Matted Hair: How to detangle matted hair? [Step-by-Step] — Health Salubrity

16 min readOct 21, 2021

You might be woken up with knots in your hair at times. However, matted hair is quite a different story.

You’ll notice that you’ve got matted hair when it is tangled in knots, and you have a difficult time eliminating knots.

It’s not necessary to be concerned. While your starting reaction might be to seek expert help, it’s possible to fix matted hair in the comfort of home.

It is every step you have to follow and some tips to avoid the possibility of matting catastrophes in the future.

What is acute hair matting?

Hair matting can be an uncommon acquired condition that manifests as a sudden accumulation of permanently matting hair on the scalp on the vertex in healthy people.

The process of matting hair is like the process of “felting” seen in textile and wool industries, where scratches and abrasions compress fibers adjacent to each other to the surface.

In severe hair matting, the hair can twist in various ways and become entangled in a tangled mess in a tightly compacted mass of Keratin over the head that is then bonded using dirt, exudates, or dirt.

Acute hair matting can also be known as plica neuralpathica, plica pollonica, and bird’s-nest hair.

Imagine matted hair as an (unwanted) alternative to daily knots and knots.

Mats develop when hairs loose are twisted around attached strands, and the resultant tangle is not quickly removed.

They may appear like clumps and are problematic if they are impossible to eliminate using a comb or brush on their own.

If you don’t brush your hair regularly to get rid of the strands that are shed, you may be left looking matted.

Matting could also be the cause of poor detangling methods or long periods without trimming, or failure to keep your hair safe in the evening.

Certain people, such as those with coarse or dry hairstyles like curls and coils, are prone to having matted hair.

You may be at risk of severe snags, especially if your hair is very long or has become fragile from chemical treatments.

Let’s find out what you mean by matted? “matted hair” refers to the mix of the shed and attached hair strands that twist to form tangles, clumps, or clumps. Think of mats for hair as a way to improve knots and knots in the traditional sense.

Also, they’re not good for your hair. Hair mats are typically linked to dogs as their fur gets matted quickly. However, believe us when we say it can happen to human hair as well.

Other types of hair matting

More moderate and intentional styles made of matting hair can be referred to by the names felted hair and jata. They appear in a variety of styles that include Indian as well as African peoples.

Hair matting in these forms is worn for various motives, such as religious or spiritual beliefs and ethnic pride, and explanations of political significance.

Who suffers from severe hair matting?

The most acute hair matting is typically seen in women with long curly hair and long-term splitting and weathering of hair since this type of hair is prone to mat easily.

In the past, it was assumed that those with “hypertonic tendencies” or mentally ill were more vulnerable to severe hair matting.

The term “plica Polonica” was coined in the 18th-century Polish custom of wearing fur caps tight and not washing hair. It resulted in an unclean, filthy, and smelly compact mass on the head, often associated with lice-related infections and boggy inflammation on the scalp.

Another factor contributing to this was sweating, which soaked the hair sufficiently that the cover functioned as a force of friction that caused the hair to form an acute matting.

What are the causes of an acute matting of hair?

Acute hair matting could result from a combination of chemical, physical and behavioral triggers. It includes:

Haircare that is not adequately taken care of and poor hygiene
Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis)
Dermatitis contact that is inflamed caused by harsh shampoos or other chemicals
Secondary infection (impetigo)
Hair rubbing that is an intense watery medium (like the process of making wool)
Poor mental health.

There are several reasons why hair can be matt. However, the most common cause is the inability to untangle hair in the proper method.

In simple terms, if you do not straighten your hair, loose strands could get caught in knots around other hairs, which can cause tangles to turn in hair mats eventually. It is why we insist on detangling your hair!

Other reasons for matted hair are not sleeping with a silk scarf pillowcase or bonnet (which can result in hair getting super tangled when you sleep), wearing protective styles longer than you need to, and not trimming your hair, often styling hair that isn’t separated.

Do you need to cut MATTED hair?

Are you concerned that you’ll need to trim your hair? Don’t be worried! It is possible to untangle hair that is matted completely. Do not rush to chop hair mats from your hair.

While it can be a great way to eliminate mats, it will not ensure that your locks look the best they can. The most important thing to remember in detangling mats is to be sure you’re employing the correct technique to break knots and tangles.

What are the most important clinical signs of hair matting that are acute?

The most severe form of hair matting is rigid, prominent, and inaccessible matted hair. It is often associated with a foul odor.

The majority of the mass is composed of highly knotted hair, ooze, pus, crust blood, dirt, and blood.
The hair mass can be as large as 70 percent of the scalp, including the temples, the crown, and occiput. It resembles the look of a bird’s roost. The hairs are usually glued to the scalp by cementing the hairs with crusted pus, blood, and dirt.
Alopecia non-scarring diffuse (hair loss) could affect the rest part of your scalp.
In some instances, lice and nits may be there.
There could be an uncomfortable swelling of the lymph nodes in the occipital region.

