A Step-by-Step Guide to Detangling Curly Hair with Your Fingers

Detangling knotted or matted hair can be extremely difficult, but detangling curly or natural hair might as well be an Olympic sport. As someone who has put off many a wash day at the fear of having to deal with my hair, I understand how detangling can be a daunting feat. But it can, and should, be more stress-free than it is. Keep reading to see our easy method to detangling curly hair with just your fingers. 

How to Detangle Curly Hair

Getting ready to detangle curly hair can seem intimidating, but we’re making it simple for you. Follow these steps to make your next wash day a little easier. 

1. Start With Clean, Wet Hair

It’s easier to detangle curly hair when it's wet, so the best place to get started is in the shower. Cleanse hair thoroughly by washing with a shampoo that caters to curly hair — like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo. 

2. Add More Moisture with a Conditioner

Next step after shampooing —  adding conditioner. Choose one that can supplement your strands with added moisture, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner. Apply generously to hair, making sure that your curls are saturated with enough product —  well-conditioned hair makes detangling easier.  

3. Start the Detangling Process

After applying conditioner, you can let the product sit for 15 minutes for extra hydration and slip while you’re detangling —  but it’s not necessary. Take a wide-tooth comb and separate the hair into four even sections, creating two sections by parting down the middle of the head and then breaking those sections in half. 

One section at a time, use your fingers to gently rake through the hair in a downwards motion — starting from the bottom of the hair and making your way up to the roots. If there are any serious knots or matted pieces, do not pull on them. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently detangle those.

Once you’re done detangling a section, do a simple two-strand twist to avoid creating any more tangles while you work on the other portions of hair. Repeat for the rest of the sections and rinse hair once detangling is complete. 

4. Keep Hydrated While Styling

After your hair has been washed and detangled, it’s best to use a leave-in conditioner while styling to give it extra moisture. Keeping the hair hydrated is the best way to avoid tangling and knotting, so it’ll be much easier the next time you wash. Apply a leave-in, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Cream Leave-In or the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Cream Leave-In, throughout the hair, scrunching the hair to create shape. Follow up with your preferred styling routine. 

Next: 5 Products to Help You Refresh Your Curly Hair Care Routine This Spring

Written by: Shannon Stubbs, Photo Credit: Shalwah Evans