DOING IT NATURAL

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  • Tangles and Knots in Natural Hair: 10 Ways to Prevent Them

    Tangles and Knots in Natural Hair: 10 Ways to Prevent Them

    Tangles and Knots in natural hair are common,  especially if you have 4B or 4C hair, you probably know the frustration of dealing with tangles and knots.

    Sometimes it feels like you detangle your hair today only to find another knot tomorrow!

    The good news is that you don’t have to completely eliminate tangles to have healthy natural hair. The goal is to reduce unnecessary tangling and handle your hair gently when it does happen.

    I’ve learned over the years that consistent hair care makes a huge difference. When I neglect my hair for too long, it becomes much harder to manage. But when I keep it moisturised, stretched and properly maintained, my hair becomes much easier to work with.

    Here are 10 things that can help prevent excessive tangling and knotting in natural hair.

    1. Keep Your Hair Stretched

    One of the biggest things that can help reduce tangling in type 4 hair is keeping it stretched.

    When tightly coiled hair shrinks, the strands can wrap around one another more easily. Stretching your hair doesn’t mean you have to use heat. You can use methods such as:

    • Two-strand twists
    • Braids
    • Bantu knots
    • African threading
    • Twist-outs
    • Braid-outs

    The aim isn’t to eliminate your natural shrinkage. It’s simply to keep your strands more organised and reduce how much they intertwine.

    2. Don’t Ignore Your Ends

    Your ends are the oldest part of your hair, so they need plenty of attention.

    When ends become excessively dry, split or damaged, they can catch on neighbouring strands and contribute to tangling.

    You don’t need to follow a strict rule that says you must trim every three months. Instead, pay attention to the condition of your ends and trim when necessary.

    If you’re constantly finding split ends, single-strand knots or ends that won’t stay moisturised, it may be time for a trim.

    3. Protect Your Hair

    Protective or low-manipulation styles can help reduce the amount of daily friction and handling your hair experiences.

    Braids, twists, tucked-away styles and other gentle styles can keep your ends from constantly rubbing against clothing and other surfaces.

    However, protective doesn’t mean tight.

    A hairstyle that causes pain, pulling or constant tension can damage your hair and scalp. Dermatologists warn that repeated tight hairstyles can contribute to traction alopecia.

    Your protective style should actually feel protective!

    4. Don’t Skip Detangling

    This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about natural hair.

    Leaving tangles in your hair doesn’t usually make them disappear. They can become bigger and more difficult to remove later.

    Detangle gently and patiently, preferably in manageable sections.

    For tightly coiled hair, dermatologists recommend thoroughly wetting the hair and using conditioner before detangling with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Working in sections can make the process easier.

    And remember:

    Ends → middle → roots.

    Don’t start by forcing a comb from your roots through a mass of tangled hair.

    I recently wrote more about this here:

    [Are You Combing Your Natural Hair the Right Way?]

    5. Braid or Twist Your Hair Before Bed

    If you’ve worn your hair loose all day, don’t simply go to bed with it completely loose and tangled.

    Before sleeping, gently put your hair into a few loose twists or braids.

    This helps keep the strands organised and can reduce friction while you sleep. A loose pineapple, braid or twists can also help preserve your hairstyle.

    If you use a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase, that can further reduce friction.

    6. Stop Constantly Touching Your Hair

    I called this “hand-in-hair syndrome” in my original article, and honestly, I still think it’s a real thing! 😂

    Sometimes we don’t even realise how often we’re touching, separating, fluffing and rearranging our hair.

    Constant manipulation can contribute to dryness, tangling and breakage.

    So once you’ve styled your hair, leave it alone as much as possible.

    And yes, that includes constantly asking other people to touch your hair because they love your curls. 😂

    7. Keep Your Hair Moisturised

    Dry hair tends to be harder to manage.

    A good conditioning and moisturising routine can make your hair softer and easier to detangle. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends conditioning curly/coily hair and notes that conditioner can make hair easier to manage and detangle.

    You can experiment with the LOC or LCO method to find what works best for your hair.

    For example:

    L — Liquid/Leave-in
    O — Oil
    C — Cream

    Or:

    L — Liquid/Leave-in
    C — Cream
    O — Oil

    There isn’t one method that works for everybody. Pay attention to how your hair responds.

    8. Pay Attention to Your Ends

    Your ends are particularly vulnerable to dryness and friction, so don’t forget about them when moisturising.

    Apply your leave-in or moisturiser throughout your hair, paying particular attention to dry areas and the ends.

    You can also use a small amount of oil if that works well for your hair.

    The goal isn’t to drown your hair in oil — it’s to keep your routine balanced and prevent your hair from becoming unnecessarily dry and difficult to manage.

    9. Don’t Keep the Same Style in for Too Long

    I know the feeling.

    You finally get your braids or twists done and think:

    “I’m keeping these in FOREVER.” 😂

    But leaving a style in for too long can eventually lead to accumulated shed hair, buildup and tangling when you finally take it down.

    The longer you leave a style in, the more important it becomes to pay attention to your scalp, new growth and the condition of your natural hair.

