditioner, just comb it whilst rinsing it out.
Bianca Schoen-Phelan on March 7, 2010 at 7:41 AM said...: I never comb out my hair anymore when it's wet. It was too painful, even with a wide toothed comb and I would loose too much hair through it. And you know what, it's totally fine. I blow dry and comb it out when it's dry. My hair has notably improved.
Lola said...: hey Elle , my hair is very thick and I also have alot of it and for YEARS is avoided a comb but then my mom got me a plastic one just because she wanted me to reach my goal of having nice long hair and the first time I used it I started to cry because it hurt so bad but then i figured it out how to work i:

1. section your hair into 10 very small sections .
2. start at the bottom and work your way up ( because is you start on top the knots will just go lower and you'll have a huge knob at the end ) but if you work your way up you'll just have to deal with small knobs that you'll beat easily.
3. work with small strokes

if you still have problems try to "comb" your hair in the shower when the conditioner is in with ur fingers , this will make it easier later

let me know if it worked) ;)

tc. Lola
Anonymous said...: Maybe try to comb through with your fingers first to get rid of the worst of the tangles and then go in with the comb?
Anonymous said...: you have to also comb it before you shower, it will be easier to comb it afterwards
Naomi on March 7, 2010 at 9:53 AM said...: Hi! My hair is very coarse and very tangly too! Here's how I do it:
1. shower: wash, condition, comb through with conditioner still it
2. get out of the shower, wrap a towel around hair, and then I moisturise my legs
3. take the towel off and spray detangler all over (while the hair looks all weird and icky haha), wait for a minute
4. start combing. I comb out my bangs first and then work my way back. It is VERY important to start combing at the ends and then work your way up, because otherwise you're moving the tangles from the roots to the ends and you'll just ruin the ends.

I hope you understood! It works great for me! :-)

I love you, by the way! :-)
kermitfrog70 on March 7, 2010 at 10:21 AM said...: Pretty much ditto what others have said previously. Baby detangling spray works well for me, but is better if my hair is already dry.
I use a wide toothed comb and grasp right above the tangle or knot with my hand then comb the hair below where my hand is holding. Repeat all over until the ends of your hair are tangle free then gradually move up. If you untangle the ends, it is much easier to comb out the rest of your hair. Hope this makes sense.
Unknown on March 7, 2010 at 10:44 AM said...: Hey, ok so i used to have the same problem too and heres what works for me: i have the same exact comb as you and what i do is before i take a shower i comb out my hair then in the shower i apply the conditioner comb out my hair then wash it out. after my shower i also apply conditioner to leave in my hair and it really works!!! it leaves my hair soft smoothe and untangled and trust me my hair is very tangly!
Hope that helps! :)
Unknown on March 7, 2010 at 11:13 AM said...: I have a similar problem and what I found to work is i bought suave kids hair detangler haha i know KIDS! but whatever, it works AND it smells good! so I dry my hair and then spray the detangler and then brush it. bc I refuse to even attempt brushing my hair when it's wet lol!! Hope it works for you : ) If you try it!
Ava on March 7, 2010 at 11:22 AM said...: try using a detangler spray. spray each section just before you comb it out. i have really tangly hair, too, and this helps me a lot! i've also noticed that once you do it a couple of times, it becomes a lot easier. Good Luck!
colell on March 7, 2010 at 12:20 PM said...: I have the same problem! I have found what helps the most is to brush my hair before I shower and then use my wide tooth comb in the shower after conditioning for a few minutes.
juana on March 7, 2010 at 1:04 PM said...: try the tangle teezer , its amazing
Anonymous said...: Try Moroccan Oil. It's supposed to be great for hair.
Anonymous said...: I have SUPER tangly hair because its wavy, and the underside always get these huge knots because i dont really brush my curly hair.. any way i have an ah-mazing solution!!!

