How Do I Keep Cords Uncoiled?

my cords will start to twist around itself after a while. I try to let it uncoil itself by straightening it out and letting the heavy end (namely headphones) unwind, but when I go to put them back on, they just coil right back up. How can I get these cords permanently (or at least for a while) untangled? P.S. It isn't a purposely coiled cord like those "pig tail" telephone cords, its just a smooth 10mm jack.