How to Comb Kinky Biracial Hair

This article will prove to be critically important to those of you who have had no experience with combing kinky hair. Ethnic and biracial hair needs to be treated with extra care because of its naturally dry nature and tight curl pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Water Based Moisturizer
• Wide Toothed Comb
• Scrunchies or barettes
• Patience

Instructions

1. Apply a Moisturizer to the Hair

   You should never comb kinky hair when it's dry. You are more likely to tear hair out or cause split ends and breakage if you do. Instead, you should first apply a water based moisturizer to the hair. Do not apply so much that the hair becomes "wet", but apply enough so that the moisturizer is evenly distributed throughout the hair. Moisturized hair has more elasticity and is less likely to break during combing.

2. Section it Off

   Combing kinky hair can be made more efficient by sectioning off parts and working on them one at a time. Part the hair in 4 sections and use scrunchies or barrettes to keep the other parts away from the one part you are working on.

3. Use a Wide-Toothed Comb

   A wide-toothed comb is gentler on the tight curls that kinky hair is known for. You will pull out much less hair while combing and cause the person who's hair you are combing a lot less pain. Do not use brushes on un-moisturized, uncombed kinky hair! IF you choose to use a brush at all on biracial or African American hair, a Kakakiki KombBrush is very gentle and does a great job without damaging the hair. With brushes in general, use them sparingly, and when you do use them, use the type that has rounded teeth instead of coarse bristles.

4. Start to Comb

   Grab the section of hair you want to comb and hold it taught, but not too tightly. Start combing out the tight curls nearest the scalp and work your way up, smoothing the hair as you go. Make sure to be gentle when you come across troublesome kinks. Gently keep combing upward until the kink is free. Once you're done with that section, separate it with a Scrunchie or barrette, then move on to the next section.

5. Remain Patient!

   If you are combing a biracial or African American child's kinky hair, remember to stay patient. The combing process is naturally going to take longer than combing finer, straight hair. If the child is fussing or crying as you are combing, you are probably doing it too rough and should slow down and lighten your strokes. You don't want to hurt her or rip her hair out just to get done a few minutes faster.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't yank kinky hair when you're combing it.

• Don't use bristled brushes on kinky biracial hair.

• Always moisturize with a water based moisturizer before combing.

• If the person says you are combing too hard, then you are! Use gentler strokes when combing kinky hair.

Resources

• African American Hair Care - For Growth and Health