Curly hair and tangles seem to be the best of friends, much to our frustration. We’ve all felt that shared sigh of frustration when it’s detangling time. But, beyond the frustration let us understand the deeper, more fascinating story of our beautiful curls.
Beyond the Surface: The Significance of Hair:
Our hair is more than just aesthetics. It holds a deeper meaning:
- Brain Connection: Did you know the hair on your head grows in a similar shape to your brain? Curls act as a sort of receptor, transmitting energy and data from the environment to the brain. The brain then translates this data into information that you may understand. Think of your hair as a giant antenna!
- Protective Layer: The hair on your head provides a soft cushion, acting as an extra layer of protection against potential head injuries. Have you heard of the story of Rita Marley, Bob Marley’s wife, who was shot in the head, but the density of her locs slowed down the bullet and arguably saved her life? It’s a dark story, but we don’t even want to imagine the alternative. You can’t tell me having curly hair isn’t a super power!
The Tangled Tale of Curls:
- Dancing Disaster: When I think of curls and coils getting tangled, I imagine tiny strands of hair throwing wild parties, swirling and clumping together until exhausted, leaving tangled messes behind. This playful imagery captures the essence of how our curls get knotted: through movement, sleep, or even just existing! Curls don’t need a reason to tangle, they just do.
- The Intertwined Mystery: Curls have a talent for defying gravity and logic. They can seemingly stretch from one ear to hug a strand on the opposite side, leaving us wondering how on earth it got there. These are the tangled mysteries we could write entire novels about!
Whilst we may never untangle the truth behind the why, we can certainly help ourselves by understanding our hair and using techniques that work with it, not against it.
Tash Gardner
Understanding Tangles and Their Causes:
- Shedding: As hair sheds naturally, the loose strands can get caught in growing hairs, causing knots and tangles.
- Split Ends: Damaged ends can knot or latch onto other strands, creating tangles.
- Harsh Brushing: Using small-tooth combs or brushing dry hair can break the hair and drag loose hair down the strands, leading to tangles.
The Gentle Art of Detangling:
Patience is key! Here’s how to detangle your curls with minimal stress:
- Hydrate: Dampen hair with water to loosen the curl pattern and make detangling easier.
- Section by Section: Work in small sections, detangling each one thoroughly. Twisting each section as you go helps keep the hair separated and easier to style later.
- Fingertip Magic: Use your fingers to gently work through the tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up to the scalp.
- Comb Carefully: If needed, use a wide-tooth comb to carefully separate the strands. Hold the tangle firmly and gently pull loose hairs up and out of the knot, leaving only the knot – which is usually shed hair.
- Conditioner Boost: For extra detangling power, use a leave-in conditioner or de-tangler. This makes the hair extra slippery so they ease out of the knot easier.
- Bonus: Wear your hair in plaits or twists when lounging at home or when your hair isn’t in a particular style, this reduces the need for regular detangling. If there is a tangle, it’s usually isolated in a small section, making it easier to deal with.
Remember: Detangling doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right techniques and a little patience, you can keep your curls happy, healthy and tangle-free!
Until next time,
Be Great x