The best way to comb your natural hair

Hi there,
  Combing natural hair has always been a problem. There is a lot of pain involved but that's not the only challenge combing presents. Combing your hair is a major cause of hair breakage, remember those balls of hair you remove from your comb each time you comb?  Here are some tips to help you minimize breakage from combing:

Use the right tool
 Never use a fine tooth comb for your hair. It is better to use a wide toothed comb. This will reduce hair breakage. If you must use a fine tooth comb ensure you have thoroughly detangled and combed with a wide tooth comb first. Also make sure the teeth of the comb is seamless to avoid ripping out your hair as you comb.


Avoid these



Much better

Comb your hair only when it is damp
 Your hair is weakest when it is dripping wet and so combing it then will cause it to break.On the other hand combing your hair when it is dry will also break it off because your hair is not as flexible as it should be. When your hair is damp it can better withstand the force of a comb.


Always start combing your hair from the tips
 Comb out the tips and slowly work your way upward till you get to the roots. Start doing this as soon as you grow out your TWA. While combing your tips hold the middle of the hair to reduce tension and resultant breakage.


Comb your hair in manageable sections
 Dividing your hair into sections makes combing easier and reduces breakage ( depending on the length of your hair you can have 4 to 8 sections).You can use hair clips or hair hands.Take it one at a time.

My 12 sections

Know when to stop
 Since combing can cause damage it is best to stop immediately the tangles are out or you are done with combing. Avoid needlessly running your comb through your hair. Stop as soon as you are done.


Try to use your fingers instead of a comb
 You can do it in sections too, gently teasing out the tangles and smoothing out the strands. The only downside to this method is that it takes a lot of time but you can do it while you are watching a movie or a game and you'll hardly notice.


Comb your hair when it is saturated with some conditioner
The conditioner slip will ease the friction between the comb and your hair reducing breakage.


Don't rush
Be patient while combing your hair. You are less careful when you are in a hurry.


Do not comb often
Sounds funny but think about it .Combing your hair frequently damages the cuticle of the hair and causes breakage so why do it everyday? You can keep your hair in protective styles like twists, braids cornrows etc. so you don't have to comb it every day. Many naturalistas with incredibly long hair have even ditched combs altogether in favour of finger combing/detangling.


 I do not comb my hair everyday. When I have to go out and I want to rock my afro I start by wetting my hair while I bathe. By the time I am ready to style my hair its damp, just perfect for combing. I comb in sections as gently as possible then I apply my leave-in and seal. I do one all-over  combing and I'm done. Most days I just wet my hair, finger detangle and cornrow my hair so I can wear a wig. When I am home I moisturise my hair , seal and leave it alone.

I wish you the best in your healthy hair journey.


KimB