Curly hair is beautiful, but it requires a lot of care and attention. If they are neglected, they tend to become more and more frizzy, dry and unruly day after day. Anyone with curly hair knows that it can be knotted very easily, but few have realized that trying to untangle it with a common comb is not the best choice. Combing curly hair means risking unnecessarily ruining it; like chemicals and dyes, the comb is in fact one of the main causes of the problems of this hair. Read on to find out how to remove knots without damaging your hair.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Dry Hair vs. Wet hair
Step 1. Try to untangle them with the help of water and conditioner
This method is particularly suitable for dry, frizzy or very curly hair, which is not suitable for dry combing. Dry hair breaks easily, while very curly hair needs to be deeply hydrated before trying to untie the knots. Water allows you to slightly loosen the knots, which will become easier to get rid of.
- Moisturize your hair after melting braids or braids. If you've kept them braided for a long time, don't comb them without first soaking and softening them with conditioner. Treat it as you would with very curly hair so as not to risk ruining it or breaking it.
- Trying to brush curly hair when it is dry you risk making it frizzy and excessively voluminous, also worsening the situation of knots.
Step 2. Try to untangle them when dry
This method works if you have only wavy or very thick hair. You can focus on one small section at a time using your fingers, a wide-toothed comb, or a flat brush. Even if you intend to comb them again after getting them wet, try to remove as many knots as possible to make it less fatigue later.
In general, it is easier to remove knots when the hair is dry. Dry hair is stronger, so it is less likely to break when pulled. For stubborn knots, it may be helpful to lightly grease the comb with a little olive oil
Step 3. Experiment with different methods based on the length of the hair
If you've decided to trim or grow them, you need to be prepared to change the way you comb them to get rid of the knots. When they are short, it is easier to untangle them even when dry; but as they grow it is likely that you will need to use water and conditioner to be able to comb them. Try different methods to figure out which one is best suited to your current cut.
Part 2 of 4: Dry Hair
Step 1. Choose the right tool
If you want to remove knots from dry hair, you can use your fingers, a wide-toothed comb or a flat brush.
- With your fingers, it's easier to pinpoint where the knots are and untie the smaller ones.
- Comb and brush increase the risk of breaking your hair. Be very careful if you have decided to try to remove knots this way, as the dry hair shaft is inflexible.
- The flat brush is best suited for long, wavy hair. It will hardly be useful for untangling those very curly ones.
Step 2. Divide the hair into four even sections
Keep them separated with the help of some rubber bands or clips to be able to comfortably comb only one at a time. If you have extra thick hair, it might be best to break it up into even more sections.
Step 3. Lubricate your hair with a little oil to avoid breaking it
Pour a small amount on your fingers before sliding them gently between the strands; coconut oil is among the most suitable.
- Try vaping some argan oil on your hair. It will be easier to untangle them with the comb or brush. Argan oil is generally readily available in perfumery, herbalist's shops and even in the most well-stocked supermarkets.
- Try wearing a pair of latex gloves to make it easier to slide your fingers through your hair. As an added benefit, you will avoid greasing your hands.
Step 4. Locate the nodes
As you start combing your hair, try to figure out which areas are the most problematic. Try to remove one knot at a time, separating - if possible - the problematic section from the rest of the hair. If you have a chance to look in the mirror, try to analyze the situation more closely.
Step 5. Start removing the knots starting from the tips
Run your fingers through your hair, trying to untangle one knot at a time. Once you have identified the knot, you must try to untie it starting from the bottom. As you manage to free some hair, you can try to slide your fingers higher and higher, gradually getting closer to the roots.
Step 6. Braid your hair to prevent it from tangling again
When you're done untangling a section of hair, gather it in a soft braid, then secure it with a rubber band or bobby pin. Sorting them in an orderly way helps to prevent other nodes from forming.
Step 7. Continue section by section
Focus on one section at a time until all the knots are eliminated. Remember to braid the hair you've already combed so you don't have to start over.
Part 3 of 4: Wet Hair
Step 1. Try to remove as many knots as possible from dry hair
For many people, it is impossible to completely detangle their hair without getting it wet. Nonetheless, it is advisable to do your best before applying the conditioner to simplify the next steps.
Step 2. Wet your hair
You can remove knots directly in the shower or get them wet by standing upside down in the tub. Water makes hair more docile by reducing the effort required to untie knots.
