Detangling a child’s hair without the fight

Almost every difficult detangling session I have watched has the same two problems: the hair is dry, and the comb starts at the root.

Mist the section until it is properly damp, never soaking. Then comb from the ends and work upward in small stages, holding the hair above where you are working so any tug lands on your hand rather than the scalp. A wide tooth wooden comb helps because the teeth are rounded and there is no static to fight.

Use about half the product you would use on your own hair, and keep sessions short. A child who associates detangling with pain will brace against it every time, which makes it harder for both of you.