Ethnic hair, though it looks tough, is actually quite vulnerable to breakage. One of the common causes of ehtnic hair breakage is through combing and brushing. So if you want to keep your afro in top shape or you simply want to grow your hair long, you’d need to make sure that you’re using the right combs and brushes that keep it tangle free without stressing it.

Finger Combing

For those with natural hair, finger combing is a great way to detangle your hair. Gently using your fingers to comb through your afro, taking care of knots and tangles with them is gentle on your hair and will protect it from breakage that is sometimes caused by combing or brushing.
Also, you can use your fingers before moving on to a comb or a brush, as this will help to ensure that tangled bits of hair do not snap while combing. However, make sure that your nails are well filed and smooth to avoid snagging.

Rat Tail Comb

This is the perfect tool for gently lifting and separating hair into sections when braiding or weaving- and also for styling your hair.
Rat tail combs are not suitable for combing natural hair, as the teeth of the comb are too fine and may cause breakage. A rat tail comb may work fine for recently relaxed hair however.

Afro Comb

This is a must for anyone rocking natural hair, whether it’s styled as an afro or not. It’s great for combing out hair and helping to loosen up tangles while avoiding frizz. It is also great for fluffing out your afro.

Wide Tooth Comb

This is one of the most obvious combing tools to detangle natual hair. They’re gentle enough to work through your hair and help you get a smooth combing experience.
Even better is a seamless comb, which has no rough edges. They are a bit more expensive than normal combs, but they are a worthwhile long term investment.

Soft Bristle Brush

Soft bristle brushes are a great tool for working in natural oils and products through your hair. Normally, this would come in last during the styling process as you smooth out your hairstyle. It’s very important that your hair is free of tangles to prevent it being broken by the fine bristles of the brush.
One of the best types of brushes for any hair texture, are brushes with natural bristles, such as boar bristles. These are better for your hair than nylon or plastic bristles.

Paddle Brush

This is perfect for those who want to brush their hair straight. The wide surface area will provide a platform to smooth and straighten the hair as you brush it. It’s best used after you’ve detangled your hair with the wide toothed comb or afro comb.
With these combing and brushing tools, your African hair will always look and feel good. You’ll be assured that gentle use of these tools will help you maintain your hair’s health, and reduce breakage.

 Find out if this Detangling Tool Review to find out if it would work for your hair.

Article by Sharon Kariwo