We get it. Detangling natural hair can be a delicate process, but with the right techniques, tools, and products, it can be made easier (we promise!). Here's the ultimate step-by-step guide to help you detangle natural hair flawlessly.
Step 1: Start in the shower
It's best to detangle natural hair when it's damp because dry hair is more prone to breakage. Adding a detangling product to your hair such as Pantene's Gold Series Miracle Detangler will give it that extra slip and softness. We suggest starting with a detangling shampoo for natural hair.
Step 2: Divide your hair into sections while it’s damp
Parting your hair into manageable sections will make the detangling process easier and prevent you from getting overwhelmed. You can use twists, braids, or hair clips to keep your parts separated.
Step 3: Apply a detangling product
You can either dampen your hair with water, use a detangling conditioner for natural hair, or Pantene’s Gold Series Leave On Detangling Milk to add this much needed moisture. Leave-in conditioners, detangling spray, or moisturizing hair creams also work to help soften the hair, making it easier to detangle each section.
Step 4: Use your fingers to remove large knots
For natural hair, your curls can easily get wrapped around another. As a natural detangler for black hair, start your process by gently running your fingers through each section of your hair to identify and remove any large knots or tangles. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up towards the roots.
Step 5: Choose the right hair tool
While finger detangling is only the beginning. Continue to detangle for more definition with a natural hair detangler tool like a wide-toothed comb, a detangling brush, or a denman brush that works best for your hair type. Also, toss out those small-toothed combs and brushes with bristles that are too close together as they can cause major breakage.
Pro Tip: Make sure to always keep your sections separated throughout each step. Once you've added your product and detangled your section, twist or braid it back up to then move on to the next section.
Step 6: Be patient and gentle
Take your time and be gentle while detangling your hair. Avoid pulling or tugging forcefully as it can cause breakage. To detangle from the ends to the roots, begin by holding the ends of your hair and slowly working your way up towards the roots using gentle, downward strokes. If you encounter stubborn knots, pause and apply a bit more detangling product or water to work through them with your fingers or the tool until you loosen them.
Step 7: Rinse and style your natural hair
After you've repeated the process for each section, rinse out the product of each section while making sure to re-twist or re-clip each section to keep them separated. Keeping your hair sectioned off, even after detangling, will only make your styling process that much easier.
Lastly, having consistency in your hair care routine will only make your detangling process less complicated. Utilizing regular deep conditioning treatments can help minimize tangles and knots in your natural hair, making your future detangling sessions an absolute breeze.
