Until I started my relaxed hair journey and got serious with it I was experiencing some hair tangling. I would get tangles in my new growth and even further down the hair strand.
If you experience tangled hair regularly either between washes or on wash day, there are some things you can do to keep it from happening.
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There are multiple causes for tangling in relaxed hair. Everything from dryness, friction, and environmental conditions contribute to the tangling of relaxed hair.
Other ways to keep your hair hydrated are pre-poos, steaming, moisturizing and sealing between washes.
I’ve found it’s best for me to detangle my hair from tips to roots before I start washing it. I start with my fingers and then move to a wide-tooth comb starting from the tips and working my way up. Starting at the tip minimizes breakage and reduces the chances of creating additional knots or making any existing knots tighter.
If you use a cotton pillowcase and move around on the pillow with uncovered hair that creates friction leading to tangles. Also, cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and prone to tangling.
Switching to silk or satin pillowcases can significantly reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, preventing tangles while you sleep. The smooth surface of silk or satin minimizes friction, allowing your hair to glide effortlessly, reducing the risk of waking up to a tangled mess.
The updo can be a slightly loose ponytail, a bun, or a French braid. Just something to keep\ your hair secure and reduce the chances of it getting caught on clothing or whipped around during movement.
There are multiple causes for tangling in relaxed hair. Everything from dryness, friction, and environmental conditions contribute to the tangling of relaxed hair.
Related read: The Basics For Moisturizing Your Hair
1. Keep the hair hydrated
One of the main reasons for hair tangling is dryness. You can keep your hydrated by using a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner when you wash your hair. They provide your hair with the necessary moisture to keep it soft and manageable so it’s less prone to tangling.Other ways to keep your hair hydrated are pre-poos, steaming, moisturizing and sealing between washes.
2. Fully detangle before washing
Another common reason for hair tangling is washing or wetting hair that isn’t fully detangled. When hair is saturated with water it’s like any tangles in it get melted into place and it’s near impossible to get tangles and knots out.I’ve found it’s best for me to detangle my hair from tips to roots before I start washing it. I start with my fingers and then move to a wide-tooth comb starting from the tips and working my way up. Starting at the tip minimizes breakage and reduces the chances of creating additional knots or making any existing knots tighter.
Related read: The Best Way To Detangle Your Relaxed Hair
3. Get regular trims or dusting
Trimming or dusting your ends regularly helps to get rid of split ends and prevent further damage. Doing this helps maintain the health of your hair, reducing the likelihood of tangles. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing more extensive damage, so keeping them at bay is essential for tangle-free hair.
If you go to the hair salon to get your relaxer touch-ups talk to your stylist to figure out the trim/dusting schedule for your hair. You can also give your ends a dusting or trim at home by using sharp hair shears. I don’t have any helpful tips for DIY trimming but you can find plenty of videos that can by searching YouTube.
If you don’t want to wear anything on your head you can simply put it up in a ponytail, a bun, or even a simple claw clip like I did during a cruise I went on that was very windy every day.
If you go to the hair salon to get your relaxer touch-ups talk to your stylist to figure out the trim/dusting schedule for your hair. You can also give your ends a dusting or trim at home by using sharp hair shears. I don’t have any helpful tips for DIY trimming but you can find plenty of videos that can by searching YouTube.
4. Put your hair up on windy days
When the wind is blowing, covering your hair with a hat or scarf can help keep it in place, reducing friction that can lead to tangling. This simple yet effective tip is especially important on windy days when your hair is more susceptible to becoming tangled due to environmental factors.If you don’t want to wear anything on your head you can simply put it up in a ponytail, a bun, or even a simple claw clip like I did during a cruise I went on that was very windy every day.
5. Protect your hair at night
One of the main times our hair can experience friction is when we’re sleeping. I know it sounds weird but it’s true.If you use a cotton pillowcase and move around on the pillow with uncovered hair that creates friction leading to tangles. Also, cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and prone to tangling.
Switching to silk or satin pillowcases can significantly reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, preventing tangles while you sleep. The smooth surface of silk or satin minimizes friction, allowing your hair to glide effortlessly, reducing the risk of waking up to a tangled mess.
6. Wear an updo when active
When engaging in physical activities such as working out, doing yard work, or even running around outside with the kids wearing your hair in an updo can prevent friction and tangling.The updo can be a slightly loose ponytail, a bun, or a French braid. Just something to keep\ your hair secure and reduce the chances of it getting caught on clothing or whipped around during movement.
7. Wash hair in the direction it falls
When washing your hair, follow the natural direction of the hair fall. This minimizes resistance and reduces the likelihood of creating tangles. Gently massaging the scalp and allowing the water to flow naturally through your strands can contribute to a smoother washing experience.
I share all seven of my best hair washing tips in this video.
I share all seven of my best hair washing tips in this video.
8. Blow dry hair in the direction it falls
Similarly, when blow-drying your hair, follow the natural direction of hair fall. This minimizes friction and helps to maintain the alignment of the hair cuticle, reducing the chances of tangling. Using a heat protectant spray before blow-drying can further protect your hair from damage and tangling caused by heat styling.Related read: How Often Should Relaxed Hair Be Touched Up?
The final word
Maintaining tangle-free relaxed hair is a combination of thoughtful care, proper products, and consistent practices. By following these eight tips, you can enhance the health and appearance of your relaxed hair, ensuring that it remains smooth, manageable, and free from troublesome knots.
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