while you are in the shower, comb through your hair with a regular comb(no need for wide tooth unless ou want) WHILE you have conditioner in. not only does it make you have less tangeles, but also makes your hair super soft. eventually your hair will get better and better at naturally untangling itself. hah TRY IT!!!
Melanie said...: I always comb my hair after I have put in my conditioner while in the shower, before rinsing it out.
Then since I tangle it again by towel-drying my hair, I take my comb and make three sections - a right side, a back, and a left side. Then I slowly work my way through each section until I can comb them all together smoothly.:)
Unknown on March 7, 2010 at 3:51 PM said...: Hi Elle i have really thick textured hair and also find it impossible to comb my hair out with a wide toothed comb so i use a brush but i make sure to section my hair into about 5 sections starting from the bottom moving up, this makes it a lot easier to get the knots out and its easier the damper your hair is i hope this helps good luck with growing your hair.
Anonymous said...: I used to have the same problem because I'm trying to grow my hair out.
My mom got a free brush, and she didn't need it so she gave it to me. I just looked for it online, and it's the smallest Chi Turbo Ceramic Round Brush, Boar Bristle.
It's at Products > Tools > Brushes, and when you click it, go to Round BOAR Brushes.
I know you're not really supposed to use this for untangling, as opposed to a wide-tooth comb, but it really worked for me! You can use any boar bristle barrel brush. Like, Just don't comb that hard if you are worried it'll damage your hair. I just teased part of my hair, and brushed through it like twice and the tangles were gone.. and it didn't even hurt. I hope this helps you. (:
Ellie on March 7, 2010 at 5:16 PM said...: I have like extremely curly tangled hair. Use your aussie conditioner in the shower, part it at the nape of your neck and gently comb each side starting at the bottom and work up to the roots. it makes it easier to get rid of the knots at the bottom than bringing the knots at the top down onto it :)

Makes life so much easier :D
Ellie
xox
Em on March 7, 2010 at 7:36 PM said...: I have the exact same comb, and it works so well! The key is to brush your hair with it while you have conditioner in your hair, because the conditioner helps the hair slip over other hair and get rid of tangles!
good luck!
Anonymous said...: My hair is medium thickness, really curly, and long (think beachy). I have the same comb that you went and bought, but I use it twice every time I shower: once in the shower and once after I towel off. I like to comb in out completely in the shower when I have conditioner in it and its been sitting on my hair a while--maybe 3 or 5 mintues. After I towel off, I comb from the ENDS of my hair up. Always work from the bottom up! I grab my hair in one hand above where I'm going to start combing, so I don't pull on my scalp. Also, do you use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner? When I switched to a moisturizing set, it made such a difference in the manageability of my hair! Hope this helps :)
Anonymous said...: Start from the ENDS and work your way UP
Miranda said...: I think I have the same hair type as you. I also used to always use a brush. But now I always use a wide tooth comb I just start from the ends and work my way up, it's so much easier.
Humanature on March 7, 2010 at 8:07 PM said...: I know there are so many comments already but my idea is for you to comb your hair in the shower while you still have you conditioner in..and after you rinse it out..it's always helped me attack my over slept in hairsprayed to death curls
Anonymous said...: Elle i hav the SAME problem.... i hav that comb and it sucks!!!!! it says it ouchless but it feels horrible! so i just use a brush..... im so bad... ik lol
Anonymous said...: Yeah I agree with ANONYMOUS.. start from the END and then comb your way UP.
Leah Shafran on March 7, 2010 at 11:23 PM said...: I use the same comb and I also have very tangly hair. What I do is:
1. Brush my hair out before the shower.
2. In the shower, I use my comb when rinsing out my conditioner.
3. Once out of the shower, I spray detangler.
4. Comb through with my comb- and it's much easier to work with.
paintedFACEmakeup on March 8, 2010 at 12:56 AM said...: I had a perm 2 years ago (worst mistake ever!) and I had this problem. I finally fixed it and got my hair healthy, now it just needs to grow out of my angeled bob. :-/

I've heard people say they brush their hair before they get in the shower but this never worked for me because I go a little crazy when I shampoo.. if you don't, this would probably be a good option. After I rinse my shampoo, I squeeze as much water out of my hair as possible and add conditioner. Then I comb through my hair gently, starting at the bottom and working my way up to the root. Then I do everything else that needs to be done in the shower. When I rinse my hair, I comb through it as well and try to distrub it as little as possible.

When you towel dry your hair, don't squeeze the towel down it. I used to do that and then flip my head over and rub the towel all over... SO BAD FOR YOUR HAIR! LOL. I just blot at it now, and that works so much more effectively.

After that, I loosely comb through it again and then add a leave-in conditioner, I use Beyond The Zone Spilt Mender (helps prevent spilt-ends, breakage, and if you use it all over, it is a great leave-in as well). After I apply that, I comb through and, again, start at the bottom and then work my way up.

Granted, I have straight hair now that my perm is totally gone but as a child my hair was so tangled I would constantly have chunks of hair come out while I was combing it out and would always end up in tears.

