New York Fashion Week’s spring/summer 2018 season has come to a close and now we’re eager to recreate the natural hairstyles modeled on the runway. But, before we get started, let’s talk about a very necessary part of the styling process: detangling.
For some, it’s a time-consuming process laced with intimidating thoughts of pain and breakage. But according to Felicia Leatherwood, it should hardly feel that terrible.
The natural hairstylist is known for her work with celebs such as Issa Rae, Essence Atkins, Skai Jackson and Susan Kelechi Watson, making her one of the best resources for mastering hair maintenance.
For starters, investing in the proper tools and products is the simplest and most effective way to avoid tugging and damaging wet strands. She also recommends detangling before shampooing to avoid creating knots that will only become more difficult to remove after mixing in product.
Once you’re ready to cleanse, Leatherwood says to “apply shampoo directly to the scalp before adding water,” instead of lathering throughout the hair. This not only eases the detangling process; it also eliminates “sweat, toxins, dandruff, and other elements,” especially on thicker hair types.
If you’re sensitive to scalp pain, detangle by working from the ends to the roots in smaller sections using gentle brush strokes. And if you have no idea what type of comb or brush to use, Leatherwood’s very own detangling brush is an affordable tool that’s strong enough to work through textured hair.
She loves this brush because it “moves through the hair easily and prevents breakage and split hairs” and also helps with curl definition. The curl definition is accomplished by the brush’s “moveable teeth that glides right through the hair” with ease, thus supporting the formation of your curls.
In addition to investing in a sturdy brush or comb, Leatherwood recommends getting familiar with some of the brands she uses on her celebrity clientele: Curls, Eden Body Works, Alikay Naturals, Oyin Handmade, Obia Naturals, Form Beauty and Bekeoa, to name a few.
Learning the products that work best for you is key, so be comfortable with trial and error and learning what your hair responds best to.
To purchase the Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush, head over to www.brushwiththebest.com.
