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While my TV played an ad showing how a comb would glide through a model’s no-frizz, straight hair, I was getting chased by my mother to get my curly hair combed before school. A memory that still haunts me to this day, the incident was also my realising point that my hair is different from the rest. Oh and, of course, just like every other curly-haired gurlies, I too was at the receiving end of endearing nicknames like “chow mein” or “noodles,” which further contributed to my realisation.
Everyone loves and wants to live the curly-hair life but no one knows the real struggle except for the ones born with beautiful curls. Curl care is a full-time job, not a freelance gig, and no one can change our minds! If you are someone who has grown up with curly hair, chances are you have struggled and are still battling with brushing your hair. With endless conflicting information out there, it can be difficult to determine the best way to keep your curls looking absolutely curl-tastic. Whether you have loose, tight, or coily curls, ahead, we'll cover everything you need to know about brushing every type of curly hair. We also recommend which tools to use and the best products to choose from. Coil – umm, we mean scroll through!
Why Does Curly Hair Require Special Attention When Combing?
Aggressive brushing can disrupt the natural curl pattern, leading to frizz and a less defined curl structure. Gentle combing helps maintain the integrity of the curls. Due to its uneven hair fibre structure, curly hair is more fragile than other types. The key to preserving your curl pattern and promoting healthy curls is to handle them with care and finesse. Need more reasons as to why combing curly hair requires special attention, here goes:
- Tangle-Prone: The natural shape of curly hair causes it to tangle more easily. Special care is needed to gently detangle without causing damage.
- Frizz Control: Curly hair is more susceptible to frizz, especially when handled roughly. Proper techniques and tools help minimise frizz and keep curls smooth.
- Scalp Health: Curly hair can be prone to dryness, both on the scalp and along the hair shaft. Using appropriate products and combing methods ensures even distribution of natural oils, promoting scalp health and hydration.
- Styling Necessities: Looking to achieve a sleek high ponytail or a smooth bob? Brushing helps direct your hair into the desired style.
When To Brush Curls: Wet Or Dry?
When it comes to brushing curly hair, it’s best to do so when the hair is damp, as wet hair is more pliable, which makes detangling easier. Additionally, since your curls haven't yet set into their final shape, there's a lower risk of disrupting the curl pattern or causing frizz. According to the Cleveland Clinic, brushing wet hair is generally not recommended for straight and wavy hair types, as hair is most fragile when wet. However, curly hair is an exception, as noted by the American Academy of Dermatology. Brushing wet hair helps maintain the curl's shape as the water provides a slick surface that makes detangling knots easier. Brushing dry curls often just results in frizz and undefined curls, that we are not a big fan of.
The one main goal of brushing hair is detangling and the best way to brush curly hair is by using detangling products like the Morroncanoil Intense Curl Cream. Applying this cream to wet hair instantly detangles curls by adding moisture and hydration, which loosens and softens tangled hair.
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How to Brush Curly Hair Without Creating Frizz:
They may look inseparable but trust me, curls and frizz are a couple that can break up. Using the right brushing techniques and products can help you manage unwanted frizz.
Humidity isn't the sole cause of frizz; it's also linked to the structure of curly hair. The cuticle, the outer layer of hair, consists of overlapping scales. In curly hair, these scales tend to be raised, increasing the hair's porosity. This porosity allows humidity to swell the strands, resulting in frizz.
The perfect recipe to create a poofed-up chaotic mess of your curly hair is definitely brushing them when dry as it can lift the cuticle even more. To avoid this, it’s best to brush curly hair when it's damp and to use appropriate tools to minimise breakage. For added frizz protection, apply a smoothing leave-in treatment like Fix My Curls Leave-In Cream on your wet hair. Distribute the product evenly through your hair, then start brushing from the bottom, working your way up but keep in mind to never apply the product on your roots. Gently detangle knots without tugging, taking your time to avoid damage and breakage, will give you your frizz-free curly combed hair.
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What Are The Best Combs For Curly Hair?
