Without moisture, hair friction and stress generate knots. Your hair becomes tough and damaged as its outer layers break. Hair might also suffer from dehydration.
Hair damage from not brushing regularly is serious. It will cause hair kinks. Without combing, oil and residue build up and damage hair.
Long periods without cutting cause split ends and frizz. Dry ends also break readily. Split hair cannot be restored. Tangles are easy with dry, frizzy, and split ends.
Sleeping without braids or ties can cause major tangles. Tangling can result from hair strand friction. Hair cuticles rub when you sleep if you leave your hair down.
Constant heat styling or blow-drying can destroy hair shafts and cause knots. Damaged hair scrapes off its outer layers, exposing the cortex. This accelerates cuticle damage.
Hard water, rich in minerals, can leave hair residue. This residue makes hair rough and coarse, increasing friction and tangling.
Tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, and buns can cause tangling, especially when tugged or tightened with elastics, clips, or pins. Permanent hair shaft pulling can also tangle nearby hair strands.