    And remember: if a style becomes painful, excessively tight or uncomfortable, don’t wait until the planned removal date.

    10. Wash Your Hair in Sections

    Washing loose, highly textured hair can sometimes leave you with a bigger tangling problem than you started with.

    Try dividing your hair into several manageable sections before washing.

    You can gently braid or twist each section and work through them one at a time.

    The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends washing long or thick curly hair in sections to reduce damage or tangling.

    You don’t have to use exactly six sections like I suggested in my original article. Use whatever number makes your hair manageable.

    What If Your Hair Is Already Tangled? How do you get rid of the tangles and Knots?

    Don’t panic — and don’t attack the knot with a comb!

    Start by:

    1. Adding water or a suitable conditioner/leave-in for slip.
    2. Separating your hair into manageable sections.
    3. Using your fingers to gently loosen the biggest tangles.
    4. Starting at the ends.
    5. Working gradually towards the roots.
    6. Using a wide-tooth comb only when the section is sufficiently detangled.
    7. Taking your time.

    If a knot won’t move, stop pulling. Add more slip and work around the knot with your fingers.

    For tightly coiled hair, gentle detangling while the hair is thoroughly wet and conditioned is supported by dermatologists’ guidance.

    Final Thoughts on Tangles and Knots

    Tangles are part of having natural hair. You don’t need to achieve completely tangle-free hair to have healthy hair.

    The key is learning how to reduce unnecessary tangling and, when knots do happen, removing them gently.

    For me, one of the biggest lessons has been that consistency matters.

    When I neglect my hair, it becomes harder to manage. When I give it regular attention, keep it moisturised, detangle it properly and protect it, my hair responds so much better.

    And that’s something I’m rediscovering as I get back into caring for my natural hair.

    Natural hair doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs care. 🌿

     

     

  • Are You Combing Your Natural Hair the Right Way?

    Are You Combing Your Natural Hair the Right Way?

    Combing natural hair can be a challenge, depending on your hair type. While 3C and 4A hair may be a little easier to comb, those of us with 4B and 4C hair know just how difficult it can be.

    4C hair, in particular, can be very challenging to comb.

    Some of us dread combing our hair because of the breakage, tangles, knots and, of course, the pain that can come with it.

    But what if some of the things we do while combing are actually making the process harder?

    Here are some common mistakes that can make combing natural hair more difficult.

    What Makes Combing Natural Hair Difficult?

    1. Not Moisturising

    Combing your hair when it is dry and without adequate moisture can turn the process into a tug of war.

    Dry hair can be more difficult to manipulate, and trying to force a comb through it can result in unnecessary breakage and pain.

    Moisturise your hair before you start combing.

    A woman gently applies water to define and moisturize her curls at home.

    2. Combing From the Roots to the Ends

    Doing this is almost like asking your hair to break off.

    Tangles and knots are usually concentrated towards the ends of the hair. Starting at the roots means you are dragging those tangles through the entire length of your hair.

    Instead, start from the ends and gradually work your way up towards the roots.

    3. Not Being Gentle and Patient

    If you are rushing out to go somewhere, it may not be the best time to comb your hair.

    When you are in a hurry, you are less likely to have the patience and gentleness needed to properly detangle your hair.

    You can wake up earlier so you have enough time, or you can detangle and style your hair the previous night.

    Don’t rush your hair.

    4. Not Twisting, Braiding or Pineappling Your Hair Before Sleeping

    When you go to bed without preparing your hair, you may wake up with more knots and tangles the following morning.

    And then, of course, you have even more work to do when it is time to comb your hair!

    Twisting, braiding or pineappling your hair before bedtime can help reduce unnecessary tangling.

    5. Using the Wrong Type of Comb

    The type of comb you use matters.

    If you are using a fine-tooth comb on your natural hair, you may be setting yourself up for unnecessary breakage.

    A wide-tooth comb is a much better option for detangling natural hair.

    And if you visit a hairstylist, make sure you let them know how you want your natural hair handled. Don’t be afraid to ask them not to use a fine-tooth comb on your hair.

    6. Combing Wet Hair

    Hair is very vulnerable and flexible when wet, so be mindful when handling it in this state.

    If you are going to detangle or comb your hair while it is wet, make sure you are gentle and avoid forcing a comb through tangled hair.

    How to Comb Natural Hair the Right Way

    Now that we’ve looked at some of the things that can make combing difficult, let’s talk about how to make the process easier.

    1. Detangle First

    Always detangle your hair before combing, preferably with your fingers. A wide-tooth comb can also be used if needed.

    Start from the ends and gently work your way up towards the roots.

    This can save you a lot of stress when it is finally time to use your comb.

    2. Moisturise Your Hair

    Make sure you moisturise your hair before combing.

    You can use the LOC or LCO method to moisturise your hair before you begin.

    This can make your hair easier to work with and help reduce the pain and difficulty experienced while combing.

    3. Try Finger Combing

    Finger combing involves using your fingers to gently work through your hair instead of immediately reaching for a comb.

