How to detangle hair after braids

Hair loss while taking out extensions is an issue a lot of women deal with but this doesn’t always have to be the case.

I have discussed pre-poo mixes in several previous articles on the website such as:-

• 5 Ingredients for the Best Pre-Poo with Oils Ever
• Soften, Detangle & Condition Dry Hair with Moringa Oil Mask

This article will be a bit more specific; focusing on the best way to detangle hair after taking out braids and removing knots without hair loss.

This detangling oil mix can be used to detangle hair using the method I recommended in How to Grow Your Hair Healthy & Long with Natural Oils.

In This Post...

• How to Detangle Matted Hair After Braids
• DIY Detangling Oil Recipe
• How to Remove Knots from Hair After Braids With Detangling Oil
• Recommended Hair Care Resources
• Shop DIY Detangling Oil Ingredients 

How to Detangle Matted Hair After Braids

The last time I wore braids towards the end of last year, I left it on for 3 weeks longer than I normally do because I was tied up with work.

As a result, when I took out the extensions, my hair was a bit more tangled than usual and had some serious lint at the base.

I knew it was imperative to engage a bit more tenderness in handling the matted hair to avoid unnecessary hair loss and damage.

I followed all the same advice I shared in 11 Simple Steps to Take Down Braids Without Sacrificing Your Edges.

However, I needed something a bit more than just coconut oil to work out all the tangled hair and knots.

This requirement led to a few experiments with oil mixes, which eventually culminated in the recipe below.

This detangling oil mix contains select natural oils with strengthening and softening properties. Combined, they can be a potent fix for knotted hair. 

DIY Detangling Oil Recipe

DIY Detangling Oil Ingredients

• Castor oil
• Coconut oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Watermelon oil
• Argan oil
• Wheat germ oil
• 1 tablespoon crushed hibiscus flowers
• 8 oz amber bottle

DIY Detangling Oil Directions

• Pour the crushed hibiscus flowers into the amber bottle. You can grind the hibiscus flowers with a mortar and pestle like this one. 
• Add the sweet almond oil, coconut oil, castor oil, watermelon oil, wheat germ oil, and argan oil together in the bottle (approximate proportions in the image below).
• Heat up some water and place the amber bottle in the hot water.
• Leave in until the water cools down then shake the bottle thoroughly. Your detangling oil mix is ready.

The image below is an 8 oz amber container, which indicates the amount of each oil that should go in for this recipe.

How to Remove Knots from Hair After Braids With Detangling Oil

After taking out your braids or other extensions, shake the detangling oil mix then pour a few drops into your palms and rub them together, then start separating hair in very small sections gently. Do not detangle at this stage.

Once all your hair is separated, section hair into 6 – 8 parts then apply more of the oil generously on each section, working in with your fingers. Loosen any lint trapped in your hair but still don’t detangle.

Afterward, twist up each section then cover your hair with a disposable cap. Leave on for 45 – 60 minutes. 

After 60 minutes, you should find it quite easy to detangle your hair and take out all the shed hair without having to struggle with your hair.

If it’s still difficult, repeat the steps above but with hair in even smaller sections. At every stage, don’t fight with your hair. Be as gentle as possible.

Recommended Hair Care Resources

The Ultimate Hair Growth Guide

Iyanu Hair Growth Oil

Shop DIY Detangling Oil Ingredients 

Below are my recommendations for each of the oils shared for this recipe. You can substitute another brand as long as it’s unadulterated and cold-pressed:-

Molivera Organics Castor Oil

Carrington Farms Organic Coconut Oil

Viva Naturals Sweet Almond Oil

Shea Terra Organics – Kalahari Ootanga Oil

Eve Hansen Organic Argan Oil

Now Foods Wheat Germ Oil

Feel Good Organics Dried Hibiscus Flowers

Amber Colored Squeeze Cap Bottle

You can follow this up with a pre-poo or go directly to shampooing as the oils applied previously will have acted as a pre-poo as well.

You can also use this DIY detangling oil to work out fairy knots.

I have read some people find wheat germ oil hardens their hair or they don’t like the smell.

Though I didn’t try this, hemp seed oil should be a suitable replacement in this case.

If you decide to try out this recipe, share the results in the comments section :).

DIY Detangling Oil

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Simple

This DIY detangling oil is ideal for use after taking down extensions to prevent unnecessary hair loss. It can also be used for detangling in general during your weekly or biweekly hair care regimen.

Print

Materials

• 3 tablespoons of castor oil
• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of watermelon oil
• 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
• 2 tablespoons of wheat germ oil
• 1 teaspoon of argan oil
• 1 tablespoon crushed hibiscus flowers

Tools

• 8 oz amber bottle
• Mortar and pestle (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour the crushed hibiscus flowers into the amber bottle. You can grind the hibiscus flowers with a mortar and pestle like this one if you prefer.
2. Add in the sweet almond oil, coconut oil, castor oil, watermelon oil, wheat germ oil, and argan oil.
3. Heat up some water and place the amber bottle in the hot water.
4. Leave in until the water cools down then remove the bottle, close, and shake thoroughly. Your detangling oil mix is ready.

Notes

• Let the crushed hibiscus flowers infuse with the oil for about 7 days before you start using. This will properly extract the hibiscus flower benefits.

Recommended Products

I earn from qualifying purchases through my links at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• Viobin Wheat Germ Oil

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  Shea Terra Organics Watermelon Oil

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  Organic Hibiscus Flowers

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  Kahina Giving Argan Oil

• 
  

  Now Foods Castor Oil

• 
  

  Nutiva Coconut Oil

© Haircare | Fitness | Beauty

Project Type: DIY / Category: Curly Hair Care

Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the successful Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural solutions for healthy hair and skin. Learn more HERE…

This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.

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