Matted hair can be a nuisance to deal with, as it can lead to discomfort, hair breakage, and an unkempt appearance. Severely matted hair can make you feel frustrated and may even seem impossible to untangle. However, with patience and the right techniques, you can successfully untangle even the toughest knots. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to untangle severely matted hair.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Before attempting to untangle your matted hair, ensure it’s clean and dry. Avoid tackling knots with dirty or oily hair, as this could make the process more difficult. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type, then let your hair air-dry completely.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools

Having the right tools at hand is essential for successful detangling. You’ll need:

– A wide-toothed comb

– A tail comb for parting

– Hair clips or bands for sectioning

– A leave-in detangling spray or solution (a blend of water and conditioner works too)

– Optional: A mirror to help you see the back of your head

Step 3: Section Your Hair

Begin by parting your hair down the middle from the front to the nape of your neck using a tail comb. Then divide each half into additional sections, depending on the thickness and severity of the matting. Use clips or bands to hold these sections in place while you work on one area at a time.

Step 4: Apply Detangling Solution

Spray a generous amount of detangling solution onto one section of matted hair, ensuring that it is well-saturated but not dripping wet. This will help soften knots and make it easier to separate strands during detangling.

Step 5: Gently Begin Detangling

Starting at the bottom of the matted section, gently begin working the wide-toothed comb through the tangles. Hold the hair above where you’re combing to avoid pulling on your scalp. Be patient and take your time, as aggressive combing could lead to increased breakage and damage. Gradually work your way up towards your scalp.

Step 6: Work in Small Sections

If you come across a particularly stubborn knot, isolate a smaller section of hair around it and attempt to detangle this smaller area. If necessary, use your fingers to gently separate individual strands before reintroducing the comb.

Step 7: Rinse Out Detangling Solution

Once you have successfully detangled a section of hair, rinse out the detangling solution before moving on to the next section. This will prevent buildup and allow for smoother combing.

Step 8: Repeat Steps 3-7

Work through each section systematically, remembering always to be gentle and patient during detangling.

Step 9: Final Check

Once all sections are detangled, give your hair a final check for any remaining tangles. Comb gently from roots to tips as a final measure of assurance.

Conclusion:

Untangling severely matted hair can be a time-consuming and challenging process, but with patience, care, and the right technique, it can be achievable. Maintain regular hair care practices such as brushing daily, using conditioner and detangling solutions, avoiding tight hairstyles that cause strain on your hair roots, and trimming split ends when necessary to avoid further matting in the future.