HOW TO BRUSH CURLY HAIR?

Common brushing mistakes:

• Brushing dry curls (a big no no!)
• Using the wrong tools
• Brushing too aggressively
• Ignoring curl patterns

Up to October 2023, you have been trained on data.

A head of frizz, breakage as well as limp curly hair are some of the consequences of these missteps. Rest assured though! If done right, your curls will remain healthy, well defined and fabulous.

Understanding Your Curls

But first things first; to brush correctly we need to understand our curly hair. Curly hair are not universal; there is a wide range when it comes to curl type each requiring different treatments.

Curl Types Chart

Curl Type	Description	Characteristics
2A	Loose waves	S shaped, fine
2B	Defined waves	More pronounced S shape
2C	Coarse waves	Very defined S shape
3A	Loose curls	Loopy, springy
3B	Tight curls	Ringlets
3C	Corkscrews	Tight, dense
4A	Coily	S shaped coils
4B	Zigzag coils	Sharp angles
4C	Tight coils	Very tight, less defined

Wet brushes

• Sculpted deliberately for wet curly hair, these brushes have pliable bristles that detangle without breaking.

  Using the fingers

  The fingers can be an effective tool depending on the situation. They are so delicate that they help to detect tangles and sorting them out slowly.

  Tip: For extremely tight curls or coils, Hair picks are useful for increasing volumes while maintaining curl formations.

  However, it is essential to note that the best brush should depend on your curl type and what style you’re looking for.

  Don’t shy away from trying out different tools until you find one that works perfect for your own unique curls.

  Preparing Your curly Hair: Setting The Stage For Good Results

  Before even attempting brushing those curls, it is crucial to prepare adequately in order to increase chances of success.

  Proper prepping might be the difference between a smooth detangling session or one filled with frustrations because of knots.

  Hydration matters

  When it comes to rightly moisturing there is no hair like curly hair ones. Well hydrated curls have more elasticity as well as less likelihood of breaking any easier than their frizzy counterparts making this process a bit easier.

  The best way would be starting brushing from damp curly hair freshly washed or sprayed with some water.

  Pre brush treatments and leave in conditioners

  It is important to apply a leave in conditioner or detangling spray before brushing. This will add slip into your curly hair enabling the brush or comb glide easily.

  DIY Detangling Spray Recipe:

  1 cup distilled water

• 2 tablespoons leave in conditioner
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
• 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for scent)

• All ingredients should be combined in a spray bottle and shaken before use.

  The top commercial detangling products are as follows:
  Kinky Curly hair Knot Today
  As I Am Leave In Conditioner
  SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Detangler

  Doing this will help you have less trouble with a brush as your curls would appreciate.

  The Golden Rule: Never brush dry curls!

  The last thing you want to hear from this guide is that don’t ever brush dry curly hair. Here’s why:

  Higher breakage rates: If it is dry, it means they are two times more brittle and likely to snap when brushed.
  Frizz city: The brush disrupts their original curl pattern leading to massive frizz around your head.
  Loss of definition: Brushing them while still in its natural state will make the beautiful spirals leave forever.

  However, there are a few unique exceptions to this rule: Before shampooing If your curly hair is extremely matted, you could use your fingers gently on the surface of your dry tresses before stepping into the shower.

  Certain styling techniques: Some curlies brush their hair dry for specific styles, like brush out vintage looks.

But for everyday care and maintenance, keep those brushes away from dry curls!

Wet Brushing Techniques

1. Having tackled the preparation and the golden mandate, let us go ahead to what is of prime importance: how to properly scrape those lovey curls.

   Step by step guide to shower brushing
   Saturate your curly hair: Make sure your curly hair is thoroughly wet.
   Apply conditioner: Use a generous amount of conditioner to add slip.
   Section your hair: Divide your hair into 4-6 sections, securing with clips.
   Start at the bottom: Begin brushing at the ends of your hair, working your way up to the roots.
   Use gentle strokes: Don’t force the brush through tangles. Be patient while untangling.
   Rinse and repeat: Once you have brushed only one section, rinse it off and advance to another one.

   If you are not fan of shower brushing, these are what you should do:

   Gently squeeze out excess water: Towel rubbing just leads to frizzes.
   Apply leave in conditioner: This will add moisture and slipperiness.

   Section your hair: Just like in the shower, work in sections.

2. Brush with care: Use your chosen tool (wide tooth comb, Denman brush, etc.) to detangle each section.
3. Style as desired: Once detangled, you can style your curly hair as usual.

Preserving curl clumps

Curl clumps are those beautiful groups of curls that form naturally. To preserve them:

• Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to gently separate large clumps.
• Avoid over brushing, which can break up natural curl patterns.
• Try the “praying hands” method: smooth product over your curly hair with flat hands, encouraging clumps to form.

