Brushing curly hair can be tricky. Unlike straight hair, curls require special care to maintain their shape, prevent frizz, and avoid breakage. Many people with curly hair wonder when and how they should brush their locks to keep them looking their best. Should you brush your hair when it’s wet or dry? What tools should you use? In this guide, we’ll explore the best times and techniques for brushing curly hair to keep it healthy, defined, and frizz-free.
Should You Brush Curly Hair?
Yes, but with the right technique! Unlike straight hair, brushing curly hair incorrectly can lead to frizz, breakage, and disrupted curl patterns. The key is to brush at the right time and with the right tools to maintain curl integrity.
When to Brush Curly Hair
1. Before Washing (Dry Brushing for Detangling)
Brushing your curls before washing can help remove tangles, shed loose hair, and prevent excessive knots during shampooing. This is especially helpful for thicker or tighter curls that tend to tangle easily.
How to Brush Dry Curly Hair Before Washing:
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Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush designed for curls.
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Start at the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage.
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Apply a light oil or a leave-in conditioner to help with slip.
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Avoid using a regular bristle brush, as it can cause excessive frizz.
2. In the Shower (With Conditioner for Less Breakage)
One of the best times to brush curly hair is in the shower when it’s coated with conditioner. Wet hair is more fragile, but the slip from conditioner reduces friction and prevents damage.
How to Brush Curly Hair in the Shower:
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Apply a generous amount of conditioner to your curls.
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Use a wide-tooth comb or a gentle detangling brush to work through knots.
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Always start from the ends and slowly move upward.
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Be gentle pulling too hard can cause breakage.
3. After Showering (While Wet, Before Styling)
Brushing curly hair after washing, while it’s still wet but not dripping, helps distribute leave-in conditioners and styling products evenly. However, using the right tool is essential to avoid disrupting curl patterns.
How to Brush Wet Curly Hair After Showering:
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Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to damp hair.
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Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to gently detangle.
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If using a detangling brush, opt for a flexible bristle brush designed for curls.
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Avoid over-brushing just detangle enough to shape your curls.
4. Before Styling (For Curl Definition)
If you want well-defined curls, brushing with a wet brush or wide-tooth comb after applying styling products can help distribute them evenly. Some curly-haired individuals use a Denman brush to enhance curl formation.
How to Brush Before Styling for Best Curl Definition:
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Divide your hair into sections to ensure even product distribution.
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Use a Denman brush or fingers to twist and define curls.
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Scrunch your curls upward to encourage bounce.
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Avoid excessive brushing, which can disrupt curl clumps.
5. Never Brush Dry Curly Hair (Unless Refreshing Curls)
Brushing curly hair when it is completely dry can cause extreme frizz, breakage, and loss of definition. However, if you’re refreshing your curls, you can lightly brush with a soft brush to reshape them.
How to Refresh Curls Without Causing Frizz:
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Use a spray bottle with water or a leave-in conditioner to rehydrate curls.
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Lightly finger-comb or use a soft-bristle brush for touch-ups.
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Scrunch your curls and apply a small amount of curl cream if needed.
Best Brushes for Curly Hair
1. Wide-Tooth Comb
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Best for gentle detangling without pulling on curls.
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Works well on wet or damp hair with conditioner.
2. Denman Brush
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Helps define curls by clumping strands together.
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Ideal for styling and even product distribution.
3. Wet Brush or Detangling Brush
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Designed for wet hair to minimize breakage.
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Works well with conditioner or leave-in treatments.
4. Finger-Combing
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The most gentle way to detangle curls.
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Prevents excessive breakage and maintains curl shape.
Tips to Avoid Frizz and Breakage When Brushing Curly Hair
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Always detangle from the ends upward to prevent pulling.
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Use a conditioning product to provide slip when brushing.
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Avoid fine-bristle brushes, as they can disrupt curls and cause frizz.
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Don’t over-brush curly hair needs minimal handling to maintain shape.
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Use satin or silk pillowcases to prevent tangling overnight.
Knowing when to brush curly hair is crucial to maintaining its health, definition, and shine. The best times to brush curly hair are before washing, in the shower with conditioner, and after washing while damp. Avoid brushing when your curls are completely dry unless you’re refreshing them with moisture. By using the right tools and techniques, you can keep your curls looking defined, healthy, and frizz-free every day.