Dry Detangling Curly Hair

The above photo is an example of what NOT to do when detangling your precious strands. 

Detangling hair is one of the most important processes to healthy hair and retaining length because many strands are broken or damaged during this process. Before I proceed, I must warn you, "Never Detangle Your Hair If You Are In A Rush." You will always do more damage than good if you rush through the detangling process. Bring your patience.

Some causes of hair damage during the detangling process are:

• Stripping of the cuticle layer by use of detangling brushes and combs.
• Shed hair that wraps around other strands creating tangles.
• Knots formed by styling and frizzy hair.
• Detangling hair from root to tip instead of tip to root. 

The best way to retain hair/length and limit damage is to first finger detangle the hair when it is dry. Hair is less vulnerable when dry and tangles can be easily seen and manipulated.

Why?

Hair is weakest when wet, this is because water breaks down the natural hydrogen bonds in the hair. Hydrogen bonds link the keratin chains of each strand. When hair dries the hydrogen bonds are restored (Hair is the strongest when the hydrogen bonds are linked or when the hair is dry). This explains why reshaping styles like roller sets, twists outs or spiral curls are most effective when the hair is styled while wet. When the bonds break as a result of water, the shape of hair changes, as the hair dries new hydrogen bonds are formed and the hair is reshaped.

Since hair is strongest when dry. Finger detangling the hair while it is dry is important because it not only allows you to easily see tangles and knots but your hair is less likely to break during this process. Finger detangling hair when dry will save more time and strands during the wet detangling process because the hair is mostly detangled. NOTE: This is a win win situation because hair is weakest when wet so the less manipulation the better. 

Crazy fact: Even though hair feels dry to the touch it is never completely dry because hair is hygroscopic. Meaning it attracts water from the atmosphere. Ever wonder why your hair frizzes when it is humid? This is why. 


To learn more about Finger Detangling wet hair and techniques, click (Finger Detangling Curly Hair).

Kurlee Girls That Rock: Tessa aka I Love Lucy!

Nappturalite Radio & Kurlee Belle: Getting Gorgeous with Greens

Hey Kurlees! Tune in to Nappturalite Radio this Thursday (October 25th, 2012) at 7PM EST. I will be co-hosting the show with Dawn Yerger! 

The Topic: "Getting Gorgeous with Greens"

Click on any of the below links to TUNE IN and Listen to past recorded shows: 

www.nappturaliteradio.com 

www.naturalhairradio.com 

www.blogtalkradio.com/nappturalite

Finger Detangling Curly Hair

I experience 80% less shed hair when I finger detangle. FACT! 

Tools:

A Good Wash Out Conditioner

Fingers

Spray Bottle 

PATIENCE

Time

Tips:

Moisturizing Shampoo's make finger detangling easy because it softens and makes the hair more manageable. 

Adding coconut oil or olive oil to dry hair the night before can aid in the detangling process. These oils provide lots of slip and make the hair soft. 

Part hair into small sections. The smaller the section the easier it is to detangle hair. 

Always use a wash out conditioner. Do not be afraid to pile on the conditioner! The more the better. 

Apply conditioner and let stand for at least 5 minutes then start detangling. Allowing the conditioner to stand gives the hair time to soften and become more manageable. 

Detangle hair from tip to root. Hold hair mid way between tip and root while detangling. Move hand closer to scalp as you detangle ends. Try to refrain from detangling from root to tip. I know this is a bad habit we picked up when our hair was relaxed but this is a no no with naturally curly hair. Always detangle hair in a downward to upward motion. Think the strings of an accordion.

After rinsing out wash out conditioner, apply leave in conditioner for further manageability. 

Knots are somewhat inevitably with curly hair. If you encounter a knot do not yank it out. I know it's very tempting to just tear it. DON'T. Gently pull out the strands that are in the knot until it is free. You need a lot of patience for this process, so do not wash or detangle your hair when you are pressed for time. 

Keeping your hair stretched in between wash days  this will help with the detangling process. Styles that stretch the hair: twists and braids. 

If you can hear your hair tearing then it means the hair is not wet enough and you are not using enough conditioner. Be sure to pile on the conditioner because you will rinse it away. 

The only way to retain length is to maintain your ends. Finger detangling helps reduce the amount of breakage and damage to your strands in essence helping you to retain length. 

Want to add to the list? Please leave a comment below. 

Michelle Obama Looking Stunning at Presidential Debate

In case you missed the Presidential Debate last night, we wanted to share these fabulous photos of FLOTUS! As I watched twitter blow up with comments about the President and Mitt Romney, I could not help but notice the comments on Michelle Obama's hair.

Here are some Tweets from my Twitter Line: 

Did Michelle NOT KILL IT Last Night?

Be You. Be Natural.

Follow Us on IG: KurleeBelle & Terrinique

Solange Knowles Dressed By African Designers on the Cover of Elle SA

Solange's wardrobe is as colourful as her personality. The stylish singer graces the cover of Elle South Africa in African mix and match prints. Printed top by Tart and shorts by South African designer Loin Cloth. We know that Solange loves colours and patterns. Check out her Brooklyn home featured in an earlier edition of Elle (Brooklyn's Finest: A Look Inside the Home of Solange Knowles).

Do you like Solange's Look? I think it's Cool.