Do you spend more than an hour to detangle your type 4 natural hair every wash day? Is breakage becoming a frustrating norm in your detangling routine? If this sounds familiar, it’s time to change that—because struggling through detangling isn’t normal, and it doesn’t have to be your reality.
Yes, type 4 hair is naturally prone to tangling and, in some cases, matting—especially if your hair is high porosity. But here’s the truth: detangling shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes, and excessive breakage should never be part of the process.
I spend exactly 10 minutes detangling my full, long, and notoriously tangle-prone 4C hair. Yes, you read that right—10 minutes! With an easy and effective process, detangling has become the smoothest part of my wash day, not the hardest.
Ready to transform your routine? Stick with me, and by the end of this blog post, you’ll know the secrets to detangling your type 4 natural hair quickly, effectively, and without the breakage. Let’s get started!
How To Tell The Difference Between Breakage And Shedding.
Before we get started, the tips on this article as well as making detangling your type 4 hair easier, will also help you to reduce breakage. But if you don’t already know, you first need to recognise the difference between breakage and shedding.
Shedding is the hair that falls out as part of the hair growth cycle. If you want to learn more about the hair growth cycle check out this post here but in short, hair grows in 3 stages. Our hair sheds in the final stage after actively growing for a couple of years. The shedding occurs from the hair follicle so on shed hair you will see a little white bulb of keratin at the root, which prior to shedding, attaches to the hair follicle. Our hair sheds around 50 – 100 strands everyday which adds up. So don’t be alarmed by this.
Breakage happens from the ends, so will be shorter in length than shed hair and will not have a white bulb. This is very common to happen during detangling as the hair is quite literally being torn through with a comb or brush, so it’s okay to see a little short pieces here and there. It’s inevitable. However, this becomes problematic when your floor looks like a hair massacre crime scene.
Excessive breakage could be due to several reasons, but for this post, we’re only focusing on bad detangling.
Here are ways to stop it….
Pre-poo: The Secret to Stress-Free Detangling
Ever jumped straight into shampooing your hair, only to find your strands hopelessly matted and tangled afterward? If this sounds familiar, you might be skipping an essential step in your wash day routine—pre-pooing.
So, what exactly is pre-poo?
A pre-poo treatment is a pre-shampoo hair care step designed to detangle and protect your strands before washing. This step is particularly beneficial for type 4 natural hair, as it helps minimize matting, knots, and breakage during the shampoo process. Pre-pooing not only makes detangling easier but also leaves your hair feeling softer and more manageable after the wash.
There are various pre-poo treatments you can try depending on your hair’s needs:
- Pre-poo hair oils: Coconut oil, olive oil, or a mix of nourishing oils to protect and nourish.
- Pre-poo hair masks: DIY treatments using aloe vera, honey, or a flaxseed gel mask to boost moisture and slip.
- Conditioner/detangler: A simple, effective option using your favourite rinse-out conditioner or detangling product.
Incorporating a pre-poo hair routine into your regimen ensures your hair is prepped for washing, helping you tackle even the toughest knots and tangles without breakage. Whether you choose a pre-poo hair oil like coconut oil, a DIY pre-poo mask, or a store-bought treatment, this step is essential for a stress-free wash day. Try it, and you’ll never skip this step again!
Wash Your Hair Weekly for Easier Detangling
Some of you might not like what I’m about to say next… but spacing out your wash days too much (*cough* by one month *cough* by two months) allows tangles and shed hair to build up, making detangling far more difficult. The longer you go without washing, the more your hair knots up, leading to extra time and frustration on wash day.
Washing your hair more frequently prevents excessive tangling, making detangling much smoother and faster. With fewer knots to work through, your detangling tools glide through effortlessly, cutting your detangling time in half and reducing breakage.
If you wash your hair monthly (or less) and struggle with detangling, moisture, and length retention, then check out this blog post here to find out how weekly washing will SAVE your hair.
Detangle in Sections: The Key to Knot-Free Hair
Trying to detangle your entire head of hair at once can feel overwhelming—and often leads to rushing, breakage, and missed tangles. The solution? Detangling in sections.
By dividing your hair into manageable sections, you reduce the risk of breakage, make the process more efficient, and ensure every knot is properly addressed. Skipping this step can leave behind hidden tangles that come back to haunt you later, even after you thought your detangling session was complete.
Sectioning helps your detangling tool, whether it’s a wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, or your fingers, glide through without being overwhelmed by a mass of knots. Tackling smaller sections makes the process quicker, more effective, and less frustrating.
How many sections should you create? It depends on your hair’s thickness and density. For finer hair, 2-4 sections may be enough, while thicker hair may require 6-8 sections. For example, split your hair into halves, then divide each half into smaller sections for easy handling.
Remember, when it comes to detangling type 4 hair, patience is key. Working in sections gives you control and ensures you’re treating your strands with the care they need. After all, fewer knots and less breakage mean healthier, happier hair!
