Growing up I was that kid who did her homework first, took weekly dance classes, read teen magazines cover to cover, then changed hair styles and nail polish almost everyday or every other day. I was so into fashion and beauty that I was given three teen magazine subscriptions for one of my birthdays. I read every beauty tip and tried many of them.
I was obsessed with those glossy pages to the point that my brother was annoyed that there weren’t any magazines for guys his age. Because of his consistent comments, my mother and I created a magazine just for him with articles about health and dating which my mother wrote, and with fashion and style tips which was my department. His makeshift glossy pages had cut outs of photos from various magazines with especially written articles just for him. I doubt the magazine was really any good, yet it’s the thought that counts. Right?
Now I have no idea why I’ve included this little story other than how easy it is to be influenced and sometimes confused by the glossy “pages” of information on curls and coils out there. There is information in magazines, on blogs, from vloggers, in books, and from product lines and hair stylists. Some say the same thing, while others consistently contradict themselves and each other. I guess the only way to really know what works for you is to try it.
One Month Comb Free
My latest curl experiment has incorporated only finger detangling my hair. I haven’t used a comb or brush since mid January. The last time I had decided not to use a comb or brush was when I was locing my hair five years ago. I’m still not sure exactly how I feel since I’m not trying to loc my hair now, but I’m going with it.
Why would anyone not want to comb or brush their hair? My decision to try this again stemmed from the 2nd edition of Curly Girl: The Handbook
Grooming Taboo
There are certain standards of grooming that are hard to let go of, and not combing or brushing your hair is one of them. I’ve honestly had a fear that if I only finger detangle my hair, then I will have knots upon knots that will turn into a crazy hair disaster. Slowly but surely I’m figuring it out.
A few month ago I tried finger detangling my hair dry using oil before washing it. It was a tedious three hours. I have no idea what I was thinking. I was adding another ritual to my hair care while giving myself an excuse to watch a movie. But I usually try something a few times before I decide it’s not for me. Dry finger detangling my hair didn’t work out and took way too long. There were better things I could do with my time.
My Method
Once my hair is cleansed and saturated with conditioner, I let the conditioner soak in my curls for at least ten minutes. I then add a bit more conditioner and finger detangle my hair in 4-6 sections. It is true that when you use your hands to gently pull and comb through your hair. you can feel where the knots are and slowly release them. Once and awhile I simply cut a knot out with tiny sharp cuticle scissors that I use only on my hair.
After each section is complete, I smooth each curl as I learned in the Tightly Curly Method from Teri LaFlesh. This does add extra styling time to my hair, but it also helps my curls to create smooth clumps that move freely and individually once my hair dries. This method prevents extra tangles and unnecessary knots that I’ve experienced with traditional wash-n-go hair styles. The extra curl smoothing also helps me find previous knots or tangles that I may have missed earlier.
Benefits of Going Comb Free
Going comb free has greatly improved my curl definition, and my hair is no longer frizzed out by combs or brushes. I noticed that my curls weren’t defining themselves easily, especially with my two years of weekly or monthly henna treatments and braid-out hair styles. My curls hadn’t gone any where at all, they just weren’t as defined when I was combing my hair.
If you are curious if your frizzy hair will wave, curl, or coil, why not try a week of using a botanical conditioner only and finger combing your locks from the ends up. Do this just as you would with a comb or brush when your hair is wet and saturated with conditioner. Leave most or all of the conditioner in your hair depending on your hair texture.
I will say that finger detangling your hair is a completely different hair care experience and takes some time to get used to. I’m honestly not sure if I’m going to stick to this for life or invest in an extremely wide tooth bone comb, but so far so good. It is certainly a bit more minimalist. Have you tried finger detangling?
For more updated beauty routine including hair care go here.
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Margaret says
ITA…finger detangling provides unbelievable curl definition for me as well. I finger detangle or inspect with fingers for tangles (in oiled hair) prior to washing with the mudwash or Rhassoul clay. I also finger detangling when styling. I experimented in using a comb to style on one section and I just didn’t like the frizz. lol
One thing…I had been using a denman brush and noticed some of my ends were frayed. They felt not as smooth nevertheless no roughness. I decided to dust my ends to alleviate this. I will see how it does at the next wash. Any suggestions? Thanks for all your information. 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Margaret,
I was using a Denman brush last spring when I first attempted doing the Tightly Curly Method. That brush shredded my ends and I also ended up cutting off the split ends. I am only finger detangling right now, and will monitor my progress as my hair grows. You may want to see how your hair handles not using a brush at all. Every curl and coil is so uniquely different. See how you hair handles not using any hair tools for a week or two and go from there. If you think your hair needs more moisture both aloe vera juice and catnip tea are wonderful for providing that as well as softness. Catnip is pretty amazing! You can use it as a herbal rinse or leave-in conditioner spray. I wrote about catnip here. Hope this helps.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
Katie says
That story about your brother is so cute! That’s very thoughtful; I bet he appreciated it a lot.
