Severe Matting!

[natieya]

Hello everyone, I really need some help. For the past 3 shampoos, everytime I wash my hair, it mats horribly like 2 inches from my scalp and ALL OVER!!! I end up losing TONS of hair just trying to get the comb through. It's like when I wash my hair, it turns into dreads. Last night, was the final straw. I'm cutting my hair into a short bob. I lost too much hair to try and keep my length. (I'm currently shoulder length)...but, for the future...can anyone tell me how to prevent this? I'm not too hurt about it really...if I were BSL (my goal length), I would be totally devastated, so I'd like to know how to prevent this for when I grow my hair out. I tried Porosity Control, ORS Replenishing Conditioner (in the big bottle), Salerm Wheat Germ Mask...nothing is working. So, I'm starting over.

 

[crlsweetie912]

I say, always comb your hair right before you wash. This gets out shed hairs which is usually the cause of the matting. The shed hairs cuticle is wide open, and it causes the tangling and matting. This always helps me. Also, don't vigorously rub your hair when you shampoo. At the most, if you have a regular shampoo regimen, you should only need to rub your scalp and work the shampoo down the shaft of your hair. HTH!

 

[Avaya]

I agree with not overly manipulating your hair when you wash it, rather, concentrate the shampoo on your scalp instead.

Also, although you didn't mention braids, I started this post http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=90692&highlight=matting about how to prevent matting.

I think changing your shampoo will probably do wonders too.

Don't cut just yet.

 

[CAPlush]

What shampoo are you using to wash your hair? Also, what are you using to detangle, a wide-toothed shower comb should be used on wet hair. You may have product build up and need to clarify.

 

[LocksOfLuV]

I usually detangle in the shower. Then after I add my leave ins and such I detangle AGAIN this time with a smaller toothed comb to make sure I get ALL that shedded hair out.

Matts from my hair start from me not getting all the knots and shedded hair out. The only way I can do that is if I take my time, parting in small sections, and adequately detangle and get all the shedded har out and smaller knots. A wide toothed comb only gets out larger knots, but you need a smaller comb to get through all the smallers spots.

You gonan have to detangle and take you time and REALLY get that hair out. Set aside a few hours and make sure your hair is dripping wet and go in 1 inch sections and detangle. You may be able to still save your hair.

 

[Lotus]

TX has hard water. H.A.R.D- I tell ya Have you clarified/AVC rinsed? I must AVC rinse at least once a week or it's over!

 

[Lady Esquire]

Hello everyone, I really need some help. For the past 3 shampoos, everytime I wash my hair, it mats horribly like 2 inches from my scalp and ALL OVER!!! I end up losing TONS of hair just trying to get the comb through. It's like when I wash my hair, it turns into dreads. Last night, was the final straw. I'm cutting my hair into a short bob. I lost too much hair to try and keep my length. (I'm currently shoulder length)...but, for the future...can anyone tell me how to prevent this? I'm not too hurt about it really...if I were BSL (my goal length), I would be totally devastated, so I'd like to know how to prevent this for when I grow my hair out. I tried Porosity Control, ORS Replenishing Conditioner (in the big bottle), Salerm Wheat Germ Mask...nothing is working. So, I'm starting over.

I went thru this for a long time, and I had no idea what was causing it. After close observation and trial and error, here is what I learned. Ever since I changed these things, the matting has been a thing of the past.

First, cut back on shampoo. Start doing more conditioner washes. If you do use shampoo, dilute it or use a small cap full. Shampoo your SCALP only, and not the rest of your hair. Certain shampoos strip the hair, so switch to moisturizing shampoos. My favorite is Nexuss Therrappe. Other shampoos are made with the intent to detangle, such as Creme of Nature Detangling Shampoo. Also, I always prepoo before washing, even before co-washing. My hair needs the slip and it needs the coating to protect the strands. Incorporate pre-poo treatments as a staple.

Secondly, when you wash, try the Crown and Glory method. Braid your hair, or wear it in different scrunchies (if it is not long enough for braids). Then, undo each section, shampoo and condition each section individually. Also, use the water pressure as a way to detangle the hair. Just let it run on each section, and that will do most of the work for you. This method of washing drastically decreases matting and tangling. Read up on the Crown and Glory Method on www.growafrolonghair.com.

Airdrying is when most of the matting occurred for me. Airdry your hair in braids, or silk scrunchies. Lather each section with a detangling leave-in conditioner, and seal with an oil. Reapply the leave-in and the oil, when the hair is about 80% dry (this is such an important step, because your hair may be absorbing the product very quickly, especially if it is thick or underprocessed like mine. And as it air-dries, there is not enough slip to prevent the hairs from sticking together).

Incorporate rollersetting into your regimen if you can. Once I started to rollerset my hair, it forced to me detangle each section, and straighten the new growth. Very recently, I realized that I have to use a smaller comb when my hair is wet, to catch those tiny knots. If not, those tiny knots, turn into uncontrollable matting. I have different textures, some more processed than others, and that was causing matting, so detangling with a fine-tooth comb while wet is detrimental (be sure to BE GENTLE). First I use the wide tooth comb sparingly throughout, and as I seperate for each roller, I use the smaller-tooth comb. This change has helped me greatly. Also, you can even airdry your rollersets, or sit under dryer off and on. This in my opinion, is the best of both worlds of heat and airdrying.

I hope this helps. I know how frustrating these types of set-backs can be. I recently had another setback, but on the positive side, I learned another lesson on how to care for my hair, which is the bright side of things. With the more information you acquire, the more educated you will be thru out your healthy hair journey. Good luck !

