Q&A for How to Detangle African Hair

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  • Question
    When should you detangle natural hair?
    Ndeye Anta Niang
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Expert Answer
    When your hair is wet or after you've applied conditioner, you're likely going to have a much easier time detangling your hair. Outside of that, you can use a detangling product and just brush or comb your hair to remove knots. Just keep in mind, you should detangle your hair regularly to keep problems from getting out of hand.
  • Question
    What kind of shampoo is best for thick, wavy, coarse, and frizzy hair?
    Community Answer
    Products from Shea Moisture are good for this hair type.
  • Question
    What do I do if my hair is really dry, thick, and matted? I try to use my fingers but it still hurts a lot.
    Community Answer
    I would suggest moisturizing with water. Grab a spray bottle and wet your hair, then use a good conditioner to help smooth out the process of detangling.
  • Question
    What kind of detangler shampoo is good for black hair?
    Community Answer
    Try using an olive oil shampoo or Argo oil shampoo. It works for all hair types, and is a great moisturizer.
  • Question
    Is it a good idea to relax hair even if it is tangled?
    Community Answer
    You shouldn't relax your hair. Doing so damages your hair, makes it fall out and creates split ends.
  • Question
    What can I do to detangle my natural hair?
    Community Answer
    If your hair is natural, it's important to make sure that you leave your conditioner in for long enough. Instead of using a comb, use your fingers to detangle. Start from the scalp and work your way outwards.
  • Question
    Can I use normal shampoo and conditioner, or should I use some designed for African hair?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on your hair texture. My hair is thick, but it thins out when it's wet, so I use Clear. If your hair is thicker, you might use Crème of Nature.
  • Question
    It hurts when I brush my hair. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Use some detangler if it is really bad. Or get your hair thinned out the next time you get a haircut. Shorter hair is also easier to manage. You could also try a different style brush.
  • Question
    Is it safe to rinse your hair every other day, or every day?
    Community Answer
    If you moisturize your hair after you rinse, then every day is fine.
  • Question
    I have used Head & Shoulders shampoo for years. I wear my hair natural. I know that this shampoo has sulfa. Is it still okay for my hair?
    Community Answer
    If it works for your hair type and it doesn't strip your hair of oils that keep it healthy, it should be okay.
  • Question
    How can I keep the hair from tangling?
    Community Answer
    Moisturizer your hair daily so it can stay soft, curly, and silky. You can also use some detangler cream and brush your hair while it's in.
  • Question
    How do I know when it's time to get a haircut?
    Community Answer
    Once you notice a stunt in growth, or if your hair feels extraordinarily dry and broken, it may be time to trim the ends.
  • Question
    How do I detangle my hair if it is too tangled to do so with my fingers?
    Community Answer
    Apply argan oil first, as it will make your hair softer and more slippery so it's easier to brush. But make sure you do this just before you wash your hair, otherwise you will be walking around with greasy hair.
  • Question
    My hair is really dry and frizzy, what do I do to make it softer and healthier?
    Community Answer
    I recommend you change your shampoo and conditioner. You can also make a hair mask with 2-3 egg yolks and some olive oil and condition with that.
  • Question
    Picks damage my hair. What can I use instead?
    Community Answer
    I would personally recommend wide-toothed combs, as it makes it easier to detangle hair and doesn't require as much strength to get rid of knots.
  • Question
    How harmful is using a hair dye?
    Community Answer
    It is not that harmful as long as you use it properly.
  • Question
    Can I use dandruff shampoo for the first method mentioned?
    Community Answer
    Depending on your hair type and the hair category it pertains to, yes you can.
  • Question
    How do I detangle my hair when I have a sensitive scalp?
    Community Answer
    Hold the hair tight so that when you comb it, you won't pull your scalp.
  • Question
    Is it good to use brushes for detangling wet natural hair?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your hair type, if it is higher than 3C I advise you to finger tangle and not use brushes often. Finger tangling reduces breakage, plus when it's wet, your hair is at its weakest.
  • Question
    What if you washed your hair straight away without combing?
    Community Answer
    Nothing happens, you might have locks of hair still there after washing but will easier after shampooing and conditioning. If you have tangles then use a detangler spray afterwards.
  • Question
    What is the best edge control gel for African hair?
    Community Answer
    I use ECO Professional Styling Gel Argan Oil. My hair is pretty thick. This gel makes it easier to get the slick ponytails I like. It also works for my edges. I would recommend this for all hair types but it is great for African American hair.
  • Question
    How long should I keep protective styles in?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the hairstyle, but usually one to two weeks for something like box braids and crochet.
  • Question
    If I have naturally coiled hair when I'm black, what products should I use?
    Ayeyi M
    Community Answer
    It's a good idea to use protein conditioners. Try several out to see which works best for you.
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