Hair Tip #40: How To Detangle Effectively

What is the purpose of detangling hair?


To remove any knots, and tangles


Most importantly to remove shed hair. Too many shed hair that is not removed can result in breakage and single strand knots.






What do you need to detangle?

• Wide tooth comb
• Something to remove the shed hair:
• Denman Brush: click here to find out how to modify it to make it work for your hair. I use the denman right now and it is modified
• Tangle teaser: click here to read my review
• Smaller comb to remove shed hair
• Your fingers

How do you detangle?

Freshly washed hair

Apply a leave in conditioner with slip- ("slip" means that your comb can easily glide through your hair with this product). I use Shea Moisture Styling Milk. Section your hair in workable sections. Four sections at least is best. I prefer eight. Start from the ends of your hair, and gently comb with your wide tooth comb. Comb from the end of your hair to the root

Once you feel it is detangled, use your denman, tangle teaser, fingers or comb/brush of choice to remove the shed hair. Seal in the moisture with an oil or butter. I seal with coconut oil and my shea butter mix. 

Dry hair

Spritz with water and follow the same instructions as listed above!

Is there a wrong way to detangle?

Absolutely! If you hear constant ripping and/or snapping, you are being too harsh on your hair. Remember to be gentle and take your time. The more slip your detangling product has, the easier the process will be.