10 Ways to Brush Your Curly Hair

Introduction

Curly hair is beautiful, though it requires special attention, but with the right care, you can keep your curls defined and frizz-free. The circular structure of curly hair makes it more prone to breakage, frizz, and tangles, demanding special attention during grooming. In this blog, we have focused on how to brush curly hair.

You might be thinking that this is such an easy thing, but why a blog for this? But from the moment you pick up a brush or comb, understanding the nature of your curls is essential. Each hair strand of your curl will be in a different shape, and you need to be very careful before brushing it, because if not done right, it can damage the hair strand.

Therefore, you must understand how to brush your hair, what technique to follow, and also which type of brush you should use. All these things matter significantly to keep your curls healthy and defined.

Check out the blog-

Why Does Curly Hair Require Special Attention When Combing?

Curls are special and therefore they require special attention while doing anything, be it shampooing or combing of curls. Some of the reasons for special attention to curls while combing are-

1. Fragile–

Curls are fragile due to their uneven structure. They are more prone to hair breakage and split ends. Aggressive brushing can disrupt the natural curl pattern, resulting in frizz and a loss of definition.

2. Frizz Control-

Not taking care of curls while brushing or combing can make them frizzy. Curly hair is susceptible to frizz, especially when handled roughly.

3. Scalp and Hair Health-

Curls are fragile and so is the scalp carrying curls. It is necessary to use good techniques and methods to care for curls, so it promotes hydration and scalp health.

4. Styling Needs-

Thinking how to brush style curly hair​? Well, Combining curly hair properly can help in achieving various hairstyles, such as sleek ponytails or defined bobs. Proper brushing techniques can help direct hair into desired shapes without compromising curl integrity.

Benefits of Special Attention When Combing Curly Hair

Yes, I know this is something that every curly-haired person might know about how important it is to brush your curls and what are its benefits. But still, let’s recall it again-

1. Maintains Curl Definition: Gentle handling preserves the natural curl pattern, ensuring that curls remain well-defined.
2. Reduces Breakage: Using appropriate techniques minimizes the risk of hair breakage, and promotes healthier strands.
3. Enhances Moisture Retention: Proper combing methods help to distribute moisture from products evenly throughout the hair, combating dryness.
4. Improves Manageability: With careful detangling, you can manage your curls in a better way.

How Often Should You Brush Your Curly Hair?

The frequency of how to brush curly hair is crucial for maintaining its health and appearance. Here are key points to remember in how to brush curly hair without it getting frizzy-

• Brushing Frequency: Curls should not be brushed very frequently. Brushing them too much makes them frizzy and dry.  Overbrushing can disrupt the curl pattern and lead to damage.
• Avoiding Dry Brushing: Once the curls become dry, avoid brushing them as much as possible. Brushing dry curls can make them frizzy and dry.
• Conditioning Products: Incorporating leave-in conditioners or styling products before brushing can enhance moisture retention and make detangling easier.

How to Brush Your Curly Hair? 10 Best Ways

After understanding many things about how to brush curly hair, now, let’s see some of the best ways to brush curly hair-

Ways to brush curly hair

1. Clump & Define Method-

As the name suggests, this method helps to increase the curl definition by the clumping method. The clumping method helps the curls to be defined properly and make sure they are in proper shape.

How to do it-

• Start with damp hair.
• Divide the curls into different sections.
• If you will notice, some curls always stay together, that is called clumping.
• After the different clumps have been identified, its turn to detangle them.
• You can detangle them either with your fingers or using a good detangling brush.
• Apply leave-in conditioner, if brushing gets difficult, this helps to moisturize the curls and brush glide smoothly.

Product Recommendations:

• Leave-in Conditioner- Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint

2. Root Lift Technique-

As you can understand by the name, this brushing technique helps to create volume at the root level.

How to do it-

• Start with damp hair.
• Either turn your head upside down or take a section of hair from your crown.
• Now, start brushing with your Denman brush from the root.
• Gently brush at an outward angle.
• While brushing try to rotate the brush slightly, this will create volume.
• Later, you can use a diffuser or air-dry curls.

Product Recommendations:

• Brush- Denman D3 Original 7 Row Styling Brush, Behairful Hair Brush

3. Hydrating Detangle-

This technique involves, hydrating or moisturizing your curls before you start to detangle.

How to do it-

• Damp your curls.
• Apply a generous amount of conditioner or leave-in conditioner.
• Apply them with a praying hand.
• Let the product get absorbed in the hair strands to make it hydrated.
• With the help of fingers, detangle the curls properly.
• Rinse off the conditioner, but do not rinse off the leave-in conditioner.

Product Recommendation:

Curly Hair Conditioner- Cantu Hydrating Cream Conditioner with Shea Butter

4. Frizz-free Refresh-

Our curls do not stay the same as they are on their wash days. Now, if you wish to revive your curls on a non-wash day, then this is the technique to be followed.

How to do it-

• Take a spray bottle and make a curl-refreshing spray.
• Curl-refreshing spray- Leave-in conditioner and a few drops of oil
• Spray the above mix on your curls, especially on dry curls.
• With the help of a soft bristles brush and finger, detangle your curls gently.
• Scrunch your hair to form curls again.

