A little while ago, I mentioned that I thought I was on my way to getting the right combo of products and methods to detangle my kids hair. Well here’s a little detangling update.

I used a variation of what I talked about last time. One of our most recent wash day was super simple and I think will be the road map of what we do going forward. Although the products may change occasionally in the hopes of finding those Holy Grail level components.

The protective style I put in last time for my daughter, ended up staying in a little longer than expected. Two weeks instead of one.

Last time I used a mixture of Aloe Vera Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Conditioner and Olive Oil to detangle. So when I said I found a great combo last time, I basically threw that all out of the window for this time! I only spritzed the hair with water and undid the protective style with a little oil. Then followed this straight up with the deep conditioner while finger detangling the hair and a quick pass with the comb. Of course, because the hair was thoroughly detangled before being braided, I wasn’t expecting much resistance.

I went straight for the deep conditioner (EDEN Bodyworks Jojoba Monoi Natural Deep Conditioner). I used this once on my own hair and loved how soft it was after. But honestly, I used it on my kids because the tub was open and I needed a deep conditioner!

Luckily, this is a good one. I’ve not really seen anyone recommend a DC as a detangling product but it didn’t hurt it. I guess I didn’t need the slip you would normally get from a conditioner or one mixed with oil. I suppose, like I said earlier, the hair was thoroughly detangled prior to the protective style. It just needed a few passes with my wide toothed comb.

The hair was put into twists for about 40 minutes until I was ready to wash. After rinsing out the DC, we co-washed with Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Conditioner. I’ve really come to like this product.

Once that was rinsed out, I immediately added the Mixed Chicks Replenishing Oil followed by the Cantu Coconut Curling Cream.

For my daughter while she was still in the bath, at this point, I re-braided her hair.

We went from the braids above to the braids below with not a single scream.

Okay, I lie, there was some screaming but only from the Braiding Gods about that wonky part. But I’m trying out here, give me a break! Plus, I would say about the “lack of neatness” as some would call it, there was no heat and she wasn’t going anywhere! I think it looked cute…from the front.

Basically, what I’m learning is – damp hair, (any) product, fingers or wide tooth combs, protective styling, consistency – might be all we need. Can it really be as simple as that? Or have I just discovered the best way to stop tangled hair is to not let it get tangled in the first place…

Let’s keep trying to figure this out together!

xx Lee xx

Do you have any detangling tips to share?