What are the ramifications of hair matting that is acute?

The primary complication of chronic hair matting concerns bacterial infection, specifically impetigo.

How can acute hair matting be recognized?

Severe hair matting can be identified through its look. Trichoscopy can be used to find tiny knots as well as hair-twisting lice infestations and nits.

What is the differential diagnosis for acute hair matting?

Specific hair-styling techniques include applying sticky substances to the hair or consciously matting -dreadlocks could be confused with severe hair matting.

The primary differentiating diagnoses in acute cases of hair loss:

Haircare issues that are not addressed (knots in the hair, with twists)
Tinea capitis (yellow crusts and matted hair)
Seborrhoeic dermatology and psoriasis (silvery smooth scales)
Pityriasis amantacea (overlapping large yellow-white scales that cover the scalp’s surface).

What is the cure for severe hair loss?

The treatment for acute matting hair is often challenging.

Treatment involves manual separation of the hairs that have been twisted, using an organic solvent in the beginning stages of matting, or by cutting the hair that has become matted. It could be a combination of:

The application of insecticides throughout the night (such as 1percent permethrin lotion to treat lice infestations)
An oral antibiotic with a broad spectrum
A thorough shampooing
You are shaving your entire hair, If necessary, the whole scalp.

The prevention of hair matting that is acute is through proper hair care practices like:

The routine cleaning of hair using mild cleanser or shampoo
Regularly using hair conditioner
A gentle combing or moisturizing of the hair
Regular trimming of long hair.

Hair with long lengths that tend to mat shouldn’t put their hair on top of the crown when washing or backcombing and stay clear of rotating rubs of hair.

What happens to the acute matting of hair?

The outlook for severe hair loss is favorable, especially if treated in the early stages.

How do you treat matted hair?

Before you take hold of the scissors, remember there’s another method to eliminate mats. With a bit of patience, along with the proper tools, you can untangle matted hair.

A quick Google search will offer numerous dangerous ways to deal with the problem of detangling. Instead of soaking your hair with fabric softener, or WD-40, you should adhere to the following safe technique.

Step 1: Saturate

It’s crucial to begin the detangling process once your hair is dry to avoid any damage to your hair that isn’t needed.

Before you try to use a comb or even your fingertips through hair, be sure to coat it with a moisturizing or detangling conditioner.

Step 2. Saturate

It is crucial to begin the process of detangling when your hair is dry to prevent any damage to your hair that isn’t needed.

Before you attempt to comb or finger through the hair, it is necessary to coat it with a moisturizing or detangling conditioner.

Step 3. Rinse

Lastly, wash your hair using cool, not hot water.

It will keep your hair clean and separate and will wash out any leftover product.

How can I prevent hair from becoming matted?

It’s relatively easy to prevent matted hair. Look over your current regimen for hair care and make the modifications, if required.

Comb your hair regularly.

You can brush or comb the hair you wear regularly, but at minimum, you must comb your hair following washing.

Use tools designed to remove hair, such as a wide-tooth comb or a Wet Brush.

It is more comfortable to start by using your fingers before getting the tool. Always start at the down and work upwards.

Use detangling products

If you want to wash your hair, apply conditioner, detangler, or both.

Products for detangling smoothes the surface of hairs surface, reducing the risk of friction and, consequently, less chance of matting.

Find detangling products on the internet. Take a look at these options:

It’s Shea Moisture’s extra Moisture Detangler for hair with more volume. Argan oil and sea kelp provide a powerful method to eliminate knots and tangles.
Its Maui Moisture Hibiscus Water Detangler is suited for more delicate hair that requires a more effortless feeling.

Conditioners are similar. They reduce friction and frizz and increase smoothness. It is imperative to choose ones that contain moisture-boosting ingredients.

In the end, you’ll need to make use of a wet brush that — yes, you read it is specifically designed for use on damp hair.

Protect hair at night

If it’s silk scarves or pillowcases made of silk, or even the way of the pineapple (putting your hair into an up-swept ponytail), Protecting your hair during the night is an easy method to avoid mats.

It will help ensure your hair has lots of moisture and also stop hair from getting twisted.

Avoid drying procedures

Chemical treatments like bleach and others are known to cause dryness and damage to hair. If properly cared for and correctly, this shouldn’t pose any problems.

However, how processed and processed hair more processed, the less intense the hair shaft will become, leading to breaks and knots.

Take care of hair extensions.

Hair extensions from hair can end up getting entangled with your hair. To avoid this matting issue, it is crucial to ensure your attachments are kept in top condition.

Please do not go to bed with them damp or wet and tie them up in braids at nighttime. Please keep them in good condition and also.

