Dealing with severely matted natural hair can be overwhelming, especially if it’s been tucked under a protective style or left uncombed for a while.
But before you reach for the scissors, take a breath, detangling is possible with the right tools, patience, and plenty of moisture.
Start with a gentle approach
Avoid trying to detangle dry hair, which increases the risk of breakage. Instead, begin by saturating your hair with a detangling spray, water-based leave-in conditioner, or a DIY mix of water and conditioner in a spray bottle. The goal is to soften the hair and add slip, making knots easier to work through.
Section your hair
Divide it into small, manageable sections using clips or scrunchies. Working in sections gives you more control and helps avoid re-tangling areas you’ve already detangled.
Finger detangle first
Start at the ends of your hair and gently work your way up, using your fingers to loosen tangles. If a knot is particularly stubborn, apply more conditioner or oil and gently pull it apart, never yank or tear through it.
Use the right tools
Once you’ve finger-detangled, follow up with a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Always begin at the ends and slowly work your way up to the roots. If you feel resistance, don’t force it, go back to finger detangling or add more moisture.
Try a deep conditioner or detangling mask
For severely matted sections, applying a deep conditioning treatment and letting it sit for 20–30 minutes under a shower cap can help soften the hair further, making it easier to detangle afterward.
Take your time
Detangling matted natural hair can take hours, and that’s okay. Rushing leads to breakage and frustration. Be patient and gentle with your hair, and yourself.
Finish strong
Once detangled, rinse your hair and apply a moisturizing leave-in or light oil to seal in hydration. Style as usual or put it in a protective style to prevent future matting.
With care and consistency, detangling matted natural hair at home can be a restorative process, not just for your strands, but for your spirit too.
