Detangle

To remove knots or crossings so strands become separate and orderly.

Reach for it when describing patient physical untangling without implying damage

A wide comb can detangle the curls without pulling.

• everyday

  comb

  when a comb is the actual tool and hair is the object

  not when Combing can style or smooth hair that was never tangled.

• everyday

  untangle

  when the direct opposite of tangling is enough

  not when Untangle is broader and commonly applies to figurative confusion.

• warm

  unravel

  when intertwined material is loosened strand by strand

  not when Unravel can destroy knitting or imply solving a mystery.

• professional

  separate

  when dividing strands or items is the main result

  not when Separation may cut or pull things apart rather than preserve them.

• professional

  straighten

  when restoring an orderly line or arrangement matters

  not when Straightening can leave knots in place.

• tangle
• knot
• snarl

• gently detangle

  Use your fingers to gently detangle the wet fibers.

• detangle hair

  The conditioner made it easier to detangle hair without breakage.

• detangle the cord

  Mara paused to detangle the cord before raising the blind.

• easy to detangle

  The wide loops were easy to detangle by hand.