If there’s one part of curl care that can make or break (literally!) your hair health, it’s detangling. Do it right, and your curls stay bouncy and defined. Do it wrong, and knots, breakage, and frustration can quickly take over.
The good news? With the right tools, the right slip, and a little patience, detangling doesn’t have to be a battle it can actually be a calming, curl-loving ritual.
START ON WET, CONDITIONED HAIR
Ideally, curls should never be detangled when they’re dry; instead, wait until your hair is fully saturated with water and conditioner.
📌Curly Tip: Conditioner is your best friend here. Something rich, creamy, and packed with slip. I love mixing a little Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner into a spray bottle with water for the perfect DIY detangling mist. It instantly softens knots and makes combing a whole lot smoother. This magical mixture is also great if you like to do wet refreshes!
SECTION FOR SUCCESS
If your curls are thick or prone to tangling, split your hair into 4–6 sections with clips or scrunchies. Smaller sections = less stress, less pulling, and more control.
WIDE-TOOTH COMB FIRST
Ditch the fine-tooth combs, they were not made for curly hair! A wide-tooth comb is gentle, forgiving, and designed to glide through curls with minimal snagging.
Always start from the end up. This prevents tension and breakage, especially at fragile ends (where most breakage takes place).
- Work slowly at the very bottom of your section
- Once detangled, move up a little higher
- Keep working upward until you reach the roots
ADD MORE SLIP WHEN NEEDED
As a curl friend, you're probably already pretty heavy-handed with conditioner, great! Don’t be stingy with conditioner or your DIY spray. If you feel resistance, stop, add slip, and start again.
The goal isn’t to pull knots out but to gently coax them apart; think of it as giving your curls a helping hand, not a fight.
PATIENCE IS KEY
The real secret to healthy detangling? Patience! Remember: every curl you save from snapping is one that can grow longer, healthier, and shinier!
If you hit a stubborn knot or area:
- Gently separate with your fingers first
- Apply extra conditioner spray
- Ease the comb through slowly
Love Claire x
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