No combing/brushing/detangling when washing

[divachyk]

For those that do not use a comb/brush when pooing and cowashing -- what method do you use to detangle the hair? And, how do you style the hair without using a comb/brush? My strands do not lay flat that easily.

 

[LaFemmeNaturelle]

Mmmm....I comb before and finger comb after I wash, just not during. And I brush during styling. Is your question for those who just don't comb and brush at all?

 

[Nonie]

My hair is always braided or twisted and stays locked in that style before, during, and after washing, so there's really no need for combing, brushing or detangling. In other words, my hair stays locked in my daily style where it is fully detangled so it's never allowed to tangle at all. And then I just use my fingers to style my braids or twists.

If not wearing twists or braids as my daily style, I do use a comb, but again, because I never let my hair tangle, so all I do is just comb through during shampooing, during conditioning and during the rinse. In between the combing, I keep it braided in large plaits and only work on one plait at a time when combing and lock the hair back in its detangled state in a braid before working on the next one. As I said, tangling isn't given a chance to happen up 'ere in dis head of mine.

 

[divachyk]

Mmmm....I comb before and finger comb after I wash, just not during. And I brush during styling. Is your question for those who just don't comb and brush at all?

Initially it was, I was trying to understand how ppl were managing to get by without much combing. I tangle a lot so I finger comb dry hair to pre-detangle, detangle with a comb, braid, poo/condish, finger comb to wet hair, detangle with a comb. My hair tangles even when braided up, that's why I have to comb after pooing.

 

[AimWard]

I don't tangle much because I usually wear my hair in a twist-out that I retwist into 4 or 6 twists every night.

I wash my hair in 4 loose twists (so I can get to my scalp easily and avoid tangles and/or matting). When I detangle/deshed, I divide each of those 4 twists/sesctions into into another 4 (total of 16 sections). Going section by section I load up on a creamy, slippery conditioner and work it in until it foams. I then run my fingers down each and every curl clump from root to tip, and slip out any shed hairs (I sort of do what Teri LaFlesh of TightlyCurly does when she defines her curls, only I'm searching for shed hairs and tangles). The only time I ever use a comb is when I switch up my part or I want to prove to someone that I did indeed remove all sheds and tangles using my fingers alone.

I don't really style my hair (if I did I would have to use a comb or brush). After detangling, I usually 2 strand twist my hair (for setting purposes only). Once dry, I take them down and fluff. Some times I pull my hair into a loose pony puff, or I'll pin/clip it back, but other than that, I don't do anything that requires intensive combing/styling.

 

[kittikat24]

As I stand under the showerhead, I direct the water to my scalp and detangle using my fingers and force of the water (does that make sense?)
Then I'll co-wash, towel dry, and on damp hair I'll moisturise, seal & braid. During the day I *try* to keep my ends tucked in.
I don't use a comb, I just take my time and finger comb when needed.
To style, I put my damp hair in a ponytail, put on a scarf, then go to bed, in the morning its completely flat. Most of the time I do bantu knot outs (siggy pic).

 

[zamaih]

I rarely comb my hair and when I do its flat ironed straight with a wide tooth comb. On wash day i seperate my hair in four sections, and wash each section. Then deep condition under my steamer.

After my steaming my hair is pretty soft so I rinse the deep conditioner a little then apply another cheaper conditioner (usually pantene or organix) and leave one for a few minutes while I wash my body. Then I use my fingers to detangle my hair under running water. Takes a little longer than combing but so worth it since I loose less hair. HTH!

 

[curlyninjagirl]

How do you wash your hair? What styles do you wear?

Every step of my regimen is gear towards preventing tangles. I wear my hair in 16-20 twists for a week and when i take them out I finger comb each twist to release the sheds hairs. I find that those are what cause the tangles.

I wash and condition my hair in 6 sections, focusing on one section at a time. I apply the shampoo at the roots and scrub the scalp with my fingertips. Then I condition the same way.

