How to detangle curly hair

Curly hair can go from luscious to locked very quickly, and anyone with curls will know that detangling is essential. But how do you do it without breaking your hair? What can you do to make the process less painful? Which products are the best for battling tangles? We’ve answered all these questions and more with the help of model and influencer Simone Powderly. Here are her top tips for taming tangles and navigating knots during the detangling process.

Top tips for detangling

Using conditioner will help you work out any knots, so always apply a product that’s gonna make it easier. Conditioners with silicones, like Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Conditioner, make the hair more slippery and easier to detangle.
Trying to get through curly hair with one of those spiky detangling brushes is never gonna work and if it does, it’s gonna break your hair and make it extra frizzy. You can save yourself some pain if you use the Superdrug Extra Wide Afro Comb or even just your fingers.
Apply whatever product you’re using from root to tip. This will help to make sure your hair is completely covered and start the detangling process.

Sorry, this product is currently out of stock.

Pantene Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Hair Conditioner 250ml £0.60

Superdrug Superdrug Extra Wide Afro Comb

Should your hair be wet or dry when detangling?

When you’ve got a mountain of curls, dragging a brush through dry, knotted hair is gonna do one thing and one thing only – break it. If you want to stop frizz and keep your hair healthy, always detangle your hair when it’s wet (ideally with conditioner in). If you don’t have time for a thorough wash 'n' go ,just use a spray bottle with some water and detangle with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.

What happens if you come across a huge knot?

If you’ve got curls, you’ll know that huge knots are just a part of life. You’re defs gonna find ’em, but getting them out doesn’t have to be a massacre! If you come across a tangle, spray it with some water (you can mix in a little conditioner to help you out), hold the hair above the knot and slowly work it out with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers.

What are the best detangling products?

To help complete your detangling kit, we asked Simone to tell us about her favourite products. She loves the Shea Moisture Black Castor range. The shampoo is great for removing any product build-up (which can happen if you’re using silicone-based conditioners), while the leave-in conditioner hydrates frizz and detangles. For some extra help during the detangling process, apply Cantu Coil Calm Detangler, which helps smooth out your hair, as well as adding shine. Simone’s brush of choice is the Denman Freeflow Brush for Curly and Afro Hair – defs a must in any serious detangler’s kit!