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Article Originally Written on: January 31st, 2023,

Wet vs. Dry Detangling in 2025: How to Achieve Healthy, Tangle-Free Curls

As we move into 2025, the conversation around wet vs. dry detangling continues to evolve, especially for curly-haired individuals. Advances in hair care products and detangling tools have made both methods more accessible and less damaging than ever before. One thing remains clear, however: the key to healthy, bouncy curls is minimizing breakage and damage during the detangling process. Whether you prefer to detangle wet or dry hair, the right products, tools, and techniques can make all the difference in preserving the integrity of your curls.

What’s particularly interesting in 2025 is how personalized hair care has become, especially for textured hair. With many individuals experimenting with different detangling methods based on their unique hair needs, the focus is now more on customizing your routine rather than following a rigid guideline. Curly hair is diverse, and what works for one texture may not work for another, making it crucial to explore both wet and dry detangling techniques to see which yields the healthiest results for you.

In addition to the traditional methods, many curly-haired individuals are also discovering the power of gentle, hydrating treatments and pre-detangling sprays. These products help reduce friction and keep hair moisturized, creating a smoother detangling experience whether your hair is wet or dry. This shift toward moisture-based products also coincides with a greater emphasis on sustainable beauty, with consumers opting for eco-friendly formulas that hydrate while being gentle on both the hair and the environment.

Another key trend in 2025 is the use of innovative detangling tools designed to cater specifically to curly and textured hair. From flexible bristle brushes that prevent tugging to wide-tooth combs made from eco-friendly materials, these tools are revolutionizing how we care for our curls. With increased awareness about the impact of aggressive brushing, many curly-haired individuals are adopting gentler approaches, like finger detangling or using specialized brushes that reduce friction and maintain curl definition.

Ultimately, whether you detangle your curls wet or dry, the goal is the same: to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and tangle-free. With the right techniques, products, and tools, you can create a detangling routine that works best for your hair type and texture, allowing your curls to thrive without the risk of unnecessary damage.

The detangling debate continues in the realm of curly hair and the bottom line is: it really comes down to personal preference. The main concern no matter which method you choose is minimizing damage and hair loss. Always pay attention to your brush or comb and see which method results in less hair in the brush. 

We want to avoid unnecessary damage and breakage, so here are some tips to consider when choosing between wet or dry detangling.

Keep in mind there is a difference between hair shedding (which needs to and WILL happen in order for more growth to come in) over breaking hair and over actual hair loss (the clinical term for this is alopecia).

Wet Detangling Tips

1. Do not towel dry your hair before detangling- this applies no matter what your hair type; coily, curly, wavy or straight hair. Friction from vigorously rubbing your hair with a towel can cause damage and more tangles. Instead, gently squeeze the excess water out of your hair once you’ve finished showering.

2. Separate your hair into smaller sections- Do this gently. It might mean the sections are slightly disproportionate because you don’t want to force the tangled hair by pulling or ripping it. Sectioning makes the detangling task more manageable and keep a spray bottle of water close by in case your sections start to dry before you get to them.

3. Use a detangler or conditioner-Those who have fine or thin hair (or both) benefit greatly from the use of a detangler. Spray it all over your hair and wait for the ingredients to do their magic. We like Curl Keeper Slip. If you have thicker, coarse dry hair, will benefit from detangling in the shower with hair conditioner that has a lot of slip. Apply conditioner from mid-length to your ends and use a wide-tooth comb.

4. Start from the ends- This tip also applies no matter your hair type. Always start brush detangling from the ends of your hair, working your way to the roots. This will prevent a significant amount of breakage to your hair. If you come across a larger, nasty knot- you can gently work it out with your fingers.

Dry Detangling Tips

Working through larger knots when curls are dry is safer because when hair is wet, hair swells and the cuticle becomes more fragile, much easier to break. Hair is more likely to have their bonds intact when it’s dry, but it can take time and patience to ensure you detangle gently and safely. Most of the wet detangling tips above apply to dry detangling as well, section your hair, start from the ends and work your way up but here are a few extra tips:

1. Larger knots require product and finger detangling- Do not try to pass a brush through larger knots without some form of detangling jelly or cream. It’s crucial to apply product directly to the knot and gently work the knot out with your fingers. Take your time!

2. Use a brush with flexible bristles- Even though the hair bonds are stronger when dry, you don’t want to be using a brush that’s too rigid that might rip or break your hair. Test a few out and see which one your hair responds too the best. ❤️ Our favourite is the Flexy Brush!

3. Finger detangling is best for coily hair- If you are trying dry detangling for the first time or if you have coarse, thick hair or tight, coily hair, finger detangling is the most gentle technique. You can even add some leave in conditioner to your fingers to help work it through.

4. Stretch your hair- a day or two before you dry detangle, put your hair up in a ballerina bun to pre-stretch your hair.

To check out all of Curl Keeper's award-winning detangling products  - click here!