How to Detangle Matted Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

Matted hair can be a frustrating and stubborn problem. The immediate urge to attack knots with a brush is understandable, but it's often the worst approach for your hair's health. Whether caused by "bedhead," friction, or unexpected tangles, almost everyone experiences matted hair. This guide provides expert advice on how to detangle matted hair quickly and without causing damage.

What Causes Matted Hair?

Matted hair usually results from a combination of factors. Master stylist Rogerio Cavalcante identifies these factors as:

• Dryness: Dry hair is more prone to matting because the cuticle (the outermost layer of each strand) lifts, causing hairs to interlock.
• Lack of Regular Detangling: Failure to detangle hair regularly allows knots to accumulate and worsen.
• Product Buildup: The accumulation of hair products can create a sticky residue that encourages matting.
• Sleeping with Loose Hair: Friction against pillows and bedding can easily lead to matting.

Lead stylist Samantha English adds that chemical treatments, bleach, and dyes can weaken the cuticle, increasing vulnerability to matting. While any hair type can mat, long hair, curls, coils, and fine textures are most susceptible. Protective or tight styles, if left in too long, can also compact tangles at the base, leading to matting.

How to Detangle Matted Hair Without Damage

The key to detangling matted hair without damage is patience and a gentle approach. Cavalcante advises against washing matted hair before detangling, as wet hair is more delicate, and lathering can increase friction and tangling.

Here's a step-by-step approach:

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1. Loosen with Fingers: Gently feel around the matted area to loosen knots with your fingers, avoiding yanking when you feel resistance.
2. Apply Detangling Spray: Apply a base layer of detangling spray to the matted area.
3. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb or Detangling Brush: Gently work at the mat, starting at the outer edges (closest to your ends, not your roots) using small strokes. Section the tangled hair to work on controlled areas, which keeps tension low and prevents mats from tightening.
4. Address Hard Spots: When you encounter a hard spot, resist pulling through it. Instead, apply more detangling product.

Tools and Products to Help Detangle Matted Hair

The best system for detangling mats varies based on hair type.

• Fine and Straight Hair: This hair type can tangle quickly, but mats generally release easily. Prioritize lightweight detangling products and sprays. Applying a small amount of hydrating hair oil to your mid-lengths and ends can also help prevent knotting.
• Wavy and Curly Hair: Matted waves and curls are often easier to detangle when wet or damp. Moisture and slip are critical to prevent snapping. Use curl conditioner, weekly hydrating masks, and leave-in treatments to detangle when damp.
• Textured and Coily Hair: This hair is most prone to matting but can withstand heavy-duty detanglers. Saturate natural hair mats with a leave-in treatment, then apply a rich hydrating mask before detangling (first with your fingers, then with a wide-tooth comb) from ends to roots.

Preventing Hair Matting

Preventing matted hair is much easier than remedying it. Cavalcante recommends:

• Keeping your hair hydrated.
• Detangling daily.
• Using a silk pillowcase.
• Sleeping in loose braids, a protective style, or a light hair covering.

English suggests:

• Using a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo to help your hair retain moisture.
• Layering hydration products (masks, leave-ins, curl creams, and oils) to keep the hair cuticle flat and elastic.

Additional Tips for Detangling Matted Hair

1. Pre-treat with Detangling Spray: Before brushing, apply a leave-in detangling milk to your hair and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
2. Divide and Conquer: Divide your hair into smaller sections and secure them with hair clips.
3. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Starting at the ends of your hair, gently pull a wide-tooth comb through your strands, slowly working your way up to the root. If you start at the root, you may tighten the knots. If you get resistance, gently pry the knot apart with your fingers.
4. Spray Detangler as Needed: If your hair is getting dry or you're getting into a tough knot, spray more detangler on it, work it in with your fingers, and work on another section while you wait for the detangler to soak in.
5. Comb All Over: Once the worst of the knots are loosened, brush all over with your wide-tooth comb until it glides easily through your strands.
6. Shower and Treat: Shower with shampoo and a deeply nourishing conditioner. After the shower, treat again with detangling milk and follow with your usual styling products. Let your hair air dry to avoid breakage.

Products Mentioned

• T3 Detangle Duo Brush & Shower Comb Set
• Wet Brush Go Green Curly Detangling Hair Brush
• Davines Mini OI Hair Oil for Softness and Shine
• Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer
• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
• Pattern Beauty Detangling Nectar
• Oribe Run-Through Detangling Hair Primer
• Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner
• Gloss.Me Hydrating Treatment Mask
• Fab.Me Leave-In Treatment
• Aussie Miracle Curls Leave-In Detangling Milk

A Note on Severely Matted Hair

If the mats are close to your pet’s body or cover a large area, brushing may not be the best option. Use a clipper with a #10 blade to shave tough mats off. If you're uncomfortable doing this yourself, consult a professional groomer. Never leave a mat in your dog’s fur, as it will only worsen.

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tags: #how #to #detangle #matted #hair

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