How To Easily Detangle Your Matted Hair At Home
It's a common scenario for those with long hair, especially the wavy or curly kind. You take a shower, shampoo, and then lather in the conditioner. While you run your fingers through the ends, you come to a sharp halt as you encounter a nice big knot. There is so much advice when you have long wavy hair. Some say you under no circumstances brush wavy hair unless you want to end up with a frizzy mop on your head (via The Violet Journal).
Yet, many others say brushing is completely fine as long as you have the right tool and you do it only after a good conditioning session (via Well + Good). Another tip to ease hair breakage is to start brushing from the bottom up so you have the opportunity to tackle any small kinks close to the ends and not pull the strands from your scalp. Yet even if you employ all the proper hair care techniques, you still may find knots every once in a while.
What causes matted hair?
Having knots in your hair is nothing to be ashamed of and has no bearing on your grooming habits. In fact, knots are easier to get than you might think. According to Medical News Today, the average person loses 50-100 strands on average every single day. As they fall, they can become intertwined with strands that are fully rooted, and then, instead of dropping out of your head, they get stuck and wrapped around each other.
In addition, when you sleep, your hair can get tangled in the sheets or rub against your pillowcase, and it can also do the same when you towel it off after a shower. While strands have a much easier time falling to the ground when you have pin-straight hair, every type of hair texture can acquire knots, though wavy or curly hair is more prone to them. Other factors that contribute to knots include having dry hair, using heating tools regularly, or having hair that has been dyed, bleached, or damaged by the sun (via Healthline).
Tips to detangle at home
To detangle matted hair, you'll first need a large comb or detangling brush and some detangling spray, hair oil, or conditioner. You'll want to start off with wet hair and add detangling spray and leave it on according to package directions. You can also try applying hair oil or conditioner. Then, begin detangling by using your fingers first and at the bottom by the ends (via Shape). After generously applying the product, ensure that your hair is thoroughly saturated. Separate sections while trying to isolate the knot.
The key to relieving matted hair is to be patient and go slowly. You don't want to further tug at your hair more than necessary. If the detangling spray isn't working, add oil or conditioner and keep using your fingers to undo the matted areas.
Only when you've made some leeway should you attempt to use a wide-toothed comb or a brush. If, after all your time and effort, you still haven't made a dent, you may have to wind up cutting off the piece that is knotted (via Byrdie). This is especially true if the brush or comb just is not budging and causing pain or more hair loss, and also if you have several matted areas. To prevent knots in the future, keep your hair nourished and healthy. Get regular haircuts, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and stay consistent with conditioning.