I airdry in 6 twists with a scarf and then when it's 80% dry I put it in twists.

Lisa Akbari's (a trichologist) video really inspired me to give up the comb 3 months ago. It has some really great tips on fingercombing afro-hair. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVzPoeq3cYg&feature=related

 

[divachyk]

How do you wash your hair? What styles do you wear?

Wash in braids and use to roller set but it was taking too long to roll and drying took like a solid 2 hours to dry even when I only used water for setting. Now I'm wearing buns and have been air drying. I find my hair doesn't dry very quickly when in braids. Maybe my braids are too big. What's the secret to getting hair to dry quick when braided?

 

[temfash]

How do you wash your hair? What styles do you wear?

Every step of my regimen is gear towards preventing tangles. I wear my hair in 16-20 twists for a week and when i take them out I finger comb each twist to release the sheds hairs. I find that those are what cause the tangles.

I wash and condition my hair in 6 sections, focusing on one section at a time. I apply the shampoo at the roots and scrub the scalp with my fingertips. Then I condition the same way.

I airdry in 6 twists with a scarf and then when it's 80% dry I put it in twists.

This is my regimen to a tee......... I gave up the comb about 8 months ago I dont get any major tangles and my breakage has reduced.

 

[Minty]

(Relaxed hair)

I used to detangle on dry hair with coconut oil (after cornrow takedown) -
I used to detangle on dry hair using Mane n tail (after cornrow takedown)

-- Neither of these methods made me loose less hair than detangling in the shower using Sebastian Light as a cw/pre shampoo detangler. I do one side at a time and like a few others said I allow the water pressure and my fingers direct the hair.

I don't comb my hair until it is about 60-75% dry if I am concerned about tangles or I'm am past 7wks post

 

[e.lauren]

I just use my fingers. I don't even own a comb lol. My hair doesn't tangle often but when I does I just make sure to use plenty of conditioner to loosen it up.

 

[Myjourney2009]

I was combing wet hair in the beginning of my journey and that was a disaster especially on the front which is bone straight. The back that is more texlaxed can take more combing when wet but I want to do everything at one time, so I wait. Since I dont use -cones my hair is very tangled and clumped together after washing.

Now on wash day I wait until my hair is almost dry to comb it is highly moisturized so the comb just glides through even when I am over 8 weeks post. When my hair is air drying (using a fan to speed up the process), I ruffle my hair every couple of minutes. I noticed by doing this my hair gets untangled and I am able to comb my hair once it is 95% dry.

 

[divachyk]

I was combing wet hair in the beginning of my journey and that was a disaster especially on the front which is bone straight. The back that is more texlaxed can take more combing when wet but I want to do everything at one time, so I wait. Since I dont use -cones my hair is very tangled and clumped together after washing.

Now on wash day I wait until my hair is almost dry to comb it is highly moisturized so the comb just glides through even when I am over 8 weeks post. When my hair is air drying (using a fan to speed up the process), I ruffle my hair every couple of minutes. I noticed by doing this my hair gets untangled and I am able to comb my hair once it is 95% dry.

My hair clumps too. Today I will be using kimmmaytube's leave-in so I'll see if there is any magical difference. Using a fan to air dry is a remarkable idea! Geez, where have you been all my life.

Do you wash in braids?

 

[Myjourney2009]

My hair clumps too. Today I will be using kimmmaytube's leave-in so I'll see if there is any magical difference. Using a fan to air dry is a remarkable idea! Geez, where have you been all my life.

I am not that clever, I got the idea off of YouTube.

Do you wash in braids?

Nope tooooo much work, when I am 8 weeks post and beyond I try to really make sure my hair stays in one direction from start to finish.

When are you going to post a picture of your hair?

 

[Minty]

YES myjourney, I forgot to add that - fluffing while it air dries is key! Every 15 minutes or so - it really makes a great big difference.

