Time is of the essence in the mornings when so many tasks need to happen before getting out the door. The last thing you want to deal with is detangling your toddler’s knotty hair while they cry and complain. It can literally make you want to pull your hair out.

Deep breath, you got this. Those tangles will not defeat you. With a little knowledge and a lot of patience, your kid’s tangles will be easier to manage. Here is what you need to know.

What’s Causing My Kids’ Tangled and Knotty Hair

Tangles and knots happen when two hair strands intertwine around each other. Other hair strands become entangled as well causing the knot to grow bigger. Using a towel to rub dry your hair and sleeping on a pillowcase with your hair down can also contribute to knotty hair.

Hair tangles and knots can happen to any hair type. However, some kids are more prone to tangles than others.

These hair types may have more knots than others:
Thick, curly hair
Long hair
Fine hair
Dry and damaged hair
Hair frequently exposed to heat styling
Sleeping with hair down
Using a towel to rub dry hair
Sun-damaged or heat-damaged hair
The overall health of the hair
Hair that is prone to breakage
Frequent brushing or scratching

Hair Products That Help Prevent and Control Kid’s Tangles

Hair knots are bound to happen if hair is lacking moisture. When two strands wrap around each other and the cuticle is open (dry), the strands are less likely to slip through and instead form a knot.

The first step to tangle prevention is ensuring your toddler’s hair is well moisturized. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that contains natural moisturizing ingredients like Jojoba, keratin, and vitamin E, and that is also sulfate, paraben, and phthalate free. A daily moisturizing conditioner will keep hair smooth and less likely to tangle.

Next, arm yourself with a moisturizing detangling spray that can be used when hair is wet or dry. Use this every day, even multiple times per day to keep hair healthy and tangle-free.

Choosing the Right Kid’s Detangler Spray for Your Toddler’s Hair Knots

Your child’s hair type is the most important factor when choosing a detangling spray. Curly, coarse, or thick hair requires extra moisture. On the other hand, wavy, straight, or fine hair does better with a light spray of mist.

The most important feature for a detangling spray is moisture. Avoid products that advertise thickening or volumizing effects as these could leave hair sticky and may cause more knots.

Natural moisturizing ingredients are essential for maintaining healthy, soft, and knot-free toddler hair. Look for ingredients including Jojoba, coconut, and keratin that lock in moisture and maintain the integrity of the hair strand to avoid hairs becoming entangled together.

Harsh chemical ingredients can be very drying for hair and lead to more tangles. Plus, the safety level of exposing kids to these ingredients is not clear. You have got a winning product if you find one that prevents frizz and static too.


Tangled, knotted hair can happen to all kid’s hair types. But if your child seems to be more prone to knots than others and you’re about ready to throw in the towel, a detangling spray, and moisturizing shampoo and conditioner made for kids is worth a try. Fairy Tales Hair Care Tangle Tamer line was formulated for all hair types and textures to lock in moisture and keep away tangles. Order your supply of Tangle Tamer Detangling Spray, Shampoo, and Conditioner before your own hair ends up in knots!

Risa Barash,
Founder & Owner of the entire Fairy Tales Hair Care Family