I hope this helps.
eskimokiss on March 8, 2010 at 10:32 AM said...: I always use a pick to get out the tangles. That's what my hair dresser said to use after I damaged my hair exreamly bad. I used it right after I get out of the shower I spray the john frieda leave in condition first then I used the pick. After that I put my hair up in a towl for awhile. It works for me and my hair has a lot of texture.
XxXThundaKatXxX on March 8, 2010 at 2:49 PM said...: I have tangly hair too but I have to ask what kind of detangling spray you use? I like the johnson and johnson one for kids. Also, try what everyone said about combing it while in the shower. I find that when I stand under the shower nozzle to rinse out the conditioner and comb while the water runs thru my hair, its easier to detangle.
Anonymous said...: Hey Elle.... I have the same thing with my hair. Its gets sooo tangly that I think sometimes it will never come out. The trick is using that comb in the shower when your conditioner is in. It has a handle so just hang it on the shower hook and once you put the conditioner in let it sit for a bit and then comb. It won't hurt as badly and it will let the tangles come out. Yes some hair will get pulled out, but not as much as if you used it after it dried a bit and definetely not as much as if you used a brush. So do it with the conditioner in! :)
Anonymous said...: Comb through your hair while you are in the shower with conditioner then when you get out try not to tangle it too much while towel drying. Put some really good leave in conditioner or detangler and comb starting at the ends. If you start at the roots it just makes it worse.
Anonymous said...: Paddle brushes are made to brush out long tangled wet hair!!! As most have said brush hair from the bottom up while still wet as the more it dries the more it tangles, and try a de-tangler. I like to use Aveda's brilliant damage control spray, because you wont notice it is in your hair except the tangles are gone. The spray also gives protection from heat and daily environmental damage. Please do not brush your hair in the shower!!! YIKES!
Anonymous said...: Paddle brushes are made to brush out long tangled wet hair!!! As most have said brush hair from the bottom up while still wet as the more it dries the more it tangles, and try a de-tangler. I like to use Aveda's brilliant damage control spray, because you wont notice it is in your hair except the tangles are gone. The spray also gives protection from heat and daily environmental damage. Please do not brush your hair in the shower!!! YIKES!
Natalie on March 9, 2010 at 2:26 PM said...: I have tangly hair too so what I do (btw got a few infos about this from your sister's hair routine vids!) is that I comb through it when I put my conditioner in my hair in the shower,then when I get out I put in all my leave-in stuff (kerastase nectar thermique,redken all soft,a straightening balm and john frieda's daily nourishment spray which I think you have too,or used to have) and then comb it through with my fingers a bit and then comb it out with the wide toothed comb! has been working! good luck! :) xoxo
on March 9, 2010 at 3:25 PM said...: did you brush from the bottom of your hair up ? that ususally works well , also brush your hair while you have the conditioner in
Anonymous said...: The secret is to brush your hair when it's still dry, BEFORE you get in the shower!! If you do this, it will be much easier. When you get into the shower, you wet your hair, shampoo it, rinse it, and comb your hair when the conditioner is still in. Tell me how it goes!
Anonymous said...: my hair is the same way! i think its because my hair is dry.. (i get it highlighted) but i wish there was a way to fix this!
Anonymous said...: elle, i recently went to a beauty supply store and their wide-toothed combs were separated into categories. i picked out the "detangling" comb. there's different ones so be sure to notice what you're getting. wide-toothed combs are very different to each other. hope this helps love <3
Unknown on March 10, 2010 at 1:46 PM said...: i have the same problem.
You can comb your hair in the shower right before you get out, or right when youget out, before wrapping it in a towel, that works really well for me.

My wide toothed comb is actaully wider than yours and it works really well, you just have to be careful at first until you're better at jt
Mari Lena on March 10, 2010 at 2:21 PM said...: I have had this problem too, ever since i started going blonde it got even worse. Its true that if you brush your hair with a brush especially a paddle brush it breaks your hair and it will never really grow. the best solution, and it DOES work!, is brush your hair BEFORE you shampoo while it is still dry and when you shampoo, try to comb your hair with your fingers then put your conditioner in, make sure you use one mainly for moisture, joico and alterna work very well and using a wide tooth comb, comb the conditioner through your hair. NOW the thing is you will notice hair in the comb, thats not a bad thing, your hair sheds when you wash it anyway its just not ending up in your comb and not in your drain. leave the conditioner on for 3 mins then rinse with a slightly cooler temp of water. then comb again and the drain most of the water out of your hair. Then take a spray leave in conditioner, trykevin murphy "staying alive" this actually helps your hair grow too if you spray on your scalp and comb that through and the gently wrap your hair in a towel and let it air dry instead of blow drying. I know this seems like a lot of steps but they are pretty quick and the air drying will really help because the more you air dry your hair, the faster it will dry and the faster your hair dries, the healthier it is. This really saved my hair and my hair was a write off before so i think if you really try it you will be very happy with the result. you just have to keep with it. OH and, i know a lot of people only put conditioner on their ends, but if you have been breaking your hair with a brush then i would put it from root to tip because chances are you have hairs of all lengths and this will help your hair be easier to comb too. I hope this helps you!
Anonymous said...: Hi Elle!
I don't know if you ever tried this but what I do is that I take my comb with me under the shower, and I comb my hair while my conditionner/deep conditionner is still in it (before rinsing it all). It is much easier and does not break my hair. However, I don't think i could call my hair very tangly... I hope you try this out and it works for you.
By the way I love your videos!!!
Anonymous said...: Same problem! Except i have like..like...like Tina Turner's hair combined with me sticking my finger in a socket AND having a bad perm! i mean it's bad, like really bad :S