Dawn Michelle says
He did. I hope he doesn’t mind me sharing that story. I was in middle school and he was in high school.
Ruth says
I recently found your blog and have been really enjoying it. I’d like to get my wavy hair looking good naturally. I tried no-poo with baking soda “shampoo” and vinegar “conditioner” but eventually decided my hair looked too dry. I switched to an organic shampoo and conditioner but that’s not perfect either, so I’m looking around.
My question is, what is the conditioner you leave in your hair, and how much do you use?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Ruth,
I’m in the process of formulating a conditioner to sell in my Etsy store Azuha. It is currently the only main product that I’m using for my hair. I’ve recently tried a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse mainly to refresh my scalp and that worked really well. I put the diluted ACV in a spray bottle, sprayed my scalp, then massaged well before rinsing. Other than that I use my own conditioner for co-washes and as a leave-in. (I plan to try out a few more scalp refreshers in a week or two.)
I use a generous amount of conditioner as a leave-in. After I co-wash my hair, I coat my hair with conditioner. My hair soaks up conditioner so well that my hair never drips after conditioner has been applied. Because my hair doesn’t drip I never use a towel (which isn’t good for waves/curls), t-shirt, or microfiber cloth to soak up the extra water. I apply more conditioner on top of that to finger detangle and smooth my curls. I will probably put a detailed description of my regimen later once I get it down to a science and try a few more things.
You may want to try using the conditioner that you already have without shampoo. When you start only using conditioner you will notice a wonderful improvement with your wave/curl pattern, moisture, shine, etc. Shampoo has a reputation for dehydrating curly hair, and also not allowing waves and curls to clump to their fullest extent. If you haven’t read Curly Girl The Method, you may want to get your hands on the 2nd edition. That book helped me confidently make the much needed changes to my hair care regimen. Although I am extremely specific with the ingredients in my beauty products, I have a much better understanding of my hair and what it needs after reading that book. Let me know what works out for you. There is always someone who may have the same question and it will also help them.
Peace,
Dawn Michelle
Margaret says
Thanks Dawn. I wanted to clarify, I used a Denman brush for the last time for curl combing (Tightly Curly method) fall of last year. When I begun finger detangling and styling, I used the Denman to smooth the areas closer to roots only. This was unneccesary and have since stopped this practice since 2012. I only used a wide tooth comb last week as an experiment to see if I was getting all of the shed hairs out and to make sure the ends were smooth. I think the trim will assist in this effort, as well as not using tools. I know it takes more time, however using these digits are well worth it!!! Again I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Margaret, This is good to know. I’ve found that finger detangling gets easier the more moisture that your hair is retaining. Using a product that provides a lot of slip also makes a big difference. Keep us posted on how things work out for you. I know that every comment and experience shared is always helpful to someone. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sylvia says
Hi,
I am mixed, and I was adopted by a while family who had no idea how to manage my hair, so they kept it in french braids, or single braids that would lock up into dreads after a couple weeks, and they would cut it all off.
I attended Cosmotology School, and learned about my hair in terms of how to make it straight, how to make weave caps, and how to avoid as much damage as possible with heat styles. I hated it. I love my curly hair, and am so sick of fighting it. I am so thankful to find your blog.
I don’t comb my hair, either, and haven’t for some months, but I still struggle with definition in my curls, it still ends up a frizzy mess. I’ve taken from your blog that I over-wash. So, that’s good to know.
I do have a few questions for you:
How do I regain definition in my curls?
How do I cut down on frizz?
Thank you for your time!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sylvia,
I completely relate with you since I processed and straightened my hair for more than half of my life. To keep it as brief as possible for hair care I suggest giving up shampoo and cowashing (washing with a natural conditioner) and finger combing your hair when wet and saturated with conditioner. Leaving conditioner in your hair will help your hair build moisture.
Use a simple curl styler like flaxseed gel. One reader said she loved the DIY Curl Conditioning Serum as a leave-in for definition. I’m also a big advocate for henna treatments. It has strengthened my hair like nothing else, helped reduce frizz, as well as helped to define my curls. Cassia is another option if you don’t want the color that henna gives. Herbal hair rinses or using herbal teas as a hair spritz or curl refresher is also a nice option.
My latest hair articles are my most updated hair care yet the older articles also have a ton of info. Let me know if you have any other questions after looking over all the article links. Also I will be writing an article about conditioner recommendations either Friday or next week. My beauty regimen also has my most updated hair routine.
Best Wishes,
Dawn Michelle