Hair tangling, matting, and shedding can be caused by a variety of factors, from natural environmental effects such as sun exposure, air pollution, humidity impacts, and improper daily hair care and styling habits to hair type.
Why hair tangles?
Understanding the main factors that cause your hair to mat can help you take proactive steps to address the issue and prevent hair tangling in the future.
Lack of moisture
This is one of the main factors causing the hair tangling, especially when we skip the necessary hair care routines.There are many contributing factors as listed below:
a.Daily hair habits
b.Natural environment
The air, sun, and humidity significantly affect hair health. (We've discussed how the natural environment impacts hair health in a previous blog here )
c.Hair products you choose
Friction:
Friction also is a main factor result in hair tangling issues.
longer curly or coily hair will wrap around each other and easier getting stuck then the straight ones.
Improper Daily hair habits
Except for air and humidity, the way you treat your hair every day also plays an important role in impacting your hair health.
a.Over-washing
b.Lack of conditioning
c. Combing or brushing incorrectly
d.High heat drying and styling
e.Sleeping without preparing your hair
Why the curly hair requires more maintenance than the straight hair?
Curly hair is a crown of natural beauty, offers versatility in styling, allowing for various textures, lengths, and shapes. It can be worn in its natural state, styled into different curl patterns, or straightened for a sleek look. This versatility allows Black women to express themselves creatively and change up their look to suit different occasions.but it comes with its own set of challenges.
Unlike straight hair, which often looks polished with minimal effort, curly hair tends to get tangled more easily than straight hair due to its unique structure and texture. Here are a few reasons why:
Hair shape:
Curly hair has a spiral or corkscrew shape, which creates more surface area for the hair to catch and tangle on itself. The curls and twists in the hair create more opportunities for strands to become entangled.
Tendency to Tangle:
Curly hair has a natural tendency to tangle, especially when left untreated or exposed to environmental factors like wind or humidity.The coils and spirals of curly hair can interlock with each other, leading to knots and snarls that are difficult to comb through. This makes detangling a crucial step in curly hair care routines and adds to the overall maintenance required.
Friction:
Curly hair is often drier than straight hair, which can lead to increased friction between strands. This friction can cause the hair to tangle and knot more easily.Especially when sleeping,if your long or curly hair is not protected under a silk bonnet,or your pillowcases made of rough materials, such as cotton, can cause friction and easily lead to tangles.
Moisture Management:
Curly hair requires more moisture than straight hair to maintain its elasticity and prevent dryness and breakage. The natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the length of curly strands due to their coiled shape. As a result, curly hair often requires regular deep conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners to keep it hydrated and healthy.
Styling Challenges:
Styling curly hair can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive compared to straight hair. Curly hair often requires specialized techniques and products to enhance its natural texture and definition. Additionally, heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can cause damage to curly hair if not used properly, requiring extra precautions and care.
Certain hair care practices, such as brushing or combing the hair while it's dry, can contribute to tangling.
Curly hair is often more prone to tangling when it's brushed or combed while dry, as this can cause the hair to stretch and break.
Common mistakes causes hair tangling when you detangle curly hair
Detangling dry hair:
Curly hair is more prone to tangling when it's dry. It's best to detangle curly hair when it's wet or damp, using a conditioner or detangling product to help lubricate the strands and make them easier to comb through.
Using the wrong comb or brush:
Using the wrong comb or brush can cause breakage and tangling. A wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush with flexible bristles is best for curly hair. Avoid using fine-tooth combs or brushes with stiff bristles, as they can snag and pull on the hair.
Detangling from the roots:
When detangling curly hair, it's best to start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Detangling from the roots can cause unnecessary pulling and tugging, which can lead to breakage and tangling.
Being too rough:
Curly hair is more fragile than straight hair, so it's important to be gentle when detangling. Use a light touch and avoid pulling or yanking on the hair.
Not sectioning the hair:
Detangling large sections of curly hair can be overwhelming and lead to tangling. It's best to divide the hair into smaller sections and detangle each section separately.
Waiting too long between washes:
When curly hair is not washed regularly, it can become dry and prone to tangling. Aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days, or moisturize and section your curly hair when it gets frizzy or dry as needed, to keep it moisturized and tangle-free.
Using the wrong products:
Using products that are too heavy or contain ingredients that can weigh down the hair can lead to tangling. Look for lightweight products that are formulated for curly hair and avoid using products that contain alcohol or sulfates, which can dry out the hair and cause tangling.
How to detangle curly hair the right way？
Start detangling curly hair while it is wet
Detangling dry hair knots can easily break the hair, but when the hair is wet, it becomes straight, and the moisture makes it easier to work through.
Section your hair before starting detangling
Comb with a wide-tooth comb when your hair starts tangles
Comb out the ends first instead of starting from the roots.
The tangled knots are always kinky at the roots, so we need to take more time to detangle the roots carefully to remove the knots. Don't forget to hold the roots to avoid applying more pressure to your scalp, which can cause hair shedding.
Be gentle when detangling
Curly hair is more fragile than straight hair, so it's important to be gentle when detangling. Use a light touch and avoid pulling or yanking on the hair.
Using the detangling product
Products such as live-in conditioner or detangling spray can help simplify and enhance the detangling process. . Look for products that are formulated for curly hair and contain ingredients that can help moisturize and protect the hair.
Rinse and style after detangling
Rinse out any product and style the hair as desired. Be sure to use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to dry the hair, as regular towels can cause frizz and damage.
By following these steps, you can effectively detangle your curly hair and keep it healthy and tangle-free.
hair used:3a3b water curly clip ins,22"