Remember, the key to successful wet brushing is patience and gentleness. Your curls are delicate, so treat them with care!

Working with knots and tangles

Even in the best hands, knots and tangles may occur. Here is how to move forward with care when solving this matter:

Gentle methods to get rid of stubborn knots
Isolate the knot: Separate the tangled section only from other parts.
Apply conditioner: Use more on the knotted area for more slip.
Use your fingers: Rightly separate the knot using just fingers.
Try a detangling tool: In places where fingers may not suffice, consider adopting a detangling brush or wide tooth comb.
Work in small sections: Do not attempt to work on the whole knot all at once.
When to give up

There are some knots which cannot be saved irrespective of how hard one tries. If you have spent several minutes trying to do something about it without success, you should think about cutting it off. But before reaching out for scissors:

Ensure that curly hair is completely dry so that you do not mistake it with another one;
Use very small and sharp scissors then cut as close as possible to the knot;
Consider seeking professional help for extremely matted hair.
Stopping tangling from happening in the beginning. By addressing tangles promptly and gently, you can keep your curls looking their best and minimize damage.

Brushing for Different Styles

Your brushing technique can vary depending on the style you’re going for. Let’s explore how to brush for some popular curly hairstyles:

Enhancing definition for wash and go looks

1. Start with soaking wet hair: This helps clumps form naturally.
2. Apply styling product: Use a curl enhancing cream or gel.
3. Brush in small sections: Use a Denman brush or wide tooth comb to define curls.
4. Scrunch: Gently scrunch each section to encourage curl formation.
5. Don’t touch: Let your curly hair air dry or use a diffuser without touching it.

Prepping for twist outs and braid outs

1. Dampen hair: Lightly mist if not already wet.
2. Section hair: Divide into manageable sections.
3. Detangle: Use a wide tooth comb or detangling brush.
4. Apply product: Use a leave in conditioner and styling cream.
5. Smooth hair: Use a Denman brush to smooth each section before twisting or braiding.

Pineappling and other protective styles

The Pineapple Method:

1. Flip your head upside down.
2. Gather your curls at the top of your head.
3. Secure loosely with a soft scrunchie or curly hair tie.
4. Adjust the pineapple so it’s comfortable to sleep in.

Other protective styles:

Loose braid: For longer hairs it can help to prevent tangles.
Bantu knots: Separate the curly hair into segments and twist them into tiny buns.
Silk wrap: Cover your curly hair in a silk scarf like turban.

Satin pillowcases and bonnets: Helping with brushing

Getting accessories for sleeping which are made from satin or silk can really reduce frizz and tangles:

Satin pillowcase: It reduces friction when moving during sleep.
Satin bonnet: This holds all of one’s hair at once enabling its protection from damaging external factors.
Silk scarf: This could also act like a wrapping piece used on the head or as alternative cap for curly hair

At night time, with such curl protection style waking up would mean finding more defined rings with fewer knots hence morning brush session should be less than before.

Proper washing techniques

DIY Deep Conditioner Recipe:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Blend ingredients until smooth, apply to hair, and rinse after 20 minutes.

Trimming schedule for minimal tangles

Regular trims prevent split ends that can lead to tangles and knots:

• Every 6-8 weeks: For heavily styled or heat treated hair.
• Every 8-12 weeks: For natural styles with minimal heat use.
• Every 12-16 weeks: For very low manipulation styles.

Here’s how to address common curly hair brushing issues:

Dealing with excessive shedding

• Every day we naturally lose around 50-100 hairs but if the number seems to be exceeding:

  Evaluate your nutrition: Confirm that there’s enough protein and vitamins.
  Meliorate your anxiety: Having too much stress may also lead to loss of curly hair.
  Gentle handling: For instance, don’t brush roughly or wear tight hairstyles.
  Seek expert help: If it continues, please see a dermatologist.

  Lessening the chance of breaking

  Breakage is separate from shedding when hair simplifies in middle strand.

  Keep moisture: Nourish hair with leave in conditioners and oils.
  Protein treatments: Apply protein treatment once a month for overall strength improvement.

  Avoid heat: Limit use of heat styling tools.

• Use protective styles: Keep ends tucked away to prevent damage.

Addressing scalp irritation from brushing

If your scalp feels irritated after brushing:

• Check your tools: Ensure brushes are clean and not too harsh.

Making brushing fun and painless

1. Use distraction: Play a favorite video or audiobook during brushing time.
2. Make it a game: See who can find the most knots or who can be the gentlest.
3. Reward good behavior: Offer small rewards for sitting still during brushing.
4. Lead by example: Let them see you brushing your own curly hair with patience.

Age appropriate tools and products

• For toddlers: Wide tooth combs and finger detangling

For school age kids: Detangling brushes and leave in sprays