 

[BillyJay]

What I do is oil really well before my shampoo. Oiling seems to help me alot. After I wet my hair initially I comb it. Afterwards I add my shampoo and then rinse out. I wash my hair in the shoower and usually that helps to keep my hair from detangling.

Try to use a moisturizing shampoo that has little sud factor. Sometimes your hair can be overly clean leading to tagles as well.

Make sure to comb while your hair is drenched with conditioenr as well. Start fromt he ends and work your way up.

 

[kandi1280]

Try using Cream of Nature Shampoo. Its very conditioning and gives hair great slip. Sometimes when my hair starts matting up a few weeks post relaxer, this shampoo really helps me detangle.

 

[Cutiepie7691]

I went through this a few weeks ago. Mine was because of underprocessed hair at the roots. This was causing my hair to matt terribly during washing. Is this a possibility? If so, I would get a corrective relaxer and I'm sure things will improve. Don't be in such a hurry to cut your hair though, you might regret it later. Good Luck.

 

[Blackberry7]

Hello everyone, I really need some help. For the past 3 shampoos, everytime I wash my hair, it mats horribly like 2 inches from my scalp and ALL OVER!!! I end up losing TONS of hair just trying to get the comb through. It's like when I wash my hair, it turns into dreads. Last night, was the final straw. I'm cutting my hair into a short bob. I lost too much hair to try and keep my length. (I'm currently shoulder length)...but, for the future...can anyone tell me how to prevent this? I'm not too hurt about it really...if I were BSL (my goal length), I would be totally devastated, so I'd like to know how to prevent this for when I grow my hair out. I tried Porosity Control, ORS Replenishing Conditioner (in the big bottle), Salerm Wheat Germ Mask...nothing is working. So, I'm starting over.

I agree with what the other ladies are saying and here's my advice.

What shampoo are you using? It sounds like that could be the culprit coz I don't have the level of matting you describe and I've been loc'ing for nearly two years. I agree with the tips posted by PrincessAvaya.

And here's what I'd do:

1) Soak hair in conditioner for a few hours or overnight.

2) Then wet hair, pull conditioner through from root to tip with fingers, then using a wide to medium toothed comb divvy your hair into four or more sections and gently work your way through each one. Start at the ends and work your way to the roots. Be patient with this - the matting can come loose without much damage as long as you don't get frustrated and start yanking out hair. Band or or make fat twists out of the sections you just detangled.

3) If hair is still tangled reapply conditioner, rinse and repeat step 2.

PrincessAvaya's recommends some good shampoos and conditioners here:

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=90692&highlight=matting

Note she recommends neutralizing and moisturizing shampoos. These are acidic shampoos. If you have your own mild shampoo of choice you might want to dilute it and add a dash of apple cider vinegar to it. Reason: Acid smooths the hair shaft so this would control matting. If you're using an alkaline shampoo that is raising the follicles on the hair shaft and promoting matting.

After you go through your hair one or more times with a wide toothed comb, use a denman (or other rubber toothed brush) instead of a fine toothed comb. Its more effective and you lose less hair.

 

[lonei]

I have underprocessed hair so mine used to do that every wash, thats why i cant wash very often. 1st I say wash in braids, i have pics of my washing process in my fotki. Also, use porosity control as a final condtioner, it makes the comb glide through, lastly, try Giovanni dreict leave in, again this removes all me tangles instantly, good luck.

 

[gn1g]

ITA with most everyone elses comments, what helps me is using a bone comb to comb my hair pre-pooing with conditioner and sometimes Burt Bees Avocado butter on my ends. When I get matted hair I immediately drench my hair in moisturizing conditioners.

 

[natieya]

Thank you all so much for all the wonderful advice! As for the person who told me not to cut my hair just yet...well, you haven't seen how much of my hair got ripped out last time I washed it. I really don't think it's a good idea to keep it looking this way. It's so thick and full at the top and middle, but the ends are few and far between. I tried to make a pony tail with the ends I have left and the diamter is like a quarter inch or so...maybe a third of an inch. That's rediculous considering my hair is THICK...more thick than I want it to be most of the time...

Anyway, thank you all SO MUCH for everything. I will be incorporating the crown and glory method of washing as well as all the other helpful tips and I will keep you informed.

God Bless you all!

 

[naturallylovely]

I agree with what the other ladies are saying and here's my advice.

What shampoo are you using? It sounds like that could be the culprit coz I don't have the level of matting you describe and I've been loc'ing for nearly two years. I agree with the tips posted by PrincessAvaya.

And here's what I'd do:

1) Soak hair in conditioner for a few hours or overnight.

2) Then wet hair, pull conditioner through from root to tip with fingers, then using a wide to medium toothed comb divvy your hair into four or more sections and gently work your way through each one. Start at the ends and work your way to the roots. Be patient with this - the matting can come loose without much damage as long as you don't get frustrated and start yanking out hair. Band or or make fat twists out of the sections you just detangled.

3) If hair is still tangled reapply conditioner, rinse and repeat step 2.

PrincessAvaya's recommends some good shampoos and conditioners here:

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=90692&highlight=matting

Note she recommends neutralizing and moisturizing shampoos. These are acidic shampoos. If you have your own mild shampoo of choice you might want to dilute it and add a dash of apple cider vinegar to it. Reason: Acid smooths the hair shaft so this would control matting. If you're using an alkaline shampoo that is raising the follicles on the hair shaft and promoting matting.

After you go through your hair one or more times with a wide toothed comb, use a denman (or other rubber toothed brush) instead of a fine toothed comb. Its more effective and you lose less hair.

i'm gonna try this, because i have a section sooo matted in my hair that it seems locked...i'm actually looking for that stuff that unlocks dreads, if anyone remembers... i think imma detangle strand by strand with a needle...