The short answer
Use a wide-tooth comb, work from the ends upwards in sections, and do it with conditioner in rather than on dry hair.
- Start at the ends, not the roots, and work up in short sections.
- Wide-tooth comb, not a brush, on wet hair.
- Do it with conditioner in, which gives the comb something to slide on.
- Hold the hair above the tangle so you are not pulling at the root.
- Be patient with a bad knot. More conditioner and fingers first.
What will ruin it
Wet hair stretches up to a third further than dry hair before it snaps, which is why brushing it hard causes so much breakage. A stiff brush on soaking hair is the single most damaging routine habit.
Why it works
Starting at the roots pushes every tangle downwards and compacts them into one solid knot at the ends. Working upwards releases them one at a time.
This is general information, not medical advice, and it does not replace a GP, a pharmacist or NHS 111. Call 999 in an emergency. Full disclaimer.