Finger Comb Natural Hair to Prevent Breakage

When I first returned to my natural hair I was treating it like it was still relaxed hair. But I quickly found out that most of my products and styling methods did not work. I did some research and learned some tips helpful tips. But what I wish I had learned sooner is that finger combing is much gentler on natural hair than combing or brushing.

What Finger Combing Is
The name of the technique describes it perfectly. Finger combing means that you use your fingers instead of a comb to pass through the strands of your hair. You use your fingers to groom your tresses. This technique is gentle and friendly to natural hair.

A few years ago I wrote the article Hair Tips for Black tresses. Tip number 4 of that piece explains how your hair becomes damaged when you comb it. I recommended detangling with your fingers and then combing with care. Since that time, I have learned that it is better for my natural hair if I comb and brush as little as possible. So, I now also use my fingers to comb and style my hair as well. The Curlisto Styling Method works well with this approach.

How and When to Use a Hair Comb
Occasionally, it is necessary to comb natural hair to detangle it. But it really isn't necessary everyday. Depending on the length and texture of your hair, you may be able to go from a week to a month between traditional combing. And when you do comb, make sure that your hair is wet and that you are using a product that will help the comb to slip easily through the hair, such as conditioner or an aloe vera gel. Also, use a wide toothed comb. Find a comb where the teeth are spaced as wide apart as possible. That space will allow your coils to pass through the comb with minimal tugging or breaking.

A Brush Recommendation
If you need to brush your hair then use a Denman brush or one similar to it. The bristles in this brush are a lot less likely to get snagged in the curls or coils of your hair.

Since I started finger combing I have loss a lot less hair. Try using this technique to achieve less breakage which should result in healthier hair and more length.

Related Articles:
My Journey to Natural Hair
Black Women Return to Their Natural Hair
5 Reasons to Use Videos to Learn About Natural Hair