Brushing curly hair in the shower is hard. And it’s especially hard not to end up looking like a frizzed Lion when you are done brushing.
But on the other hand not brushing is really not an option because eventually you will get a real knotted mess.
The correct way to brush curly hair is to section off your hair in smaller sections for better control and use a high quality detangling brush or wide toothed comb.
Or you can also just use your fingers to gently detangle.
Table of Contents
Should I Brush My Curly Hair While Showering?
It’s best to brush curly hair while it’s damp because it helps prevents frizz, flyaways and you avoid that frizzed Lion hair look. While conditioning curly hair, gently comb and detangle your curls in the shower.
The trick is to use a hair brush that is appropriate for wet strands and to be extra careful. Curly hair that is wet tangles more quickly. Combing dry Curly hair can cause breakage and split ends.
By combing wet curly hair you put tension on the strands that extends your hair and could cause your hair to snap or break under tension.
But if you use the right technique and the right comb like a wide tooth comb with no sharp edges together with a conditioner or detangler then you can gently comb with reduced risk of breakage. Start by combing your hair at the ends.
Section off as needed and work slowly to your roots or hairline and I recommend using a detangler or leave in conditioner as needed.
This will help with preventing split ends too. i also recommend using a microfiber towel to dry your hair as cotton towels can grab and pull hair causing hair to snap and you end up with split ends.
Recommended: Did you know that the best way to moisturize curly hair is from within? Read my article called Best Hair Products For Curly Hair Read how to encourage definition and a uniform curl now.
According to Meesh, Hair Product Analyst, “For the best results brush curly hair while it’s moist or wet because it helps prevents frizz and flyaway. You avoid that frizzed Lion hair look.“
There are other articles on this site you are going to want to read and I am sure you will find interesting. Click the link to start reading, “What are the benefits of combing shampoo and conditioner while in the shower?“,in this article I provide 3 of my favorite shower combs to assist you work through these impossible snarls and huge hair clumps. Did you know a handy brush can make your hair care routine and washing much easier? You should read this: “Are shampoo brushes bad for your hair?” And finally read this, “Is it bad to comb your hair in the shower?” to learn even more.
According to Stacey, Hair Research Analyst, “Just like everything else shampoos, conditioners and some styling products, brushes are intended for certain hair types and different purposes.” You wouldn’t tease your hair with a wide tooth comb, right? Well the same applies here, but I am sure you knew that. So, depending on your hair type and condition (coily hair, hair with lots of curls, or frizzy hair) some combs and brushes are going to work better than others. The combs and brushes in this category are really inexpensive so feel free to try several till you find the one that works best for you.
#1 Wide Tooth Comb To Use In The Shower
Why I love the Wet Brush Pro Comb Detangler improved version? It’s because the Wet brush wide tooth comb will easily slide through any hair type, combing away tangles. The Wet Brush comb is designed specifically for wet hair and will untangle your knots with ease. They improved the plastic handle so it’s more durable over the older version with the hole in the handle. I love the rubber grip, works well in the shower. I highly suggest you also use a good leave in conditioner while combing thru tangles in the shower. One of my favorites is Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream. It works great and is priced right. If you do not already have a favorite you can check out Garnier Fructis.
Another one of my favorite brushes for combing hair in the shower is the Denman D4 9 row large brush. See Image below.
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| Denman 9 row D4 brush for the shower and curly hair |
This was one of my favorite brushes for many years and still is. The reason why the Denman 9 row is one of my favorites is because it’s a great tool to apply hair products. It’s super easy to clean and does a great job spreading hair care products evenly through our hair.
In my opinion curly hair has to be set as quickly as possible, which is why it’s best to apply style products when your hair is still damp and before your frizz has a chance to take hold. And the Denman brush is the perfect tool and easiest way to do just that. In the event that you wait too long, you may cause your curls to become frizzy and undefined as a result of the roughening of the hair cuticle.
The fact that wet hair tangles more easily than dry or damp hair. This fact make contributes to the difficulty of brushing your hair in the shower. Brushing in the shower it will actually cause you to lose more hair in the long run and contribute to hair loss. So if you are a curly girl I suggest you use a conditioning product (to add moisture, deep condition or use a leave-in conditioner) and a good brush like the Denman 9 row brush to reduce pulling, minimize breakage and stress on your hair that could lead to hair loss.
Now that being said, you can still brush your curls while they are dry. But just be aware that you will most likely lose the definition of your curl pattern if you do this. Use a paddle brush in stages to tease out your curls from the tips to the roots if you’re trying for a huge, voluminous, and fluffy appearance.
Also i might add, hot water has a tendency to drain moisture from hair, leaving it looking and feeling dry. Using cold water to wash your hair and avoiding hot water will help you preserve moisture and strength in your hair.
Read my article called: Wet Brush For Curly Hair. In this article give you my top brushes for curly hair and their respective pros and cons. So click on the link and start learning more!
