Afro combs were once seen as the enemy and the epitome of ‘pain is beauty and beauty is pain’. I don’t know many Afro-haired girlies who were not tender-headed growing up. In fact, I have vivid memories of sitting down in front of the TV, as my mum stood up behind me (or an aunty that could braid) firmly gripping my head still. Every time I ducked, scurried, or moaned through hair-pulling-agony I would get a “Stop moving, it will hurt more”… Core memory.
Brushing my hair was truly one of the most anxiety-driving tasks of the day. Thankfully, my tender-headed days are long gone as I’ve mastered detangling using a combination of the right products and the right tools.
Afro hair is delicate and can easily get tangled due to those beautifully tight coils intertwining with one another. Depending on your hairstyle, Afro hair may need to be combed through and detangled in order to maintain its health and overall look. However, you should always comb your Afro when wet, preferably when you are midway through conditioning it.
Hair is likely at its softest state at this point, so combing now will avoid unnecessary tension and pulling, which can cause breakage. Additionally, it will help spread the product more evenly, so it’s a win-win.
Afro combs have not just worked as a very useful tool to style and protect Afro hair but also as a political emblem, placed on Afro hair as an accessory, which symbolised comradeship as well as being somewhat of a middle finger to hair discrimination and racial oppression.
What to consider when looking for an afro comb?
Before you start looking for for the perfect Afro comb for your coils, it’s crucial to understand your hair’s specific needs. Coily hair comes in a spectrum of textures, from tight coils to loose curls. Knowing your hair type will help you choose a comb that complements your coils and makes styling a breeze.