Detangling is an essential part of curly hair care. But how often do curls really need detangling? This article will provide tips on the ideal detangling frequency for different curl types and styles.
Overview of Detangling Curly Hair
Detangling removes knots and tangles from curly hair. The benefits include:
- Reduced breakage and shedding
- Even product distribution
- Smoother, more defined curls
- Easier styling and management
Detangling is done using fingers, wide-tooth combs or brushes. Always detangle gently in sections starting from the ends. Use plenty of conditioner or a detangling product to avoid damage.
Knowing how often to detangle curly hair depends on several factors:
- Your curl type
- How prone your hair is to tangling
- Your usual styling (wash and gos, braids, etc)
- How often you wash your hair
Next, we’ll explore recommendations for various curl types and styles.
Detangling Frequency by Curl Type
Type 4 coils (4A-4C):
- Detangle at least 1-2 times per week
- Detangle before each wash
- Finger detangle on non-wash days
Tight type 4 curls tend to tangle and knot easily between washes. Frequent detangling is needed to prevent matting and breakage.
Type 3 curls (3A-3C):
- Detangle 1-2 times per week
- Detangle on wash days
- May not need mid-week detangling
Type 3 curls don’t tangle as easily as type 4 hair. Focus detangling efforts on wash days. Some people may detangle mid-week too.
Type 2 waves (2A-2C):
- Detangle 1-2 times per week
- Detangle on wash days
- Little mid-week detangling needed
With looser curl patterns, less frequent detangling is needed. Aim for wash day detangling and occasional mid-week finger detangling if needed.
Straight and wavy hair (1A-2B):
- Detangle 1-2 times per week
- Mainly detangle on wash days
- Occasional mid-week detangling if needed
Very straight or loosely wavy hair rarely needs detangling outside of wash days. Just focus efforts on shampoo and conditioning days.
Detangling Based on Styling Choice
Your choice of styles and protective styles also affects ideal detangling frequency:
Wash and go styles:
- Detangle before shampooing
- Detangle during conditioning
- Finger detangle on non-wash days
Braids/twists:
- Thoroughly detangle when installing
- Detangle again immediately when taking down
- Detangle on wash days
Buns/ponytails:
- Detangle on wash days
- Spot detangle tight areas if needed
Heat styling:
- Detangle before heat styling
- Detangle after and before next wash
Swimming:
- Detangle before and after swimming
- May need extra mid-week detangling
Exercise:
- Detangle after sweaty workouts
- Focus on nape which tangles most
Detangling Based on Washing Frequency
Most curly hair experts recommend detangling at minimum on your wash days. So your ideal detangling frequency is also tied to how often you wash your hair:
- Daily washing: Detangle daily before shampooing
- Every 2-3 days: Detangle 2-3 times per week
- Weekly washing: Detangle once per week
- Bi-weekly washing: Detangle every other week
If you don’t wash frequently, you may still need occasional mid-week detangling sessions.
Technique for In-Between Detangling
On non-wash days, you likely don’t want to do a full detangling session. Here are tips for quick detangling touch-ups:
- Finger detangle – Use your fingers to gently separate curls and loosen tangles. Avoid pulling.
- Spot detangle – Focus on the nape area or anywhere you feel knots.
- Use a wide-tooth comb – Gently glide through curls avoiding yanking.
- Mist hair – Use a spray bottle of water or conditioner to add slip.
- Use oil or cream – Coat hands and comb with a moisturizing product.
Take your time and don’t force tangles. Leave stubborn knots for your next wash day.
Tips to Reduce Detangling Frequency
If you find you need to detangle daily or multiple times a week, you may need to adjust your routine to allow for less frequent detangling.
- Moisturize – Well-hydrated curls resist tangles.
- Use a silk bonnet – Reduces friction at night.
- Avoid damage – Heat, bleach and rough handling cause tangles.
- Trim ends – Split ends knot easily.
- Protect styles – Braids, twists and buns prevent knots.
- Use slip – Conditioners and oils allow seamless detangling.
Improving your overall curl care will allow for less detangling.
How to Know If You Need to Detangle More
Signs your current detangling schedule isn’t sufficient:
- Increased shedding and breakage
- Curls feel dry and tangled
- Lots of single strand knots
- Difficulty finger combing through
- Knots at your nape and ends
- Hair loss when detangling
If you notice these issues, try detangling more frequently for healthier hair.
Detangling Curly Kids’ Hair
- Detangle before washing
- Use a slippery conditioner
- Start detangling young to get them used to it
- Turn it into a fun bonding activity
- Use a soft detangling brush suitable for kids
- Reward them for sitting patiently
Make detangling as fun as possible and keep sessions gentle. Detangling frequently prevents dreaded wash days.
How Long Should Detangling Take?
A full wash day detangling session should take 10-20 minutes for shoulder length hair. Longer or thicker hair may require 30+ minutes.
If it’s taking you over an hour to detangle, you likely need to adjust your products and techniques. Deep condition regularly, use a good detangler, work in sections, and take your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I detangle without breakage?
Use your fingers, lots of conditioner, start at the ends, work in sections, avoid yanking, and take your time. Quality products and techniques prevent breakage.
When should you not detangle curly hair?
Avoid detangling extremely dry, dirty hair. Always thoroughly wet and condition hair before attempting to detangle.
Can you detangle natural hair when dry?
It’s best to only detangle damp or wet hair. If detangling dry, use lots of oil or conditioner and be extremely gentle.
What is the best detangling brush?
Look for a wide-tooth seamless plastic brush made specifically for curly hair detangling. Popular options are Tangle Teezer, Felicia Leatherwood, and Crave Naturals brushes.
Keep Those Curls Tangle-Free
Detangling curly hair frequently and properly is crucial for keeping strands smooth and knot-free. Take the time to detangle on wash days and sprinkle in mid-week touch-up sessions as needed based on your curl pattern and styling choices. With some tweaks to your routine, you can minimize tangled troubles and keep your curls defined and vibrant!
How to detangle 4c hair without breakages + Advice on how often to detangle 4c hair
FAQ
Does curly hair need to be detangled?
Is it better to detangle curly hair dry?
Should I detangle once a week?
How do you detangle curly hair without losing curls?
Always use your fingers to detangle your hair instead of brushing. Using brush may lead to loss of curls and also cause hair breakage. Detangling your hair with fingers can preserve the shape of the curls and also prevent hair breakage. So, it is always good to use fingers instead of a brush.