If you have childhood memories of having your hair detangled after a bath, it probably wasn’t the most pleasant experience, even if your mom tried her best to be gentle. Some people have more tangle-prone hair than others, and if you’re one of those people, you’re probably still struggling with it.

Very long hair is more likely to suffer tangling, as is very thick, dry or processed hair. Some tangling is situational, occurring after too-vigorous shampooing, a walk on a windy day, or an illness or injury that keeps you flat on your back.

Whatever the cause, you can fight your hair’s natural tendency to tangle. For starters, the right haircut can make a difference. Having short or layered hair can help combat tangles, but these styles aren’t for everyone. Keeping your hair healthy is key to combating pesky tangles. Use shampoos and conditioners formulated for your hair type, and try not to abuse your hair with too much processing or rough brushing.

Gently brush or comb your hair before you get in the shower or tub. When you wash your hair, massage the shampoo gently into your scalp, and when you condition, comb the conditioner through with a shower comb.

When you get out of the bath, you can attack stubborn tangles with a hair detangler, which contains ingredients to help release tangles and smooth hair, making it manageable and easy to style.Hair detanglers are frequently used for children, and if you’re a mom, you may be tempted to use your child’s detangler product. While this won’t hurt in a pinch, adult hair usually needs much more conditioning than children’s sprays can provide. Moms also need a detangler that works with, not against styling products, whatever their hair type.

Because tangles are often a result of hair damage, products that work overtime to repair the hair shaft are good options when you’re fighting the knot monster. Leave-in conditioners step up your hair care routine by providing protection beyond the shower. These products usually address the immediate problem of tangles by making your hair softer and easier to comb, but also stay in your hair to repair damage done by styling and environmental factors.

Thrifty and Classic

Infusium 23 Leave In Conditioner (average price $4.99) isn’t labelled specifically as a detangler, but it does the job by delivering much-needed nourishment to dry damaged hair. This product comes in formulations for different types of hair like frizzy, dry or color-treated. It’s a very light formula that sprays in with ease and doesn’t leave a heavy scent or residue.

So Long, Tangles!

Women with very long hair have special considerations when it comes to keeping their locks in top shape. Tangles are the bane of a long-haired gal’s grooming routine, and Rapunzels will do just about anything to avoid the frustrating and time-consuming routine of fighting a mass of stubborn knots.There are a few hair care products targeted at women with long hair, or those trying to grow their hair long. These products promise to smooth, tame, polish, and strengthen hair so it looks its best as it reaches awe-inspiring lengths. Mane “n Tail products have been a part of a long hair maintenance routine for many years. Inspired by the glossy luxury of a horse’s crowning glory, these products are not only easy to find, but easy on the wallet as well. Mane “n Tail Detangler (average price $3.99) is a simple yet powerful product to add to your hair care routine. This product is a lifesaver for women with tightly curled or coarse, hard to manage hair.

Tangle-Free…Naturally

If you have concerns about the effects of chemicals on your body and the planet, you’re probably trying to make greener choices when it comes to personal care products. Many hair problems, including excessive tangling, can be traced to the overuse of chemical products like dyes, relaxers, perms, and other unnatural preparations. If you decide to stop or limit your use of these hair products, you have plenty of natural options that work just as well or better than their chemical counterparts.

If your hair is tangled, chances are it is also dry. Dry hair with crunchy ends is difficult to comb and manage. Daily Spray Detangler from Just Natural Organic Hair Care (average price $23.99) is a botanically infused leave-in treatment with no harsh chemicals. It uses hibiscus oil and babassu to help keep hair looking great. It also addresses the problem of extremely dry hair and reduces hair loss due to breakage.Salon and Beauty Store Detanglers

A few women prefer using salon-brand hair products for various reasons. Some enjoy the more glamorous packaging or sensuous scents; others find these products genuinely work better than store brands or offer unique features and formats not available anywhere else. Biolage products are favorites at salons. They contain many natural ingredients to help hair look its best. Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution (average price $15.49) is a simple and elegant solution to your tangle problem. This product is light and formulated for oily to normal hair. If you have fine hair, you may notice most detanglers leave your hair feeling a bit greasy or weighed down. With the Biolage detangling spray, you can have tangle-free hair and sexy volume, too.

Just when you thought you’d seen every hair-detangling product you can think of, along comes the Tangle Teezer (average price $9.99). This isn’t a shampoo, conditioner, or spray, but a specially designed brush claiming to quickly eliminate tangles without fuss or hair damage.

It may be hard to believe you can get such results from a brush alone, but this product has been getting rave reviews since hitting store shelves in the U.K. a few years ago. The Tangle Teezer looks a lot different from most brushes, and it works differently, too. The teeth are made to move and flex in order to yield maximum detangling results. This product can be a huge breakthrough for women struggling with stubborn tangles everyday, and for moms who dread tackling their little girl’s knotted tresses. The Tangle Teezer is now available here in the United States at Sally Beauty Supply stores.