The right tools are just as important as the right products for your hair. It goes without saying, avoid anything designed for straight or thin hair because these will pull on your hair and result in breakage or frizz. Selecting the appropriate tool depends on your hair type and texture. Here are some of the most commonly recommended tools for brushing curly hair:
Wide-toothed Comb:
One of the most basic curly hair tools is the wide-toothed comb. The wider gaps between the teeth allow the comb to glide smoothly through your curls without disrupting the curl pattern further detangling without causing any breakage or frizz. We recommend this dual-sided Tangle Teezer wide-tooth comb. It comes with long, sturdy teeth with soft, rounded tips on one side that effortlessly glide through your hair with minimal pulling, speeding up the detangling process and reducing breakage. The flexible two-tiered teeth provide a deeper detangle, helping to remove shed hair and stubborn knots, ensuring your curl pattern stays defined.
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The Bristled Brush:
Nylon bristles brushes are your best friends, curly gurlies. While some hair textures can handle plastic or synthetic materials, curly hair definitely cannot. If your hair cuticle is already damaged due to dryness (a common issue with curls), rough bristles can cause additional friction and snagging, leading to further weakening and breakage. This Alan Truman brush offers the perfect nylon bristle that is perfect for all your detangling and styling needs and promises frizz-free hair.
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The Detangler Brush:
Detangling brushes can prove to be a genuine need. They are crafted to smoothly glide through knots and tangles, reducing pulling and tugging that can cause breakage. Their flexible bristles also gently massage the scalp, providing a relaxing self-care experience (who doesn’t need a good self-care sesh, right?). Using a Wet Brush and Pop Detangler Brush can help you detangle with ease. The Pop and Go Detangler features a convenient foldable handle with a push-release button. Simply press the button on the back to open it. To retract the bristles and fold the handle, gently press the centre of the cushion.
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How To Really Comb Curly Hair
Having grasped why your curls need special attention to how to brush your hair without creating a poofed-up frizzy mess to further understanding the right tools required to comb your hair. Let’s now jump into how to actually comb curly hair without making it a whole arm workout. With the right techniques, you can master managing your curls in no time. Let’s break it down into simple steps to help you perfect the art of brushing curly hair.
Step 1: Start with damp hair
Begin by dampening your hair. You can do this by washing it in the shower or spritzing it with a spray bottle.
Step 2: Apply your favourite leave-in styler
Next, apply your preferred leave-in conditioner or styling product to add moisture, define your curls, and protect against frizz. Ensure the product is evenly distributed throughout your hair.
Step 3: Divide your hair into sections
With a comb that suits your curly hair type, part your hair down the middle and then divide each half into smaller sections, depending on your hair's thickness. This makes brushing more manageable and prevents tugging or pulling.
Step 4: Begin brushing from the bottom up
Take a section and start brushing from the bottom up, working from the ends to the roots. This method eases detangling and helps avoid unnecessary pulling. Work through each section until your hair is fully detangled.
Step 5: Finish with a nourishing hair oil
Complete your routine by applying a nourishing hair oil such as Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil to the ends. This seals in moisture adds shine, and tames flyaways, leaving your curly hair glossy, defined, and healthy-looking.
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FAQs
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What are some common mistakes one can avoid when combing curly hair?
Here are a few things to remember when combing curly hair:
- Never comb curly hair when dry; always dampen it first.
- Avoid combing regularly – it is better to brush your hair only when you need to, like on days you are going to wash it.
- Avoid brushing from roots to ends at all costs, as working your way up from your ends to your roots gently detangles without causing breakage.
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How often should one brush their curly hair?
The frequency of brushing your curly hair depends on various factors. However, in general, brushing on wash days or when you want to refresh your curls is advisable. By brushing on wash days, refreshing as needed, and carefully addressing individual knots, you can maintain the health and integrity of your curls while keeping them looking their best.
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What’s the difference between brushing and combing your curly hair?
The primary distinction between using a brush or a comb on curly hair depends on the amount of hair you have. Brushes are ideal for detangling, as their bristles can work through knots more quickly than a wide-tooth comb, which would require sectioning your hair into many parts. Combs, on the other hand, ensure less frizz and less pulling because they require more deliberate use.
