Detangling my curly hair used to be such a frustrating process—I didn’t know what I was doing and often caused more harm than good. I’d brush my hair dry or tug at knots, not realizing how much I was damaging my curls and disrupting their natural pattern. The result? Frizz, breakage, and curls that felt far from healthy. It wasn’t until I learned to detangle with patience, using a wide-tooth comb or my fingers while my hair was wet and coated with conditioner, that things began to change. Now, detangling has become a gentle, almost therapeutic part of my routine, helping me care for my curls while keeping them hydrated and defined. At Curl Envy, we love sharing these techniques with our clients because I know firsthand how much easier (and kinder) it is to work with your curls instead of against them. Let me help you find the right detangling routine for your curls—you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!
The Do’s of Detangling Curly Hair
1. Do Detangle When Hair Is Wet or Damp
Curly hair is most pliable and manageable when it’s wet or damp. Adding water softens the strands, making it easier to glide through tangles without causing breakage.
Pro Tip: Keep a spray bottle handy to rehydrate sections that start to dry during the detangling process.
2. Do Use a Slippery Conditioner or Leave-In
Detangling curly hair requires slip to minimize friction. Applying a conditioner or leave-in helps detangle knots while nourishing your curls.
Recommended Products:
- AG Boost Conditioner – Lightweight and hydrating.
- LUS All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner – Moisturizes and aids detangling.
3. Do Work in Sections
Divide your hair into manageable sections before detangling. This ensures every part of your hair is properly detangle and minimizes the risk of tugging or missing tangles.
4. Do Use Curl-Friendly Tools
Choose tools that are gentle on curly hair:
- Fingers: For ultimate care, finger-detangle to feel and gently loosen knots.
- Wide-Tooth Comb: Ideal for detangling larger sections without disrupting curl patterns.
- Detangling Brush (like the Denman Brush): Works well for thick or coily curls to distribute product and remove tangles.
5. Do Start at the Ends and Work Upward
Begin detangling at the ends of your hair, where knots are most common, and gradually work your way up to the roots. This prevents unnecessary stress on your scalp and reduces breakage.
6. Do Be Patient and Gentle
Curly hair is fragile, and rough handling can lead to breakage or damage. Take your time, gently removing knots without tugging.
7. Do Deep Condition Regularly
Hydrated hair tangles less and is easier to detangle. Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine at least once a week.
Try:
- AG Reconstruct Deep Conditioner – Repairs and strengthens curls.
- Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Treatment – Deeply hydrates and softens.
The Don’ts of Detangling Curly Hair
1. Don’t Detangle Dry Hair
Dry detangling can lead to breakage and disrupt your curl pattern. Always detangle when your hair is wet or damp, and saturated with a conditioner or leave-in for slip.
2. Don’t Use Harsh Tools
Avoid using fine-tooth combs or regular brushes designed for straight hair, as they can snag and break your curls. Stick to curl-friendly tools designed to minimize stress on your hair.
3. Don’t Skip Sectioning
Trying to detangle all your hair at once can lead to missed tangles and unnecessary pulling. Sectioning makes detangling easier and more effective.
4. Don’t Rip Through Knots
Tugging or pulling at knots will damage your curls and lead to split ends. Apply extra conditioner or use your fingers to gently loosen stubborn tangles.
5. Don’t Over-Detangle
Detangling too frequently can stretch your curls and disturb their natural pattern. Detangle only as much as necessary, usually on wash days.
6. Don’t Forget to Protect Your Curls at Night
Neglecting your curls while you sleep can lead to tangling. Use a satin pillowcase or a satin bonnet to minimize friction and keep your curls intact.
Bonus Tips for Specific Curl Types
- Wavy Hair (Type 2): Use lightweight conditioners and detangle in larger sections to avoid weighing down waves.
- Curly Hair (Type 3): Focus on hydrating products to keep curls smooth and manageable while detangling.
- Coily Hair (Type 4): Use rich, creamy conditioners and detangle in smaller sections. Finger-detangling is especially effective for tighter coils.
Recommended Routine for Detangling Curly Hair
- Start with Clean, Wet Hair: Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo like AG Balance Shampoo or LUS Shampoo to remove buildup.
- Apply Conditioner and Leave-In: Use a generous amount of conditioner and leave-in to provide slip and soften tangles.
- Section Hair: Divide your hair into 4-8 sections for easier detangling.
- Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, or your fingers, starting from the ends and working upward.
- Rinse and Style: Once detangled, rinse out your conditioner (if needed), apply styling products, and let your curls dry.
Final Thoughts
Detangling curly hair doesn’t have to be stressful! By following these do’s and don’ts, you can keep your curls healthy, strong, and beautifully defined. At Curl Envy, we’re here to help you find the best products and techniques for your unique curl pattern.
Have questions or need personalized advice? Let’s make your detangling routine a breeze!
