Unravel the mystery of tangled hair with effective detangling techniques.
On wash days, we often focus on the aroma of our favorite shampoo and enjoy relaxing while our hair gets a deep conditioning treatment. However, we sometimes neglect a key step in this process: detangling. Proper detangling not only makes styling easier and longer-lasting but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your hair, preventing damage and breakage.
- Skipping Nighttime Hair Protection
Protecting your hair while you sleep not only preserves your hairstyle for the following day but also safeguards the health of your strands. To maintain your curls, gather them into a pineapple, or twist/braid your hair to protect twist-outs or braid-outs (but avoid re-twisting or re-braiding nightly). Sleeping with a satin scarf, bonnet, or on a satin pillowcase can minimize friction, preventing your hair from matting or breaking. Cotton pillowcases, on the other hand, cause your hair to rub against the fabric, leading to moisture loss and tangling.
2. Wearing Protective Styles for Too Long
While protective styles are great for length retention and minimizing daily styling, leaving them in for too long can be counterproductive. For best results, protective styles should be done on freshly washed and moisturized hair. Depending on the style and how well it’s maintained, protective styles should typically be worn for 4-6 weeks. Exceeding this time can lead to matting. When removing a protective style, take the time to carefully wash and thoroughly detangle your hair.
- Improper Detangling
Failing to fully detangle your hair before styling can contribute to matting. On wash day, always use a conditioner to detangle, opting for one with a lot of slip to make the process easier. Choose your preferred detangling tool—whether it’s your fingers or a wide-toothed comb—and gently work through your hair from the ends up to the roots. Sectioning your hair can also make the detangling process more manageable and less overwhelming.
If your hair has already matted and gentle detangling isn’t working, it might be time to consult a professional stylist who can help untangle or remove the knots with a trim.
