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When you have curly hair, it’s tough to predict how your twists look after a shower. You can follow your routine to a T and still wind up with zero volume or undefined coils, leaving you frustratedly tucking them back in a braid or ponytail. However, the brush you use in the styling phase could cause lackluster strands. Here is when knowing how to use a Denman brush curly hair could be very useful.
The Denman brush has gone viral on TikTok, with many showing off how the product has helped them style their curls to perfection. Its internet fame and outstanding Amazon reviews may have you itching to pick one up, but how does it work?
Curly hair requires much more maintenance than straight hair, but it has the volume and beauty to compensate for the extra time spent taking care of your locks from beginning to end. Since curly hair is so dry by default, you must ensure it retains moisture by adding additional products to your routine. Keeping your scalp and hair moisturized is the best way to ensure your curly hair stays healthy.
Since curly hair is so dry, you should know a few things about your individual strands while learning how to brush curly hair. You should brush or comb your hair infrequently — a good rule of thumb is to only brush your curls as often as you wash your hair, and only when wet. That way, you promote the strength of your curls while ensuring they are brushed thoroughly once in a while. However, your specific hair type might require more frequent brushing.
It might have taken some trial and error, but now you have the perfect Denman brush for your curl pattern. But how can you make it work to your advantage?
The hair brush you use can affect several factors in your hair’s growth and appearance. The Denman brush is ideal, as you can hold it effectively and twist the curls with them. That said, you must still choose the right style to benefit your hair texture.
For example, those with medium-type curly hair should try out the D31 or the D41 9-Row Freeflow. The nine columns of pins are spaced out enough not to ruin your curl pattern but close enough to define each twist excellently. However, if your texture is a bit tighter than other medium-curly types, consider sticking with the D31 7-Row.
Those with hair more coily than curly should also look for the D31. The seven rows avoid wrecking your tight hair pattern while also giving you the definition and detangling you require. Any healthy curly hair routine should feature a brush that can safely relieve any tangles to produce the bounciest coils possible.
If you have looser, finer curls, your hair might love the D3 Original Styler 7-Row. While it has the same amount of columns of pins in the other brushes, the rows are much closer together. People with thinner hair and a wavy curl pattern might find this Denman brush can help them achieve the best definition possible.
Ensure you’re only brushing curly hair when it’s wet or damp. While those with straight hair might actually experience more damage when brushing their hair wet, curly hair requires the slip water and styling products provide. Brushing your curls when they’re dry might cause tangles, and you want your curls to look soft and bouncy.
Brushing your hair while dry can also cause frizz, which can make your curls lose shape over time. Messing with your hair while it’s dry, even without tools and just your fingers, can also make your curls permanently fall out, though you may have tried hard to define them.
You’re ready for styling fresh out of the shower. If you need to brush your curls out when they’re dry, add a product first. A leave-in conditioner could be an excellent option to keep your curls moisturized enough to comb through them.
If you have thicker hair, start by applying your leave-in conditioner, gently detangling with a wide-tooth comb and adding your curl cream. Those with thinner hair can simply use a light cream or mousse and skip the comb.
Once you realize that your hair operates by its own rules, knowing how to brush curly hair becomes easier. Learn to work with your hair rather than against it. Detangling and combing through your curls shouldn’t cause pain. Take it slow and understand how your hair moves, and you shouldn’t have any issues combing through your moist curls.
Knowing how to brush curly hair effectively means learning to brush from the bottom up. Start by detangling the ends and work your way up. This technique works well for any hair type. You can also study your specific hair type and learn the moisturizers that work best for you.
With the Denman brush, part your hair into sections. Thin hair should use larger sections, while thicker hair should part into smaller ones. Holding the brush with the pins facing away from you, start at the root and glide the Denman all the way down your hair.
Scrunch the section after pulling the brush out and work around your head until you’ve brushed it all. Looser waves can also benefit from wrapping each section around the handle to form a better curl.
Finally, finish your routine by diffusing your hair until it’s dry. Lower heat can keep your curls healthy and a lower fan speed can help avoid frizz. If the products you use leave your hair a bit crunchy after styling, gently scrunch with hair oil after drying.
Brushing isn’t all bad for curly hair. Using a Denman brush can help your flat strands transform into bouncy, defined twists. Consider utilizing this guide the next time you pick up your Denman to give yourself the luscious hair you deserve.
Original Publish Date 1/5/2024 — Updated 2/4/2025
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