Afrotextured hair is in a class by itself. Compared to other hair types it is less dense around the scalp, tightly coiled, and adaptive to hot climate. Having less density around the scalp helps in regulating body temperature. The structure of afrotextured hair (i.e., tightly coiled, dense) affects the growth pattern and styling options. It grows upwards and outwards into an afro and more readily forms into a locking pattern. Afrotextured hair also requires more moisture and is fragile.
Using the right tools is important. In this post we review natural hair tools that detangle, lift, and gather from black owned brands. Twist combs and curl sponges are also featured.
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AFROPICKS
Afropicks lift the hair up, away from the scalp and are great for detangling. Though patented in 1970 in the United States, the afro pick dates back thousands of years. You can find afropicks at the following.
- Afropick (advertisement) offers a diverse selection of afro picks that include salon grade combs made of anti-static plastic, metal, and sandalwood. A variety of patterns are available.
- Cocopie Curls (advertisement) has a decorative afro pick made with resin.
- Pattern Beauty (advertisement) offers a polycarbonate afro pick.
- Natural Curls Club has a sandalwood anti-static afropick.
Detangler Combs & Brushes
Detangler combs have wider teeth and larger spaces between them. Detangling brushes have flexible bristles and are designed to be gentle on the hair.
- Briogeo (advertisement) offers a rose quartz crystal energy detangler comb that helps with scalp circulation, and a wide tooth detangler comb designed to minimize snagging. A vegan boar bristle brush with soft ballpoint tips is also available.
- Cocopie Curls (advertisement) has decorative wide tooth combs made of resin.
- Kazmaleje (advertisement) offers detangler and paddle combs at Urban Outfitters (advertisement).
- Pattern Beauty offers a mini wide tooth comb and a mini shower brush that are great for travel, and use on wet hair.
- Precious Tresses (advertisement) has a detangling brush with a rubber grip handle and flexible head.
- Brush With The Best has detangler brushes in several colors. Bristles are widely spaced to prevent breakage. Brushes are also available on Amazon (advertisement).
- Charlotte Mensah offers a paddle brush to detangle, shape, and prevent split ends.
- Natural Curls Club has wide tooth wooden detangling combs.
Hair Gathering Tools
Hair gathering tools for afrotextured hair are big and flexible enough to accommodate the density, and flexible to prevent breakage and hair stress.
- Grace Eleyae (advertisement) offers silk scrunchies in sizes medium and thick. Silk scrunchies especially, help with moisture retention and prevent breakage.
- Joyful Heads (advertisement) offers culturally themed bun wraps that are flexible and stylish. These are great for locs and box braids.
- Loccessories (advertisement) has a selection of ponytail holders in different sizes, styles, and colors. Loc ties are also available.
- Puff Cuff (advertisement) has banana clips that keep your hair in place without tension. There are many clips from which to choose from original to teeny.
- Swirly Curly has oversized, thick afro-puff scrunchies in several colors. Ponytail holders in black or brown are also available. Products are also available on Amazon (advertisement).
- YGN offers a set of satin puff pulls in two sizes. Puff pulls come in a set of three.
Twist Combs and Curl Sponges
Twist combs and curl sponges enhance and style coils.
- Twist It Up Comb (advertisement) offers a twist comb in six colors.
- Curl Sponge offers a variety of curl sponge products that include glove sponges and curl sponges that are double-sided.
- Nudred has diverse curl sponges that include those with big and small holes, and a curl sponge with handles for changing out the sponge.
In reviewing these natural hair styling tools, I hope you find one or more that work for you.
Happy shopping!
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References
- Carefoot, Helen. “Silk pillow cases may provide some hair and skin benefits, but they’re not miracle workers.” 6 April, 2021. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/silk-pillowcases-hair-skin-benefits-myths/2021/04/05/a7dcad7c-866a-11eb-82bc-e58213caa38e_story.html
- Cornwell, Paul., & Malinauskyte, Ernesta. “Defying damage: Understanding breakage in afrotextured hair.” 30 January, 2020. https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/research/biology/Defying-Damage-Understanding-Breakage-in-Afro-textured-Hair-567425551.html
- Heywood, Felecity. “The afro comb: Not just an accessory but a cultural icon.” 7 July, 2013. https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/shortcuts/2013/jul/07/afro-comb-accessory-cultural-icon
- Sandeen, Del & Miller, Nigella. “What to know about dreadlocks: A guide.” 9 December, 2020. https://www.byrdie.com/locs-or-locks-400267
- United States Patent Office “USD217997S” 7 July, 1970. https://patents.google.com/patent/USD217997S/
- Wikipedia. “Afrotextured hair.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-textured_hair
