Detangling Mistakes Parents Make (and How to Fix Them)
- Zacharenia Piperaki
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Stop the Tears, Start Doing It Right
Detangling kids’ hair doesn’t have to end in a meltdown. The key is knowing what not to do — and making small changes that have a big impact. Below are the most common detangling mistakes parents make and exactly how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Brushing Dry Hair
Why it’s a problem: Dry hair is more prone to snapping and knotting. Brushing it without moisture causes breakage and pain.
How to fix it: Always detangle when hair is damp, not soaking wet, and prepped with a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner.
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Tool
Why it’s a problem: Cheap combs or stiff brushes can tear through tangles and hurt your child’s scalp.
How to fix it: Use a wide-tooth comb, a soft-bristle detangler brush, or the Tanglegripper, which gives you grip control above the knot so you can remove tangles gently, without pulling.
Mistake 3: Skipping Detangler or Conditioner
Why it’s a problem: Without any slip, hair tangles more and hurts more during brushing.
How to fix it: Apply a no-tears detangler spray or conditioner before detangling. It softens the hair cuticle and helps the brush glide through easily.
Mistake 4: Starting from the Roots
Why it’s a problem: Brushing from the scalp down pulls tight on knots and causes pain.
How to fix it: Start from the ends of the hair and work your way up in small sections. This minimizes tugging and damage.
Mistake 5: Rushing Through Tangles
Why it’s a problem:Speeding through knots usually leads to pulling, breakage, and a crying kid.
How to fix it:Take your time. Use your fingers to separate large tangles first, then gently comb or brush the section.
Mistake 6: Waiting Until After Bath Time
Why it’s a problem: Hair can become more tangled when wet, especially curly or coily textures.
How to fix it: Do a light detangle before shampooing, then finish detangling with conditioner in. This helps prevent tighter knots.
Mistake 7: Over-Brushing
Why it’s a problem: Brushing too often or too hard can damage the hair and make it more prone to tangling.
How to fix it: Stick to brushing once or twice a day. Always detangle gently, and don’t overdo it.
Mistake 8: Using Heat on Wet Hair Without Protection
Why it’s a problem: Applying heat to wet hair can cause serious damage, especially to kids' finer strands.
How to fix it: Let hair air-dry partially before using a blow dryer or styling tools, and always apply a child-safe heat protectant first.
The Simple Solution: Try the Tanglegripper
Most detangling problems come down to one thing — lack of control. That’s where the Tanglegripper comes in. It’s a patented tool that gives you a firm, non-slip grip on your child’s hair just above the knot, so you can comb through without pulling the scalp.
Works on wet or dry hair
Safe for all hair types
Helps prevent breakage
Turns detangling into a quick, tear-free routine
Want to see how it works? Check out the full How to Use Tanglegripper guide.
Final Thoughts
Most detangling struggles come from using the wrong tools or skipping prep steps. But with the right approach — and the right gear — you can make detangling fast, gentle, and drama-free. Try the Tanglegripper and take the fight out of the routine.