But what i do is like mentioned above, i comb my hair in the shower while i have on conditioner! It's lifesaving :D

(btw the bad hair case totally goes away once i use the GHD flat iron, I LOVE IT!!!!)
Anonymous said...: I highly recommend the Paul Mitchell 413 Sculpting Brush. The teeth are far enough apart that it brushes through gently like a regular hair brush, but has the non-breakage aspect of a wide tooth comb. I use it every day straight out of the shower and I have very tangly hair as well. Hope you give it a try! It's VERY worth it!
Anonymous said...: The comb you chose should work fine! Especially along with all the conditioning you do prior.
I have had very long hair and only EVER used a wide tooth comb to comb out wet hair. It can be done! :)

Key: Start at the ends of your hair and work UP. Make sure your hair is towel dried but not excessively or rubbed hard, that only tangles further. Work in sections around your head--about 5 should do it.

GOOD LUCK!
Savannah said...: Dear Elle,

You need to try this product!
Its called the Wet Brush.
It's a specially made BRUSH that is gentle enough to be used on wet hair.
And, to top it all off, it can be found on the internet for about $6!
just Google "wet brush"! its also available at my local salon, so it might be at yours too(:
Anonymous said...: I never ever used a comb, well i tried....
With my fathers man comb that isnt that far apart and i broke it... Now i'm scared of the evil things!

I just brush it out, gently and well my hair is growing like crazy, i guess 20 cm over the last half year.....

But keep in you mind your hair grows from your head and not from the ends! So the ends will split and look crazy but your hair is fine. Just go to the hair dresser every 3 months. I think my hair looks healty without the freakin comb. (: xx
Unknown on March 12, 2010 at 12:57 AM said...: Hi Elle!
I am a hairstylist and have been in the industry for several years. Have you ever tried It's A 10 haircare products? The name is totally cheesy, but the conditioners are AMAZING.
The Miracle Hair Mask is the only conditioner I can get through my own hair in the shower and I use the Miracle Leave-In Product on most clients. The leave-in is great, especially when working with people who have a sensitive scalp....the stuff glides through the hair like butter!
It's not oily at all and I haven't had any complaints of it building up or weighing the hair down.
It's a genuinely wonderful product that I highly recommend you check out. It's well worth the price, which is comparable to any other middle-of-the-road hair care product.
I'd love to hear what you think of it if you try it!
Kara said...: I have the same problem! I used to have really good hair but I decided to redye my hair pink. Bad idea. I've dyed it back my natural color but it still tangles really bad when it's wet. I found that if you use Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave in conditioner and brush it while its still wet its like running a brush through hair with regular conditioner in it. It doesn't leave your hair greasy or oily looking AND it smells really good. Another tip: if I don't have my leave in conditioner, I get the tangles and knots out with my fingers then wait until it's dry to use a brush. I hope I helped you! Have a great day! :]
Emma :D said...: I comb my hair out in the shower, when I have conditioner in my hair and then when I do my hair I put a leave in conditioner to detangle and then whilst I comb through my hair I use a spray detangler. I have hair like yours btw. :D
Anonymous said...: Hi!

Have you ever heard of Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola? You have to find a salon that does it- but basically your hair is coated in liquid keratin, heat dried and then flat ironed with a hot iron to get it bone straight and lock the keratin in. It last for up to four months, and the end result is super sleek smooth hair with no frizz, but that still retains body and bounce.

I will include a link to the website and YouTube also had a lot of vids of the process both from the pros and from people that have had it done.

http://www.keratincomplex.com/
robin_162 on March 14, 2010 at 2:38 PM said...: I always comb my hair from the bottom to the roots instead of the other way. I find it gets my hair tangle free without any pain.
Unknown on March 14, 2010 at 6:28 PM said...: oh, girl i have the same problem :'( most of the hairdressers i go to say that blonde hair is just that way, :(
my little sister, a brunette with wavy hair doesnt comb her hair out AT ALL she washes it, scrunches it alittle and shes done,
*sigh* if only i were so lucky.