Detangling hair is work, and it can take time. We've all been here at some point: in front of the bathroom mirror, pulling a brush through our knotted hair. (Psst, your hair requests that you stop.)
Whether you have 1A or 4C hair, it happens to the best of us. And seriously, no one wants to comb through knotted hair.
And matted hair? Well, detangling mats is a whole nother story. With even more tangles and locked hair strands, detangling matted hair can be quite the process.
But don't fret! Put down those scissors—don't even think about cutting off your gorgeous locks.
This guide offers a step-by-step process on how to detangle matted hair and how Blissy silk products will help you avoid hair mats in the first place.
Let's start with why your beautiful tresses are (temporarily) sad and matted.
All You Need to Know About Matted Hair
According to Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of matted hair is hair that's been:
twisted into a firm, messy mass
or,
twisted or pressed into a dense mass
If you've ever struggled with a matted mess, then you know these definitions all too well.
So, what causes these severe tangles?
Hair mats are partly the product of hair shedding. Your hair naturally sheds around 50 to 100 hairs each day—yes, that much is normal!
This only becomes a problem when those excess strands get fused in with the rest of your hair, as the hair strands intertwine and form clumps.
Matting can be caused by several factors including:
- How dry or damaged your hair is
- our hair texture
- Your current hair care routine
- How you style your hair
If you have dry and brittle hair, your hair is more likely to tangle and eventually mat.
Hair prone to hair matting also includes wavy hair and tightly coiled hair—but hair tangles happen to all hair types.
Your hair care and styling routine plays a huge part in whether your hair looks glossy and fabulous or matted and dull.
If you haven't established a hair care routine and don't detangle your hair regularly, you've got a recipe for disaster. That day-3 messy bun might look cute, but the mats it's hiding don't.Product buildup, going too long between hair trims, and not protecting your hair overnight are other common causes of hair matting.
How to Detangle Matted Hair Painlessly
The detangling process can be lengthy, but with patience and the right tools, your hair will be back to fab in no time.
So, let's get into how to detangle matted hair.
Hair prep
First, gather the supplies that you'll need to detangle your hair:
- Wide-toothed comb
- Pin-curl or rat-tail comb
- Detangling brush
- Detangling spray or primer (helps protect hair from further damage by moisturizing, separating hair strands, and sealing the cuticle)
- Hair oil
- Hydrating treatment and conditioner
Detangle hair step-by-step
- Start by saturating the matted area with detangling spray or primer. Use your fingers to massage the hair detangler thoroughly. This will also help loosen hair strands.
- If you have very knotted hair with severe mats, you may want to soak in some hair oil first. Use your fingers and a very fine-toothed comb to find some loose ends to start from, then continue along.
- If you haven't already, now's the time to apply hair oil. Once that's in, grab your wide-tooth comb and gently begin separating hair strands. Start from the ends of your hair—not the crown.
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If there's too much of a pulling sensation, use your free hand to secure your hair at the root. This will lessen any discomfort and prevent ripping hair from the scalp.
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- Separate pieces of hair that are free from the matted area. Use a detangling brush to gently loosen the remaining hair knots.
- Apply conditioner to hair strands in need of love as you continue separating hair away from the mat. Alternate using your wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, and detangling brush to untangle matted hair strands as you see fit.
- When you're finished, you can carefully wash your hair to remove buildup. Rinse hair with cool water (hot water is drying).
- Apply a hydrating treatment to help your clean, untangled hair recover.
If you notice hair falling out, don't panic! It's normal to see some hair shedding while removing mats. Mats are mingled with pieces of hair that have already been shed.
Also, we want to stress:
Be gentle and take your time! It's essential for healthy hair recovery.
Tips and tricks for different hair types
The process of how to detangle matted hair can vary a bit for different hair types.
Fine, straight hair
For fine, straight hair, it's important to not overstretch hair strands while detangling. There's a higher risk of breakage, which can lead to loss of length and volume.
Use a detangling spray, wide-toothed comb, and detangling brush on wet or damp hair. Wet hair has more elasticity and is less likely to break.
Thick, curly hair
For thick, curly hair, it's all about hydration! Saturate and separate hair into smaller sections before you fully detangle with a wide-tooth comb and brush.
Make sure to also tackle curly, tangled hair while it's wet. It's best to save detangling for wash day if you're caring for curly hair.
How Blissy Can Help
You don't need to know how to detangle matted hair if it doesn't happen!
Help prevent matted hair by wearing a Blissy Bonnet and sleeping on a Blissy Silk Pillowcase! Our luxurious silk products can be seamlessly added to your hair care routine for happier, healthier hair.
Sleeping on a Blissy Silk Pillowcase
If you're looking to up your hair game, a Blissy Silk Pillowcase is essential.
Our silk pillowcases are crafted from the highest-quality mulberry silk, grade 6A. They not only feel ultra-soft and comfortable, but they have amazing beauty and wellness benefits—especially for hair!
A Blissy Silk Pillowcase will help keep your hair hydrated, glossy, and free from frizz and tangles.
Here's how:
Our mulberry silk is naturally hydrating, non-irritating, and low-friction.
Silk will not absorb leave-in conditioner or your hair's natural oils. And since there's minimal friction, your hair won't break or tangle while you toss and turn at night.
Our silk pillowcase allows your hair to stay shiny, smooth, and moisturized without a mat in sight.
Consider Lori's experience with her Blissy Silk Pillowcase:
Perfect for hair. No tangles, or mess. I just glide back and forth as I turn.
So, show off your goddess energy and let your hair glide effortlessly across your new favorite silk pillowcase!
Wearing a Blissy Bonnet
The Blissy Bonnet is a chic nighttime accessory that's vital to fighting tangles and keeping hair moisturized. It's also a stylish way to preserve your hairstyle!
Our bonnet is carefully crafted from luxurious mulberry silk. Slip it over your hair each night to help retain moisture while preventing breakage, tangles, frizz, and bed head.
Here's Lisa S.'s experience with our bonnet:
I love the color, the feeling, and fit. It keeps my head cool, hair silky smooth, and feeling like royalty in my home.
Although it's a solution for all hair types, those with textured hair or damaged hair will especially benefit from a Blissy Bonnet.
More Tips to Avoid Severely Matted Hair
You won't have to figure out how to detangle matted hair if you prevent matted hair.
The following hair tips will help your hair stay tangle-free and fabulous:
- If you haven't already, buy a wide-toothed comb and detangling spray. Remove tangles from your hair regularly to avoid matted hair altogether.
- Up your moisturizer game! Frequently apply hair treatments, leave-in conditioner, and hair oils. Some natural choices great for dry hair include argan oil, olive oil, and coconut oil. Ensure you're using a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing.
- Prevent tangles with a protective hairstyle. There are many protective styles! One of our favorites is the loose pineapple bun, which is great for curly hair.
Say Goodbye to Tangled Hair for Good
It's time to lose knotted hair and gain glossy, gorgeous hair.
Now that you know how to detangle matted hair and how to prevent it with Blissy, you're ready to enjoy luscious locks!