 

[knt1229]

Before washing, I use my fingers to section my hair into 3 sections and pin each section up with butterfly or duckbill clips. When I get in the shower I let the water run thru my hair while it's still pinned up. Then I take the first section down let more water run thru it, then wash and rinse it, then I pin it back up. I do this to each section of hair. Then section by section I unpin the hair, add plenty of conditioner to each section and pin it back up. Let it sit while I wash up and use a pumice stone on my feet

Then I rinse the condtioner section by section. As I rinse I run my fingers thru my hair removing the tangles. Once all the condtioner is out and my hair is pinned up I stick my head under the water for one final rinse. Then I get out the shower and add moisturizer/leave-in or curl activator. Then finger style. I usually wear my hair in a puff.

My hair is very moveable when wet. So this works best for me if I choose not to use a comb or brush.

 

[knt1229]

Also, I wanted to add if your strands don't lay flat use gel and a scarf. Style your hair using your fingers then apply gel to the parts you want flat. Put on a scarf covering the parts you want to lay flat. Leave the scarf on for 15-30 minutes depending on your hair. It should lay flat.

Another thing you can do to get your hair to lay flat is to wet it/wash it (don't forget to moisturize after wetting) and lay it as flat as you can get it. Then put a scarf on your whole head and go to bed. The next morning your hair will have dried in a stretched state and will lay flat easier. You still may need a little gel, though depending on how thick your hair is.

 

[divachyk]

When are you going to post a picture of your hair?

All of my photos look like garbage because I haven't mastered the photo taking of self ability just yet. I will have my hubs take a few and post later in the week. Here's a thread of my 1st attempt at a bantu knot out on dirty, in need of pooing hair. I was just experimenting since I was about to poo later that day. http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=477462&highlight=
I've attempted braid outs and they end up too frizzy. I like the bantu knot look better but my ends seem stringy (as shown in the thread above). I want a little more bend to the ends.

Another thing you can do to get your hair to lay flat is to wet it/wash it (don't forget to moisturize after wetting) and lay it as flat as you can get it. Then put a scarf on your whole head and go to bed. The next morning your hair will have dried in a stretched state and will lay flat easier. You still may need a little gel, though depending on how thick your hair is.

I scarf dry but haven't used any gel. Perhaps this is the missing link. I want a gel that will lay the strands flat but not make the hair hard. I've had some bad experiences with gel which is why I've stayed away from them.

 

[knt1229]

All of my photos look like garbage because I haven't mastered the photo taking of self ability just yet. I will have my hubs take a few and post later in the week. Here's a thread of my 1st attempt at a bantu knot out on dirty, in need of pooing hair. I was just experimenting since I was about to poo later that day. http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=477462&highlight=
I've attempted braid outs and they end up too frizzy. I like the bantu knot look better but my ends seem stringy (as shown in the thread above). I want a little more bend to the ends.

I scarf dry but haven't used any gel. Perhaps this is the missing link. I want a gel that will lay the strands flat but not make the hair hard. I've had some bad experiences with gel which is why I've stayed away from them.

Try applying the gel then put oil over it. That helps to soften the hold. Also, Eco Styler Gel w/Olive Oil dries soft for some but not for me. So it might work for you.

 

[suburbanbushbabe]

I use my fingers and a really moisturizing slippery conditioner. I don't even travel with a comb anymore and it's been since April that I used one (or a brush). I smooth conditioner in clean hair in sections, smoothing and resmoothing down the hair. Then when it feels right I smooth with one hand and rake with the other. I never rake until I know there will be no resistance. Finish one section and grab another.

 

[omachine]

bumping........

 

[drkc01]

I was combing wet hair in the beginning of my journey and that was a disaster especially on the front which is bone straight. The back that is more texlaxed can take more combing when wet but I want to do everything at one time, so I wait. Since I dont use -cones my hair is very tangled and clumped together after washing.

Now on wash day I wait until my hair is almost dry to comb it is highly moisturized so the comb just glides through even when I am over 8 weeks post. When my hair is air drying (using a fan to speed up the process), I ruffle my hair every couple of minutes. I noticed by doing this my hair gets untangled and I am able to comb my hair once it is 95% dry.

