Learning how to detangle my tightly-coiled natural hair has been a task, but I have learned many techniques that have made the detangling process easier. Today I’m sharing 9 detangling tips that can help you detangle your natural hair and limit breakage!

Tip #1: Wash your Hair in Sections

Washing in sections can help reduce annoying tangles caused by washing. You should break your hair into sections while shampooing and conditioning. The number of sections you have depends on the thickness of your natural hair. The thicker the hair, the more sections you should have. I have medium density hair, and I usually break my hair into 4 sections. Not only does it help with detangling, but it also allows for my hair to be thoroughly washed and conditioned.

Tip #2: Finger Detangling

The biggest benefit of finger detangling is less hair breakage. Although this method of detangling can be time-consuming, it is one of the best ways to detangle hair and avoid breakage. In comparison with a comb, your fingers can easily remove tangles and knots without breaking off your hair. This is simply because you are gently pulling the strands apart, and not tearing it. In order to effectively finger detangle, you must take your time.

Tip #3: Avoid Detangling Dry Hair

Detangling dry hair can be detrimental to your hair health. Consequently, detangling dry hair could result in snapping hair strands because it lacks flexibility. It is very important to add moisture when detangling. 

Tip #4: Apply enough Leave-in conditioner

Have you ever heard of the term, “Slippery when wet?” When detangling, apply a good leave-in conditioner with a great amount of slip. Currently, there are a good amount of leave-in’s and conditioners that are formulated to coat the hair strands and smooth them out. When hair has a good amount of moisture and a product with good slip, it is easier for the tangles to melt away. The idea here is to allow hair strands to glide past each other. Although hair is considered to be at its most fragile state when wet, the flexibility of wet hair is much easier to detangle than dry hair.

Tip #5: Use a Detangling Tool

There are many detangling tools on the market. In fact, I definitely suggest adding one to your natural hair product stash. Detangling tools help speed up the detangling process. My favorites include

The Denman Brush, Kazmaleje Kurls Pluss Paddle Comb, and the Felicia Leatherwood’s Detangler Brush. These detangling tools cut my detangling process in half!

Tip #6: Start with the ends

One of the key rules to detangling hair is to separate your hair in small sections. It is important to start detangling from the ends and slowly work your way up to your roots. Combing from top to bottom can make tangles worse. Single strand knots are more susceptible at the ends. It is important to gently massage them with your fingers. You may need to add more moisture and conditioner in order to unwind the single strand knot. It is also important to note that your ends are the oldest and weakest part of your hair and you should gently detangle them.

Tip # 7: Deep Treatments

Monthly deep treatment masks or hot oil treatments can help natural hair become more manageable. Deep treatments allow for hair to be well hydrated and less likely to become matted. Some of my favorite Deep Treatment masks are: Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Natural Hair Masque Treatment, Bask & Bloom Brahmi Root Hair Masque, and Shea Moisture Extra Moisture Deep Treatment Masque.

Tip #8: Pre-Poo

Before you actually shampoo, use a pre-poo. A pre-poo is exactly as it sounds, preparing your hair before you shampoo. The process involves applying hair with oils or conditioners before your shampoo. It makes detangling easier, adds extra moisture to dry hair, and promotes softer hair.

Related: Pre- Poo: What is it & What are the Benefits?

Tip #9: Be Gentle

Whether you are using your fingers or a detangling tool, you should be gentle with your hair.  Tangled hair is very fragile. No tugging, ripping, or yanking! Detangling your hair aggressively could lead to snags and breakage. By treating your hair gently, you can worry less about unnecessary shedding and breakage.

Remember, healthy hair comes from proper maintenance. Your hair is your crown and you should treat it as such! I hope you found these tips on how to detangle your natural hair helpful. Happy Detangling!