Finger Combing vs. Brushing: How to Detangle K-Tips Gently

If you wear K-tips, your fingers are your best detangling tool. I tell every client the same thing: be gentle, and use your fingers instead of always reaching for a comb or brush. Here's why, and exactly how to do it.

PART ONE: WHY FINGERS ARE GENTLER

A brush moves through hair fast and pulls everything in its path. When it hits a tangle, it either drags it into a tighter knot or pulls on the bond. Your fingers can feel a tangle before it becomes a problem, so you can stop and separate it.

• Less tension on the bonds. Fingers don't yank at the keratin.
• Less breakage. You separate strands instead of ripping through them.
• More control. You can work in small sections and feel where the knots are.

"Finger combing, using your fingers, versus always using a comb and brushing. You want to be gentle with this." — Bianca Blanco, BLONC founder

PART TWO: THE RULE: ENDS FIRST

Always start at the ends and work your way up toward the bonds. If you start at the top, every tangle gets pushed down into one big knot at the bottom. Starting at the ends means each section is clear before you move higher.

PART THREE: THE ROUTINE

Dry detangling

1. Take a small section
2. Separate the ends with your fingers
3. Move up a few inches at a time
4. Hold the hair just below the bonds as you get close, so nothing pulls on them

In the shower

1. Finger comb before you wet the hair
2. Shampoo, then finger comb again from the ends up
3. Condition and finger comb once more so the cuticle lays flat

Finger combing	Brushing from the top
Feels tangles before they tighten	Drags tangles into knots
Little tension on bonds	Can pull on bonds
Separates strands gently	Can cause breakage

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PART FOUR: MAKE DETANGLING EASIER

• Shampoo and condition often. With raw hair, the more you wash and condition, the fewer tangles you'll have. Make it your top priority.
• Use quality products. I recommend Joico. Skip harsh clarifying and cheap grocery-store shampoos.
• Tie it up at night. A loose pineapple keeps the hair from twisting while you sleep.

Still tangling? Read Why Your K-Tips Are Tangling.

BOTTOM LINE

Finger combing is the gentlest way to detangle K-tips. It puts less tension on the bonds, causes less breakage, and lets you feel tangles before they tighten. Always start at the ends and work up, finger comb before, during, and after washing, and shampoo and condition often.

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