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How to Gently Brush Type 3 Curly Hair After Washing
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Hair how to
Expert, gentle guide for brushing Type 3 (Curly) hair after washing. Learn the 3-step process: choosing the right soft-bristle brush, The Flip Technique (for circulation & bounce), and how to protect roots by starting at the ends.
IN THIS Article
publisher
TOUSELLED
Author
MaDEleIne
Date published
10/10/2025
Date Modified
10/10/2025
What you need to know
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For Type 3 (Curly) hair, the correct post-wash brushing technique is to use a soft, flexible brush. **Steps include: 1) Hang the head down while brushing (The Flip technique for volume/circulation). 2) Always start at the ends of the hair, moving upward slowly to protect the curl roots and avoid overstretching the delicate strands, which leads to breakage.
Mastering your technique after washing is vital for maintaining the health and natural bounce of your Type 3 hair. Choosing the right brush and following these gentle steps will help you detangle effectively and protect your roots.
Step 1: Select the Perfect Brush
Before you begin, ensure your tool is suitable for Type 3 curls. A hard brush can damage your hair and scratch your scalp, so choosing wisely is paramount.
What to Look For:
A brush with soft, widely spaced bristles.
Bristles that bend easily.
Tips that feel soft to the touch.
Step 2: Embrace the Flip for Volume and Circulation
To maximize the benefits of brushing, change your posture.
How to Execute:
Hang your head down while brushing. This simple action serves two important purposes:
It helps give your hair bounce.
It increases circulation.
Step 3: Gentle Detangling—Start Low, Go Slow
Always treat your curls with patience! To avoid snapping strands, you must begin where the tangles are easiest to manage.
The Technique:
Start at the ends of your hair.
Gently brush through the hair, working carefully to remove any tangles.
Crucial Post-Wash Tips for Type 3 Hair Health
Remember these important protective measures to keep your roots secure and your strands healthy:
Avoid the Stretch: While brushing and hair drying, do not overstretch the hair. Overstretching creates a risk of pulling out the roots.
Frequently asked questions
Dislacimer
Dislacimer
What is the most critical feature of the right brush for Type 3 curly hair?
The brush must have soft, widely spaced, easily bendable bristles and soft tips. A hard, fine-bristle brush will damage the hair and scratch the sensitive scalp, particularly during post-wash detangling
Dislacimer
What is the most critical feature of the right brush for Type 3 curly hair?
The brush must have soft, widely spaced, easily bendable bristles and soft tips. A hard, fine-bristle brush will damage the hair and scratch the sensitive scalp, particularly during post-wash detangling
Dislacimer
Why should I use "The Flip Technique" when brushing my curls?
Brushing the head while flipped down maximizes hair bounce by directing the curl set away from the crown, and the position itself increases scalp circulation, supporting better follicle health.
Dislacimer
What is the brushing technique to protect the curl roots?
You must always start brushing at the ends of the hair, gradually moving upwards. Avoid combing/brushing from the scalp out, as the added drag from lower tangles can pull out or severely damage the delicate root and follicle.
Dislacimer
Should I stretch my hair while I am brushing it?
No. While brushing or detangling your curls, you should actively avoid overstretching the hair. Curly hair is vulnerable to breakage and excessive stretching can stress and eventually pull the hair right out of the follicle root.
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Meet our expert
Madeleine
Director
Madeleine is an expert hair stylist dedicated to the art and science of hair care. Her work empowers individuals to understand and embrace their hair's true potential, transforming routine care into a ritual of natural beauty.