Read more: Preventing Hair Damage from Friction
This was something I didn't realize for years and once I did I wanted to find a way I could detangle my hair without doing a lot of or any damage. That's when I discovered finger combing.
What is finger combing?
Finger combing is the process of using your fingers to detangle and/or style hair. It's also known as finger detangling.Benefits
- Can feel the tangles and gently work through them versus damaging hair by breaking through tangles with a comb
- Less painful for those who are tender headed
- Since it's a gentler method it causes less breakage
Disadvantages
Even though the benefits of finger combing are pretty strong, particularly if you are trying to retain length, there are still some disadvantages.- It takes longer than using a comb
- Fingers don't do a complete combing job on new growth and can leave some loose strands and knots behind
Related post: 5 Ways to Avoid Relaxed Hair Breakage
Why I finger comb
When I finger comb I am taking more time to fully detangle which means I'm able to be more attentive to the tangle and thereby being more gentle. This has minimized the amount of damage I was doing to my hair when using a comb.This doesn't mean I don't ever use a comb. I try to use a hair comb at least every other day the first few weeks after a touch-up. During the stretch when my new growth has thickened and lengthened I use a come on wash days after I have done a thorough finger combing.
My method for finger combing
- Section the hair into four to six sections
- Take one section and apply a natural oil, detangler, apple cider vinegar, or conditioner with slip
- Start detangling the section by starting at the ends and working my way up
- Have patience and don't rush it
- To remove knots I slowly work them out from the bottom up and apply extra conditioner if I feel more slip is needed
Which do you prefer? Finger combing or using a regular comb?
Finger detangling has been my go to recently and it does help with less breakage.
ReplyDeleteIt really does. I find I'm more gentle and take my time when finger detangling since I can actually feel the tangles.
DeleteFinger combing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Michele. Are there any specific products you use when finger combing?
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