How to Prevent Tangles & Matting
Struggling With Tangles & Matting? Here’s Why It Happens
Struggling With Tangles & Matting? Here’s Why It Happens
There’s nothing more frustrating than running your fingers through your hair and hitting a knot. Tangles and matting can turn soft, flowing hair into a stressful daily battle. For extension clients, the problem can feel even worse. Improper care, friction, dryness, and product buildup can all cause your hair to clump together.
The good news? Tangles and matting are preventable. With the right routine and a little consistency, you can keep your natural hair and extensions smooth, healthy, and easy to manage.
Proper Brushing Techniques to Prevent Tangles
Brushing is the most important step in preventing tangles and matting. However, how you brush matters just as much as how often.
Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Brush at least twice daily. Morning and night are ideal.
- Start from the ends. Work your way up slowly to avoid pulling.
- Support your wefts or bonds. Hold the base of your extensions while brushing to reduce tension.
- Use the right brush. A professional extension brush helps prevent snagging.
Never brush soaking wet hair without first gently detangling. Wet hair is more elastic and prone to breakage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or detangle carefully from the ends up.
Consistency is key. Skipping brushing allows small knots to turn into large mats.
Wash & Condition Correctly to Avoid Matting
Your wash routine can either protect your hair or cause tangling.
Follow these simple guidelines:
- Wash in a downward motion. Avoid scrubbing or piling hair on top of your head.
- Use sulfate-free shampoo. Harsh cleansers strip moisture.
- Condition mid-length to ends only. Avoid applying conditioner directly to bonds or wefts.
- Rinse thoroughly. Product buildup leads to stickiness and matting.
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water with a towel. Do not rub. Then detangle before blow-drying. Leaving hair damp for too long can increase friction and tangling at the root.
Daily Habits That Prevent Tangles & Matting
Small daily habits make a big difference.
Protect your hair while sleeping.
Tie your hair in a loose braid or low ponytail before bed. Sleeping with hair down creates friction against your pillow.
Avoid excessive heat.
Too much heat dries out the hair, making it more prone to knotting. Always use a heat protectant.
Keep up with maintenance appointments.
Regular move-ups ensure your extensions aren’t growing out and tangling at the root.
Be mindful of friction.
Scarves, high collars, gym workouts, and windy days can all cause knots. A quick brush after high-friction activities helps prevent matting from forming.
Healthy hair stays smooth. Dry, neglected hair tangles faster.
When Tangles Turn Into Matting
If you notice tight clumps forming near the root or at the nape of your neck, don’t panic. Early intervention matters.
Gently separate the area with your fingers first. Apply a lightweight detangling spray if needed. Never rip through a mat aggressively. That can cause breakage and damage to your extensions.
If matting feels severe, contact your stylist. Professional detangling is always safer than risking damage at home.
Keep Your Hair Smooth, Soft & Tangle-Free
Preventing tangles and matting doesn’t require complicated steps. It requires consistency, the right products, and proper technique. When you treat your extensions with care, they reward you with longevity, shine, and movement.
If you’re unsure whether your current routine is working, we’re here to help.
CALL US! Book your maintenance appointment today with Skandia Kollektiv and let our experts keep your extensions looking flawless.
Healthy hair starts with professional care.
