Detangling is a chore for many naturals because the act of detangling knots and tangles takes time, patience and if done improperly can damage your hair. Everyone has their favorite detangling tool or method but those long detangling sessions can really take their toll. Sometimes you just want something that works magic so you can get in and out without spending the entire day concentrating on your hair.
Water Soluble And Non-Soluble Silicones: What You Need To Know
Is it possible to make the task of detangling shorter without sacrificing your hair? Many feel the right product is key or even the right ingredient. Some naturals step out of the norm and find silicones aid in detangling. Is this a viable choice?
Honestly, that may not be doing your hair any good but in all fairness, all silicones are not created equal. Some are good, some are bad, and some are just downright awful but knowing which ones to use is vital to prevent build-up. Water-soluble silicones are excellent and can give massive slip but using products that do not use silicones and designed for detangling are a better choice.
Water-soluble silicones like PEG-Dimethicone or Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone will dissolve in water and may work well with your cowash, but if used often and not in conjunction with clarifying shampoos, you may find build-up over time. Here are a few detanglers we love (that do not have silicones) but will do the job effectively and give you all the slip you need before you cleanse your hair with a cowashing conditioner or a shampoo.
Kinky Curly Knot Today
Still one of my favorite detanglers, this powerhouse leave-in that doubles as a detangler harnesses the power of marshmallow root and slippery elm to literally dissolve knots and tangles within seconds. KCKT is an excellent option for helping with detangling but not attaching to your strands.
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler
A favorite for many curly girls, this extra moisturizing detangler softens, remove knots, and adds shine to dry, thirsty hair. Glycerin, water, Shea Butter and Argania Spiosa Kernel oil work hard at diminishing your tangles and make washday a breeze.
Matrix® Biolage Hydra Source Detangling Conditioner
Created just for dry hair that tangles, this detangling conditioner will quench dry, thirsty hair with the power of Aloe. The added moisture helps to release those stubborn tangles and with a great price. This detangler will fight frizz while boosting hair’s moisture while being safe for color-treated tresses.
DevaCurl No-Comb Detangling Spray
If looking for something lighter but still quite effective, this detangling spray is still a favorite for dissolving tangles, knots, and snags. With a great price, this lemongrass fragrance is herbaceous and refreshing and ever-so-light!
6 Curly Girl Friendly Silicone-Free Heat Protectants
Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler
If you like to lay it on thick then this detangler by Soultanicals is ideal as it’s made with distilled water infused organic Blue Malva, nettle, horsetail, and slippery elm to banish all your tangles and knots. This is creamy goodness and the intoxicating smell of vanilla heaven.
Whatever you choose remember to use those water-soluble silicones to prevent product build-up and clogged hair follicles. Always remember a clarifying shampoo is the answer to remove not just product build-up but chlorine, hard water and often necessary from time to time to ensure hair is fully cleansed.
Have you used a silicone-based detangler on our natural hair?
Sabrina
