How to Detangle Curly Hair: Our Best Tips and Products for Tangle-Free Curls

Detangling curly hair can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and products, it doesn't have to be. People with curly and wavy hair often avoid brushing it regularly because the curls can wrap around each other easily and get knotted. Brushing curly hair often makes it more frizzy and curly hair is typically dry, which leads to further tangles and frizz.

Here’s our guide on how to effectively detangle your hair and the best Only Curls products to help you achieve smooth, tangle-free curls.

Curly and wavy hair textures are more prone to tangles due to their unique structure. The curls naturally interlock and wrap around each other, creating knots. This type of hair is also more susceptible to dryness, as the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down the spiral hair shaft. Dry hair tends to tangle more easily, leading to frustrating knots and frizz.

Start with a gentle shampoo like our All Curl Cleanser. This sulfate-free shampoo cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural oils, keeping it hydrated and reducing the risk of tangles.

How to use: Apply a generous amount to your scalp and work it through your hair with your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly to remove any build-up.

Follow up with the All Curl Conditioner to add much-needed moisture to your hair. Our Conditioner contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, which help to smooth the hair cuticle and make detangling easier.

How to use: Apply to wet hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair while the Conditioner is still in. Start from the bottom and work your way to the top, this helps to reduce knots and minimise breakage. After applying the Conditioner, use our Denman Brush to really smooth the hair and remove every knot.

For a more nourishing treatment, use the Deep Hydration Hair Mask, comb through, and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Your hair will be lusciously soft and perfectly detangled. Keep one of our gorgeous Shower Combs in the shower, ready for wash day!

How to use: Apply to cleansed, wet hair and comb through to detangle curls. Leave on for 20 minutes to help the product be fully absorbed into the hair.

Our Hydrating Curl Creme is perfect for providing extra moisture and slip, making it easier to detangle curly hair. It helps to smooth the hair cuticle and reduce frizz, making your curls more manageable.

How to use: Apply a small amount to damp hair, distributing evenly from root to tip. This Creme can be used as a leave-in conditioner to keep your curls hydrated and tangle-free throughout the day.

For added hold and frizz control, use the Enhancing Curl Gel. This gel helps to define your curls and keep them in place without causing them to stick together and form knots.

How to use: Apply to damp hair after using the Hydrating Curl Creme. Scrunch your hair to enhance the curl pattern and allow it to air dry or use a diffuser.

The Nourishing Hair Oil is a great finishing product to lock in moisture and add shine. It helps to smooth the hair cuticle, making it less prone to tangles and frizz.

How to use: Apply a few drops to the ends of your hair as needed. This oil can also be used before bed to keep your hair smooth and tangle-free overnight.

Protecting your hair while you sleep is crucial for preventing tangles. Using a silk or satin pillowcase, or popping your hair in a satin turban at night can reduce friction, which keeps your hair smooth and tangle-free. Swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin one, or try our Sleep Turban to protect your curls. This simple change can make a big difference in the morning. 

If you're not already using sleep protection, take a look at our lovely range here.

• Finger detangling: Finger detangling is a gentle method that reduces breakage. Use your fingers to carefully separate knots and tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
• Wide tooth comb: A wide-tooth comb is essential for detangling curly hair. Use it in the shower while your conditioner is still in your hair to gently work through tangles without causing breakage. Start from the bottom of the hair first and work your way up.
• Detangle in sections: Divide your hair into sections before detangling. This makes the process more manageable and ensures that you detangle every part of your hair thoroughly.
• Detangle on wet or damp hair: Always detangle your hair when it’s wet or damp. Dry detangling can lead to breakage and increased frizz. Using a conditioner or leave-in product provides the slip needed to detangle smoothly.

Curls that matt and tangle underneath, just at the nape of the neck, is a common problem for many of us! Try our easy tips to help manage this:

• Gently finger detangle underneath: Give those curls some extra love by gently finger detangling between wash days, and even a couple of times throughout the day if needed.
• Apply our Hydrating Creme generously: Those bottom sections tend to get dryer from rubbing against collars and scarves, leading to knotting. Apply the Hydrating Curl Creme more generously to these areas to keep them hydrated and happy.
• Hydration and protection with our Hair Oil: Our Nourishing Hair Oil is a lifesaver for adding hydration and protecting curls from drying out and matting. Apply it as a finishing product on freshly styled curls and between wash days for that extra moisture boost.
• Wear protective styles when sleeping: Try gently plaiting, twisting, or braiding those bottom areas before bed to keep them protected and minimise matting overnight.
• Regular trims: Keeping up with regular trims can also help minimise matting and keep your curls at their happiest.

Detangling curly and wavy hair doesn't have to be a battle. With the right Only Curls products and techniques, you can keep your hair tangle-free, hydrated, and frizz-free. Remember to be gentle with your curls to maintain hair health and avoid breakage.

Our Try Everything Curl Kit is perfect if you want to help improve your hair health, and minimise breakage and tangles. It has everything you need for beautifully defined and tangle-free curls!