Over 6 hours detangling hair, how do we prevent it getting that bad & is there an easier way to detangle?

[katymac]

DD (19) has beautiful hair; mixed race - black Jamaican/white British

We have tended to do a version of curly girl with few silicones, occasional shampoos & no brushing or combing just running her fingers through her hair with conditioner

What we think happens is: she dances, she sweats, the conditioner 'melts' she doesn't immediately finger comb her hair & goes to the next class so it becomes matted & during periods of high pressure/work/exams, it doesn't get properly done & have to detangle it and then we start again. Not helped by being styled in a ballet bun, high pony or loose depending of the style of dance

We have tried over 100 different types of product over the years, some work & then get discontinued, others we throw away after using once, we have had to cut product out of her hair before now as it was nigh on impossible to remove

Any suggestions on a new routine/product/hairdresser to visit for advise?

Both of us are ready to cut it off but it is such a part of her neither of us want to

Yes she is 19 & it's an on-going battle

She has 6-7 dance classesa day so it's very intense- but the new stuff is working out pretty well she is in rehearsal foe 2 shows atm too.

Sorry for long post. Just wanted to offer some advice.

I am mixed race with very curly wringlets which are prone to serious dryness. I always detangle when wet usually in the shower and when it is saturated in conditioner (any works but I love the aussie 3 min miracle and their regular conditioner). I split it into 4 and use either my fingers, tangle teaser, Denman brush (no balls on the ends) or wide tooth comb. Start at the ends and only once the ends are knot free do I move higher towards the crown. I try do this at least once a week usually twice.

Shampoo once a week or every 2 weeks depending on how I feel. Afro hair can get away being greasy and not looking it. I only use sulphate free shampoo. It makes a big difference.

When wanting to give it a rinse midweek say after a couple days at the gym I use conditioner to co-wash it (put it on massage into ends and scalp, leave for few mins then rinse. You don't always have to rinse it all out). Makes me feel cleaner without actually using shampoo. At this point I may or not may detangle.

Another good tip to avoid knots is to dry hair with a large t-shirt as opposed to rough towel and softly squeeze water out of hair not rubbing. Makes the curls more defined and less frizzy.

My life saver moment was when I discovered the LOC method (liquid oil cream). Give it a google. It magically stopped my hair from being so dry. For liquid I use whatever my favourite conditioner is at the time on wet/damp hair which is currently aunt jackies curl la la defining custard. Then add an oil on top especially to the ends e.g. jojoba oil, avocado, macadamia, Jamaican black castor. I only use pure oils which I buy from the black hair care stores in my city. Then add a cream or butter like Shea butter which is AMAZING. You can get it in different forms, I buy it in 'blocks' and mix in a baking bowl with melted coconut oil (coconut oil does nothing on its own for me) with a electric whisk like what you'd use to bake with, till it's a creamy consistency. One tub lasts ages, inexpensive to make.

Finally, without knowing your DD I could be entirely wrong but she may just not be interested in hair care. It is a lot of work and sometimes I don't have the energy for it let alone with your daughters hobbies on top. Take me and my cousin (also mixed race): I have always made an effort to look after my hair as best I could, try new products etc. My cousin? Not interested. Hates haircare and cut it all off.

Hope this helps x

Also try googling or youtubing protective styles for natural afro hair. Lots of great ideas for plaits, buns, updos, etc. I used to be cabin crew and had to wear my up alot and found this really helped for new style suggestions. Pinterest is fantastic for this, as is instagram and youtube if you search for mixed race or black hair care bloggers. Please don't feel defeated. A crown of curls is hard work and we are constantly learning about our hair. I know I still am. Xx