Even the most experienced naturals will probably admit to dealing with some tangle-related issues at some point in their journey. We’ve all been there. Detangling may be one of the biggest learning curves you’ll encounter based on your hair’s texture/curl pattern, thickness, and moisture level. Fortunately for curlies today, we have more options than ever before when it comes to the tools and products made specifically with curly hair care in mind. With some patience and the right combo of brushes, combs, and conditioners in your arsenal, you can melt away the tangles as easily as they appear–and save a ton of time. Because we want to keep curly hair care simple when we can, right?
Ahead we’ve listed some popular curly products and tools to help you detangle and preserve the lovely curls on your head, and keep those huge hair clumps out of your brush.
And take a look here for more in-depth detangling tips according to a celebrity stylist.
Products with amazing slip:
Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler, $16
If you’re a fan of sweet scents and ultra-moisturizing products, the Knot Sauce will be a treat for you. Packed with moisturizing oils, marshmallow root and slippery elm, this product will leave your hair feeling incredibly soft and the strands won’t lock. Use this on wet hair with the styling tool of your choice to detangle from the ends of the hair upward.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner, $8.98
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to conditioners, the Aussie Moist line has never let me down. When you need a little extra umph in your moisturizing routine, deep conditioners and treatments are the way to go. On clean, wet hair, work the 3 Minute Miracle into your hair, coating all strands. Aussie promises moisture in 3 minutes or less, even on the driest hair.
Kinky-Curly Knot-Today Leave-in, $16
This creamy, fresh-smelling leave-in is designed to smooth cuticles and (as the name suggests”> get rid of pesky knots. Marshmallow root and slippery elm save the day again in this product. It provides decent slip and is moisturizing, but not overly-heavy–which makes it a great all-around leave-in for almost any hair type. The ingredient list is pleasantly short and free of parabens and drying alcohols, as well, for ingredient-conscious naturals.
Tools to take on the knots:
Felicia Leatherwood Brush, $17
Out of all curly detangling brushes, this is one of the most talked-about and in-demand. The Felicia Leatherwood Brush prides itself on gliding through even the tightest curls without snagging and breaking the hair. The flexible brush design allows the hair to slide through the individual rows without excessive shedding. An all-around brush for any detangling situation.
Diane Oil Detangler Comb, $5.95
It’s not the fanciest tool, but it’s always good to have a trusty, old-school wide-tooth comb, especially if you’re trying to keep your curls intact. The wide teeth minimize breakage and snags, but also prevent large curls from being disturbed. The Diane Oil Comb is coated in vitamin E and omega-3 oils to keep your hair moisturized with every glide.
Ouidad Double Detangler Comb, about $26.00
Two rows equals double the detangling action. Ouidad’s Double Detangler is the perfect tool for thick hair, and the two rows of wide-set teeth are made to detangle without damaging your hair–a great option for type 3 curls. Because the Ouidad’s double-row comb is a bit difficult to find online right now, take a look at Denman’s 3-row detangling comb.
The Tangle Teezer, $10
Like the Felicia Leatherwood Brush, the Tangle Teezer is well-known in the curly world for taking care of knots. The original brush is an easy-to-hold palm-sized brush with both long and short bristles for maximum detangling and minimal breakage. Use this brush on wet or dry hair, but if you’re looking to define your curls, apply your styling product and use the Tangle Teezer to work it in.
The Wet Brush, $7.49
This brush can actually be used on wet and dry hair, but it works best when your hair is wet (no surprise there, right?”>. Its gentle bristles reduce friction and promote smoothing and is a great choice for all textures from wavy to tight coils. It also works well for wigs and extensions!
Equinox Hair Shears, $23.97
It’s tempting to want to avoid cutting your hair at all costs, but sometimes the knots are just a bit too tight to comb or brush out. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to cut those fairy knots out–but use hair scissors. Regular scissors can cause more damage to your hair than good, and hair shears are extra sharp so they give a clean cut.
Xtava Styling Hair Clips, $10
It’s a simple buy, but sectioning clips make detangling a lot easier when you’re going through your hair in sections. Detangling one section at a time is much less overwhelming and it ensures that you don’t miss any spots, and the clips make a clear separation between the parts that are detangled and the parts that are not.
Do you run into detangling issues often? Let us know about your tips and go-to items in the comments below.
