So here is my master thread on detangling tightly coiled 4c natural hair. This will be a looong thread, but I promise the knowledge you will gain will be worth it

A few disclaimers: 1. Most of the information I’m sharing is from years of experience with 4c hair and the opinions and experienced hairstylists, cosmetologists and influencers I trust 2. You are going to have to unlearn a lot of things you learned about your hair. Please enter

-this thread with an open mind. Most haircare practices is what works for straight hair, in fact, 10yrs ago, most of us had relaxed hair. You have to unlearn everything, decenter straight hair and center 4c hair once again.

3. I tried my best to include a variety of lengths and thickness in my reference videos, but my main criteria for selecting videos was a good detangling technique and 4c hair. Please follow/subscribe to all the ladies I referenced in this thread.

Tools: The most popular tool for detangling is the wide-toothed comb and for good reason. The wide teeth can glide through your hair more easily without breakage or snagging and makes the process less painful

Some people prefer finger detangling. Finger detangling is great for pulling out shed hair and distributing water or product evenly. I wouldnt recommend using ONLY finger detangling because I feel I could miss some knots and tangles. I usually finger detangle first to pull out

-shed hair, gently go through the length to undo any knots, then go in with a brush or comb.

Detangling brushes are another option. I’ve noticed most professionals use brushes instead of combs. They can work out multiple knots at once and do a more thorough job of detangling

I started using brushes just this year and I prefer it, but honestly, for a beginner, I would NOT recommend it. The wide-toothed comb is still a universal favorite and the best for beginners. But if you already use the comb, and you’re a pro at detangling, i recommend the brush

You can try the detangling brush if it works, if it doesn’t, the comb is completely fine. Please note that detangling brushes do not have those rounded tips on their bristles, but have straight bristles throughout

DO NOT EVER USE THESE KINDS OF COMBS TO DETANGLE YOUR 4C HAIR!! EVER!! 🙅🏾‍♀️ In fact, throw them away!

If you’re a hairstylist or hairdresser, I would recommend learning how to detangle GENTLY and thoroughly with a detangling brush. Especially if you do weaving and braids. This video explains why. Note how tightly coiled her hair is, yet it is thoroughly detangled.

The next thing you need is a lubricant. It could be water or a hair product. This should be common knowledge by now, but don’t EVER detangle dry 4c hair. Ever. Now this is where hair type and things like porousity come in to play. For some people, water is enough as a lubricant

-while others will need a product with slip to help the comb glide through the hair and remove detangles and knots. When I say a product with slip, I mean something that is slippery or slimy to the touch. You could use a leave-in conditioner, or a pre-poo conditioner

There are also diy alternatives like flaxseed gel, a favourite. You can make this at home. You can also use aloe Vera gel from aloe Vera leaves. They have very slippery textures and your comb or brush will glide easily through your hair.s

I recommend first trying to detangle with just damp hair. It’s the cheaper and easier option. If your hair is too tough or the tangles too many, then you can try any of the above products. Note that products like the flaxseed & aloe Vera gel and prepoo detangling are to be used

-just before shampooing. If you’re detangling your hair and don’t plan to wash it anytime soon, water and leave-in conditioner are what you should use. You should always have leave-in at home, especially for the ladies with that complain of ‘strong’ or tough hair.

Let’s start from where the tangling problem usually begins: shampooing. In this video, Yar Sudani shows the correct way to shampoo your hair without causing unnecessary tangles. Dont scrunch your hair while shampooing, but try to stretch out your hair while you wash. 10/10 method

So you have your comb, your hair is damp, with or without product and you’re ready to detangle. Are you doing it the right way? Starting at the root, dragging the comb down to rip through the knots. You lose and break your hair strands and you get a headache 🤬

This is the right way to detangle. Divide your hair in sections. Hold the hair at the root, close to your scalp, then gently comb the tip. Once the tip is thoroughly combed, move higher and comb through. When you’re done, go higher, till you reach your scalp

This is a more detailed explanation. If youre a hairstylist or hairdress, please pay attention to this. Notice how she always holds the hair, notice how gentle she is. Also, please follow her on TikTok, she’s fantastic.

Since that was a mannequin, let’s see on a real person with 4c hair. Notice how she is not pulling at her hair and and her scalp. She uses one hand to hold the section and the other hand to detangle. Gently combing at the tips till she reaches her scalp

This video is silly, but it’s informative 😂

The things to note. -Don’t comb dry hair -If water isn’t enough, add a product with slip -Comb your hair in sections -start combing from the tip to root (scalp) -don’t let go of the section while you comb. Use both hands! -Do it gently!

If you want a thorough detangling, and you have time on your hands, finger detangle, then use a wide toothed comb, then a detangling brush But as I said earlier, if you don’t like brushes, the comb is fine and do not use brushes if you’re a beginner 🙅🏾‍♀️

The thread broke. Part 2: