Triumph over Tangles!
Your water, lifestyle and even your hair type can play a role in how knotted you or your child’s hair gets. Let’s dive in to the causes and see how to prevent them from happening in the first place and how to knock them out once the rats nest has arrived. LOL
Hair Type - Curly, wavy, or coarse hair is more prone to tangles. Using smoothing/moisturizing products to help shut down the cuticle will prevent knots from happening in the first place. Detangling your hair before it gets wet and once again when you have conditioner on it will remove tangles with less pain and frustration. Also, try not to pile your hair on top of your head when shampooing.
If you hair is damaged from too much bleaching, then be very gentle with your hair. Stretching it out when it’s wet can lead to a lot of breakage. Olaplex, moisture and protein treatments may help keep it manageable until the damaged parts grow out.
Lifestyle - Like to drive with the windows down? Rough sleeper? Wear turtlenecks and textured sweaters? All of these things can really tie you hair in knots. Try putting your hair in a braid, using a silk pillowcase, and if you absolutely cannot go with a comfy turtleneck or sweater maybe consider an undercut. All of these things are to help prevent tangles from forming in the first place.
Water - Minerals in your water can really stress your hair out. If you have hard water, a water softer will help. If thats out of your budget then get a shower filter. It takes 5 minutes to install and costs about $30. You can find them at places like Home Depot and Lowes. I have one by the brand Sprite. If your water has already made your hair a sticky mess then there are clarifying treatments you can have done in a salon to rid your hair of the chlorine, copper and iron buildup and that should help.
Basic Detangling Tips- Get regular trims. Always start from the bottom and move your way up to the scalp. Use a wide tooth comb to start out. Invest in a wet brush. Use a good detangling spray. Take your time. Smaller sections and frequent breaks can really go a long way in keeping you sanity if its really tangled. Some salons offer detangling appointments.
There is a big difference between tangles and matting. Mats start out as tangles that are not regularly brushed out. As hairs naturally fall out they get tangled up with the attached strands and form clumps. Matted hair may not be able to be combed out and may need to be cut off. Mats can form mold and mildew inside of them. Repeated matting should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out any medical conditions such as “unruly hair syndrome”, mobility and joint issues, and any mental issues that may prevent taking care of your hair. It’s okay to ask for help if your struggling.
Favorite Detanglers - Eleven Australia Detangling My Hair, Amika The Wizard, and R+Co Pinstripe Intense Detangling Spray
Hope this helps out!