Tangled and knotted hair is painfully annoying. But rather than forcefully pulling through a tangled web of knots, why (k)not understand what causes them and how they can be avoided? Here's a deep dive into this knotty affair and how apple cider vinegar can help.

Table of contents:

• Can apple cider vinegar detangle hair?
• How does hair get knotted?
• What kind of hair is more prone to damage?
• How does apple cider vinegar detangle hair?
• What is a good homemade detangler?
• How do you detangle severely tangled hair?
• Is it better to untangle hair wet or dry?
• How can I get tangle-free hair permanently?

Can apple cider vinegar detangle hair?

Yes! Apple cider vinegar is a natural solution to detangle hair. But before we get into how ACV can help detangle your knotted mass of hair, here's a look at what causes your hair to get knotted.

How does hair get knotted?

The outermost layer of the hair is made up of cuticles. Cuticles lay flat on a healthy, well-hydrated hair shaft like tiles on a neatly tiled roof. The problem occurs when the cuticles are damaged and open up; the cuticles stand up and look disarrayed and are prone to cause knots.

Hair gets knotted when two or more strands of hair become intertwined.

Here are some reasons your hair might get tangled in knots:

• Your hair lacks moisture (hair gets knotted when it is very dry).
• You sleep with your hair loose, and that can cause it to get tangled from friction against your pillow or other surfaces.
• Your hair is damaged or textured. Damaged hair becomes tangled because the cuticles that make up the outermost layer of the hair shaft do not lie flat. Cuticles that lay flat are silky and less likely to become tangled.

What kind of hair is more prone to damage?

Some types of hair are more prone to knots than others:

• Naturally curly hair
• Dry hair that lacks moisture
• Hair damaged from vigorous combing
• Hair that's exposed to styling tools that use heat
• Straight hair is more likely to get tangled than curly hair
• Fine hair (because there are more strands of hair to get knotted)
• Hair that is frequently treated with alcohol-containing hair products
• Heat-damaged, bleached, and sun-damaged hair have damaged cuticles.
  
  

How does apple cider vinegar detangle hair?

Apple cider vinegar works by smoothing the cuticles so they lie flat down, smoothly against the hair shaft. That helps to detangle and separate the hair effortlessly. AC vinegar also adds luster to your hair by lowering your scalp's pH.

What is a good homemade detangler?

Vinegar is an excellent natural detangler. To make a homemade detangler with vinegar, make a solution of ACV and water (half a cup of ACV to one cup of water). Mix well. This solution can be safely used on shampooed hair (more on this in the next segment).

How do you detangle severely tangled hair?

1. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo or detangling shampoo. A detangling shampoo adds slip and smoothness to your hair, helping pesky knots ease away without resistance. Rinse your hair gently but thoroughly. Avoid using hot water as it can cause the hair cuticles to stand up.
2. Rinse your hair with the diluted solution of AC vinegar. Allow the vinegar solution to sit on your scalp and hair for five minutes, and then rinse with tepid water.
3. Condition your hair with a deep conditioner.
4. Run your fingers slowly and gently through your hair, gently untangling knots as you come by them. Do not tug at your hair roughly.
5. Rinse off the conditioner.
6. You can apply for a leave-in conditioner if you want.
   
   

Is it better to untangle hair wet or dry?

It's best to untangle hair when it is dry and then again when it is wet. First, use a wide-toothed comb on your dry hair to remove large knots. Large knots are detangled easily, and by first getting rid of them, you can concentrate on the stubborner knots after conditioning your hair.

Applying oil to your hair (we recommend using any from the WOW Skin Science hair oil range) will make it easier to get rid of knots. Natural oil can also prevent hair snapping and cuticle damage during detangling. Remember, the aim here is to get rid of the easy-to-get-rid-of knots. Get rid of stubborn knots when your hair is wet.

Wet hair is weak as it tends to stretch and is prone to breakage. But the advantage of detangling wet hair is that your conditioner can make the process easier. It's important to detangle your wet hair after shampooing and during the conditioning stage.

Apply your conditioner as you usually would, then gently run your fingers through your hair to untangle any knots. Avoid using a comb on wet hair, but if you must, use only a detangling brush like the WOW Skin Science Gentle Flex Dentangling Brush with stretchable rounded bristles. It can be used on wet and dry hair and is suitable for all hair types and textures. 

How can I get tangle-free hair permanently?

• Comb your hair before bed – no matter how tired you are.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase – it prevents friction that could cause knots.
• Braid or tie your hair with a silk scrunchie to protect the cuticles.
• Dry your hair gently – avoid rubbing the hair roughly with a towel.
• Always rinse your hair with cold water to help the cuticles lay flat against the hair.
• Use hair products that prevent knots from forming. WOW Skin Science 10-in-1 Apple Cider Vinegar Mist Tonic is a soothing antioxidant-rich formula that drastically reduces frizz and dryness and regulates the scalp's pH level.
  
  
  

If you hate battling the knots in your hair, you are in luck - you don't have to worry about losing hair or the pain associated with detangling your hair. Apple cider vinegar can help eliminate tangles easily and pain-free, while protecting your hair.