What to do and How to Prevent Matted Hair

Matted hair can happen to everyone and can be scary. Usually it happens when hair strands become entangled, forming knots and tangles creating a matted knot. Unlike tangles, matting in the hair is more severe and if leaving untreated for a long period of time can lead to hair damage or breakage and even can damage the scalp.

Regular brushing, proper hair care, moisturizing can help prevent matting.

This can happen to anyone, not only to the people with long or texture hair, especially coily texture, but also to people with fine straight hair.

There are multiple reasons as to why matting can happen, here are the main one.

• Neglect or lack of regular brushing - hair that is not combed regularly can easily get matted.
• Hair porosity - high porosity, meaning cuticle of the hair is raised can lead to the matting.
• Damaged hair - hair that is dry, rougher can create more matting.
• Fine, dense hair - because they are more delicate and because fine hair has more strands than thick hair, they are more likely to tangle, also can be due to the lack of natural oils.
• Product build up - excessive use of hair products and not properly washing them out could lead to the product residue, which can lead to matting.
• Environmental factors - wind, humidity or even friction from the clothes can lead to tangles.
• Nighttime - going to bed with wet hair. Sleeping without tying hair back either into the braid or bun, not using satin pillowcase can also lead to the matting.

What to Do if Matting Did Happen?

First of all, don't panic, this is what you would need.

You would need a detangling brush, wide tooth comb, water bottle and detangling spray (leave-in conditioner) and a lot of patience.

Start with lightly spraying water into the hair then follow up with detangling spray or conditioner to soften the knots. This is important step that will help to minimize damage and breakage.

Next, use your fingers to loosen up the knots as much as possible. Be very gentle.

Then, if possible, try to separate your hair into the clip and start detangling the hair using wide tooth comb and a small sectioning. Start at the ends and slowly move your way towards the roots. Avoid using force to prevent breakage. Be gentle.

If tangles are severe try using detangling brush first, then switch to the wide tooth comb.

Remember to reapply detangling spray. Keep spraying water and leave in conditioner.

Once your hair is free make sure to follow up with deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and strength in the hair.

If you think you can’t handle it at home, then our Chatters stylists are ready to help you. When making appointment let receptionist know how bad your matting is, it is important to know so we can book you accordingly (time) and tell approximate cost.

Preventing Matted Hair

• Use the right tools. Brush hair regularly, morning, during the day and before bed.
• Hydration is a must. Well hydrated hair is less likely to tangle. Make sure you drink lots of water as well.
• Regular trims help to remove split ends and reduce tangling. Hair remains smoother and more manageable.
• Keep hair in the braids or bun while sleeping or during exercising.
• Hair routine - hair wash, deep conditioning and styling. Choosing right hair product is a game changer.

My Go-To List of Products That Helps With Preventing Matting

Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner

Lightweight detangler, provide moisture, nourishment and prime for the hair.

Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner

Provides moisture, strengthening and repair and good detangling spray.

Unite 7 Seconds Detangler

Detangling spray, seals cuticle, protects hair all day long.

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Night & Day Serum

Helps to repair damaged hair, provides nourishment, reduces frizz.

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo & Conditioner

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner

Help to seal cuticle, provides smooth shiny results.

Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Mask

Restore moisture, leave hair smooth and soft.

Loma Deep Conditioner

Provides deep nourishment, leaves hair smooth and soft.

Loma Nourishing Oil Treatment

Smooths, repair the hair surface, detangles, control frizz.

For Curly Hair

Curlsmith Double Cream Deep Quencher

Deep conditioning that provides nourishment and moisture.

Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner

3 in 1, rinse out, leave in, deep conditioning that provides moisture and strength.