Combing your hair is an automatic gesture for most people, repeated daily without much thought. However, the way the strands are untangled can directly influence hair health. Breakage, excessive frizz, opacity and difficulty in finishing are often not just linked to chemicals or heat tools, but to simple habits carried out improperly.

Although it seems like basic care, detangling needs to consider texture, density and routine timing. Straight, wavy, curly or frizzy hair responds differently to contact with brushes and combs, and adapting the process makes all the difference in the result.

According to Mauricio Pina, hairstylist and artistic director of the Jacques Janine network, much of the hair damage happens precisely at this time. “Clearance is a step of care. When we respect the hair type and using the correct accessory, we can reduce breakage, control frizz and improve the overall appearance of the hair”, he explains.

Below, the expert points out five common situations and how to untangle your hair correctly in each of them.

1. Straight, thin or thin hair requires lightness in daily detangling

Smooth, lower density threads tend to tangle easily when waking up or after exposure to wind and friction with clothes. In these cases, detangling should be gentle and only carried out when necessary, avoiding repeated brushing throughout the day.

The ideal is to align the strands with light movements, always starting at the ends and gradually working your way up to the roots. “Fine hair suffers a lot from excess traction. Brushing several times a day does not strengthen the hair, it only increases mechanical wear”, explains Mauricio Pina.

2. Wavy hair works best when detangled after washing

Nos wavy hairthe moment right after bathing is usually the best time to untangle. With the strands still damp and protected by leave-in, friction decreases and the waves maintain their natural movement. This care helps to avoid frizz and facilitates finishing, whether with natural drying or a diffuser. “Wavy hair needs organization without losing texture. When detangling happens with damp hair and product, the result is more defined and light”, says the hairstylist.

Product suggestion: I Love Charming Detangling Mousse.

3. Curly and frizzy hair must be untangled in the shower or after styling

For curly and frizzy hair, detangling dry hair is one of the most common mistakes. The ideal is to carry out the process during the shower, with conditioner, or right after washing, using styling cream to ensure emollience and preserve the natural curvature. In this case, detangling is already part of the definition of the curls. “When textured hair is detangled correctly, it dries more evenly, with less frizz and better curl formation”, explains Mauricio Pina.

Product suggestion: Extraordinary Triple Comb, by ProArt.

4. Before bed, detangling helps preserve any type of hair

Regardless of texture, gently detangle the hair before bed prevents the formation of knots and reduces prolonged friction with the pillow during the night. This care is especially important for medium, long and voluminous hair. The use of accessories that reduce friction also helps to maintain the alignment of the hair until the next day. “The night is a long period of movement and friction. Preparing your hair before bed helps preserve the hair fiber and makes the morning routine much easier”, advises the specialist.

Product suggestion: Salon Opus Coconut Oil Blend.

5. Wet hair requires specific tools to avoid breakage

Regardless of your hair type, the time when your strands are wet is the most sensitive time in your hair routine. The fiber becomes more elastic and vulnerable, requiring flexible accessories and delicate movements. The ideal is to remove excess water by pressing the towel gently, without rubbing, and starting to untangle from the ends. “THE hair wet should never be pulled. The brush needs to follow the movement of the hair to avoid breakage”, highlights Mauricio Pina.

By Caroline Amorim