Curly hair tangles easily due to its texture, which causes strands to wrap around each other. Dryness and lack of moisture can also increase tangling.
Braid your hair at night to keep it from tangling. That will help. But I suggest either a twist out or wash-n-go - both stretched out - to keep tangling to a minimum.
Not detangling our hair can quickly lead to matted, unhealthy hair that is hard to repair, which is sometimes impossible. So, it's very important you have your very own detangling regime for your Afro-textured hair.
The primary reason afro hair is prone to breakage is a lack of moisture. Dryness is the bane of afro hair.
Texture and Structure: The unique shape of curly hair creates more surface area and can lead to uneven distribution of natural oils. This can result in dryness, making the hair more prone to tangling.
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to comb 4C hair only as needed to remove tangles and style it, usually a few times a week.
Your hair is more likely to tangle if: It is super thick and curly. It is long and fine. It is very dry and damaged.
Fros don't absorb as much moisture as our caucasian cousins' hair, added to this the structure of our hair (curls and kinks, and increased density) means that nutrients often don't travel along the length of our strands as well as we'd like.
You may feel your newfound pick was sent from God, but over-manipulating your hair using any tool can cause breakage. Long story short: find ways to fluff your hair once without restyling with your pick daily.
Naturally, Afro-textured hair has a number of different characteristics when compared with other hair types. The tight curl pattern of Afro-textured hair makes it more prone to dryness as the scalp's natural moisturiser (sebum) cannot travel easily along the length of the hair like it can in straighter hair types.
Follicles that are more oval in shape cause curlier hair to grow. Very tightly coiled hair is due to the nearly flat, ribbon-like structure of their follicles. This hair texture is very common in people of African ancestry. Not only is African hair often coiled, it also has a unique texture.
Aim to comb your hair once or twice a week using gentle techniques and tools designed for natural hair. Remember to be patient, use proper detangling methods, and consider incorporating protective styles into your routine. With the right care and attention, your natural hair will flourish and thrive.
Due to its smooth, uniform structure, straight hair may tangle less frequently. However, if your hair is long and fine, it is likely more prone to tangling, whether it's curly or straight. The twists and turns of curly hair make it much more susceptible to tangling.
Regardless of shedding, your curl structure alone can lead to tangles. Occasionally, a curl will tie around itself, ultimately causing the knot. This is particularly true for tighter textures and those with low hair porosity. Split ends can also lead to this type of tangle; the ends split and wrap around themselves.
Type 4B Hair - Your hair is prone to dryness and breaks and has a zig-zag shape and experiences shrinkage. Type 4C Hair - Your coils are dense and can range from fine and soft to coarse and wiry, your hair strand will have a "Z" shape and will experience significant shrinkage.
Although you probably want to avoid detangling your tresses daily, it's important to integrate this habit into your wash day routine, ensuring your clean hair is detangled before you style it. In fact, for the best results, you'll want to detangle twice every wash: before you shampoo & after you've applied conditioner.
Can you wet African American hair everyday? Yes, you can wet natural hair everyday, and it is actually advised to do so to maintain moisture.
The traditional African comb, or pick, has played a crucial role in the creation, maintenance and decoration of hair-styles for both men and women. In many African societies, ancient and modern, the hair comb symbolises status, group affiliation, and religious beliefs, and is encoded with ritual properties.
Healthy afro hair is soft to the touch. When your hair is adequately hydrated and moisturised, you will feel it when you touch it. Your hair should feel nice and soft. To check this, you will want to feel your hair in it's natural state so after you have washed it and before you put any products in it.
Water is Your New Best Friend
Afro-textured hair is extremely susceptible to dryness. Just like you would hydrate your body by drinking water, the hair can be kept hydrated with water too. A great tip is to keep an empty spray bottle on hand and fill it with water when your hair is feeling a little dry.
For optimal nourishment, it is generally recommended to oil your 4C hair once every 2-3 days. This helps to replenish moisture and keep your hair healthy.
Afro hair needs a lot of moisture to stay healthy and prevent breakage. The tightly-coiled nature of this hair type makes it more difficult for the natural oils to travel down the shaft.
Too much damage compromises the cuticles, leading to a rougher surface that's more likely to catch and tangle with other strands. While all hair types can experience tangles, curly and coily hair is extra susceptible because of its intricate spiral structure, making strands more easily intertwine.
“Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which hydrate without leaving a greasy residue,” says Garshick. “Use a lightweight conditioner and avoid heavy oils or creams. A leave-in conditioner spray or a volumizing conditioner can also help add moisture without making hair flat.”