First of all I love everything about this picture, her hair is shiny black, uber big and her skin is amazingly crystal clear. She is stunning! Now on to the topic at hand, when I first began my journey to natural tresses the combing and detangling process was quite easy, it wasn't until my new growth started coming in strong that the problem began. Some women find that detangling their natural mane is a night mare and literally driving them insane. I can attest to some of those nights where I just didn't feel like the bother and went to bed with my lioness mane out to only wake up the following morning looking like who did it and ran smh
I don't have that wash n go hair. My curls don't cascade down my back like silky coils, it requires maintenance and swells up to the size of Texas when dry if I do not detangle. It will be an all out mega war comb versus snap back curls. So with the help of YT, hair care forums/blogs and some good old trial and error I know how to successfully detangle my tresses and thought to share some of my tips with you.
1. Use a moisturizing conditioner with a lot of SLIP
Mixing natural oils in your conditioners also help to ease the pain of combing. Try the pre-poo method of first wetting your hair and applying conditioner generously throughout. Then let it penetrate your hair for 30 minutes or more after which your hair should be moisturized and ready to detangle.
Some of my favorite conditioners are Mane & Tail, Aussie Moist, Hello Hydration for the pre-poo method.
2. Use the right comb
Not all combs are created equally for curly hair. If you have thick hair a WIDE tooth comb is preferred. I personally use a Jilbere shower comb, available at Sally's. It is seamless and has a shower hook which helps store it on my shower caddy. The comb glides nicely through my hair once soaked with conditioner and wet. Begin detangling your hair at the tips and working your way up. Patience is the key as hair is quite fragile in it's wet state. Treat your hair like a fine lace and be certain not to pull or tug. You may also use your fingers to finger comb, this may help untangle those matted or knotted sections.
3. Use lots of water
I recommend buying one of those .99 spray bottles, fill it up with water and you can even add some condish for daily leave in to help dowse your hair with much needed moisture. Water is definitely the BEST moisturizer out there so make sure to drink up. Your hair and skin will thank you for it!
Speaking of water, some times your water can make your hair dull/dry if it is 'hard.' If you don't put soft water tablets in your water heater or don't have the option to simply use Apple Cider Vinegar rinses to bring back your hairs natural luster. I have also heard that tea rinses help to reduce shedding but I have not tried this yet, have you?
4. Use a Leave in Conditioner
Some conditioners can be duped as leave in's depending on how well they hydrate your hair. If you haven't found one for dual purpose definitely pick up a good leave in conditioner to spritz your hair after you've detangled and prior to styling. This will help to impart some of that moisture back in your hair when needed.
5. It is also a best practice to deep condition your hair once a week depending on if you need to impart moisture or protein. Invest in a heat cap, hood dyer or steam dryer to achieve the best results. Some favored conditioning agents are by Sof n Free Really Deep Conditioning Treatment, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Mayonnaise with Eggs, Henna, Honey, Tea, Coconut Oil.
Looking for a Do It Yourself deep conditioning mask, try out one of these below:
Honey Conditioner
Ingredients:
1 tsp honey
2 Tbsps olive oil
1 egg yolk.
Directions:
1 tsp honey
2 Tbsps olive oil
1 egg yolk.
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in small bowl. Massage on hair in small sections. Wrap head with shower cap for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo.
Egg Conditioner
Ingredients:
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp olive oil
3/4 cup lukewarm water
Directions:
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp olive oil
3/4 cup lukewarm water
Directions:
Beat egg yolk until it is thick and light colored. Add oil beat well. Slowly add and beat the water into the egg mixture. Pour mixture into a container. After shampooing, massage all conditioner into hair and leave on for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing.
Mayo Conditioner
Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayo
Directions:
1/2 cup mayo
Directions:
Rinse and towel dry. Apply mayonnaise to the hair. Massage in. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, shampoo again lightly and rinse with an apple cider vinegar and water solution. This will help with the smell and remove any residue.
Exotic Conditioner
Ingredients:
1 peeled and mashed Avocado
1 cup Coconut milk
Directions:
1 peeled and mashed Avocado
1 cup Coconut milk
Directions:
Combine mashed avocado with some coconut milk in a small bowl. Heat in microwave for approx. 45 seconds. Stir. Test temperature. Massage mixture into hair.Wrap hair in a hot towel or cover with shower cap for 15 minutes. Shampoo & rinse out.
Jojoba Conditioner
Ingredients:
1 cup rose floral water
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 cup rose floral water
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
10 drops vitamin E oil
Directions:
In the top of a double boiler, gently warm the rose water. Once rose water is warm, add jojoba oil. For extra conditioning, leave on for several minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo and rinse again with cool water.
Remember your hair strands and needs are uniquely special for you so what works for one doesn't work for all. Happy Hair Growth Ladies!