I pretty much do the same thing. I put my hair into a low loose bun and tie a scarf onto my front so that it is smooth. Then after it is about 90% I comb it by spritzing my comb(very wide tooth shower comb) with my leave in very gently from tip to root. After I comb I moisturize and seal the ends and put it back in a bun

 

[divachyk]

My hair is always braided or twisted and stays locked in that style before, during, and after washing, so there's really no need for combing, brushing or detangling.

I tried washing with braids but the force of the water always loosened my braids to the point where it retangled my hair. My braids are usually hanging down and secured with a barrette. Yesterday I tried 2 strand twisting the hair and clipping it up with a duck bill clip and that worked better. Guess my shower head is just too dern forceful.

As I stand under the showerhead, I direct the water to my scalp and detangle using my fingers and force of the water (does that make sense?)

Your bantu knots are gorgeous. How many knots do you put in your head? I've tried bantu's before but it did not come out like I wanted. I want mine to look like yours, with more body but mine came out tighter looking.

Lisa Akbari's (a trichologist) video really inspired me to give up the comb 3 months ago. It has some really great tips on fingercombing afro-hair. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVzPoeq3cYg&feature=related

Thank you for sharing that link. You'll be impressed to know that I didn't use a comb at all yesterday when going through my reggie!!! I think my reggie is coming together all of a sudden! Does this process of fingercombing work even when you're stretching your relaxer?

 

[Barbara]

When I do my hair myself, I braid my hair in seven to ten sections, then I wash, deep condition, and detangle by spraying Infusium 23 (Repairology formula); then I comb each section with my Jibere shower comb.

 

[SherylsTresses]

I detangel with wide-tooth comb on dry hair using conditioner mixed lots of EVOO, braid into 6-10 sections add barrettes to ends, shampoo in shower and scrub scalp with shower comb. I then DC and protein treatment as needed in those braids.

Afterwardsm I remove one braid at a time and finger detangle. I apply my leave-ins and scarf method. Voila!

 

[omachine]

i gave up my comb after reading this thread....this feels like the missing piece to my regimen...i finger comb from root down with plenty of conditioner and water...i do small sections like some of the other ladies mentioned...it takes a lot of patience and a is bit time consuming but the amount of shed hair and tangles have been greatly reduced using this process ...i'm feeling slightly more confident that i will make it to waist length by 2011...thanks everyone for sharing your experience and insight!


thanks nonie!!! hahah

 

[iri9109]

i load up on condish and use my fingers to detangle in the shower...when i was dentangling with my denman all the time, it was too much manipulation and i think i had some breakage...as far as styling, when its a WnG i dont use anything, i put my products (condish/sealant) on in the shower and do a quick cool rinse and shake the excess water out (spirals/coils/curls automagically form when i do that) and dont touch it after that...if i wear a puff, then i follow the same as a WnG but i put shea butter or sometimes a dab of ecostlyer on my edges and brush the front back with a denman or soft boar bristle brush and then put on my goody ouchless band and keep it moving...one time i did finger curls and i literally just used my fingers...i only detangle once a week...when my hair gets longer and i start doing more styles (twists/twistouts/bantu knots/braids etc) i'll probably need to use a wide tooth comb or denman more often

 

[Nix08]

I confess, I thought you non-regular detanglers were crazy! Then last week I tried it...I detangled on wash day (it was a mess) then went the entire week without putting a comb to my hair and it was very easy! Then on wash day I detangled, put my hair in 4 braids (I wash in the sink, so I incur a lot more tangles) washed and the whole shabang. Like suggested on this forum I tied my hair up in a t-shirt for a couple hours then did my blow dry and flat ironed and voila - in my 50+ day Hair Journey this outcome was the BEST!!

 

[divachyk]

It's official -- I'm going combless too -- I think I've found my new reggie - technique and prods. I'm so hype I might make a thread about it when I have more time. Thx for the suggestions!