Finger combing natural hair is a technique used to detangle and manipulate the hair without the utilization of a comb. Naturals are beginning to use finger detangling to prevent breakage.
The no comb method is simple with good products and a daily routine. Natural hair tangles and grows differently for each Queen.
Some people find that using a wide tooth comb or a rat tail comb cause knots and damage. Finger combing works best when coconut oil, shea butter, and leave in conditioner is applied to the hair.
Finger combing natural hair is a simple method for detangling, preventing hair loss, and encouraging hair growth.
Benefits of Finger Combing Natural Hair
There are benefits of finger combing natural hair with a few simple techniques. Wavy and curly hair textures get the most benefits from the no comb method.
- It is easier to slide fingers between strands for wavy and curly textured manes.
- Women with coarser or 4C hair texture have a harder time finger detangling.
- Finger detangling is used typically after the install of two strands, braids, or a twist out.
- Naturals prefer to use this method to prevent splits ends and knots.
- Women with natural hair find that twists outs stay fresh with the finger combing method.
- Naturals notice that hair styles last longer, and the hair does not break off as often.
- Combing excessively can weaken the hair.
- Natural hair should never be combed dry.
- Tightly coiled hair needs moisture from water or a leave-in conditioner.
- The benefit of finger combing natural hair is decreased breakage.
- Preventing shrinkage is a huge topic of discussion within the natural hair community.
- Finger combing elongates the hair with the use of coconut oil, curl defining cream, and water.
- Naturals love to see length and volume.
- The benefits of finger-combing hair include reducing shrinkage, hair growth, and easier hair maintenance.
How to Finger Comb Natural Hair
Women with natural hair want to know how to finger comb properly. Finger combing is a simple method of using four fingers excluding the thumb to comb through the hair.
- Before finger combing, it’s best to shampoo, condition, and deep condition your hair.
- Take small sections and begin to finger comb your hair slowly.
- Do not finger comb roughly or when you’re in a rush.
- Naturals with extremely damaged or tangled hair should avoid finger combing.
- Combing coarser hair (4C hair) using the no comb method is a harder technique to perform.
- Tightly coiled hair or 4C hair texture needs moisturizing products.
- A wide tooth comb works better on tighter tresses.
- Please avoid rat tail combs or small tooth combs for 4C hair texture.
- Spray water mixed with a bit of moisturizing conditioner or leave conditioner during the entire process to avoid matting tightly coiled natural hair.
- Do not touch hair after completing the finger detangling process to avoid frizz.
Finger Detangling vs. Combing
Finger detangling versus combing is often discussed among naturals. There are advantages for using the finger combing method over combing natural hair.
Natural hair tangles and can be hard to manage. Naturals are taught that a wide tooth comb is an answer to all natural hair issues.
Many women with natural hair find that the wide tooth comb can cause some breakage if used improperly. Finger detangling is an alternative for some naturals.
You must detangle with caution and ample time to get the best results. Finger detangling does not work if you are in a rush.
Thirty minutes is needed to properly finger detangle without breaking the hair depending on your hair length add more time if your hair is longer and decrease time if your hair is shorter. Some people have less pain and frustration from finger detangling versus combing.
Combing with a wide tooth comb will work better for straight and tightly coiled textures. Finger detangling and combing can create knots and tangles for straight and tightly coiled hair.
The key to detangling any texture is the application of product and water before combing. All textures need to have product applied before finger detangling and combing.
Finger detangling is gentler on hair with a looser curl pattern. Apply moisturizing products and sleep overnight with a protective style.
This practice will keep a natural mane tangle free. Finger detangling in comparison with combing is more beneficial for wavy and curly hair naturals.
Finger Detangling with Coconut Oil
Finger detangling with coconut oil is one of the best for natural hair. The advantage of using the finger detangling method with coconut oil is more manageability.
The practice works best with applying oil before finger detangling. Splits end, knots and hair breakage may occur when performing the finger detangle method on dry hair.
Natural hair needs penetrating oils such as coconut oil and shea butter depending upon hair type. A small amount of coconut oil should be applied to thin or fine hair.
Tightly coiled hair textures should use leave in conditioner and a generous amount of coconut oil before finger detangling. Rub with coconut oil and a water-based product for low porosity hair.
Finger detangling with coconut oil will prevent breakage and help with hair growth.
Finger Combing Wavy Hair or Curly Hair
Finger combing wavy hair is recommended. Wavy textures are easier to manipulate and manage for some naturals.
Wavy hair does not need the application of heavy products. Apply light products and oils that absorb into the hair quickly.
Coconut oil will penetrate and use small amounts of wavy textured hair. The no comb method will work on wavy hair without extensions.
Women with curly and wavy textures are finding that using a comb can cause more damage than positive results. Create a daily practice for maintaining hair with limited brushing and the use of finger combing products.
Finger Combing Straight Hair
Finger combing straight hair is not recommended in most cases. Some naturals have straighter textures due to blow drying and using hot irons.
Straight hair is prone to tangling when dry or wet. Naturally, straight hair tangles more than wavy and curly tresses.
Apply a mixture of moisturizing products before finger combing straight hair. It is recommended to use a wide tooth comb for straighter textures.
Fine or thin texture hair needs products that create volume. Finger comb straight hair extremely slow and monitor loss of hair.
Proceed with caution when using the finger combing method for straight hair.
Finger Combing Relaxed Hair
Finger combing relaxed hair is not recommended in most cases. Straight, relaxed, coarse, and thick hair are not ideal hair textures for finger combing.
There are some benefits to finger detangling, but it is important to know how to finger comb different hair textures. Relaxed hair is more prone to breakage due to chemicals.
Hair most is saturated with water and conditioner before manipulating the hair. Finger combing is most beneficial during the shampoo/condition process for relaxed hair.
Apply a generous amount of moisturizing conditioner to prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth. Women with relaxed hair are not ideal candidates for the no brushing or the no comb method.
Finger combing should be avoided with straight and relaxed hair.
Finger Combing Products
Finger combing products are essential for performing finger detangling. Naturals are managing their hair types with and without the use of combs.
The no comb method is popular in the natural hair world. Use moisturizing and penetrating products such as coconut oil and shea for tightly coiled tresses.
Finger combing products that naturals can use daily are water and penetrating oils. Avoid using an array of the products to perform finger combing.
Cream based products tend to work better for naturals with curly and wavy hair. Curl defining cream will reduce frizz and define the curl.
Finger combing products will help prevent breakage and help with hair growth.
Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair.
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