Long hair frequently develops knots throughout the course of the day. They can be formed by both dryness and friction against other materials, like clothing. The hair at the back of the head is susceptible to both causes, because it's in most difficult area to look after and touch up. When you plan to wear your long hair down, prepare it the right way in the morning to keep the knots away all day.
Shampoo the hair next to your scalp only. Shampoos can strip the hair of natural oils needed to keep cuticles sealed and smooth. Focus on your scalp when cleansing with shampoo, and the rest of your hair will be cleansed when you rinse it.
Condition your hair thoroughly. Use a heavily moisturizing, or deep, conditioner. Leave it in for several minutes before rinsing. This coats your hair in moisture to help prevent split ends and knots.
Rinse your hair with cold water. This seals the hair follicles, locking in moisture for a longer period of time.
Dry your hair with paper towels. Soak up the water with paper towels in lieu of regular bath towels to prevent friction against the hair cuticle, which leads to dryness and damage.
Apply a leave-in conditioner made for your hair type, and comb it through your hair. Massage the conditioner from mid-shaft to the ends of the hair, focusing on the most problematic areas. Disperse the conditioner evenly through your hair with a wide-tooth comb.
Seal in smoothness with a hair oil after your regular hairstyling. The hair oil adds moisture to keep hair smooth and tangle-free throughout the day. Moroccan argan oil is a suitable choice for most hair types, along with macadamia and tea tree oils.
Spray the back of your hair with a flexible hairspray. This type of hairspray has just enough hold to prevent knotting, while still allowing the moisturizers and oils to keep hair soft.
Wear clothing with a low collar whenever possible. Avoid high-collared polo shirts and scarves -- these can rub against the hair, leading to knots.