Dry and damaged hair tangles more easily, so hydrate the hair with a gentle shampoo and use a nourishing conditioner after washing. If your hair is very dry, you may find co-washing the hair with a conditioner helps friction between the strands. The base is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around the hair but feels robust, and warm and pleasant to hold. The cushioned base protects the scalp and the flexible bristles won’t snag on tangled hair. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding plastic or would like a detangling brush that’s also good for use when blow-drying. It’s usually best to use a detangling brush or comb on damp or wet hair – either in the shower or just after you get out – as the lubrication from the water helps the bristles pass more easily through the hair. Using a detangling brush rather than an ordinary brush helps to protect wet hair (which is weaker than dry hair) from damage. What else can I do to prevent knots and tangles?

If you have hair that’s prone to more serious tangles – dry or damaged hair and curly or coiled hair is more susceptible to knotting and matting owing to the increased friction between strands caused by a raised cuticle on the outer surface – then a specialist detangling brush or comb will help by working harder to separate the strands. Below we take you through some advice for detangling hair as well as choosing the right brush or comb for your hair; and over the jump we’ve rounded up our favourite detangling brushes for all hair types and budgets.

Get rid of knots and tangles gently and effectively with the best combs and brushes designed to detangle hair

Detangling combs designed for use in the shower have wide-spaced teeth to work knots apart without stretching and breaking delicate wet hair. Detangling brushes designed for use on dry or damp hair have flexible bristles of different lengths to gently prise apart tangled strands in one sweep. Combs designed for Afro-textured hair often have wide-spaced teeth with a tapered end to pass easily through any matted or knotted coils. What are detangling brushes made from?

Most detangling brushes and combs are made from plastic; plastic can be used on wet or damp hair, and the smooth surface helps the teeth or bristles glide easily through the hair. Some detangling combs are made of natural bamboo or bristle, which are a sustainable choice and gentle on the hair. Be sure to follow any care instructions provided by the manufacturer, such as drying the brush completely after use, to avoid damage to the tool. How do I use a detangling brush?If your hair is long or curly and tends to become tangled overnight, you might find tying it loosely with a silk scrunchie helps to reduce nighttime tangling. A silk or satin pillowcase or a hair bonnet also reduces friction between the pillow and the hair as you sleep, preventing tangles and leaving the hair soft and silky.