Trim Your Ends: Say Goodbye to Stubborn Knots
Sometimes, the reason detangling feels impossible is simple—your ends need a trim. Over time, split ends and shed hair can tangle together, forming single-strand knots that are nearly impossible to undo without causing breakage.
The solution? A regular trim. By keeping your ends healthy and neat, you reduce the likelihood of stubborn knots forming in the first place.
Think of it this way: holding onto damaged ends only makes detangling harder and puts your healthy strands at risk. A quick trim not only improves the overall health of your hair but also makes your detangling sessions faster and more effective.
As Future would say: you just need to cut it. Healthy ends equal fewer tangles and a smoother journey to longer, stronger hair. Don’t be afraid to give your hair the fresh start it deserves!
What Not to Do During the Shampoo Process
Now that we’ve tackled the pre-wash steps, it’s time to talk about the shampoo process—a critical stage that can either set you up for detangling success or leave you battling knots for hours.
Here’s how to wash your 4C hair while minimising tangles:
- Work in Sections
Just like detangling, shampooing in sections is a game-changer. Divide your hair into 4–8 manageable sections before applying shampoo. Consider putting each section into loose twists or braids after pre-pooing to keep your strands organized and tangle-free while washing. - Avoid Scrunching or Smooshing Your Hair
DO NOT, (yes, I’m yelling), scrunch or smoosh your hair against your scalp while shampooing. This creates a tangled mess that will test your patience later. Instead, gently smooth and rake the shampoo down your strands in a downward motion to prevent unnecessary knots. - Anchor Your Ends While Scrubbing Your Scalp
When you’re scrubbing your scalp, hold your ends taut with one hand to keep them from tangling. Use your other hand to massage your scalp gently. This technique keeps the roots free of tangles while ensuring a thorough cleanse. - Choose a Detangling-Friendly Shampoo
Using a detangling shampoo or a moisturising shampoo with good slip can work wonders for reducing friction between your strands, making detangling post-shampoo so much easier.
Mastering these simple techniques during the shampoo process ensures your hair stays tangle-free and manageable, setting you up for a quick and painless detangling session afterward. Remember, a little care now saves you a lot of trouble later!
Foam Your Conditioner
Did you know your conditioner can foam? If not, it’s time to discover this game-changing technique that unlocks a whole new level of slip.
How does conditioner foam?
It’s simple: conditioner foams when mixed with water. Here’s how you can achieve this:
- Start with Soaking Wet Hair
After applying your conditioner to your hair, ensure it’s drenched or soaking wet. Water is the key to transforming the consistency. - Add Water and Work It In
Quickly dip your hair under the shower or pour water over it. Then, use smoothing and raking motions to work the conditioner and water together through your strands. - Watch the Foam Appear
As you mix the water with the conditioner, you’ll notice it starts to foam. At this stage, the conditioner’s slip is maximised, making it incredibly easy to glide your detangling tool through your hair.
This foamy consistency creates crazy slip, cutting down detangling time to seconds. It’s a simple yet powerful trick for anyone looking to detangle their type 4 hair with ease.
Upgrade Your Detangling Game With a Good Tool
The tools you use can make or break your detangling process. While a wide-tooth comb is a classic choice, upgrading to purpose-built detangling tools can take your routine to the next level.
- Tangle Teezer: Known for its flexible bristles, this brush gently detangles without causing unnecessary breakage.
- No Knot Co Brush: Designed specifically for textured hair, this tool easily works through tangles without snagging or pulling.
- Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush: A favourite among naturalistas, this brush features separated bristles that flex with your hair, minimizing pulling and breakage while maximizing comfort.
- EZ Detangler Brush: Designed for thick, coily hair, this tool’s split-bristle structure works through stubborn tangles with ease, making it perfect for type 4 hair, including 4C hair.
Why You Should Quit Solely Finger Detangling
While finger detangling is gentle, it can be time-consuming and ineffective at fully removing tangles. Tools like the Tangle Teezer or No Knot Co brush reach areas your fingers can miss, ensuring no knots are left behind.
For best results, combine finger detangling with a high-quality tool to detangle your type 4 hair, minimize breakage, save time, and leave your hair knot-free. This dual approach will leave your hair smoother and healthier after every wash.
Final words
Detangling type 4 natural hair does not have to be the long, dreaded process it’s often made out to be. With the right techniques, tools, and products, you can transform wash day into a smooth and manageable experience. From pre-pooing and working in sections to trimming your ends and choosing products with the right ingredients, every step matters in protecting your hair’s health and length.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to detangle your type 4 hair but to do so in a way that minimizes breakage, preserves your curls, and makes your hair care routine more efficient. So take your time, experiment with these tips, and enjoy the process of caring for your beautiful type 4 hair.
Here’s to healthier, happier, and tangle-free hair days! 💛
With love,
A type 4 natural ♥