Thursday, 3 July 2025

Detangling Your Natural Hair : The Right Way to do it


Detangling natural hair is one of those steps that can either make or break your hair routine...literally. Done the wrong way, it leads to unnecessary breakage, split ends, and even hair loss. But when done right, detangling keeps your strands healthy, helps with length retention, and makes styling easier.

For afro-textured hair, detangling is not just about running a comb through the hair. It requires patience, the right products, and gentle tools. Here’s how to make detangling easier and more effective without damaging your hair.

Natural hair tangles easily because of its coily structure. Tangles can form from: dryness, product buildup, protective styles left in too long, sleeping without a scarf or bonnet.
If left alone, tangles can become knots that break the hair or lead to painful combing sessions. Regular, gentle detangling helps prevent that.

When to Detangle
During wash day: After applying conditioner or while deep conditioning

Before styling: Especially if you’re switching from one style to another

Before bedtime: If your hair is loose or in an afro puff, light detangling can help.

It is best to detangle when the hair is slightly damp and has some product slip. Dry detangling should be done with extra care or avoided if possible.


Best Tools for Detangling Natural Hair

1. Your Fingers: Finger detangling is the gentlest method. It allows you to feel and carefully work through knots without forcing the strands apart.

2. Wide-Tooth Comb: A must-have for natural hair. Look for one with rounded tips and smooth edges.

3. Detangling Brush: There are several natural hair-friendly brushes now available in Nigerian markets. Flexible brushes with staggered bristles glide through the hair more easily.

4. Spray Bottle: Filled with water or a mix of water and leave-in conditioner to keep the hair damp.


Step-by-Step Detangling Routine

1. Section the Hair
Divide your hair into 4 to 8 sections depending on thickness and length. Secure each section with clips or bands. Work on one section at a time to avoid confusion and tangling.

2. Apply Slip
Use a conditioner, leave-in, or detangling product that gives your hair "slip" (a slippery feel). This helps the strands glide past each other and reduces breakage.

3. Detangle from Ends to Roots
Start at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the roots. This reduces pulling and helps you deal with knots more gently.

4. Be Patient
If you come across a knot, don’t yank or pull. Apply more product and use your fingers to gently separate the strands. For stubborn tangles, you can use a pin tail comb to loosen the knot carefully.

5. Twist or Braid Each Section
Once a section is fully detangled, twist or braid it to prevent it from tangling again while you work on the rest of the hair.


What to Avoid:
Detangling dry hair without product: This causes snapping and split ends. 

Small-tooth combs: They rip through coily hair and cause breakage

Rushing: Detangling in a hurry leads to more harm than good. It's also better not to detangle your hair when you're tired.

Detangling is not something to dread. When you take your time, use the right tools, and treat your hair with care, it becomes a smooth and satisfying part of your hair care routine. Less breakage means more growth retention, and your hair will thank you for it.


Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Trimming Without Fear: How Often to Trim Natural Hair and Why It Matters.


Trimming is one of the most misunderstood aspects of natural hair care. Many people avoid it out of fear of losing length, but regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy, thriving hair. For afro-textured hair, especially in the Nigerian environment where humidity, dryness, and manipulation are common, trimming should be a routine part of your regimen—not a punishment.

This post breaks down why trimming is necessary, how often you should do it, and how to tell when it’s time.


Why Trimming Is Important

Trimming does not make your hair grow faster. What it does is:

  • Prevent breakage by removing weak, frayed ends
  • Promote length retention by reducing split ends that travel up the strand
  • Make styling easier by reducing tangles and knots
  • Improve the appearance of your hair by making it look fuller and more defined
  • Encourage healthy growth by removing damaged or thin ends that cause your hair to look unhealthy

Signs It’s Time to Trim Your Hair

You don’t need to follow a strict calendar. Instead, pay attention to how your hair looks and feels. These signs suggest it’s time for a trim:

  • Rough, thin, or transparent ends
  • Split ends that look like the tips are fraying
  • Single-strand knots that make combing difficult
  • Hair that tangles more easily than usual
  • Styles don’t look as neat or defined as they used to
  • Your ends feel dry no matter how much you moisturize.                                                            
How Often Should You Trim? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are general guidelines: 
  • Every 8 to 12 weeks if you style your hair frequently or use heat
  • Every 3 to 4 months if you wear protective styles regularly and your ends are well cared for
  • Twice a year if your hair is very low-maintenance and you rarely experience damage

If you notice damage before the next scheduled trim, don’t wait. It’s better to remove a little now than lose more length later due to breakage.

How to Trim Natural Hair.

You can trim your hair at home if you are comfortable, or visit a salon that understands natural hair. If trimming at home:

  1. Use sharp hair shears only: Regular scissors will cause more damage
  2. Work in sections: Make sure your hair is stretched or blown out for accuracy
  3. Trim only what is needed: Start with a small amount, usually half an inch
  4. Use natural lighting: This helps you see split or thin ends clearly

You can trim after a wash, during styling, or as part of your detangling process. The most important thing is consistency and care.

Trimming Myths to Ignore.

  • “Trimming makes hair shorter.” Trimming removes unhealthy ends so you can retain more length over time.
  • “You should never trim natural hair.” Not trimming leads to damaged ends and eventually breakage.
  • “Hair will grow faster if you trim more often.” Trimming helps maintain healthy hair, but growth comes from the scalp.

Trimming is not the enemy of growth—it is a tool for healthy hair. Don’t be afraid to let go of damaged ends. When done correctly, trimming strengthens your hair care routine, makes your styles look better, and helps you achieve your long-term goals.

Detangling Your Natural Hair : The Right Way to do it

Detangling natural hair is one of those steps that can either make or break your hair routine...literally. Done the wrong way, i...

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