I also have long tangly prone hair, the buddy system top side is best. Mostly for the rinsing part. Just make sure they are lathering while the water is off, have another crew member hold the stern shower head to get a good rinse. I find the snorkle masks always tangle my hair the most but either way the salt water will make brushing a nightmare without a decent fresh water wash and conditioner. They make a great brush that my daughter and I use that helps detangle also, it's purple, but don't know the name. I'll have to look up the link. Definitely have them brush on the stern scoops as others have mentioned. They can still shower privately but always do the hair portion topside, it's just so much easier.