While some extensions may be between 6 months to a year, you’ll have to see a doctor every 6–8 weeks to check for maintenance.

HOW to DETANGLE MATTED HAIR

It’s time to focus on learning how to remove matted hair! This step-by-step guide will aid you in restoring your hair.

STEP 1: STURGE THE STANDS

Although you might be enticed to attempt to brush through dry, matted hair, this can only increase the problem. It’s crucial to apply a conditioner or hair detangler.

This formula will help remove tangles and leave your hair with a delicious pear smell if you’re dealing with damp or dry hair. For the first time, spray the hair detangler all over your hair and make sure you focus on the areas where your hair mats.

Extra tip: You could also apply other products to get rid of matted hair. To use the product, simply add a small amount of the product to dry hair after being dried.

STEP 2: LOOSEN YOUR HAIR

When your hair is coated with a hair detangler, employ a wide-toothed comb to loosen the hair gently. It is essential to take your time beginning at the ends of your hair and moving until you reach your roots.

Editor’s note: Bear in mind that it’s normal to observe hair shed when detangling. Mats are made up of hairs that have been shed before, so if you’re gentle, there’s no need to believe that you’re creating new breakage or loss of hair.

HOW to PREVENT MATTED AIR

After you’ve been educated about getting rid of matted hair, it’s essential to be aware of avoiding the possibility of future hair mats. Here’re 5 ways to help you get that.

1. REMOVE YOUR HAIR STRANGLE DURING EVERY Washing Session

It’s not enough to say Always remove your hair from tangles! As you will see, failure to pull your hair’s knots can result in knots, nets, or matted hair. Each every time you shampoo your hair, you should detangle your hair after washing.

2. GET REGULAR TRIMS

One of the simplest methods to transform matted hair into real is to skip out your trimmings. Not only do split ends create a rough appearance and feel, but they can also cause hair mats.

The most acceptable way to avoid this is to trim your hair once every 6–8 weeks to keep your hair looking good.

3. Protect your strands at night

Before you take a nap, make sure you protect your hair. When you go to bed without covering your hair, you risk the possibility of your hair strands twisted together, which could lead to mats for hair.

To keep your hair in top shape, game, wrap your hair with a silk bonnet or scarf. It can also be helpful to keep moisture in for healthy-looking hair.

4. SEEK THE PINEAPPLE

The pineapple method is considered to be one of the best methods to stop hair mats from forming. A practical approach for hair with natural curls The pineapple method protects your curls from getting crushed when you sleep and prevents your hair from bending into itself. It’s straightforward to master. Simply put your hair in a ponytail above your , and tie a silk scarf around the bottom. Then you’re ready to catch some rest!

5. Remove PROTECTIVE STYLES IF RECOMMENDED

As we’ve mentioned earlier that protective styles can lead to hair mats. When you leave the protective style on over a long period, it’s challenging to manage your hair correctly and take out the hairs that shed over time.

It means that hair strands could get caught and result in matted hair. What should you do? In simple terms that you should keep a style in place for up to six weeks.

3 Signs that your hair is brittle

1. Not Protecting Your Hair at Night

Hair protection at night is not just a way to keep your hairstyle in place for the following day but also helps protect your hair’s health.

For a style that will last, keep your curls in a pineapple twist or braid your hair if you’re holding a braid or twist (try not to do it each evening). A bonnet, satin scarf, or pillowcase will protect hair from matting and breaking.

A pillowcase that is made of cotton without any protection for your hair can cause your hair’s hair to rub on the pillowcase. TIt can take the moisture from your hair and may make your hair matted.

2. Wearing protective styles for too Long

The protective styles are an excellent method to keep the length and reduce anxiety about styling your hair. Although they are great for protecting your hair but leaving them on too long could create more significant harm than it is worth.

The protective style should be put in at the time your hair is newly cleaned and well-hydrated. Techniques that protect can last for 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the style you choose and the maintenance.

I’d not let it sit for more than six weeks since it could cause matting if kept for too long. After removing the style, take care to clean and detangle the hair.

3. You are doing Your Hair the wrong way.

Hairstyles that you do while it’s not entirely removed could cause matting. When washing day approaches, apply conditioner and then untangle your hair. It is possible to use a conditioner that has plenty of slip, in case it makes it more accessible.

