Matted strands or gnarly tangles can be frustrating. One moment your hair is picture-ready, but it turns into a matted mess full of tangled tantrums. While the first instinct could be to go to the salon or even grab the scissors to get rid of those stubborn knots, the following guide on how to detangle matted hair is all you need.
What Causes Matted hair
Matted hair is usually formed when hair strands twist together to form clumps. The clumps or mats are tough to remove, unlike everyday knots and tangles. The causes usually vary but include product buildup on the hair shaft from styling products, hair masks or conditioners left in for too long, improperly shampooed hair, and other related factors. Over time, this build-up makes hair so dull and coated that the strands tangle together because of the ensuing friction.
Best Tools for Detangling Matted Hair
Although cutting matted hair is the absolute resort, you can still detangle the hair with the right tools and technique. The main tools that you will need include:
- Wide-Tooth Combs
- Detangling Brushes
- Hair Clips
- Fingers
- Detangling spray
- Hair Oil
- Moisturizing conditioner or treatment
Detangling Coily Hair: Step-By-Step Guide
While matted hair may require a lot of work, a good detangler, and a powerful conditioner will work wonders. Here is a quick guide to help you work through the knots:
Step 1: Use a Detangling Spray to Pre-treat Matted Hair
Before trying to run a brush or comb into your matted hair, give it a little TLC with a detangling spray. Use your fingers to disperse the product throughout the mass of hair. Let the treatment sit in your stands for about three to five minutes before starting to work on the gnarly knots.
Step 2: Divide Your Hair into Sections
The most effective way to detangle matted hair is to divide it into sections. Trying to work on your head at once will only take more time and may not be as efficient. Divide the hair into smaller sections, securing them with hair clips, and work on one section at a time. As you do this, try to gently loosen up the hair fibers with your fingers, making sure the hair is completely covered with the detangler spray.
Step 3: Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
Start at the ends of your hair rather than the roots, gently pulling a wide-tooth comb through the strands. As you detangle the ends, slowly work your way up to the root to properly detangle the entire strands. If you notice some resistance, gently pry the knot apart with your fingers as you proceed. When detangling, always avoid starting at the root as this may tighten the knots on the way down, making it a tougher job and increasing the risk of breakage,
Step 4: Spray Detangler as Needed
As you work on your matted hair, spray detangler as needed. You may encounter a tough knot or notice that your hair is getting dry. Spraying some more detangler will make it easier for you to work on it, especially when starting to detangle a new section. You can also apply oil to the hair mass to achieve additional lubrication and slip, allowing you to safely comb through it.
Step 5: Thoroughly Comb Your Hair
After loosening all the tough knots, you can now work on the whole head. Brush all over with your wide-tooth comb until it can easily glide through your strands. Alternate between wide tooth comb, detangling brush, and rat-tail comb as needed based on how they are effective in loosening the tangles in the matted area.
Step 6: Cleanse and Treat
With your hair detangled, cleanse it with shampoo and a deeply nourishing conditioner. Make sure you are gentle with the strands and then treat it with detangling milk, following with your usual styling products. Once done, let your hair air dry for the next few days, which helps to prevent breakage.
When to Cut Extremely Matted Hair
In extreme cases, you may need to cut your matted hair. If you cannot get a comb or even the tail of a comb into the mat, then the only option would be to cut it. If you find yourself creating too much tension or tugging on hair fiber, you may also need to consider getting out the scissors. Alternatively, it may have been weeks or months since the last time you combed your hair. This would take hours to fully detangle mats and the results may also not be guaranteed. So, cutting would also be ideal in such a case.
Matted hair can be frustrating. Unfortunately, we cannot wish it away and when it happens, the best way is to deal with it. Using the right tools and technique will help you detangle matted hair, saving you from a major chop. Although this requires a great deal of patience, the outcome can give you the much needed inner peace.
