Next week is devoted to answering YOUR beauty questions.
Is there a technique you've always wanted to learn?
Or a product recommendation?
Let me know in the comments below.
In the meantime, enjoy this Ask Elle as a little warm up for next week!
Elle,
I need your help! My 8 year old daughter has long hair and it is always tangled but I don't want her to cut it. Every night is a struggle that ends up with tears and sometimes I have to cut the knots out. Do you have any tips on getting them out?
--Deborah J.
I do! I had really, really long hair when I was younger, so this question is right up my alley. Long hair (you didn't say how long hers is) in little ones does need extra maintenance, so before you grab the scissors, let's talk about preventative measures:
- Satin pillowcase--I've been using these for 15 years, and it's my favorite hair tip. We toss and turn in our sleep, causing friction and frizzy hair in the morning, aka "bedhead." And kids seem to have the worst case of bedhead! A satin pillowcase helps to stop it. These can be purchased online, at beauty stores, in bedsheet sets, at Wal-Mart/Target/etc, or even made. They all work the same! And for grownups: they help to extend your blow out!
- Braid--Allowing her to sleep in a loose braid--dry hair only--can help keep the knots away.
- Brushing twice daily--This is the most obvious tip but kids are lazy about this! A brush through in the morning before school and before bed will help. A boar bristle is the best type, but a mix of this with plastic bristles works just fine.
And now, let's get those knots out:
- Small-toothed comb--Normally, you would want the opposite to comb wet hair, but this is just for tangles.
- Leave-in conditioner--I never buy this! I make my own leave-in conditioner using two parts water to one part conditioner--any brand. Put the mix in a bottle or spray bottle and shake before applying just to the knot. This can be done on wet or dry hair. It will help with the tangles.
- Bottoms up--Always comb from the ends and work your way to the roots. It works! And helps with less pulling on the hair strands.
- Hold it--First, move the hair out of the way that is not attached to the knot. It will instantly look smaller, allowing you to see what you're working with. As a kid, the worst part of tangles is the pain! By holding the section of hair above the tangle with your non-brushing hand, she won't be able to feel you attacking the tangle.
I hope those tips helped! For more beauty advice, Ask Elle in the comments below.
tangle-free!
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