How to Detangle Matted Hair to Avoid Cutting

Of all the evil things that can happen to your hair, matted hair is the absolute worse. Or is it having hair lice? I’m caught in between now.

However, we all can agree that having matted hair can be a real pain to deal with. More so, the more you try to detangle the hair, the more you see your hair falling off a lot.

Here’s where it gets worse. Matted hair can occur on all types of hair. But if you have coily or curly hair, then you might as well take a seat in front because you have a higher chance of having these annoying hair mats.

So, what’s a babe going to do?

Well, it’s your lucky day! You will learn how to detangle matted hair with ease because I have listed them out in this article.

You just need a glass of champagne, the right tools, and the right products.

Let’s get started!

What is Matted Hair?

Matted hair is the combination of attached and strands of hair that twist together to form clumps or tangles.

Basically, you can imagine hair mats as a step up from traditional knots and tangles. And this means a bad condition for your hair.

What Causes Matted Hair?

There are different reasons why your hair can become matted. However, the main reason is not detangling your hair the right way.

In other words, when you fail to detangle your hair properly, loose strands can knot around other hairs which leads to tangles, that eventually develop into hair mats. This is why it is important for you to detangle your braids in the right way.

Other causes of matted hair may include; not sleeping with a silk scarf, pillowcase, or bonnet, wearing protective styles longer than you should, trimming your hair regularly, and styling your hair when it’s not properly detangled.

Do You Need to Cut Matted Hair?

If your hair is matted, then there are several other ways to solve the problem, other than cutting your hair. You can totally detangle matted hair without having to chop off your hair.

Although cutting your matted hair may prove to be effective, it wouldn’t leave your hair looking at its best.

So, the key to successfully loosening your matted hair is in using the right technique and products.

How to Detangle Matted Hair

Now to the main part of the story – how to detangle matted hair. Follow these steps to successfully detangle matted hair.

#1. Saturate your strands

The first step to knowing how to detangle matted hair is by saturating your hair strands. While you may be tempted to dig into your dry hair with a comb to try to loosen it, it’s often the bad choice to make.

So, when faced with matted hair, start with a hair conditioner or hair detangler. They contain a formula that helps to smooth tangles and leave your hair smelling fresh.

To start, spray the hair detangler or conditioner all-around your mane, making sure to focus on the most affected areas.

You can also use other hair care products to help work you through matted hair. We recommend the L’Oréal Kids Burst of Sweet Pear Tangle Tamer for All Hair Types.

#2. Loosen your hair

Once you have added enough detangler and/or conditioner to your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to gently loosen the knots.

The key to success, in this case, is to take your time, working from your ends up to your roots.

Note: Bear in mind that it is normal to see your hair shedding while detangling matted hair. Mats consist of hair that has already been shed, so as long as you are doing the right thing, you don’t have to be worried that you’re causing new hair breakage or hair loss.

How to Prevent Matted Hair

Now that you know how to detangle matted hair, it’s important you also learn how to prevent future hair mats.

Follow these tips to help you prevent matted hair.

#1. Detangle your hair in every wash session

The importance of this method cannot be overemphasized. Always take time to detangle your hair with every wash session.

Failure to do so leads to tangles, knots, and the ultimate of them, matted hair. So, every time you wash your hair, ensure you detangle your strands afterward.

#2. Get a trim regularly

Another way to prevent matted hair is by getting a trim regularly. Not only can having split ends give your hair an unkempt look, but they also contribute to hair mats.

The best solution to this is to trim your hair every six to eight weeks to give your mane good shape.

#3. Protect your strands at night

Before you retire for the day, ensure your hair is well protected. Every time you sleep with your hair open and looking all raggedy, you’re at a high risk of hair mats.

So, to prevent this, wear a scarf or a bonnet before you sleep. This is very important if you want to achieve healthy and well-moisturized hair.

#4. Try the Pineapple method

The “pineapple” method is one of the best ways to prevent hair mats. More so, it is ideal for natural hair types. This method prevents your curls from being crushed while you sleep and protects your hair from twisting itself.

Here’s how to do so, pack your hair into a ponytail at the top of your head and wrap a silk scarf at the base of your head.

It’s easy!

#5. Get rid of protective styles when due

As much as they are called “protective styles” they can also lead to hair mats if they stay on for too long.

This is because you’re unable to comb your hair and remove the hairs that have been shed over time. Thus leading to your strands getting twisted and matted.

The best solution to this is to leave a style for at most six to eight weeks. Anything more than that is detrimental to your hair.