What is it? It’s a knot that develops in naturally curly hair when the curls become entangled and knotted together, also known as a tangle or a mat. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as not detangling the hair regularly enough, using the incorrect hair products, or not taking care of curly hair properly.
The amount of knots can vary, from little tangles to thick mats that are challenging to untangle. If not correctly managed, these knots can be painful and even break.
They develop because naturally curly hair’s tendency to get trapped in its own curls makes it challenging to separate the hair and leaves the curls twisted and knotted. The hair may be more prone to knots due to the curls’ inherent shape, which can also make it difficult to brush or comb through.
How To Prevent?
Did you know that maintaining a regular hair care regimen that involves detangling the hair, using products designed specifically for curly hair, and being gentle when combing or brushing the hair is essential to preventing curly hair knots?
Knots can be avoided and made simpler to remove when they do form by routinely detangling the hair with a wide-toothed comb, a Denman brush (my go-to-brush), while it is wet, or with a leave-in conditioner and a gentle touch.
Use of heat styling equipment or other items that might dry out the hair and cause knots should be avoided. It’s also crucial to use hair care products that provide the hair moisture and decrease frizz.
Additionally, it’s best to avoid attempting to untangle your hair yourself if you discover it is tangled, especially if there are many knots because this can harm your hair even more.
Using Braids
Various forms of knots that can develop in curly hair include tangles, which are brought on by the curls being entangled, and matting, which happens when the hair becomes matted against the scalp. Let’s talk about using a French and fishtail braids to help with knots.
In a French braid, the hair is separated into three portions, with the outer sections crossing over the centre section back and forth. It’s crucial to detangle curly hair before braiding it and to avoid tugging it too tightly in order to avoid knots. Use a denman brush or a wide-toothed comb as well.
Small bits of hair are alternatively brought across from one section to the other in a fishtail braid, which is a particular style of braid. This gives off a braided appearance resembling a fishtail. In order to avoid curly hair knots, it’s crucial to disentangle the hair and refrain from tugging it too tightly, much like with a French braid.
If done correctly, French braids and fishtail braids are great hairstyles to keep your curly hair free of knots. However, if you have naturally curly hair, you may find that these hairstyles are more difficult to achieve and may need to be paired with hair styling products that make the hair more manageable and smooth.
Different Ways To Tie Hair
The classic double knot for curly hair is dividing the hair into two portions, then knotting the sections together in a manner akin to that of shoelaces. That is the easiest way to remember this basic knot.
Basic Hair Knot With A Loop
The basic hair knot with a loop is dividing the hair into two sections, knotting them, and then leaving a loop of hair on one side. This loop can be used to finish the knot in a bow or another knot, as well as to embellish the knot.
You’ll need enough hair to divide it into two portions and tie them together for the basic double knot and the basic knot with a loop. The length of the hair can range from very short to shoulder-length or more. But it’s crucial to remember that it could be more difficult to construct a knot that will stay in place and be secure the shorter the hair is.
Basic Knot With A Bow
The basic bow knot entails dividing the hair into two portions, bundling them together, and then tying the knot’s two sections together in a bow. This gives the appearance of being more decorative and can be used to keep the hair in place more firmly.
You will need at least shoulder-length hair for the basic knot with a bow so that you may tie a knot and then bow the two pieces or sections together. You might not have enough hair to tie the knot and the bow if your hair is too short.
To reiterate, curly hair may require more length than straight hair to form the same knots since the curls might be heavier and thicker.
It’s crucial to remember that curly hair needs special treatment and care because it might be vulnerable to damage, breakage, and dryness. Therefore, it’s important to tie the knots firmly but not too firmly to guard against hair breakage or damage.
What Are The different Ways To Style?
The ideal way to style your curly hair depends depend on the type of hair you have and your particular styling preferences. My recommendations and techniques include the following in no particular order:
- Just tie it back: The simplest and most straightforward way to tie back curly hair is with a knot. To keep the hair in place, use a scrunchie, elastic band, or hair tie. If you want to keep your hair out of your face, it’s a useful solution.
- Utilizing a hair tie or headband: A hair tie or headband can be used to tie a knot more securely and stylishly. It’s a fantastic alternative for keeping your hair in place while working out or enjoying the day.
- Including a bun: Adding a bun to curly hair is a versatile styling option that looks great for both formal and informal settings. By pulling your hair back and fastening it with a hair tie, you may make a simple bun. Another great choice for a more unstructured appearance is a sloppy bun.
- Twist and pin: This is a terrific alternative to tying up your curls to hold them in place. Your hair should first be divided into two portions, each of which should be twisted and secured with a few bobby pins.
