Revelations About Detangling Curly Hair

The two things that makes caring for curly hair so different is that curly hair is naturally dry because the scalp’s natural oils do not move down the strands easily, and detangling improperly risks excessive breakage. Over the past four years I have tried many different ways of detangling with many different tools and products. I remember when I first started growing my hair out, I realized that if I could only find the best way to detangle my hair it would thrive.

I had no idea then that it would take me a lot of time as well as trial and error to figure out what worked best for my hair. I also had no idea that my detangling method would change over time as my hair gained more length. In search for the best method, I of course followed what I saw others do because it seemed to work so well for them. I was hoping that it would also work for me. In truth I still had to find my own way. I feel that now I have finally found a method I like that works for me with consistent results.

Finger Detangling

The benefits of finger detangling is that you do not disturb your natural curl pattern and that you can feel any knots in your hair while gently removing them. I’ve found that it is best to finger detangle your hair with a product or ingredient that reduces the amount of friction with your hair strands. For some that may be finger detangling their hair dry with an oil, and for others detangling their hair wet with a conditioner.

One major drawback for finger detangling is that it is very time consuming. One of my observations was that solely finger detangling created more single strand knots on the ends of my hair because my hair was never completely smoothed out. Although finger detangling is the gentlest method for removing knots and tangles from hair, it is still important to be very gentle because you can still snap strands of hair if you rush.

Wide Tooth Seamless Comb

Using a wide tooth seamless comb is probably one of the best tools to use when detangling curly hair. It is important to find a comb that does not have a seam that runs along the middle of each prong so that your hair can be combed without it snagging on anything. Combing curly hair also elongates that hair more than detangling with a brush which creates more curl definition. Detangling hair with a wide tooth seamless comb is one of the most beneficial detangling tools for all hair types.

Brushes

One of the biggest benefits of using a brush for curly hair is that the prongs have flexibility and move as your hair glides through them. This is very unlike using a seamless comb with inflexible teeth. If you choose to use a brush it is best to seek out ones with widely set teeth and without ball tips. I’ve tried different types of brushes over the years, and have found one that I really love… a 100% bamboo brush.

This eco-friendly bamboo brush is similar in structure to the popular Denman brush, yet has a better ability distributing oils throughout the hair because of its natural bamboo wood prongs. This type of brush also has long bristles which massage and stimulate the scalp with a soft base which gives these same wooden bristles even more flexibility in movement as you brush your hair. What I’ve found with using a wooden brush for curly hair is that it does not disturb your natural curl patten when used on wet hair. It actually smooths and defines the curls even more. I found my bamboo brush by Bass discounted at Marshalls, yet I have also seen these brushes at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts.

Finding The Best Detangling Method & Detangling Tips

I recently started deep conditioning my hair every week. If you are interested in 100% natural deep conditioning options then read this article. I’ve noticed that since deep conditioning my hair weekly, it has been so much easier to detangle my curls because my hair is fully hydrated and moisturized therefore having more elasticity. Also when using any type of detangling tool it is important to only detangle curly hair damp or wet in sections. Finger detangling hair seems to be the only method that can be safely used on dry hair. Moisturized and freshly trimmed hair is always easier to detangle.

To find the best detangling method for your curls, try different detangling tools and methods to test and observe. Over time I tried different hair methods and tools while detangling my curls standing in front of the bathroom sink to notice if any tiny hairs broke off in the sink, as well as under running water in the shower to see if the water stream helped effectively. Based on my observed results over time I had a much better idea what was working and what was not.

I’ve also noticed that when I set my curls in twists or braids the detangling process is much easier on wash day because of the organized setting method versus simply letting my hair dry freely and wearing it that way. I still believe that a gentle and effective detangling process is crucial for the health and overall appearance of curly hair. It just takes some trial and error to figure out exactly what works for you.

You can see my latest hair care products here. What is your favorite method of detangling your hair?

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

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Hi Dawn Michelle! First time commenting (been following for about a month or so?). I have been having a lot of ups and downs with my curly hair since I have stopped using conventional products. So excited to find you because I am now convinced to use henna…for both the color and conditioning.

And regarding the blog post…I rarely take a brush to my hair, just fingers. The reason is laziness. :p I am also trying to do a gentle scalp scratch a few times a week.

Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your comment! It takes time to figure out the best way to care for curly hair. It’s fine to only finger detangle if that works for you. I stopped solely finger detangling myself because it took me hours to complete. I still take my time detangling my hair with my bamboo brush but I don’t rush through it. If you need ideas for developing a natural hair regimen you can check out this article and my fall/winter 2013 hair regimen too. I plan to post an updated regimen for spring/summer soon.
Have a beautiful day!

I have thick curly hair thats starting to reach my bra strap. So over the last 2 years ive been trying different things as well, for me its best when i detangle in the shower a bit, then i shampoo and after the conditioner has soaked in a bit i detangle the smaller knots under the running water. Im very careful and after im done, i pat it dry, put my conditioners and oils through and make sure its sitting right. It takes awhile but my hairs my hobby, and i enjoy nursing it.

DM I wanted to comment to tell you how beautiful you are and how I love everything about your blog. I’ve found it Feb 14 & about 3 weeks ago I tried your Green tea cleansing recipe and you were right, that stuff is actually amazing ( or at least that’s the way my scalp feels!!) I will tell you the truth, my hair loved every part of it and my scalp (!!!) problems were instantly solved with spraying aloe vera juice after I rinsed it out. Then I double stand twisted my hair using a lil Shea butter & thanks to you I found exactly what my hair needs THANK YOU!!! I AM ABSOLUTELY AM DONE WITH STORE BOUGHT PRODUCTS & I found something my hair loves:Herbal Green Tea cleanser!!!!!!!!!!! I followed you recipe pretty close I wonder if I can make the tea more stronger by using less water (I used 2 cups)
Also I can’t wait to try henna (I never knew the hair benefits at all) I totally trust that I will like it too, and your other herbal & leave-ins….Thanks again im glad I don’t have to search anymore I will just come straight here for all of my natural hair needs!! Tall to ya soon!

Hi Safarrii,
Thank you so much, you are a sweetheart! I’m am thrilled that you’ve found a simple hair regimen that works for you. You seriously don’t have to use a bunch of hair products to achieve the healthy and beautiful results desired. Also I wouldn’t make a stronger solution for the hair rinse as you want to keep the pH only slightly acidic versus it becoming too acidic. Wishing you the very best and again thanks so much for sharing this with us!

I dont know if it is the henna but since i started using it (now with indigo though to make it more brown than red), my hair detangles so quickly and easily. I use a wide tooth comb. Before it took much longer. I think it is thanks to your blog and advise about henna. I have shoulder lenght (if pulled) 4a hair and the detangling under the shower with comditioner barely takes 1minute. It is like magical. I used to do finger combing when my hair was shorterand it took me a while. Even with a wide tooth comb, it too long. Yet, now that hair is longer, the detangling process is a breeze. You were right in saying henna helps makes your hair more manageable.

I make my hair curly…very curly and there is NO way to detangle without puffing it all up so that it is huge…So I only detangle before I wash it…brush it out ends first then work my way up…when it is all detangled I wash and condition and let it air dry…works great. I do run around with wet hair sometimes but who cares. In between I mist my hair then comb it with a pick when it is damp. I would never do anything to dry hair unless I want it to be poofy.

Hi Brianna,
Thanks so much for sharing what works for you! Curly hair is so unique. It is always interesting to see all of the different techniques that we all use to get our desired results. Wishing you only the very best!

I no longer use conventional conditioners. I use an ACV rinse as a replacement. It helps me detangle my curly hair easily and doesn’t leave that coated feeling that conditioners do. Would it be alright to leave a bottle of prediluted ACV and water mixture in the shower? or do I have to make a new batch everytime I wash my hair?

I usually mix a new bottle of diluted ACV on the days I wash my hair. Whatever is leftover I place in the refrigerator. Vinegar is a natural preservative so I’m assuming that if you use distilled water in your mix you could leave it in the shower. I always just put things in the fridge just in case.

I have been using the wood comb from The Body Shop for about a year now. It works, I have noticed less breakage and single strand knots compared to a wide tooth plastic seamed comb. I could use a horrible conditioner and would still get less breakage than if I used a normal comb. I have noticed that detangling on pre stretched hair also works for me. Finger detangling to remove major knots then combing has so far been the best technique. It still takes me about 45 mins, but that due to dense long hair and I have a sensitive scalp due to allergies.

Hi Dianne,
Seamless hair tools are definitely the best options. Also finger detangling has been the best thing I’ve incorporated in my regimen. Even during the times I stopped I always go back. Thanks so much for your comment!