Detangling curly hair can be one of the most challenging parts of wash day. Curly hair gets tangle because of its structure, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. It's not uncommon for me to spend 30 minutes to an hour detangling my type 4 curly hair, depending on the style it was in. The good news is, with the right techniques and tools, detangling curly hair can become more manageable.
Before understanding how to do it, detangling was the worst part of wash day. I was ripping out so much hair that I lost density. Every visit to the salon turned into a major cut instead of a trim. It wasn't until I took my time and really learned the right techniques that my hair started to flourish.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of curly hair tangling, the best detangling techniques, and the tools needed for detangling curly hair.
Causes of Curly Hair Tangling
Curly hair has a natural tendency to form knots and tangles due to the way the hair strands wrap around each other. The natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the length of curly hair due to its texture, which can also contribute to tangling. Other factors that can cause curly hair to tangle include:
Dryness: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair. This is because the natural oils have a harder time traveling traveling from the scalp down the length of the hair. Dry hair is more prone to tangling because it lacks the moisture needed to keep the strands soft and pliable.
Friction: Friction is another common cause of tangling in curly hair. Friction can occur when the hair rubs against clothing, pillowcases, or other surfaces. This can cause the hair to become knotted and tangled.
Curl Pattern: The tighter the curl pattern, the more prone the hair is to tangling. Tighter curls tend to wrap around each other more tightly, which can lead to knots and tangles.
Best Detangling Techniques for Curly Hair
Detangling curly hair can be a time-consuming and sometimes painful process, but there are techniques that can make the process easier and less damaging to the hair. Here are some of the best detangling techniques for curly hair:
Detangle When Wet: Curly hair is easier to detangle when it is wet. Wet hair is more pliable and less likely to break. Apply conditioner to wet hair and use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle each section.
Use a Detangling Conditioner: A detangling conditioner can help make the hair more manageable and easier to comb through. Look for a conditioner that is specifically formulated for curly hair and contains moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter or coconut oil. Products with good "slip" will also help in the detangling process. This is all about how "slippery" the product makes your hair feel and the ease it is to comb. Ingredients that can give good slip include fatty alcohols, hydrolyzed proteins, vegetable oils, butters, and herbs. Marshmallow root, flaxseed and slippery elm are my favorite ingredients to look for in detangling products.
Detangle in Sections: Detangling curly hair in sections can make the process more manageable and less overwhelming. Divide the hair into four to six sections and work on one section at a time. This can help prevent hair from becoming tangled again as you work on other sections.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb or Detangling Brush: A wide-tooth comb is a popular tool for detangling curly hair. Wide-tooth combs are gentler on the hair than brushes and are less likely to cause breakage. Start at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the roots, gently detangling each section of hair as you go. Flexible detangling brushes are also popular in the natural hair community. Some of the most popular brushes includes the Felisha Leatherwood detangling brush, EZ or BESTOOL Detangling brush, and the Denman brush.
Finger Detangling: Finger detangling is a gentle technique that can help prevent breakage and damage to the hair. This can be tedious and time consuming if you have never done it before, but I tend to loose less hair when using this method. I first use my fingers as a comb, feeling for where my hands get caught in the hair, then gently working knots and tangles. I do this until I can rake through my hair with my fingers and the hair is smooth.
Additional tips for detangling curly hair
Start at the Ends: When detangling curly hair, it's important to start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. This can help prevent breakage and damage to the hair. If you start at the roots, you risk pulling on tangles and creating more knots.
Avoid Heat Styling: Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can cause damage to curly hair and make it more prone to tangling. Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible, and if you must use them, use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Don't Over Wash: Washing curly hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and make it more prone to tangling. Aim to wash your hair no more than once or twice a week, and use a sulfate-free shampoo that is gentle on curly hair.
Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Cotton pillowcases can be rough on curly hair and cause it to tangle. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help prevent tangling and keep your curls looking their best.
Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning treatments can help keep curly hair soft, moisturized, and less prone to tangling. Look for a deep conditioner that is specifically formulated for curly hair and contains ingredients such as shea butter or coconut oil.
Be Patient
Detangling curly hair can be a time-consuming process, but it's important to be patient and gentle with your hair. Rushing or pulling too hard can cause breakage and damage, so take your time and work through tangles slowly and carefully. With a little practice and the right tools, you can keep your curly hair looking its best.
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