How to Detangle Matted Hair: A Detailed Guide

How to Detangle Matted Hair

Here is a step-by-step detangling process for moderately tangled hair:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Supplies

The first step is to ensure you have the following tools and products ready:

• Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
• Spray bottle filled with water or a good detangler.
• Leave-in conditioner, detangling spray, oil.
• Hair clips or hair ties to section your hair (I prefer the one by Teleties because of its bendable teeth).
• A towel or cloth to protect your clothing.

Step 2: Start with Dry Hair (Optional)

While some people prefer to detangle their hair while it’s wet, starting with dry hair can sometimes make the process easier, especially curly hair.

Step 3: Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into small sections using clips or hair ties. This prevents overwhelming yourself and ensures thorough detangling.

Step 4: Apply a Detangling Solution

Spritz your hair with water or a detangling solution to add moisture and slip to each matted section. This will make gliding your comb or brushing through your hair easier and reduce breakage.

Step 5: Begin Detangling

Gently work the matted areas at the tips of your hair towards the roots. Use your wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, and move in small, gradual strokes. Be patient and gentle to avoid causing further damage. To avoid unnecessary breakage, please do not rush through this process.

Step 6: Focus on Knots and Tangles

Instead of forcing the comb or brush through, gently work on the tangled, matted area using your fingers to tease the hair apart. Consider using a rat tail comb or a fine tooth comb for severely matted sections to facilitate detangling. Applying a bit more hair detangler or conditioner to this area can also help. This approach is more delicate and less likely to cause breakage or damage to your hair.

Don’t be alarmed if you notice extra hair (shed hair) while working on stubborn hair knots or hair tangles. Shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle.

Step 7: Repeat as Needed

Continue detangling one section at a time, repeating the process until all sections are free from knots, tangles, and loose hairs.

Step 8: Rinse and Condition

If you started with dry hair, now is the time to rinse your hair thoroughly. If you began with wet hair, proceed to apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to your entire head to keep your hair manageable and prevent further tangling.

Step 9: Style and Protect

After detangling, you can style your hair as desired, but be gentle and avoid tight hairstyles that might cause more tangling. Consider using protective styles like braids or loose ponytails to minimize future tangles.

Step 10: Maintenance

Establish a regular hair care routine that includes proper conditioning, minimal heat styling, and protective styles to prevent future matting. Regular trims also help keep split ends at bay, reducing the likelihood of severe tangles.

Remember that patience is key when detangling matted hair. If the matting is severe and you’re struggling to detangle it on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from a hairstylist or a curly hair specialist to avoid further harm to your hair.

Drawing from our scientific background, we’ll break down the pros and cons of wet and dry detangling techniques. Understanding the molecular structure of hair and how it reacts to moisture will empower you to choose the most suitable method for your unique hair type and condition.

Your hair undergoes a vulnerable phase when it’s wet, characterized by the swelling of its outermost layer. This swelling temporarily weakens the hair’s structural integrity. However, this dampened state is the ideal time for detangling, as recommended by hair experts.

When you apply conditioner to wet hair, it introduces a crucial element called “slip.” Slip is the lubrication that significantly reduces the risk of unnecessary tugging and friction along the hair shaft, which can commonly occur during detangling with dry hair. Therefore, using a conditioner, such as Paul Mitchell’s The Detangler or Righteous Roots 2 n 1 Conditioner, is a valuable step before initiating the detangling process.

Another effective method for detangling before shampooing your hair often referred to as “pre-pooing,” involves using oil to detangle the hair while it’s dry. Using natural oils like Righteous Roots Oils, coconut oil, or olive oil, this process is particularly beneficial for easing the detangling process and enhancing hair health.

