Matted hair is one of the most frustrating and time-consuming aspects of theHair care routine. And if your hair often gets tangled, then you know exactly what we mean. But is there a way to detangle matted hair without damaging it? The answer is yes! If you ever wake up with tangled hair or wonder why your hair tangles so easily, you're in luck! In this article, we'll explore why hair tends to get tangled and how you can effectively control it.
Why does hair become matted?
Your hair becomes matted as the strands of hair wrap around each other. This makes it easier for additional strands to intertwine with the existing knot. The hair gets tangled, resulting in larger and more tangled knots that are a real pain to remove.
Essentially, hair becomes more matted when its cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) is damaged or open. A healthy cuticle should be closed, smooth and lie flat. If your hair is damagedor has split ends, the cuticle gets snagged and causes more tangles and hair knots. Additionally, if your hair is curly or frizzy rather than straight, the strands you lose every day will not slide down as easily but will wrap around other strands, creating a tangled mess.
Although tangled hair occurs on most hair types, it is usually longer hair and especiallycurly hair, which usually gets tangled. Some of the major factors that contribute to matted hair are:
- Damaged, dry hair
- Curly or frizzy hair
- Long, fine hair (longer than shoulder length)
- Sun damaged and heat damaged hair
- Wind and other weather influences
- Poor sleeping habits
- Chemical treatments
Which brush for matted hair?
To untangle your tangled hair, you need the right tools. Because not every brush is equally suitable for detangling hair. Special detangling brushes ensure that the knots in the hair are untangled easily and painlessly. The best detangle brushes include the Denman brush and the popular Tangle Teezer. However, you don't have to forget the good old comb - models with coarse teeth are really good for detangling your hair.
Wondering how to get the knots out of your beautiful locks without causing breakage? Removing knots is definitely one of the most unpopular hair routines, but with the right method, you can save yourself from too much pain and hair loss. Depending on whether you are detangling matted hair when wet or dry, you can use the following techniques.
What to do about matted hair after washing
Wet hair is brittle and prone to breakage. However, if you use conditioner and take the time to gently detangle your locks, detangling wet hair is still the best option for your hair health.
To detangle naturally curly or frizzy hair, start with wet hair and rub generously with conditioner. For straight hair, you can start with slightly towel-dried hair or damp, freshly washed and conditioned hair. Using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, brush your hair gradually upwards, starting from the ends.
If you encounter resistance, do not push the comb down! Instead, move the comb or brush outward, away from the head, to loosen the matted hair.
If you really need to get stubborn knots out of your hair, grab a hair detangling spray for your hair type. Note that you only need to apply these products to small sections of hair for them to work, not all over hair.
Detangle matted hair when dry
Even if you are good at detangling your tangled hair after a shower, you willDon't wash hair every dayto keep it tangle-free, right? This isn't a problem for women with naturally curly hair because they don't have to brush their hair every day. In many cases, this even leads to more beautifully defined curls, whose tangles go unnoticed and can wait until the next wash day. However, if you have frizzy or straight hair, there is no way to hide matted hair.
To detangle your dry hair, first isolate the knot and apply detangling spray, hair oil, or leave-in conditioner to the area. Look for hair products with ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil, which are known to smooth hair and prevent tangles. Rub the product into the bun and gently loosen it with your fingers. Then brush your hair with a wet brush or wide-tooth comb to completely loosen the knots. Start with the ends of your hair and slowly work your way up, keeping your hair taut.
How to prevent matted hair?
If you have to untangle your tangled hair too often, it will inevitably lead to hair breakage. But why do you have to go through the unpleasant process of detangling your hair when you can avoid tangled hair in the first place? You just have to follow the following recommendations and your hair will no longer tangle so much.
1. Wash hair carefully
If your hair gets tangled after washing, then you should reconsider your hair washing methods.
- Before washing, brush your hair gently to detangle existing knots.
- When washing, try not to ruffle the hair. Using your fingertips, massage the shampoo into the back of your head, sides and top of your head. Focus on your scalp and massage rather than scrubbing. Then simply rinse the shampoo out of your hair.
- At the end of the shower, rinse your hair briefly with cold water to seal the cuticles.
2. Stay away from the towel
We know it's very tempting to grab a towel and scrub your hair as soon as you get out of the shower, but that's far from the right way to dry your hair. In fact, it's one of the easiest ways for your hair to get tangled and knotted, as towel drying it too hard will damage the cuticle when your hair is at its most delicate.
Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze your hair. Then shake your head well so that air can penetrate the hair. You can also wrap your hair in a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to absorb excess water without causing hair breakage.
3. Don't forget to rinse
If your hair is so matted that you can't even run a brush through it, it might be time to upgrade your conditioner. No matter how tired or in a hurry you are, never neglect to take care of your hair. Use a conditioner specifically designed for your hair type and be generous. When your hair is dry, it is at greater risk of becoming tangled and knotted. If you have particularly thick or very curly hair, you can use a leave-in conditioner.
4. Use hair oil against matted hair
Oils and hair masks lubricate the hair cuticle and nourish the hair. They act like a sealant, locking in moisture and smoothing the strands. This smoothness helps prevent unpleasant tangles because smooth strands do not form knots and tangles. OneHair oil treatmentyou should treat yourself at least once a week.
5. Sleep on silk pillows
Cotton can snag your hair as you toss and turn, causing it to become knotted and tangled as you sleep. Welcome, a matted mess in the morning!
A simple solution is to switch to silk pillowcases, which have become very popular recently. The smooth and breathable fabric prevents friction and moisturizes - meaning smoother, tangle-free hair.
6. Don't sleep with your hair down
Also, get into the habit of sleeping with an updo, especially if you have textured hair. By putting your hair up, you prevent the strands from rubbing together and becoming tangled as you move your head back and forth at night. It's even better if you put a silky scarf or hat over it. The smooth fabric protects your hair and prevents knots from forming while you sleep.
7. Install a shower filter in the bathroom
A good thing would also be to consider the quality of the water you use to wash your hair. If you follow a good hair care routine and have tried everything, a shower filter can be the magic trick to solve the matted hair problem.
8. Get your hair cut regularly
To eliminate knots and tangles, you should have your hair trimmed at least the ends every 8 to 10 weeks. This will help you eliminate split ends, dry and damaged ends and keep your hair healthy and strong. Trimming damaged hair facilitates natural hair shedding and helps loose strands to shed without tangling.
