Detangling Matted Hair and How to keep it from happening Again…

We have all been here at least once or we know someone who has been through it. Waking up to a matted ball of hair can be frustrating. It’s even more so when you have been working on detangling it with no luck. Then someone suggests you should just cut it out. “It’s just hair” they say, but to some people it’s not just hair. Cutting your hair can be a sad and traumatizing experience for some. That’s why we are going to talk about how to detangle your hair safely. The last thing I want any of you to do is cut your hair, especially if it can be saved.

what causes your hair to become Matted up?

Let me start by saying there is a between “tangled” hair and “matted” hair. When your hair is tangled, it can be easily removed with your fingers. It shouldn’t take long to get the tangle out. Matted hair, on the other hand, can’t be easily removed. It will be quite painful if you try to remove it dry. When your hair becomes matted, it is a severely compacted cluster of your hair strands. They have become intertwined to a point that it created an impenetrable clump of hair. This clump of hair can cover your entire head or just a small section. Whichever situation you are experiencing just be patient. Patience is the #1 tip. Clear your mind and your schedule, this will take hours. There are some cases where it has taken days, but those are extremely severe cases.

What you will need…

There are a few items you will need to get the matted hair unmated. Below is a list of things you will need.

2. Water: This is the #1 product you need and it’s free. Well technically free. Water helps to keep the hair damp and create some of the slippage you will need to get started. My advice is to try and detangle your hair in the shower. Do this only if it is not a severe case.
4. Wide Tooth Comb/ Detangling Brush: Use a wide tooth comb or detangling brush to be gentle on the hair. These tools do not pull your hair excessively. If you have a severe case I would suggest that you use the end of a rattail comb. Just make sure you are being gentle with your hair. It is extremely fragile in this state.
5. Hydrating Conditioner: You want to get a conditioner that has slippage. Water should be its main ingredient it will help the conditioner to act as a lubricant.

*If at any part of this you feel that you can not achieve getting your hair unmated, consult a professional.

Steps To Detangle

1. Completely saturate your hair with water. Remember I told you earlier that water was the main product you need. You need to completely saturate your hair, it will help to start the detangling process. The water helps the hair to have more elasticity. Also, making sure that your hair is saturated will ensure that your conditioner will do its job. Together the water and conditioner will create the slippage you need. After you have drenched your hair, you want to part your hair into 4 – 6 sections. I suggest 6 sections for thicker hair and 4 sections for thinner hair.
2. Adding the conditioner. Now did you make sure the your conditioner has a good slip. Is the main ingredient water? If so, please proceed. If not then BABE what are you waiting on, Go get it. Conditioner adds a layer of protection to your hair. You will need to let the conditioner sit for about 5 minutes. If you have a shower cap you can use it. If not girl grab that Walmart bag we all have done it once or twice.
3. Carefully remove the knots with either your wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Wide-toothed combs and detangling brushes are gentler on curly hair. This means you will and can avoid unnecessary strain or/and damage. When removing the knots you want to ALWAYS start from the bottom (ends of hair). Slowly and gently move up the shaft of your hair to the roots (top of head). If you get to a spot that feels dry or if the knot isn’t coming out it’s okay babes. Just add more water and conditioner to that section. If its still not loosing up, let the conditioner sit for a few minutes and move to another section.

4. Rinse & Repeat. The final step is to rinse your hair out with lukewarm water warm water. Check your hair as your a rinsing it out. You want to make sure you got all the knots out. If not go back to step 3 and repeat the process. If not then you are done babes. Enjoy a knot free head of hair.

Consult a Professional

Listen at anytime during this process you need to just walk away, do that. Please don’t get frustrated and go for the scissors. This is going to be a long process so, please take your time.

*If at any point you feel that you can’t continue doing this, please go to a salon. Preferably one that specializes in curly hair. If you are in the Oklahoma area you can book an appointment with me. Just email me at [email protected]. Also, for those in other states, I can point you in the right direction. Never hesitate to email me or leave a comment.

STYLE AS DESIRED!

Ways to Prevent this From happening again…

There are a few ways that you can keep this from happening again. Below is a list for you.

2. Wear a bonnet. Wrapping your hair up at night with a silk or satin bonnet will help. Satin and silk have a soft texture. Because of this, they keep the hair from drying out. They also prevent your hair from tangling.
4. Use a satin or silk pillowcase. Has the same advantage of a bonnet. It is just an extra layer of protection.
5. Moisturize Regularly. Make sure that you are conditioning your hair on a regular basis
7. Protective Styles. Put your hair up in protective styles like braids or twist.

As always leave your comments below and share with your family and friends.