Shower Combs
| Combs | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Revlon Essentials 2 Piece Tangle Free Comb Set | Great price and good solid combs but missing a handle. One of the combs has a handle, sort of, it’s a very narrow shower hook and allows you to kind of hold on to it. But the end result is really not a handle. If one of the combs had a handle this set would be a 10 out of 10. |
| Denman Lime Green Precision Rake Comb DPC6GRN | Has a nice handle and made of a special plastic material that will not break easily. How many times have you dropped your plastic comb on the hard shower floor and it shattered? Well you can drop this one all day and you’ll have a tough time breaking it. Comes in Lime Green and Black colors. |
| Ultra Smooth Detangler Comb by Cricket | The Detangler Comb (2.75 inches tall x 9.75 inches long) is great for wet or dry hair. Particularly efficient on lengthy, and dense hair. An innovative comb produced with a special blend of Argan and Olive oils and Keratin protein infused with enhanced manageability in the proprietary resin for healthier looking hair. Helps control frizz with a silky finish and a wonderful finish behind it. Lease no oily residue on your hands. Perfect for the shower. |
| Ultra Smooth Coconut Detangler Comb by Cricket | Each comb was infused with hydrating Coconut Oil and Keratin Protein to assist with enhanced handling and shine in promoting healthier looking hair. |
| Ultra Smooth Conditioning Comb by Cricket | No handle but smooth and polished. Great for wet hair in the shower. Works very well if you use it to apply conditioner while in the shower. Created with a special blend of Argan and Olive Oils and Keratin Protein infused in proprietary resin with enhanced handling for healthier looking hair. Helps manage frizz with a silky finish and a wonderful finish. |
| Ultra Smooth Coconut Conditioning Comb by Cricket | No handle but like the comb above it’s smooth and polished. Plus this one is infused with coconut oil. A special blend of plastic infused with coconut oil and keratin protein enables the comb glide through your hair smoothly. |
| Giorgio G49 5 1/2″ Hand Made Tortoise Detangling Comb Wide Teeth | Wish it was a little longer then it would make it better for the shower, but on a positive note this size is easier to carry. For durability and flexibility, it’s made of cellulose acetate. Hand polished for the ultimate glide and without effort. Prevents breakage and pulling of hair. Tips are rounded for sensitive skin. |
| Giorgio G55 8″ Hand Made Tortoise Detangling Comb | Features a handle, well made and hand polished. Saw-cut by special circular saws and hand polished for an smooth glide through your hair. Eliminate knots and tangles effortlessly from normal, thick, wavy and curly hair. |
| Wet Brush Detangling Comb | The Wet Brush may be used on wet or dry hair, and it is suitable for use with extensions and wigs as well. Wet Brush is a detangling tool designed particularly for detangling knots in wet hair. It is effective on virtually all hair types. |
| Denman 9 Row D4 Brush | It’s a brush not a comb but works fantastic. This was, and continues to be, one of my favorite brushes for a long time. The Denman 9 row is one of my favorite hair tools since it’s a fantastic tool for applying hair products to the hair and scalp. It’s quite simple to clean and performs an excellent job of evenly dispersing hair care products throughout our hair. |
Hair Care with Essential Oils
Essential oils are collected from plants using various procedures such as distillation or evaporation to accomplish this. While essential oils are most well-known for their aromatic effects, they also contain powerful chemical properties that have been shown to be beneficial to human health.
Coconut oil
If you like coconut oil you should try Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Conditioner, 13 Ounce by OGX
Envelop your senses with this ultra-rich mixture of coconut oil in an island escape. This ultra-nourishing and rejuvenating mix soothes frizz and tames flyaways, leaving hair with a smooth and silky bounce. Just use about a dime size for your hair while you are in the shower. It does not leave you hair feeling oily. Plus you can also use as a leave in treatment. Help condition even the most damaged strands and has a nice pleasant smell for your senses. The smell is Coconut Oil, Vanilla Bean Oil and Essence of Tiarre.
Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis (Tiare) Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyquaternium-10, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance (Parfum).
Prices and ingredients are as of the time of this writing therefore may have changed so please see the manufactures website for the latest information.
Some essential oils have the effect of boosting the health of one’s hair. Different oils can be used to accomplish a variety of tasks, from promoting hair growth to adding strength and shine. some of my favorites are Tea Tree oil Avocado oil.
Tea Tree Oil
Cleaning, antibacterial, and antimicrobial effects of tea tree oil are extremely potent and effective. When used topically, it can aid in the unplugging of hair follicles and the stimulation of hair growth. Adding 10 drops of tea tree essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner and using it on a daily basis can be beneficial.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil can also be beneficial to your hair when applied externally. Avocado may be used to nourish, mend, and strengthen your hair when applied topically to it. Minerals, such as those found in avocado oil, can aid in the sealing of cuticle cells, which can assist to prevent hair from splitting.
Conclusion
What are you using to comb your hair in the shower? So you have any techniques your would like to share? Please feel free to comment below your advise could help others.
References
- sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/cellulose-acetate
- https://www.ogxbeauty.com
- Papa, C. M., Mills, O. H., & Hanshaw, W. (1972). Seasonal trichorrhexis nodosa: role of cumulative damage in frayed hair. Archives of Dermatology, 106(6), 888-892.
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/532954
- Punyani S, Tosti A, Hordinsky M, Yeomans D, Schwartz J. The Impact of Shampoo Wash Frequency on Scalp and Hair Conditions. Skin Appendage Disord. 2021 Apr;7(3):183-193. doi: 10.1159/000512786. Epub 2021 Feb 15. PMID: 34055906; PMCID: PMC8138261.
- Koyama S, Heinbockel T. The Effects of Essential Oils and Terpenes in Relation to Their Routes of Intake and Application. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Feb 25;21(5):1558. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051558. PMID: 32106479; PMCID: PMC7084246.
- Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K., & Ogawa, R. (2016). Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty, 16, e8.
- Klemp P, Peters K, Hansted B. Subcutaneous blood flow in early male pattern baldness. J Invest Dermatol. 1989 May;92(5):725-6. doi: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12721603. PMID: 2715645.
- Massachusetts General Hospital. (2001, February 19). Blood Vessels Hold Key To Thicker Hair Growth. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 31, 2021 from
- Background courtesy of pin.it/bi2o54j2t36fxp