How to detangle curly hair (without pain and breakage)

If you have curly hair, you know that detangling it can be a bit of a challenge.

Curly hair is more prone to tangles and knots than other hair types, making it difficult to brush and style. If you don’t know how to do it properly, you can end up with knots and snarls that are impossible to get out. The wrong approach can lead to lots of breakage and Frizz City. But with the right techniques, you can tame your locks and have them looking their best.

In this article, we’ll show you how to safely detangle curly hair, best tips for detangling curly hair without frizz, and how to prevent curly hair from tangling in the first place.

How to (safely) detangle curly hair in the shower

If you’re the lucky owner of some luscious curly locks, you probably know that curly hair is easiest to detangle when it’s soaking wet. Wet hair is more pliable and easier to comb through, however, brushing your hair while wet can also make it more prone to breakage if you’re not careful.

Detangling curly hair in the shower is the easiest way to detangle the hair when done right, but must be done the correct way to avoid breakage and damage.

Detangling curly hair in the shower

Follow these steps to learn how to detangle curly hair in the shower without damage:

1. Start by wetting your hair with warm water. This will help to loosen up the tangles and make them easier to brush out.
2. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. We recommend using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
3. While your hair is still wet, apply a generous amount of conditioner to your locks. the more the merrier!
4. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends of your hair and working your way up to the root. Always use a wide-tooth comb to detangle curly hair to avoid damaging the hair shaft!
5. Use your fingers to detangle any knots or tangles that the comb can’t seem to get through. Be gentle! Curly hair is more prone to breakage than other hair types, so it’s important to be gentle when detangling.
6. Rinse your hair with cool water to help seal the cuticle and prevent frizz. Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to help keep your hair hydrated and protected from the elements.
7. Rinse the conditioner out of your hair thoroughly.
8. Once your hair is clean and dry, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. This will help to further detangle the hair and make it easier to comb through. Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream, and style as usual.

And there you have it! Now you know how to detangle curly hair in the shower without damaging your locks. Just remember to be gentle, use a wide-tooth comb, and rinse your hair with cool water to help seal the cuticle and prevent frizz.

How to detangle curly hair without washing? Tips for detangling curly hair between washes

Sometimes, we don’t always have the time (or the energy) to wash our hair every day. In fact, if you have curly hair, it’s actually not healthy to wash your hair every day! Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, and washing it too often can strip it of its natural oils, leading to frizz and breakage.

So, how do you detangle curly hair without washing it?

If you find yourself in need of a quick detangle between washes, try these tips:

How to detangle curly hair between washes

1. Start by spraying your hair with a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner. This will help to loosen up the tangles and make them easier to brush out. Your hair should be completely damp, but not soaking wet or dripping.
2. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends of your hair and working your way up to the root. Use your fingers to detangle any knots or tangles that the comb can’t seem to get through.
3. Reapply detangling spray or leave-in conditioner as needed. If your hair starts to feel dry or frizzy, add a small amount of oil to help tame the flyaways.
4. Style as usual and you’re good to go!

How to detangle curly hair without frizz

If you have curly hair, chances are you’ve heard people ask “Well why don’t you just brush it? It’ll detangle itself!”

Wrong. Curly hair does not detangle itself, no matter how often you brush it. In fact, brushing curly hair can actually make the tangles worse and lead to frizz and breakage.

When it comes to how to detangle curly hair without brushing, the best method to avoid causing frizz is to use a wide-toothed comb and detangling spray or leave-in conditioner. Start from the bottom of your hair and work your way up, using your fingers to help loosen any knots or tangles. Feel free to add any natural oils like coconut oil or argan oil to help tame the frizz.

