It’s really important to know how to deal with matted hair, especially since it can happen if you don’t regularly detangle your hair. Whether you have curly, straight, dry, or frizzy hair, matting and single strand knots can affect you. Taking care of tangled hair can be a challenge, and if you’re not careful, you could end up causing more damage.
Hair becomes matted when both shed and attached hairs clump together into dense tangles. This is more severe than your typical hair knots. You’re more likely to deal with matted hair if, for instance, you wear braids or extensions for a long time. It can also occur if you haven’t removed shed hairs, as these can weave into knots and create matting.
Detangling matted hair can either be done at a salon or at home if you have the right tools and a lot of patience. Here’s how you can do it yourself.
Using a wide-toothed comb can be very helpful. Try working in small sections, starting from the ends and gently working your way up to the scalp. Your fingers can also help separate the strands as you go along.
Finger detangling is probably the most gentle method. Carefully feel for matted sections with your fingers, and slowly pull the strands apart. Remember to be patient; the goal is to loosen the tangles without causing more damage.
Applying oil can make the process easier. Oils like olive, coconut, or almond can make your hair smoother and help the detangling process go more smoothly and less painfully. Apply the oil and use your fingers to work from the ends up to the roots.
Using a slippy conditioner can also help. Don’t be shy about using a generous amount. For very dry hair, let the conditioner sit for up to 30 minutes, and you could even add warmth to help it penetrate before you start untangling with your fingers.
Hair detangling sprays and creams are also effective. They often contain ingredients that provide enough slip to help untangle knots. Look for a product designed for stubborn tangles, or you could make your own DIY detangling spray.
Preventative measures can also help, such as wrapping your hair in a silk scarf at night or using satin pillowcases. Cotton pillowcases can dry out hair and lead to more tangling.
If severe matting is a frequent issue, consider keeping your hair stretched or straight to avoid knots. Choosing styles that keep your hair straight and separated can save you time on detangling each week.
Leave-in conditioners are another tool to make hair softer and easier to manage. Just apply and comb through with your fingers, working through sections.
Lanolin is great for deep moisturizing and can soften tough mats. Apply a few drops to your hair before starting to detangle.
Cornstarch is a classic home remedy that can also work. Sprinkle it on your scalp and use your fingers, a hair pick, or a wide-toothed comb to work out the mats.
Dealing with wet hair tangles can be tricky, but the pressure from a shower head might help. Use a good amount of conditioner and work it through your hair while standing under the shower. For stubborn knots, take your time working through each one.
If all else fails, you may need to cut out particularly stubborn knots to prevent more damage. If you’re looking for more tips, videos can be a great resource for managing matted hair.