You may also utilize the tool you prefer for this, either your hands or large-toothed combing. Make sure you detangle your hair with care from the ends until the roots. Split your hair into sections, if needed, to ensure you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Steps to Detangle Frizzy Hair in a painless way

Step 1: Dampen Your Hair: Wet a small portion of hair (avoid pulling) by spraying water. Water aids in detangling. However, be cautious not to dampen your hair excessively since it can cause your hair to pull away quickly.
Step 2: Apply Coconut Oil Use a generous scoop of coconut oil onto your hair.
Step 3: Use leave-in conditioner: apply a detangling leave-in conditioner on your hair. The coconut oil you applied earlier will provide an excellent grip on your hair and help the leave-in conditioner penetrate the inner lining of the knots of hair. Allow the conditioner to work for between 30 and 60 minutes. It is also possible to use detangling spray.
Step 4: Begin Detangling: Begin to detangle knots of hair with your fingers. The conditioner and oil will stop you from pulling the hair strands. It will allow you to unwind knots. Be patient and patient.
Step 5: Use a Comb: Carefully brush your hair using a large comb or detangling brushes. Start by combing your hair from the tips and moving toward the root. In this way, you will not pull your hair out.

Take note that you shouldn’t brush wet hair.

These steps can help you detangle your hair that has become matted. But is there a way that you can get rid of matter hair completely? Continue reading to find out the steps to take.

How Can I Stop Hair from Matting?

Prevention is always better than treatment. Removing matted hair can take time and perseverance. You might also lose some of your hair, but certainly, there isn’t a great deal. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid hair matting. Here’s what you need to do:

Every day, you should brush your hair. Combing helps to increase blood flow to the scalp and strengthens hair roots.
Massage your hair at least once a week. Apply a large amount of argan, coconut, and rosehip oils. Apply the oil to your hair’s braids. Dry it for at least 60 mins or up to overnight.
Wash your hair regularly. The sweat, dirt, pollution sebum, the build-up of the product must be taken off frequently. Regularly washing your hair helps balance scalp pH and helps keep your hair’s shiny. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove the build-up of dirt and keep hair soft clean, fresh, and accessible.
Use a good conditioner. Always use a quality conditioner right after you wash your hair. Apply it to your hair strands and let it sit for a minimum of 10 minutes. Be careful not to touch the scalp. Clean it to get rid of all traces from the substance.
Apply hydrating and moisturizing masks at least once per week if your hair seems dry.
Make use of the serum or light oil. You can apply a gentle oil such as rosehip or argan oil or serum while your hair is wet. Apply the oil to hair strands. Be careful not to rub the hair strands. Use your fingers for a “brushing” action to massage the serum or oil.
Hair braids are a great way to sleep. One of the best ways to prevent hair matting or tangling is to brush your hair and braid it before you go to sleep. Wrap a thin cloth to shield those hair shafts. By doing this daily, you will help reduce hair loss and also.
Hair should be cut every 6–8 weeks, as split ends can cause matting and tangling.

The Best Methods to Untangle Matted Hair

The bottom line is that you’ll have the most success at untangling the hair with conditioners. Like we said, conditioner plays an essential role in both the quick and easy ways to remove mats from hair. It is also possible to apply hair oils to moisturize your hair and aid in its remove knots.

Using a brush for detangling or comb combination with a broad-toothed comb to assist in separating hair can be extremely useful. It prevents the process from becoming excessively painful and allows the operation of detangling faster.

Be aware, however, that the amount of length of time required to unravel matted hair will depend on the strength of the mat as well as the health of the hair itself. A relatively healthy hair, for example, will be much simpler to unravel than hair that is thin, unhealthy, or hard to detangle.

Other Options for Matted Hair

Another option we haven’t yet discussed to remove matted hair is cutting it off. Although many people don’t like the thought of cutting off their hair, you might require cutting off the excessively matted hair.

The severely matted hair is already damaged, which makes it more susceptible to mat again shortly.

Eliminating matted areas of hair and making hair in length will lessen the chance of matting as time passes.

Also, once you’ve detangled the hair you have, taking the proper treatment can ensure it’s healthy and decrease the chance of developing further issues.

Tips to Prevent Hair that is Matted Hair

Be sure to wash off any products that have been applied to your hair before going to bed or lying down.
Apply conditioner frequently to keep your hair moisturized and healthy.
You should consider changing your diet to boost the overall health of your hair.
Curly hair is often braided to prevent it from locking into mats.
Avoid processing your hair in a way that is excessive to maintain its health.
Cut your hair regularly at intervals to get rid of dead ends that can easily cause damage to your hair.
Make sure to brush your hair frequently using either a hairbrush or comb to avoid large tangles developing.

Conclusion

Detangling matted hair is complex. If you have coarse dry, curly, or dry hair, detangling it can cause hair loss also. If done correctly, it is possible to detangle without pain or loss of excessive hair.

Follow the steps previously mentioned by following the correct regimen for hair care to minimize and possibly even stop hair matting.

Matted hair isn’t necessarily an end in itself, even though it may seem like it.

With a bit of care and the right detangling tools, You can rid yourself of knots in your hair at home.

Make sure to be gentle, patient and look after your hair. If this isn’t working, consult an expert for tips on removing knots.

Originally published at https://healthsalubrity.com on October 21, 2021.