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Detangling curly, coily, and wavy hair can be a chore and sometimes even a pain. Well, just imagine trying to detangle a child’s hair or better yet a toddler’s hair? Toddlers are temperamental by nature and most of them do not care for getting their hair washed let along styled. I remember whenever I had to wash my daughter’s hair I had to sing “Jingle Bells” in between her tears to keep her mind off the task and quite often it worked. 

Toddlers are fickle and they most certainly do not like getting dressed or even getting their hair combed. One reader, Jose.Ramos from our Curly Q&A, is going through this now and inquired about how to fix the problem.

Question

What can I use in my 3yr olds hair to detangle it without the pain it causes her, she hates the comb?

Answer

There are a few tools and tricks that can make the detangling session with your toddler easier and even quicker. They are young and impatient and of course we do not want to hurt them, so combing their hair can be problematic if you are not using the right tools and tricks to make the task go smoother. Here are some tips, tricks, and products that should help and keep her in smiles and pretty curls.

Keep them preoccupied

Keeping them preoccupied truly helps. Let them watch a movie or listen to music or play with a toy when you are doing their hair. It helps and will allow you to work through those tangles easier.

Try detangling products specifically created for kids

There are several detangling sprays, shampoos, and conditioners just for kids now that have extra slip to help those tangles unravel. Many have tear-free formulas that will not irritate their eyes and skin. Their ingredients list is pumped up with moisturizers to ensure their hair is soft, easy to manage and tangle-free. This is a must-have investment.

Use conditioners with tons of slip

This is a must as slip allows those tangles to just glide through. Kinky-Curly Knot Today is a favorite one as it harnesses the slip magic of marshmallow root and slippery elm. Never skip the conditioning step on wash day as that will help keep the hairs friction free.

Sleep on satin pillowcase or wear satin bonnet

Start introducing them to satin. First off, she will love it and secondly it will cut down on dryness and breakage. This is also helpful with deterring tangles so try a satin pillowcase or a satin bonnet for your toddler.

Enlist the help of wide tooth combs and detangling brushes

They are a must to remove those tangles without yanking or breaking the hair. Many have cute styles and colors that will make the kids themselves want to use them and that can also help if she or he wants to aid in their hair care. The SH&SH Detangling Hair Brush is a favorite among moms because it works well with brushing the hair and it is colorful and bright.

Don’t let it get too tangled

Do not put off removing those tangles as they will only get worse. If you see she has had a hard day of play and that hair is making its move to tangle, take out a few minutes with a kid’s detangling spray, and work them out with a wide tooth comb or detangling brush.

Here are a few favorites for kid detangling sprays and conditioners that will elevate those tangles and tears.

What are tried and true tips for detangling a toddler’s hair?