How to comb Natural hair.

I discovered that the major reason why some people would do a relaxer touch up almost every month, straighten out their hair shaft is because they just can’t comb that new growth of nappy/ natural hair. I can relate with this.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a problem with people combing or plaiting my hair. This is why I delayed in going  natural even though I was head over heels in love with coily hair. I always wondered how I would manage to comb thick, coily, tangled, zig zaggly, springly hair with a very sensitive scalp.
I tried transitioning twice.  First time was difficult and I had little knowledge. I eventually relaxed after 7 months. The 2nd time was better and easier because I knew better. These are some of the tips I learnt and still practice.
– Never comb nappy hair dry! Why? Cos your hair would break and fall off. OK that’s harsh but true. You cant comb nappy hair the same way you would comb relaxed hair. Dry natural hair is brittle and lacks elasticity.  It would snap and break while you’re combing. I don’t even know how the comb would pass through.
– Deep condition regularly. Deep conditioning can’t be over emphasised. Its mostly the kind of conditioner you put in your hair and leave for about 30 minutes to an hour depending on what suits you. The adsorption process works better and faster with a little heat/steam. You could put your hair in a shower cap and wrap a hot/ordinary towel around it. Deep conditioning should be done weekly or biweekly.
-Moisturise. Due to the zig zaggly, coily texture of nappy hair, your natural oils from your scalp can’t travel all the way to your ends easily. So give your hair some love. Moisturise with water. Don’t douse. Spray lightly and seal it in with a carrier oil(Jojoba oil, Coconut oil,Olive oil, Grape seed oil, Avocado oil etc) and a cream/butter (Shea butter,mango butter). That’s the LOC method. There are other methods like the lco(liquid, cream, oil), LCC, lcco, loco… Lol.. Whatever works for you mehn!
-Do not use fine toothed combs to comb your hair.

Natural or relaxed, fine toothed combs damage the hair. They cause split ends and might cause hair breakage. If you have thick hair like mine, do not even try it.

-When combing, start from the ends to the roots. The root is the area close to the scalp. Detangle the ends then go down to the roots gradually.
Finally, be gentle and take your time.
NOTE: I kept using the clause “whatever works for you” because that’s the best way to handle your hair. Whatever works for me might not work for you and vice versa. I can only tell you the basics. It’s up to you to find out if your hair likes it or not.
Love,
Imisiayo.

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