Wash day worries is a real deal when you have to literally fight with thick tangled hair. If you wash your hair before detangling it, especially if you just took out your braids, this is a recipe for disaster. Trying to detangle after washing it can cause serious breakage and damage to your hair. Learn how to manage your unruly hair on wash day.
The first thing I do before washing my natural hair, is to section it, then start to detangle section-by-section. I mix some castor oil with some fresh aloe vera and then apply it to the section I’m trying to detangle. I use my finger to detangle my hair, starting from the ends and working my way up to the roots.
After doing my finger detangling method, I use one of my wide-tooth combs to smoothly comb out that section. I then twist the detangled hair and then move on to the other areas that are still dry and tangled. The Aloe Vera adds moisture and nutrients, and the castor oil also helps to loosen knots, soften, and condition dry hair.
When you apply the Aloe Vera and castor oil (just a few drops of castor oil) to your hair, you can cover your hair with a steam cap, then let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes. I then shampoo my hair, then condition it.
Some people may find the above method ineffective. If this doesn’t work for you, you can detangle your hair with Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler.
Another great natural detangler for knotty natural hair, is to use some apple cider vinegar in water to soften and loosen the tangles. Just remember to wash out the apple cider. I usually use the apple cider before my shampoo.
What Not to Do to Prevent Tangles and Knots in Natural Hair
- Never wash your hair before detangling it thoroughly. Adding water to tangled, knotty hair can make it worse. However, this can be the opposite for people with dreadlocks, as dreads love water, which helps them to lock faster.
- For long hair, don’t pile your hair in a towel and rub it after washing. To prevent tangles, squeeze out the water and gently pat your hair in a dry towel.
- Never put straight castor oil on your hair without mixing it with another oil such as coconut oil. Castor oil by itself is sticky and can damage your hair.