How to Detangle African American Natural Hair

There’s no denying it: detangling afro textured hair is a nightmare. Our natural curls demand to stay curly and often refuse to cooperate when we style them. But instead of using harsh chemicals to straighten and style black natural hair, we can learn how to detangle as part of a healthy natural hair care routine. Let’s look at why we detangle hair in the first place, and the best way to do it.

4 Reasons for Detangling Afro Textured Hair

1.   To Prevent Breakage 

In its natural state, afro textured hair will tangle and break if left unattended. This may seem counterintuitive because natural hair usually gets matted rather than brittle. But untangling matted hair means you’ll lose too many strands in the process. It’s best not to let it get to that stage.

2.   To Make Styling Easier

Detangled natural hair is much easier to braid, twist, and comb. There are so many natural hair styles to try out, but they all require manageable hair, not tangles.

3.   To Promote Hair Growth

Hair products have a hard time reaching your scalp when the strands are all tangled up. If your hair can’t get the nourishment it needs, then it won’t grow healthy and strong.

4.   To Save Time

Detangled hair responds better to stying changes, so you can rock different looks without spending too much time on combing or straightening.

6 Tips to Detangle Natural Hair

1.   Decide Between Wet and Dry Detangling

Wet natural hair is more pliable and easier to comb, but it’s weaker and breaks readily. In constrast, dry natural hair is stronger, but it’s less flexible and can snap quickly. So, which method should you use?

The best practice is to detangle your natural hair when wet on wash day. Use plenty of conditioner and a wide-toothed comb to work through the knots, and then dry it, style it, or straighten it. Detangle your hair when it’s dry in between washes. Use conditioner or water only on the tangles to avoid shrinkage, and remove the tangles by hand.

2.   Be Generous With Your Hair Products

Whether you choose a natural hair conditioner or a product specially made for detangling, use enough to cover the tangled ends when dry detangling, and enough from scalp to tip during wet detangling. Conditioning your hair makes it softer and reduces the friction while you work on the knots.

3.   Use Your Hands Before Reaching for the Comb

Separate the strands using your fingers first, especially if the tangles are stubborn. Your hair will break less because most of the detangling is done by the time you use a wide-toothed comb on your hair.

4.   Divide Your Hair Into Sections

If you’re blessed with thick afro textured hair, you may need six or eight sections to make detangling easier. If you have lighter or thinner hair, three or four sections will do. Work through them one by one, focusing on stubborn knots and replenishing your conditioner.

5.   Be Gentle!

Whatever you do, don’t yank at your tangles. Ideally, give yourself plenty of time for this process, including breaks if your hands get tired. The more you rush the detangling, the more your hair breaks.

6.   Moisturize With a Leave-In Conditioner

Detangling is a stressful process for your hair, too. Removing knots leads to some hair loss and weakened roots and strands. As you detangling wet or dry, hydrate your hair with a conditioner. It will keep tangles away for longer, and strengthen your hair.

A Little TLC Goes a Long Way

Detangling afro textured hair takes time and practice. It’s a great way to understand your hair type and manage your styles. Detangle your natural hair with love and it will love you right back.