detangle

verb

de·​tan·​gle (ˌ)dē-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

detangled; detangling; detangles

transitive verb

: to remove tangles from

Always detangle wet hair gently with a wide-toothed comb.

—Elle

Detangle and lay out all your light strings. Check for frayed wires and broken bulbs and repair or replace as needed.

—Samantha Mazzotta

detangler noun

plural detanglers

Cream rinses are not designed to adhere to the hair for any length of time but are just there to assist with the combing out (detanglers, in effect).

—Allison Leopold

Examples of detangle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Vikings brought a few things from home—including tools for detangling their hair. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024

The combination of a round brush and hair dryer lifts roots while detangling and smoothing hair. —Kylee McGuigan, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2024

Hair products can work for one form of curls and not others so I was awed at how this brush detangled my hair. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024

This helps prep my hair for detangling and typically halts my shower time. —Celeste Polanco, Essence, 12 Feb. 2024

Even Cosmetologists approve of the gentle comb for detangling delicate lash extensions. —Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024

Next, is the deep conditioner, a trip to the hood dryer, and detangling. —Jessica Cruel, Allure, 20 Feb. 2024

The key to detangling knots in fur and hair is a good conditioner, but most people just use dog shampoo. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024

The best way to prep your hair before braids is to detangle it with a wide-tooth comb and use a blow dryer. —Akili King, Essence, 17 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above