It is generally best to pat them dry with a towel before applying conditioner. This way you can be sure that the product adheres better to the hair, which will still be damp enough to facilitate the elimination of knots
Step 3. Apply conditioner
Lightly wet your hair again, then try to distribute the conditioner using a wide-toothed comb. Evenly massage the product on all the strands, from the forehead to the nape and from the tips to the roots, trying to gently remove every single knot. Use a lot of conditioner and massage it into your hair with your fingers if the knots prevent you from using the comb. Be careful not to pull them, otherwise they may crack or tear at the root.
You need to make sure that the conditioner also penetrates the knots. She rubs her hair knotted between her balm-covered fingers; detangling substances must penetrate the hair rather than simply remain on the surface
Step 4. Wet your hair again for a few moments
Step 5. Continue to untangle them using your fingers or wide-toothed comb
You have to treat them with extreme delicacy, starting to comb them from the ends and then gradually moving towards the roots. When you encounter a large knot, try to loosen it with your fingers. Gently pull your hair out to the sides before trying to use the comb or brush. Try to be patient and make slow, contained movements.
- While combing them, immobilize your hair with your other hand to avoid tugging at the roots excessively.
- Even if some hair breaks or part of the knot remains in your hands, don't worry - you are not damaging it, you are simply removing the ones that prevent you from combing it. The conditioner will protect others who, when dry, will look healthy and tidy.
Step 6. Braid your hair to protect it from soap while you wash your body
Meanwhile, the conditioner will nourish them deeply.
Step 7. Rinse them to remove the conditioner
Once the comb runs easily between the strands, you can wash off the conditioner and gently pat your hair dry with the towel. Instead of a common terry towel that tends to make them frizzy, use a microfiber one or an old cotton t-shirt.
Step 8. It's time to style your gorgeous knot-free hair
You can let it air dry after applying your favorite styling product, in cream, gel or foam. If, on the other hand, you prefer to blow dry your hair, use the diffuser and set a jet of air with a medium intensity and heat. Try not to touch your hair until it is completely dry, otherwise it may become frizzy.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Knot Formation
Step 1. Moisturize your hair every day
To prevent curly hair from tangling it is important to moisturize it daily with a regular or leave-in conditioner. Distribute the product evenly over the hair with a wide-toothed comb. There are no other secrets to avoiding the formation of knots: you must keep them nourished, hydrated and protected from environmental factors, such as pollution and sunlight.
Step 2. Wash them less frequently
Shampoo tends to make it frizzy, so avoid washing it too often, whatever your hair type, or you risk dehydrating both your hair and scalp. Limit yourself to using the shampoo 2-3 times a week at most.
Step 3. Don't go to sleep with wet hair
If possible, take a shower in the morning. Hair is more fragile when wet, so it can become damaged and knotted by rubbing on the pillow as you roll over in bed. If you go to sleep with your hair still damp, you may find it hard to untie the knots the next morning. If necessary, shower well in advance of bedtime to allow them to dry completely.
Step 4. Eliminate split ends
Trimming your hair regularly helps keep it beautiful and healthy. Just cut a few centimeters to remove the dry and damaged tips. When hair is healthy it tends to knot less easily.
Step 5. Collect your hair before going to sleep
You can try picking them up in a braid or a soft ponytail. Attaching them over your head helps prevent them from getting ruined or tangled by rubbing against the pillow. Not having the ability to move freely, they will not risk breaking or tearing and being trapped under your body.
Step 6. Use a satin pillowcase or wrap them in a silk scarf
Both of these fabrics are quite smooth and slippery, so they do not risk damaging the hair due to friction (the risk of knots forming is also greatly reduced). You will be able to sleep peacefully without worrying about having to untangle them the next morning.
Step 7. Try a short cut
Especially during the warm months, sporting a new short hairstyle is a great way to prevent knots from forming. You will most likely look younger too! Choose a cut that suits your hair type that is easy to manage even at home. For example, if you have dry, thin hair, it's best to choose a hairstyle that only allows you to wash it a couple of times a week. Also, use only quality products: shampoo, conditioner and styling products are your beauty allies. During the winter you can let them grow a little to keep your neck warm.
Step 8. Show off your beautiful curls
Advice
- Use a moisturizing conditioner formulated to care for curly, dry, or damaged hair.
- Using too much conditioner does more harm than good. Don't overdo the quantities or your hair will look dirty and heavy.