Product Recommendation:

Brush: Best Detangling Brush

5. Protective Styling Prep-

If you wish to style your hair in a braid or bun, it can be difficult, the reason being the tangled hair. Therefore, before trying any hairstyle, it is necessary that you prepare your hair for that and that means having properly de-tangled hair.

How to do it-

• Apply Argan oil or Grapeseed oil on your hair strands for smoothness.
• Now, divide your hair into sections.
• Brush each section gently from end to root.
• You can also detangle them through your fingers.
• Once all the sections are done, you can tie them in a braid.

Product Recommendation:

Oil- Argan oil, Grapeseed Oil

6. Wash-Day Detangling-

When you are washing your curls, that is the perfect time to detangle them, as the curls are smooth and soft.

How to do it-

• After shampooing, apply conditioner to your hair strands.
• Use the praying hand technique to apply the conditioner.
• Let the conditioner get absorbed in the hair strands.
• De-tangle curls gently.
• Rinse off the conditioner.

Product Recommendation:

Conditioner- SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner

7. Curl Training Method-

This method helps to define your curls properly with the help of the clumping method.

How to do it-

• After washing your curls, apply a curl cream on your hair strands.
• Divide the curls in sections.
• Brush each section from root to tip, with a rotating brush.
• Rotating brush, while coming down helps to encourage spirals.

8. Microfiber Towel & Brush Combo-

This technique helps to detangle your curls without making them frizzy.

How to do it-

• Wash your curls with shampoo and conditioner
• Squeeze out the excess water from your hair with the help of a microfiber towel.
• Divide your curls into sections and use a microfiber towel on each of them.
• Brush each section, while the curls are still damp.
• Diffuse or air dry.

Product Recommendation:

• Microfiber towel- Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap
• Brush- Denman Curly Hair Brush D3

9. Diffuser & Brush Technique-

Using a diffuser on your curls and brushing them helps to increase the volume of the curls and also define the curls.

How to do it-

• After removing excess water from your curls, apply curl cream or leave-in conditioner.
• Use a diffuser attachment on the hair dryer to dry your curls.
• With the help of a brush, detangle your curls gently.
• First, dry your hair roots and then move to hair length.

Product Recommendation:

• Diffuser- Conair Double Ceramic Hair Dryer with Diffuser
• Brush- Boar Bristle Hairbrush

10. Overnight Pineapple & Brush Refresh-

If you tie your hair in a pineapple method overnight, then this brushing technique is for you. It helps to define your curls and also add volume to it.

How to do it-

• In the pineapple method, you gather all your curls at the crown and tie them.
• In the morning, take out the scrunchie and let your hair down.
• Spritz a refreshing spray on your curls.
• Take a brush and gently detangle the curls.

When To Brush Curls: Wet Or Dry?

This is a serious debatable topic, as brushing of curls directly relates to the health of curls. Let’s understand in detail the Pros and Cons of Brushing curls wet or dry.

Brushing Wet Hair

Pros:

• Easy to Detangle
• Keeps Curl Defined
• Product Distributes Easily

Cons:

• Damage Risk

Brushing Dry Hair

Pros:

• Styling Flexibiltiy

Cons:

• Can Make Hair Frizzy
• Increases Breakage

Result: Brushing when the hair is damp rather than soaking wet or completely dry is advisable. This method strikes a balance between detangling ease and minimizing damage.

How to Brush Curly Hair Without Losing Curls​?

It is very necessary to maintain curls while brushing them, so that, hair does not get frizzy. Following are the steps to follow in how to use a curly hair brush​-

1. Always start brushing your hair in damp hair. This helps to provide a good balance of moisture without the risk of damage or frizziness.

2. Choosing a good wide-toothed comb helps to detangle the curls easily.

3. Before brushing, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to enhance slip and make the brushing process smoother.

4. Start brushing from the tips of your hair and gradually work your way up towards the roots. 

5. Use light pressure while brushing. Avoid yanking or pulling on your curls; instead, gently work through any knots you encounter.

6. If you have long and thick hair, it is good to section your hair, to remove the tangles.

7. Let your curls dry naturally.

By following the above steps in detangling curly hair, you keep the curls defined and also maintain its health.

FAQs on How to Brush Your Curly Hair

1. Is It Better to Brush Curly Hair Wet or Dry?

It is always good to brush your hair damp. Brushing dry curls causes split ends and makes curls weak.  Damp hair is easier to manage and less likely to break.

2. Should it Hurt to Brush Curly Hair?

It is not about hurting, it is about the health of your curls. Brushing your curly hair will not hurt, if you are feeling pain, chances are you are not doing it right.

3. What is the best way to brush curly hair?

The best way to brush curly hair is to always detangle first with fingers and then use the comb on damp hair.

4. How can I detangle my curly hair without damage?

To detangle curly hair without causing damage:

• Begin with damp hair and apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner.
• Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently work through knots, starting from the ends.
• Avoid using excessive force; be patient and take your time with each section.
• Consider using a bamboo pick for stubborn tangles.

5. How often should I brush my curly hair?

Curly hair should be brushed only when necessary. Brushing curly hair again and again may cause it to be frizzy. Also, Over-brushing can disrupt the natural curl pattern and lead to breakage.