- Accessorizing: To give your knot a unique appearance, add a scarf or a hair accessory. A basic knot can be made more attractive by wrapping a scarf over it, and a hair item can be utilized to add a splash of color or sparkle.
It’s necessary to avoid over-manipulating the curls and tight hairstyles that can harm your hair. It’s important to keep in mind that curly hair may require special care. It is advised to untangle your curls using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers and to use curl-defining and moisturizing hair treatments.
How To Keep Curly Hair Knot-free And Organized
Here are my expert tips for organizing and avoiding knots in curly hair:
- When your hair is moist and condition, use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to gently comb through it. Any tangles will be easier to remove this way without harm or frizz.
- To keep your hair moisturized, silky, and manageable, use a leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining lotion.
- Avoid using heat styling equipment because they might cause frizz and dry out your hair. If heat is necessary, keep the temperature low and use a heat protectant.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase to help shield your bedding from tearing and breaking as you sleep.
- To prevent your hair from tangling when you sleep or walk outside in the wind, try donning a satin or silk scarf or hat.
- Use a hair tie that won’t dent your hair and is kind to it. Stay away from hair ties with metal or plastic components because they can harm your curls.
- If you’re going to be engaging in activities that could result in tangling, secure your hair in a bun or ponytail.
- To maintain your ends healthy and to keep them from breaking and tangling, get frequent trims.
- Try out various hairstyles to see which suit your curl pattern and hair type best.
What Is The Difference Between Curly Or Coily Hair And Straight Or Wavy Hair?
Did you know the shape of the hair shaft is the primary distinction between hair that is curly or coily and hair that is straight or wavy?
The hair shaft of someone with curly or coily hair is tightly coiled or spiraled, which causes the hair to naturally curl or coil. Curly or coily hair can have a variety of curl patterns, from loose, bouncy ringlets to tight, kinky coils. This hair type frequently possesses a lot of texture and volume.
On the other hand, hair that is straight or wavy has a round or oval-shaped hair shaft, which causes the hair to grow that way. When compared to curly or coily hair, straight or wavy hair tends to be smooth and silky with less volume.
The degree of porosity also distinguishes straight or wavy hair from curly or coily hair. Curly and coily hair frequently needs more frequent hydration and less manipulation since it is more porous and absorbs and loses moisture more readily. While curly or wavy hair tends to be oilier and less porous, which makes it less prone to dryness.
What Are The Best Hair Care Tips For Those With Curly Or Coily Hair?
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner since sulfates can deplete the natural oils in the hair, resulting in dryness and frizz.
- To help hydrate and nurture your hair, deep condition it on a regular basis. Use a deep conditioner from the market or create your own by combining coconut oil, honey, and mashed avocado.
- When your hair is dry, avoid brushing or combing it because this can lead to breakage and frizz. Instead, gently comb through your hair when it’s moist and condition with a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush.
- To help hydrate and define your curls, use a leave-in conditioner or curl-defining lotion.
- Avoid using heat styling equipment because they might cause frizz and dry out your hair. If heat is necessary, keep the temperature low and use a heat protectant.
- Use light oils and butters instead of thick ones because they will weigh down your curls and make them look oily.
- Prevent damage and frizz by shielding your hair from the elements, especially the sun and wind. When you’re outside, cover your hair with a scarf or cap.
- To prevent your hair from tangling when you sleep or walk outside in the wind, try donning a satin or silk scarf or hat.
- Try out various hairstyles to see which suit your curl pattern and hair type best.
- Use a wide tooth comb and your fingers, which can be your closest friends, to gently detangle and style your hair.
- To maintain your ends healthy and to keep them from breaking and tangling, get frequent trims.
Is Tangled Hair More Common Among Those With Kinky Haircuts?
Tightly curled or kinky hair types are more likely to have tangled hair because the coils and curls make the strands more prone to matting and knotting. This may be particularly true if the hair is not regularly moisturized and properly detangled. Additionally, hair that is tightly curled or kinky is more likely to get dry, which can also contribute to tangling.
How To Maintain Smoothness While Styling Curly Or Coily Strands
Here are top secrets for keeping curly or coily hair smooth during styling:
- Detangle your hair while it’s damp and covered in a leave-in conditioner or detangling product using a wide-tooth comb or a denman brush.
- When your hair is still damp, use a style cream or gel, and then use a diffuser attachment on your hair drier to dry it while scrunching it to promote the production of curls.
- Instead of rubbing your hair with a standard towel, which can lead to frizz, consider scrunching it while it dries with a microfiber towel or a t-shirt if you like to air dry your hair.
- Get rid of any split or damaged ends in your hair on a regular basis to prevent your hair from looking frizzy and untidy.
