How to brush curly hair is a highly debated topic within the curly hair community. There is so much conflicting information online that it's no surprise that there is still a grey area surrounding whether you should even brush curly hair at all. The concern is certainly warranted. Curly hair can be fragile, as we know, and due to its textured structure, it is prone to snapping, breaking, or becoming frizzy even when a slight amount of tension is applied during brushing.
In truth, without the correct methods and styling tools, your curls may be vulnerable to frizz, undue tension, and stress when the wrong techniques and tools are applied. Stuck on how to care for your curls correctly? You’re in the right place. This curly hair guide will offer tips and tricks on how to brush curly hair properly without losing your curl definition, whilst simultaneously achieving the ultimate healthy, bouncy, radiant curls.
Table of Contents:
- Should I Brush my Hair Wet or Dry?
- Best Brush Types for Curly Hair
- How Often Should Curly Hair Be Brushed?
- How to Brush Curly Hair
Should I Brush my Hair Wet or Dry?
The first question that often gets asked is whether curly hair should be brushed when wet or dry. The short answer? Brush curls when wet. Brushing when dry can cause curls to snap and also create frizz, as the action of brushing interrupts the curl pattern. On the other hand, slowly and methodically brushing the hair when wet is a gentler approach, providing more slip and elasticity, especially when paired with a leave-in conditioner. This results in curls having less tangles, and it also leads to the preservation of your curl definition.
Best Brush Types for Curly Hair
All brushes aren’t created equal when it comes to curly hair. Using the wrong tools can have a damaging effect on your curls, causing them to tangle, snap, and weaken. It’s best to avoid brushes with hard or abrasive bristles, as they could potentially damage your curls by placing too much stress on the hair.
Instead, choose brushes that will help your curls maintain their formation, while minimising the manipulation and stress on your strands.
Some detangling brushes feature widely spaced flexible bristles that enable you to brush through your waves, curls, and coils without minimal tangles or snagging. Choosing a detangling brush created specifically for all curl types is your best bet, the tools are engineered with features that support curl health, helping to keep your curls smooth, static-free, and beautifully defined.
How Often Should Curly Hair Be Brushed?
You may be wondering how often you should brush your curls, but in truth, there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. How often you should brush is best determined by your curl type. Curl expert Sharley Viola says;
‘For minimal breakage curly hair should only be brushed when the hair is wet and coated with conditioner’
If you have tight curls or coils, try and limit brushing to one or two times a week, and try to commit to only brushing when curls are wet. Tightly coiled curls are much more susceptible to frizz, cuticle damage, and breakage caused by brushing when dry, compared to looser curl types.
If you wear your coils loose frequently, you may find the urge to brush your hair a few extra times a week to remove the tangles that may have accumulated during the week. This is totally understandable, so, brushing a few extra times per week (always on wet conditioned hair) can help keep knots and tangles at bay.
For looser curl patterns, you should aim to brush your curls at least 2-3 times a week. Like tight coils, loose curls are also prone to tangling. But due to the more elongated formation, they don’t tangle or break as frequently, so they are able to withstand the tension that comes from brushing a little bit more.
If you’re worried about losing your curls while brushing, ensure you brush your curls when they are wet and saturated with a conditioner or leave-in-conditioner. This is because, when your hair is wet, your curls spring back into shape. Conditioners also provide slip and contain humectants that help lock in moisture, reduce friction, leaving curls smooth and defined.
How to Brush Curly Hair
If you’ve ever wondered how to brush your curly hair properly and are looking for a solid routine to help you do so using the correct tools and curly hair products, read on for our comprehensive guide.
1. Gather your Tools and Products
Before you start brushing, grab the following tools and styling products to assist you.
- Styling brush
- Leave in conditioner
- Spray bottle
- Curly hair gels
- Curly hair creams
2. Start with Wet or Damp Hair
To brush your hair gently and safely, start with wet or damp hair. This will lessen the chance of your curls succumbing to breakage, damage, or frizz. You can spritz curls with a spray bottle or even better, shampoo and condition your curls to ensure they are in optimal health before brushing. The nourishing properties infused in conditioners will coat your curls for curl definition and also provide slip to help eliminate any tangles while you brush and prevent your hair from becoming frizzy.
3. Detangle Thoroughly
Once hair has been washed and conditioned, now it’s time to detangle. Removing knots will allow the brush to run through your curls effortlessly. This can be done by finger detangling while in the shower with a detangling brush, or you can even use your fingers.
4. Add Extra Moisture if Needed
You may find that your curls start to become dry during the brushing and styling process, particularly if you have high-porosity curls that soak up hydration quickly. If this occurs, we suggest adding extra moisture to help you across the finishing line when it comes to brushing. Spritz a few bursts of water from your spray bottle, or apply some hair hydration products to truly quench your curls.
5. Brush Evenly from The Ends to the Roots
The best way to brush your curls is from the ends to the root. It may feel counterintuitive to do so, but this is the most effective way to brush without tugging or shedding. Begin by gently working through the ends, then work your way up to the mid-lengths before tackling the roots. Brushing in manageable sections ensures each part of your hair is detangled thoroughly while helping your curls maintain their natural definition.
When following the right brushing routine, your curls really feel the difference, softer, more nourished, and less prone to frizz. The trick is to brush only when wet and coated with conditioner, use a detangling brush made for curls, and always work from the ends up to the roots. If you are keen to learn more tips, our guide on how to style curly hair is a great place to explore next.