Related read: Does hair grow faster in the summer? 6 common hair myths debunked

5 best methods for pain-free curly hair detangling

Wondering how to detangle curly hair without pain? Here are some tips for a pain-free detangle:

• Start with wet, conditioned hair. Detangling wet hair is much easier (and less painful) than detangling dry hair. If your hair is particularly tangled, try using a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner before you start combing.
• Use a wide-toothed comb. Avoid using a brush, as this can damage your hair and make the tangles worse.
• Hold the top of your head while you brush/comb through your hair. This will help to keep the tension off of your scalp and prevent pain.
• Start from the bottom and work your way up. Don’t try to detangle all of your hair at once. Start with the bottom layer and work your way up, slowly making your way to the top.
• Be gentle! Don’t yank or pull on your hair. This will only make the tangles worse and can lead to pain and breakage.

With these tips, you’ll be able to detangle your curly hair without any pain. Just remember to be gentle, use a wide-toothed comb, and start from the bottom of your hair working your way up to the root.

Best hacks to prevent curly hair from tangling in the first place

Now that you know how to detangle curly hair, let’s talk about how to stop curly hair from tangling in the first place. Curly hair is more prone to tangles than other hair types, so it’s important to take extra care of your locks to prevent them from getting tangled.

Here are a few tips to help keep your curly locks tangle-free:

• Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. Heat damage can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to tangling. If you must use heat, make sure to use a heat protectant spray and keep the setting on low.
• Be careful when brushing your hair. When detangling your hair, always use a wide-toothed comb or brush, and start from the bottom of your hair and work your way up. Be extra careful not to tug or pull on any knots or tangles, as this can cause breakage.
• Wash your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Curly hair is naturally dry, so it’s important to use a shampoo that won’t strip it of its natural oils. Look for shampoos that are labeled as “hydrating” or “moisturizing.”
• Condition, condition, condition! Curly hair needs all the moisture it can get, so make sure to use a deep conditioner at least once a week. If your hair is particularly dry or frizzy, you can also use a leave-in conditioner.
• Let your hair air dry whenever possible. Blow drying your hair can cause frizz and breakage, so it’s best to let it air dry whenever you can. If you must use heat, make sure to use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer.
• Sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase. This will help to prevent tangles and breakage while you sleep and help keep your natural oils intact.
• Wear your hair up in a loose bun or braid when you’re not using it. If your hair is down, it’s more likely to get tangled. By keeping it up in a bun or braid, you can help prevent tangles from forming in the first place.

With these tips, you should be able to keep your curly hair tangle-free and looking gorgeous!

Need a little extra detangling help?

If you need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to call on a professional hairstylist. They can help you detangle your hair without causing any pain or damage.

A professional hairstylist will also be able to give you tips on how to style your curly hair to prevent tangles in the future. With their help, you’ll be able to keep your curly locks looking beautiful and tangle-free!

Wecasa offers at home hairstylists that will come to you and help with all your hair needs! Whether you need a trim, color, or help with detangling, our professionals will take care of you.

FAQ about detangling curly hair

Is it better to detangle curly hair wet or dry?

It is best to detangle curly hair when it is wet. Wet hair is more flexible and less likely to break than dry hair. If your hair is particularly tangled, you can use a conditioner or leave-in conditioner to help loosen the tangles.

How to detangle curly hair without ruining curls?

Detangling hair alone won’t ruin your curls, but how you go about detangling it might. Be sure to use a wide-toothed comb or brush, and start from the bottom of your hair working your way up. Be extra careful not to tug or pull on any knots or tangles, as this can cause breakage.

Are you supposed to detangle curly hair?

Yes, you should detangle curly hair to prevent knots and tangles from forming.

Why does my curly hair get so tangled?

There are a few reasons why curly hair might get tangled. One reason is that curly hair is drier than other hair types, so it can be more susceptible to tangles. Another reason is that curly hair tends to be more delicate, so it can break more easily if it’s not properly taken care of.

How do I know if my hair is too tangled to detangle?

If your hair is so tangled that you can’t get a comb or brush through it, then it’s probably too tangled to detangle on your own. In this case, it’s best to seek out the help of a professional hairstylist.

How often should I detangle my curly hair?

It’s generally recommended that you detangle your curly hair at least once a week. This will help to prevent knots and tangles from forming in the first place.