Several common causes of matted hair can be understood through the principles of hair mechanics and material science:

1. Neglect of Hair Care: One of the primary causes is neglecting regular hair care routines. Without proper combing, brushing, or maintenance, hair strands are more likely to overlap and become entwined, forming mats over time.
2. Friction and Rubbing: Frictional forces, such as those from rough or abrasive fabrics like cotton or wool, can cause hair strands to rub against each other. This continuous friction can lead to tangles and matting, particularly in long hair.
3. Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions, such as wind, humidity, or exposure to saltwater or chlorine, can contribute to matted hair. These factors can weaken the hair’s surface structure and make it more susceptible to tangling.
4. Lack of Moisture and Conditioning: Dry, dehydrated hair is more prone to tangling and matting. Inadequate moisture levels weaken the hair’s internal structure, making it less flexible and more susceptible to knot formation.
5. Product Build-up: Accumulation of styling products, oils, and residue on hair strands can increase friction between individual hairs, causing them to stick together and form tangles that may eventually progress into mats.
6. Hair Type and Texture: Hair type and texture play a significant role in matting. Curly or coiled hair, for instance, has a greater tendency to tangle due to its natural spiral structure, which can easily interlock with neighboring strands.
7. Structural Damage: Chemical treatments like bleach can weaken the hair’s structure by breaking down the protein bonds that give hair its strength and flexibility. Bleach increases the hair’s porosity, making it more absorbent and susceptible to moisture changes, which can lead to tangles and matting.
8. Improper Hair Accessories and Ties: The incorrect use of hair accessories or ties, such as tight rubber bands or metal clips, can cause friction and tension on hair strands, leading to tangling, matting, and potential damage.
9. Extended periods without getting hair trims. Long intervals between hair trims can worsen split ends and damaged sections, contributing to matting issues.

Matted hair isn’t just an aesthetic concern; it can also significantly impact your hair’s health. When hair becomes severely matted, it can lead to breakage, hair loss, and scalp issues. Thus, regular hair detangling is essential.

When hair is left unattended and uncombed, it becomes susceptible to structural weaknesses along the hair shaft, leading to potential breakage. Additionally, damaged hair is more prone to tangling due to irregularities in the cuticle layer, creating opportunities for strands to latch onto each other.

Recognizing the importance of mastering the art of detangling matted hair is fundamental to preserving both the aesthetic appeal and the overall health of your hair.

Prevention is the best defense against matted hair in the first place. Here are some key tips to help you avoid or prevent it:

1. Regular Detangling: Make a habit of gently detangling your hair daily or as needed. Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush, starting from the tips and working your way up to the roots. This prevents knots from forming and becoming more severe.
2. Use Conditioner/Deep Conditioner: Apply a quality conditioner or deep conditioner after washing your hair. This adds moisture and slip, making it easier to comb or brush through your hair without causing tangles.
3. Protective Hairstyles: Consider wearing protective hairstyles like braids, twists, pineapple, or buns, especially during sleep or physical activities. These styles keep your hair contained and reduce the risk of tangling.
4. Avoid Excessive Heat: Limit the use of heated styling tools like straighteners and curling irons, and blow dry on high heat as excessive heat can weaken and damage hair, making it more prone to tangling.
5. Trim Regularly: Schedule regular hair trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft, which can lead to matting.
6. Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Invest in a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, preventing tangles and breakage while you sleep.
7. Protect Hair During Activities: If you engage in activities that expose your hair to wind, water, or harsh conditions, protect it with a scarf, hat, or hair wrap to minimize tangling.
8. Avoid Excessive Product Use: Be mindful of product build-up, as it can contribute to tangling. Use hair products in moderation and clarify your hair occasionally to remove buildup.
9. Choose Hair-Friendly Accessories: Opt for hair ties and accessories that are gentle on your locks, such as hair bands made of soft fabric or scrunchies, to minimize friction and breakage.
10. Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein supports hair health from the inside out, reducing the risk of brittle and tangled hair.
11. Consult a Professional: If you have naturally curly or coily hair, consider seeking advice from a curly hair specialist experienced with your hair type. They can provide personalized recommendations and care tips.

While our focus is on saving your precious locks, there may come a point where cutting is the only viable option.

If you’ve neglected your hair for weeks or months, consider that cutting might be the most practical solution.

Fully detangling mats can be an incredibly time-consuming process, taking hours, and there’s still no guarantee of achieving the desired results.