My daughter's hair is very fine, silky, straight Caucasian hair, but I'm sure tips on other hair types would be welcome too.

She's 3 and her hair is to her mid back. The back of the crown gets into a ghastly matted rat's nest, especially when she's had a restless night. I would be so grateful for any tips on techniques or products to keep it less tangled.

Things that do work - combing conditioner through it when it's wet, but she's in a phase of being resistant to having it washed/ rinsed, so I'd rather not have to do it every day (especially because I've got a newborn too).

Things that don't work - satin pillowcases. Or rather they probably would work, but she only has her head on her pillow for about ten minutes before she's rotating around the bed.

Help! Detangling sprays? Magic brushes? Witchcraft?