4c hair: problems & solutions
Meshing at the roots
Flat twist the root.
De-tangling products: Useful, but don’t really work for the roots.
Shampoo: Too harsh, too drying (which equals tangles, for me).
Tangling at the strands
Use deep conditioners that clump the hair. It makes the strands follow a uniform pattern and not cling randomly.
Focus on removing shed hair while untangling. Especially if you have fine hair, the goal of untangling is not to liberate every single strand but to draw out the hair that is hovering in-between.
Knotting at the ends
Use protective styles like braids to keep the ends protected. Twists alone do not protect the ends.
Single strand knots: Trim the ends.
Complex knots: Cut it. Angels can do no more.
My wash routine:
Undo braids with coconut oil.
Medium twists. Let hair rest for a day (b/c I’m tender-headed & tired).
Day 2: Create larger sections via parting and twisting.
On dry hair, apply conditioner/co-wash to the roots, in the parts. This moisturizes, cleans & helps unmesh it.
Apply conditioner on the strands. Smooth in, twist and bantu knot to prevent unraveling.
Rinse and untangle section by section. Finger comb. Remove shed hair.
Flat twist the roots. Bantu knot to reduce dripping water.
