How to Comb African-American Hair After a Wash

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Because of its tight curly texture, African-American hair has a reputation for being hard to handle. The reality is that it simply requires more delicate handling. In other words, less is more. This is especially true when handling hair that is wet. Wet hair is generally more prone to breakage if handled roughly and that is especially true for African-American hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Have the right tools on hand. That means a soft towel, wide tooth comb and a spray conditioner or detangler.
Step 2

Use the towel gently. After shampooing, wrap the towel around the head to allow the water to be absorbed. Then unwrap the towel and blot the hair dry. Do not wring or twist the towel on the hair, or rub the hair briskly.
Step 3

Spray conditioner evenly all over the head. Using a wide tooth comb, begin gently combing the hair, starting at the bottom and gradually working your way to the top. This is a technique that many hairdressers use to avoid breaking the hair while drying it.
Step 4

Take it slow. The longer the hair, the more it is prone to becoming tangled. Hair breaks if pulled suddenly while wet. Take your time so the comb moves easily through the hair.

Tips & Warnings

Always use a leave-in spray conditioner after washing the hair. It allows the comb to slide through the hair more easily, and many brands are formulated to protect the hair from heat damage from blow dryers and curling irons.

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