Your ultimate guide for how to smooth and detangle matted hair - Without the Tears!
Matted Hair? No Problem! Mums, we’ve all faced the dreaded morning hairbrush battle—the meltdowns, tears, stress and drama. Dealing with matted hair can feel like a daily struggle. But don’t worry! With the right approach, tools, and technique, you can solve your hair woes.
Why Does Children's Hair Get So Matted?
Kids tend to be little whirlwinds of movement, always on the go. The main culprits for their matted hair are:
• Rolling around in bed like tiny acrobats.
• Dry, thirsty hair that’s crying out for moisture (especially in summer, when swimming in salt water and swimming pools is a regular occurrence).
• Using the wrong products – harsh formulas that aren’t made for children can strip hair of moisture, making it more prone to tangles.
Your Ultimate Detangling Toolkit
Before diving into the step-by-step process of smoothing matted hair, let’s talk essentials. The right tools can make all the difference. You'll need;
Detangling Brush – Your best friend for stubborn knots. Choose one with wide-set, flexible bristles, designed specifically for detangling.
Detangling Spray – Your secret weapon to add slip, for effortless, pain-free knot removal.
Step By Step Guide:
1. Start With Damp Hair Never attack knots dry! The ideal is to start by washing hair with a good quality Kids Shampoo and Conditioner, loosening matted hair with your fingers, as you condition. But, if you're short on time, be sure to dampen hair with water and spritz on some Detangling Spray to add slip. (Skip products that contain sulfates and harsh chemicals – They’re likely to make things worse!)
2. Section & Conquer Divide the hair into smaller sections to make the process easier and prevent re-tangling.
3. Start from the Ends (Always!) Going straight for the roots and yanking downward? Rookie mistake. Always start with the ends, gently loosen any knots and brush gently to avoid yanking and pulling. Next, work your way through the mid-lengths. Finish with a root to tip going-over.
4. Hold & Glide Hold the hair near the scalp to minimize pulling.
5. Slow & Steady Wins Rushing through knots is a sure-fire way to get hair breakage and tears. Be patient, work carefully, and keep brushing light and gentle.
6. Bribery and Distraction Yep, we said it. Do what you gotta do – a treat, some screen time – a temporary distraction while you work your magic!
Keep Hair From Getting Matted!
Your best bet is to help keep hair from becoming matted in the first place. A few tips to help avoid it:
• Braids before bed – No loose hair in bed = Less chance for hair to tangle.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – Dry hair = tangled hair. Add good quality products to your routine that have conditioning and nourishing ingredients.
• Avoid harsh chemicals! Sulfates, petrochemicals, soap-based shampoo = Hard pass. Look for gentle, sulfate free shampoo and other childrens hair products that are high quality, pH balanced and made without nasty additives that leave hair dry, brittle and prone to knots.
• Regular trims – Dry, brittle, split ends make things worse. Snip them off before they cause trouble.
The Wrap-Up
Detangling doesn’t have to be a hair-raising nightmare. With the right approach, the right tools, and a little patience, you can turn daily hair brushing time into a stress-free, bonding ritual (yes, really!). Say goodbye to the hair brush battles and hello to smooth, happy hair every single day.
