The Best Detangling Routine for Kids with Curls

Learn the easiest, pain-free detangling routine for biracial and Black children with curly hair to avoid breakage, frizz, and tears.
Detangling curly hair doesn’t have to be a tear-filled battle. The key is preparation, the right products, and a gentle technique that respects the curl pattern. Here’s my proven detangling method that keeps hair healthy and makes the process stress-free for both you and your child.
Start by gathering your detangling essentials:

• a spray bottle with water

• detangling brush,

• moisturizing conditioner with lots of slip

• sectioning clips

• leave-in conditioner.

• Always detangle on damp, conditioned hair — never dry — to prevent breakage.

  
  Begin with clean, freshly conditioned hair or hair that’s been sprayed down with water and coated with conditioner. Divide the hair into 4–6 sections, securing each with a clip. Working in sections keeps the process organized and helps you see progress as you go.

  
  Start detangling at the ends of the hair, gently working your way up toward the roots. This prevents knots from tightening and reduces discomfort. Use your fingers first to gently pull apart larger tangles before introducing a comb or brush. If the comb hits resistance, stop and work through the knot with your fingers.

  
  For extra slip, add more conditioner or use a detangling spray on stubborn areas. Be patient and never rush — pulling or yanking can cause pain and damage. Talk to your child throughout the process, offer small breaks if needed, and use distraction techniques like music, story time, or letting them watch a short show.
  Once each section is fully detangled, twist or braid it loosely to keep it tangle-free while you work on the rest. After all sections are done, rinse out the conditioner if needed, apply a leave-in, and style as desired.
  By sticking to a gentle, section-by-section approach, detangling becomes a manageable, even enjoyable, part of your child’s curly hair care routine. Over time, you’ll both notice less breakage, softer curls, and far fewer “ouch” moments.

Pro-tips keep the hair in jumbo twists while shampooing, use a back and forth motion to scrub the scalp using only your finger tips. Once finish shampooing, you can untwist the hair to apply conditioner and finger detangle