What is one alternative to using brushes for detangling hair?

Using a wide tooth comb is an effective alternative to brushes for detangling hair due to its design, which allows for easier maneuvering through knots and tangles without causing excessive breakage. Since wide tooth combs have widely spaced teeth, they can glide through the hair more gently, making them particularly beneficial for curly or wavy hair types that are more prone to tangling. This method helps maintain the hair's integrity and minimizes damage, as it distributes the pressure more evenly than a brush might, reducing the risk of pulling and snapping the hair strands.

In contrast, while fine-tooth combs can be useful for smoothing and styling fine hair, they might aggravate tangles more than they help, especially in thicker or curlier textures. The use of a straightening iron or a hair dryer does not serve the purpose of detangling; instead, they are tools intended for styling and altering the hair's texture, which could actually worsen existing tangles or lead to heat damage if used incorrectly. Thus, choosing a wide tooth comb is the best option for effectively detangling hair while promoting its health.