How to Comb Long Hair

Long hair can get easily knotty and tangled, which is why brushing is such an important part of keeping hair healthy. Brushing long hair is fairly easy, but there are certain things you can change that will make brushing less aggressive on long hair. Finding the right brush or comb can make a big difference. Also learning the right way to brush hair can make your hair, or the hair of the person you're brushing, smoother and less tangled.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Detangling Long Hair

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1
Use your fingers to run through long hair.^{[1]XExpert SourceChristine George
Master Hair Stylist & ColoristExpert Interview. 10 January 2020.} Before brushing long hair, you should check for major knots. If you use your brush through large knots, you can cause damage to the hair. Run your fingers downwards through your hair starting a few inches from the tips of the hair, and gradually work your way up the hair a few inches at a time. ^{[2]XResearch source}
- Work through the more manageable knots. If you encounter a knot you can’t run your fingers through, don’t force your fingers through the hair.
2
Apply a detangling product. If you’ve encountered a large knot that you can’t get out using your fingers, use a product that will help ease out the knot. Apply the product to the knot according to the instructions on the label. ^{[3]XResearch source}
- For fine hair, use a spray.
- For medium thickness hair, try a lotion.
- For thick and coarse hair, or kinky hair, use a cream.
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3
Use a wide toothed-comb on the knot. After you have put the detangling product on the knot, use a wide toothed comb to comb at the knot. Be gentle, using small strokes to work at the knot. You should be able to get most of it out. ^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you don’t have a wide toothed comb, you can also use a paddle brush.
By this time, most of the knot should be untangled. Run your fingers through the spot where the knot was to check if there is any more of it left. Your fingers are great tools because you can feel your hair in a way that you can’t when you are using a comb. ^{[5]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Brushing Straight Hair

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1
Use the right brush. If you are brushing straight hair, you may want to use a different brush depending on whether the hair is wet or dry. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet. ^{[6]XResearch source}
- Many experts advise using a comb when hair is wet rather than using a brush, which is more aggressive on wet hair.
- When long hair is dry, you can use either a comb or a brush. Try to use a paddle brush with soft bristles at least a few times a week. This brush stimulates the scalp and spreads healthy oils down from the scalp through the hair. ^{[7]XResearch source}
These products will help to moisturize your hair and make it look healthy. It’s important to apply these before you brush long hair because brushing will help to distribute the product through the hair shaft. ^{[8]XResearch source}
3
Brush from the ends and work your way up. Using your brush or comb, start brushing down the hair about one inch from the roots. This ensures that all the knots are gone, and it is much more gentle. As you are done with a section of hair, keep going up until you have reached the roots. ^{[9]XResearch source}
- If you start at the roots, you will end up tugging at your hair, which will cause breakage and split ends.
Once you have worked your way up to the roots, brush a couple strokes down from the roots to the tips of the hair shaft. Doing this will distribute the healthy oils from the scalp to all of the hair, and it will make long hair stronger.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Combing Curly Hair

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Be sure to only use a comb on curly or natural hair. A brush can damage the hair cuticle and will make curls frizzier and less defined. The best tool to use for curly hair is a wide-toothed comb.
Never comb curly hair when it's dry. You may have noticed that curly hair becomes frizzy when it's brushed or combed when dry. Make sure to only comb curly hair after showering.^{[10]XExpert SourceChristine George
Master Hair Stylist & ColoristExpert Interview. 10 January 2020.}
3
Apply a deep conditioner or mousse meant for curly hair. Curly hair is drier than straight hair, so it needs all the moisture it can get. Products meant specifically for curly hair deliver this moisture to curly hair for more defined curls. ^{[11]XResearch source}
- You also may try applying argan oil or another kind of oil at the tips of curly hair. The tips of your hair are the driest part of your hair, and need special attention.
4
Comb from the ends and work your way up. Just like with straight hair, you want to start brushing near the tips of the hair and work your way up. Curly hair is especially prone to tangling, so it’s important to not start from the roots. ^{[12]XResearch source}
- If you encounter tangles, do not yank the comb through them. Even if it untangles the knot, using too much force can mess up the pattern of the curl and make curly hair look frizzier.
Once you have worked your way up to the roots, brush a couple strokes down from the roots to the tips of the hair shaft. Because the hair is wet, you won’t distribute as much healthy oil from the scalp as you would if it were dry, but it is still an important step in making curly hair healthy.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Caring for Your Brush or Comb

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An important part of caring for long hair is making sure that your brush or comb is clean. If your brush or comb still has hair in it, you are transferring the conditioner, dust, oil or germs from the old hair into the hair you're brushing. ^{[13]XResearch source}
2
Deep clean your brush at least once a month. You also will want to do a full cleaning of your brush at least once a month. Clean your brush by dousing the brush into a mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of shampoo. Dunk the brush in several times, then scrub the brush and rinse it off. ^{[14]XResearch source}
- Do not soak your brush, as this can damage the bristles.
Deep cleaning is more important for brushes, because there is more space for dirt and bacteria to settle. However, it is still a good idea to clean your comb about every other month. Follow the same procedure as cleaning a brush.
You do not need to replace your comb or brush very often. However especially for brushes, if you notice that bristles are falling out of your brush, or that the round balls at the top of your bristles are coming off, you should invest in a new brush. Old brushes and combs can cause damage to hair if their bristles or teeth are crooked or broken.

Expert Q&A

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Is it better to comb wet or dry hair?
Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.
Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Expert Answer
You should comb through your hair while it's wet so it doesn't get as poofy.
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How do I comb long, dry hair?
Community Answer
Be careful and go slowly. Begin with the ends, combing a little bit more each time you go down. If you pull too hard or go too quickly, you will pull your hair out.
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Question
When I have long dry hair should I use a comb or brush? Which one should I use after a shower when my hair is wet and tangled?
Community Answer
A brush will work well on dry hair and a large wide-toothed comb is the best choice for when your hair is wet.
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Tips

Even if you are in a rush, never be rough on long hair. You may be taking out knots, but you are damaging hair at the same time.
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If you are brushing straight hair, test a wide variety of brushes to see which one you like most.
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Make sure you are using a good quality brush. Bad quality brushes may even damage your hair.
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Warnings

Don’t over brush long hair. This eventually will irritate or damage the hair shafts.
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Never brush curly hair when it’s dry. If you feel knots in curly hair, break them up with your fingers.
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