Anyone with curly hair will tell you knots are the enemy.
It feels like that one on-going struggle with your hair-brush but we are here to help you.
Using the correct techniques will help to make detangling curly hair much simpler — and you will just need a bit more patience.
Whether that means picking the right tools, or applying great products, there are tactics to minimize those knots without working up a sweat—or snap a strand.
These essential tips for detangling curly hair will help you through any post-wash snarl or day-three frizz situation with proffessional-level expertise.
Continue on for some clever tricks that are going to revolutionize how you do your hair, leaving it in a knot free and healthy state.
Top Tips for Detangling Curly Hair Like a Pro
Managing tangles in curly hair can be daunting as it looks but dealing with them does not have to be a huge deal.
Start by keeping your hair in check (i.e. with the right products).
Never comb your curls dry, the hair is weaker when dry.
Mist a good amount of conditioner or detangling spray to give your strands more slip—the better they slip, the easier knots are worked through.
Then, with a wide-tooth comb or preferably your fingers, carefully remove the tangles starting from the tip of the hair into its root.
Do not tug or pull as this will cause split ends and irreparable damage.
If you are dealing with knots that just won’t release, do not freak out.
Apply some extra conditioner in the area and gently work your fingers through the tangle.
If you encounter some extra stubborn spots, a detangling brush with flexible bristles can be your best friend.
Incorporate detangling into your hair care regimen.
If you catch knots early on, they will not have chances to get more severe with time.
And, it keeps your curls defined and healthy in the long run.
Apply Pre-Shampoo Treatments
Pre-shampoo treatments can be a miracle worker for deterring knots before they have even formed at all.
Apply a moisturising oil or detangling cream to dry hair and leave it for 15-30 minutes before washing.
This loosens knots and keeps your curls safe during shampooing.
These treatments also provide an extra dose of hydration, making your hair more manageable post wash.
Seek natural oil infused with coconut or argan oil to add some more moisture.
by reddit user RudeDrummer8847
Pick a Sulfate Free Shampoo
What shampoo you use is often more important than you knew when it comes to detangling.
A sulfate shampoo damages your hair and it starts to feel dry plus it gets tangled easier.
Use a sulfate-free formula so that your curls stay moist and easier to comb.
Concentrate your shampoo on the scalp, allowing the suds to clean the rest of your hair as you rinse.
This goes a long way for reducing friction and knots.
by reddit user RudeDrummer8847
Detangle in the Shower
Curly hair is best detangled in the shower as wet water and conditioner provide a perfect medium to easily smooth things out.
When you’re done with the conditioner, take a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently get through the tangles.
Running water assists in washing off any loosened knots making them easier to remove.
As a result, by making sure your locks are dripping to the brim with conditioner and are broken down in sections when you detangle, no strands will be left in knots.
by reddit user Just-Definition-6509
Incorporate Finger Detangling
Using your fingers to detangle is among the most gentle methods of handling your curls.
Use your fingers to look for tangles in the hair and address them one at a time if needed instead of running a comb or brush through it.
It reduces breakage and allows more control over difficult knots.
Slowly use circular motions to untie knots.
On top of that, using finger detangling with a leave in conditioner or detangler works best.
by reddit user kaleidoscopichazard
Protect Your Hair at Night
So much of whether or not you wake up to tangles depends on your nighttime habits!
Using a satin or silk pillowcase helps minimize the friction that can lead to tangles.
Another option is always to tie your locks up in a satin scarf or put on a bonnet to hold the curls.
You can braid your hair or tie it in a loose bun before going to bed.
That will prevent your strands from knotting up as you sleep and also make detangling a whole lot easier the next day.
Trim Split Ends Regularly
Knots and split ends can turn a simple detangling session into an untamable nightmare.
Damaged ends will latch onto one another and tangle easily.
Regular trims (every 6–8 weeks) will help you remove split ends and knots on the downside of your hair.
Healthy ends help in detangling and also enhance the entire look of your curls.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner
The thing with curly hair is that you MUST use a leave-in conditioner.
When you detangle, work in some leave-in conditioner to keep your curls from drying out or getting too frizzy.
They say: long-lasting moisture keeps tangles from forming throughout the day!
If your curls are fine then opt for a light formula, if thick and dry go with a creamier product.
Choose Protective Hairstyles
Things like twists, braids, or buns are all great protective styles that minimize tangles and help keep your curls in check.
All of these hairstyles protect your hair from shifting and rubbing against the daily environment.
When protective styling for longer periods, care for your hair by frequently moisturizing to prevent dryness and breakage.
How to Protect Your Curls While Detangling
While detangling is necessary, it’s just as essential to protect your curls while doing it.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use the right products. Mind all the curl-friendly conditioners, detanglers and leave-in treatments; These will assist with moisture and slip and therefore reduce the risk of snagging followed by damage whilst detangling.
- Be gentle. The more you can prevent them the better as your curls are fragile, so take it slow and careful when working through tangles. Insufficient fluffing can weaken your strands and cause frizz.
- Work in sections. Also, if you normally use long strokes with the pad of your entire finger, do what I try to do and break. It also makes the process less daunting and eliminates the chances of missing any spots.
- Choose the right tools. Do not use a small comb or brush that has stiff bristles. Choose wide-tooth combs, finger detangling or curvy styling brushes for curly hair instead.
How Often Should You Detangle Curly Hair?
How often you will need to detangle will depend on your hair type and routine.
Detangling two to three times a week is plenty for most people with curlies.
That said, if you are wearing protective styles or going days without shampooing, you might not have to detangle as frequently.
So here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you wash your hair regularly, detangle in the shower or after each wash.
- Detach once a week (for low-maintenance routines) but be sure you are properly hydrating your hair so that it does not get excessively tangled.
- With protective hairstyles such as braids or twists, detangling may only be necessary once they are out.
As always, the less dry your curls are between detangling sessions, the less tangly they will be.
FAQs About Detangling Curly Hair
1. Is it best to detangle dry or wet curly hair?
Hair is less likely to break if it’s wet — and therefore more easily detangled.
For optimal results, use a conditioner or detangling spray to damp hair.
2. What is the best detangling tool for curly hair?
Utilize a comb with wide teeth or your fingers, and preferably a soft-bristle detangling hairbrush.
Do not use tools that can either plug or injure your hair.
3. Can detangling too often damage curly hair?
Getting stuck detangling too much or being too rough can break your curls.
Follow a regimen that suits your hair type, and detangle with care every time.
Make detangling curly hair easy and stress FREE by practicing the above tips.
You can achieve healthy, knot-free curls as long as you make a little effort here and there!