- Before using irons or other heated styling tools on your hair, use heat-protectant products.
- Avoid over-manipulating or handling it excessively when styling.
- Try out various styling options to find which ones suit your particular hair type and texture the best.
- Keep in mind that moisture is essential to maintaining smoothness; hydrate your hair frequently with a leave-in or deep conditioner.
It’s also I might add, it’s vital to remember that curly or coily hair might be more prone to breakage and damage than other hair types, so it’s crucial to be gentle when styling it.
What Role Does The Shape Of A Hairstyle’s Cuticle Play When Trying To Achieve Shiny, Healthy Curls?
The cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair strand, has a significant impact on how the hair looks overall, including how shiny it is. The cuticles must lie flat on coily and curly hair in order to produce smooth, glossy curls. The hair may appear dull and frizzy if the cuticles are rough or high.
Proper hair care, such as using a soft shampoo and conditioner and staying away from harsh chemicals and heat treatment, is the first step to achieving beautiful, healthy curls.
Utilizing hair care products with natural oils, such as coconut, olive, or avocado oil, will assist to soften the hair’s cuticles and provide shine.
To further aid achieve the desired look, a trim or haircut created especially to line the cuticles is recommended.
The “Deva Cut” or “dry cutting” method is used on dry hair to ensure that the curls are preserved in their original form. This can also give the curls a polished appearance by making them seem bouncy and more defined.
The cuticle can be conditioned and sealed with regular deep conditioning treatments, weekly moisturizing hair masks, and environmental damage prevention for healthier, shinier curls.
Products That Work Best On Curly Or Coily Strands To Keep Them Soft And Tangle-free
My top recommendations for products that can keep coily or curly hair supple and free of tangles.
- Leave-in conditioner: Using a leave-in conditioner on curly or coily hair will help moisturize and detangle it. For leave-in conditioners that can help define curls and lessen frizz, look for products designed especially for curly or coily hair.
- These products can help define curls and lessen frizz. Curl cream or gel Look for lotions or gels that are designed to retain your curls in place without weighting them down.
- Oil: To hydrate and define curls as well as add shine, use oils like coconut, olive, avocado, and castor.
- When detangling curly or coily hair, it’s imperative to use a wide-tooth comb or a denman brush because normal brushes might harm and break the hair.
- Weekly application of a hydrating hair mask can deeply moisturize curls and lessen frizz.
- Use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to scrunch your hair after it has been washed rather than rubbing it with a standard towel, which can make it frizzy.
- It’s also crucial to note that harsh substances like sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil should be avoided in products because they can harm curls by depleting them of their natural moisture. To determine which products are most effective for your particular hair type and texture, it can be useful to experiment with a variety of options.
I also recommend a good hair care regimen, including refraining from over-manipulating or over-styling, limiting exposure to extreme heat, and utilizing heat-protectant products when using heat tools.
Does Cutting Off Tangles Help Improve The Overall Health Of Your Kinky Texture Over Time?
Over time, cutting the hair or removing tangles might assist the general condition of kinky, textured hair. Tangled hair may be more vulnerable to breakage and damage. By removing split ends and other damaged hair, trimming the hair can make it look healthier and more manageable.
But it’s also crucial to deal with the root of the tangling and breakage. This entails following the proper hair care regimen, using the right products, and avoiding harsh chemicals or heat styling, which can harm the hair and cause tangling.
Regular hair trimming can also help to keep your hairstyle’s general shape and the curls looking well-defined and bouncy. Dry hair is used for this “dry cutting” method, which ensures that the curls are preserved in their original state.
As well as ensuring that your hair is receiving the right nourishment and hydration from a good diet and keeping your hair healthy from the inside out, it is crucial to use the right styling methods and products that can help keep curls moisturized, detangled, and defined.
Overall, routine trims or dry cuts can help to enhance the general condition of kinky textured hair over time, but for the greatest results, it’s crucial to treat underlying problems and to concentrate on a healthy hair care regimen.
References
Westgate, G. E., Ginger, R. S., & Green, M. R. (2017). The biology and genetics of curly hair. Experimental dermatology, 26(6), 483-490.
Bernard, B. A. (2003). Hair shape of curly hair. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 48(6), S120-S126.
Cloete, E., Khumalo, N. P., & Ngoepe, M. N. (2019). The what, why and how of curly hair: a review. Proceedings of the Royal Society A, 475(2231), 20190516.
CamachoāBragado, G. A., Balooch, G., DixonāParks, F., Porter, C., & Bryant, H. (2015). Understanding breakage in curly hair. British Journal of Dermatology, 173, 10-16.
