How to Detangle Matted Hair in 5 Steps

Dealing with matted hair can feel overwhelming.

Whether it’s from neglecting protective styles for too long or skipping your regular detangling routine, tangled hair needs extra care to prevent breakage.

But before reaching for the scissors, the best way to detangle matted hair is with a gentle approach that works through knots while restoring your hair’s health and vitality.

Best Way to Detangle Matted Hair – Step 1: Prepare Your Hair with Moisture

One of the worst things you can do is to tackle matted hair while it’s dry.

Trying to force a comb through dry tangles can lead to breakage and split ends.

Start by dampening your hair with water to soften it. Better yet, use a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner that adds slip, making it easier for your fingers or comb to glide through.

Look for lightweight leave-in conditioners that are packed with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera. Products such as Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream or Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler can provide the moisture and slip needed to soften the toughest of tangles without weighing your hair down.

Best Way to Detangle Matted Hair – Step 2: Section Your Hair

Detangling matted hair all at once is a recipe for disaster. Instead, divide your hair into manageable sections.

Start with four to six sections, depending on how dense or thick your hair is. Secure each section with clips or ties to keep them separate as you work through them one by one.

Detangling in smaller portions allows you to focus on each area, reducing the risk of yanking through knots or missing hidden tangles.

Step 3: Finger Detangle First

Before reaching for a comb, it’s always best to start with your fingers. Finger detangling is the gentlest way to ease through knots and mats.

Feel for the tangles and gently pull them apart, working from the ends of your hair and moving upwards toward the roots.

This way, you avoid pulling your hair too much at the scalp, where it’s more fragile.

If you come across particularly stubborn mats, add more leave-in conditioner or use a detangling brush designed to minimize damage.

The Tangle Teezer is a great option as its flexible bristles work through knots without putting too much tension on your strands.

Step 4: Use a Wide-Tooth Comb

Once you’ve worked through as much as you can with your fingers, switch to a wide-tooth comb.

Wide-tooth combs, like the Conair Detangling Comb, are excellent for loosening knots without tearing through your hair.

Start at the ends and gently comb upwards in small sections. Resist the urge to rush—patience is key to keeping your hair intact.

If you encounter any stubborn areas, try adding a bit of lightweight oil, such as argan or jojoba oil, to help lubricate the hair and make the knots easier to unravel.

Oils work wonders by adding an extra layer of slip and nourishment, making it easier for your comb to glide through.

Step 5: Rinse and Deep Condition

After you’ve successfully detangled your hair, rinse out the leave-in conditioner or detangler. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore any moisture lost during the detangling process. Deep conditioners rich in proteins and hydrating agents, like Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner, will help strengthen your hair and improve its elasticity.

Photo credits: Melbourne Detangling