    It takes more time and is best done when you are not in a hurry, but it can be worth the effort.

    You can divide your hair into about 8–12 sections and take your time working through each section.

    For 4C hair, finger combing can be a great way to reduce the amount of manipulation from combs.

    4. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb

    If you prefer using a comb, a wide-tooth comb is one of the best options for natural hair.

    A lot of naturalistas swear by wide-tooth combs because they allow you to work through the hair without forcing the teeth too closely together.

    5. Comb From the Ends to the Roots

    Natural hair should generally be combed from the ends towards the roots because of its kinky and curly nature.

    Unlike relaxed or straight hair, natural hair can easily form knots and tangles along its length.

    Start at the ends.

    Remove the knots and gently work through the tangles before gradually moving upwards.

    Ends → middle → roots.

    Final Thoughts

    Combing natural hair doesn’t have to be a battle.

    The key is to prepare your hair, take your time, work in sections and be gentle.

    Your natural hair deserves patience and care.

    And if you have 4C hair like I do, you already know that sometimes your fingers can be your best comb!

    So, the next time you pick up your comb, ask yourself:

    Are you combing your natural hair the right way?

    What combing challenges have you experienced? Do you finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb?

    I’d love to hear from you in the comments. ❤️

  • I’m back after 9 years: What happened to Doing it Natural?

    I’m back after 9 years: What happened to Doing it Natural?

    I can’t believe it has already been 9 years since I started Doing It Natural Blog.

    I started Doing It Natural in 2017 with so much passion for natural hair, health, beauty and healthy living. I was excited to share what I was learning, connect with other people and create a space where we could talk about the things I genuinely loved.

    And for a while, it was going really well.

    I actually had two versions of Doing It Natural — my original free blog and a monetised version that grew from it. I was so proud of what I had built and excited about where it could go.

    Unfortunately, I eventually lost the monetised blog.

    And then… life happened.

    My last blog post was in 2017, and somehow, almost nine years have passed since I last sat down to write here.

    Since my last post, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. I relocated to the United Kingdom to start a new life, got married, and I am now a mother as well.

    My life in the UK has largely been focused on building my family and developing my nursing career.

    The journey to becoming a mum in the UK, especially with limited support around me, has been quite a rough one. There have been beautiful moments, difficult moments, exhausting moments and plenty of times when I’ve had to figure things out as I went along.

    Life became busy.

    Really busy.

    And somewhere along the way, the woman who was so passionate about blogging in 2017 became a woman trying to balance family, motherhood, work and everything else life was throwing at her.

    Doing It Natural was put on the back burner.

    For years.

    But recently, I found myself looking back at this little corner of the internet again.

    And something surprised me.

    People were still visiting.

    Even after all these years of silence, some of my old posts were still being read. People were still finding my content, including through Pinterest.

    I couldn’t help but wonder:

    Maybe Doing It Natural isn’t finished after all.

    Maybe I didn’t really abandon it.

    Maybe life simply took me on a very long detour.

    And now, I’m ready to come back.

    But I’m not the same person who started this blog in 2017.

    I’ve grown. I’ve changed. I’ve experienced marriage, motherhood, relocation, career changes, challenges and so many things I couldn’t have imagined when I wrote my first posts.

    So this new chapter of Doing It Natural will evolve with me.

    I’ll still be talking about the things that brought me here in the first place — natural hair, skincare, beauty, health and healthy living — but I’ll also be sharing some of what I’ve learned along the way.

    I’ll be talking about navigating life as a Black woman in the UK, motherhood, finding time for yourself when life is demanding, beauty routines that actually work for busy women, and the products and practices I’m discovering along the way.

    And I also want this to be a place where I can be honest.

    Not everything has to be perfect.

    Sometimes self-care is a 10-minute skincare routine.

    Sometimes it’s washing your hair when you’ve been putting it off for two weeks.

    Sometimes it’s finding a product that makes your life easier.

    And sometimes it’s simply admitting that you’re tired and starting again tomorrow.

    So, after almost nine years, I’m giving Doing It Natural another chance.

    I’m not promising to be perfect this time.

    I’m simply promising to show up.

    If you’ve been here since the beginning, thank you. ❤️

    And if you’re discovering Doing It Natural for the first time, welcome.

    There’s a lot that has changed since 2017.

    But one thing hasn’t changed:

    I still love doing it natural.

    Welcome back to Doing It Natural.

    Let’s see where this new chapter takes us. 🌿

  • 500+ Followers

    Hey guys, I recently hit 500 follows on my blog and I’m so excited about it. I started this blog in March, 2017 and it has been an amazing journey with you all.

    I deeply appreciate all your likes, comments, reblog, awards nominations and many more. I never thought I was going to get 50 followers let alone 500+. I appreciate all the love so far.

    To all my readers from 100+ countries especially the top four countries (United States of America, Nigeria, India and United Kingdom), I say a very big thank you.

    I have moved to a self hosted site, www.doingitnaturalblog.com, I will be very grateful if you can also follow me on my new blog. Thanks for the love.