We've all dealt with that annoying matted hair extension issue at some point. It's super common, but a lot of us just don't know the right way to take care of our extensions to avoid it.
Matting happens when your extension hair and your natural hair start to get all tangled and clumped up around your scalp. At first it's not too bad, but if you leave it alone, more and more hair gets caught in that matted mess until it's a real nightmare to fix.
What do we mean by that? Well, matting is when your extension hair and your natural hair start to get tangled and clustered around your scalp. The bonds from the extensions get all intertwined with each other and with your own hair. At first, it's not too bad - you can usually untangle and fix it pretty easily. But if you leave it alone, more and more hair gets trapped in that matted section, and it just keeps growing bigger and bigger. The longer you wait, the more matted and tangled it becomes, until it's a real nightmare to try and correct or remove when your extensions need to come out.
Dealing with matted extensions is seriously no fun. But don't worry, we've got all the details on what causes it and how to prevent and fix it. The Roxy Hair team, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about this tricky little hair issue.
Key Takeaways
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Main causes of matting are not detangling bonds, sleeping with wet extensions, and poor extension installation
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To prevent matting, regularly brush, wear in loose styles, and use moisturizing products
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If extensions do get matted, gently detangle with oils/conditioners rather than cutting
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Use high-quality Roxy Hair Remy human hair extensions for best results
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Get extensions professionally installed and maintain them with regular salon visits
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Diligent daily care is the key to avoiding pesky matting issues
Preparation before Installation of Hair Extensions
You know, properly prepping your natural hair before getting extensions is super important for preventing matting down the line. It's all about making sure your hair is in the best condition to handle those extensions.
First off, your natural hair needs to be strong and healthy enough to support the weight of the extensions. If your hair is really damaged, weak, or brittle, that's just asking for trouble like breakage and matting at the roots. That's why it's so crucial to have an in-person consultation with your stylist before committing to extensions - they can assess the health of your hair and guide you on the best options.
And before the extensions even go in, your natural hair has to be completely clean, dry, and detangled. Any leftover product, dirt, or knots can create issues once the extensions are applied. The stylist wants to lay those extensions in nice, neat rows, so starting with smooth, tidy hair is key. Trying to put extensions on unruly, unkempt hair is just a recipe for matting and tangling later on.
Causes of Hair Extensions Matting at the Roots
This whole matting thing with hair extensions is a pain, but it's something we all deal with at some point if we're not careful. The good news is, it's usually pretty avoidable if you just follow a few simple rules for taking care of your extensions. But we know, that's easier said than done sometimes!
So what causes all that crazy matting and tangling at the roots? Well, there are really 3 main culprits.
The Hair Extension Bonds Were Not Separated Properly
First up, if you don't take the time to separate and detangle the extension bonds at your scalp every single day, they're gonna start clustering and twisting together before you know it. It's such a quick thing to do, but making that a solid morning and night habit can save you a world of hurt.
Sleeping with Wet Hair Extensions
Another big no-no is sleeping with wet or even damp extensions. I know, sometimes you're just exhausted and don't have time to fully dry them after washing. But trust me, hitting the hay with moisture in those extensions is just asking for a gnarly matted mess by morning. You've gotta let them fully dry and braid or secure them before crashing for the night.
Badly Done Hair Extensions
The third issue can happen before your extensions are even in - if they're not applied properly and neatly by someone who really knows what they're doing. A quality stylist will take their time and lay those extensions in nice, tidy rows. But if they're just kinda slapped on haphazardly, it creates all kinds of opportunities for premature tangling
Preventing Hair Extension Matting
The most common cause of hair extension matting is poor care and neglect by the wearer. That's why it's crucial to know how to properly care for extensions before getting them. We have a full guide on caring for all types of extensions, with time-saving tips and healthy hair routines to keep your style looking its best.
Here are the key maintenance tips to prevent matting:
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Make sure to brush the extensions regularly, especially before washing and sleeping. Use a detangler or loop brush - it'll gently detangle from root to tip without damaging the attachments.
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When you're sleeping, wearing permanent hair extensions in loose braids or a low ponytail really works wonders. This helps reduce friction at the roots, nape, and crown.
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Sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction and frizz to your hair strands.
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Keep hair moisturized by using conditioner every wash and a deep treatment weekly. An extension-safe leave-in conditioner also helps prevent dryness.
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Attend scheduled hair extension salon maintenance appointments so your stylist can check for the matted hair extension and adjust the extensions as needed.
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Separate any bonds on tangled hair extensions that start to feel stuck together after washing.
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Never sleep with wet hair - it's more prone to tangling.
How to Deal with Matted Hair Extensions
The longer you leave matted hair extensions, the harder they'll be to fix - and the more damage your hair will suffer. So step away from the scissors! Detangling should be your first step, not cutting out the matted parts or tossing the extensions.
Alright, let's get your extensions looking fresh again:
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Just lightly wet your hair - no need to soak the extensions, that can lead to breakage when combing.
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Apply a moisturizing treatment like olive, argan, or coconut oil. The extra moisture will make detangling way easier.
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You can also try a deep conditioner or detangling spray if you're out of oils.
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Let the product soak in for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how tangled it is.
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Then gently work through the knots with a wide-tooth comb. Nice and easy, no tugging or pulling!
If these steps don't do the trick and your extensions are beyond saving, you'll have to replace them. Trying to cut out the matted pieces will just leave your style looking uneven and patchy.
Once you get fresh extensions, make sure to stay on top of detangling to keep hair extensions matt free.
Proper Extension Selection and Placement
Permanent extension methods like I-tips, tape-ins, nano-tips, and weaves should always be applied and removed by a qualified extensionist. Even if you do extensions yourself, it's tough to get proper placement on the back of your own head, which can lead to matting.
The hair quality also plays a big role in preventing tangles. Cheap, synthetic, or non-Remy extensions will knot up much faster than high-quality 100% Remy human hair. Stick to this premium Remy hair for the best, longest-lasting results with minimal matting.
At Roxy Hair, our clip in extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair and can last 6-12 months with proper care. Going with a pro for application and using premium extensions are the best ways to avoid matting headaches down the road.
Summary
Matted extensions can be a pain, but you can usually avoid it with some simple care. The main causes are not separating the bonded hair extensions properly, sleeping with wet extensions, and getting them applied haphazardly.
To prevent tangles, brush the extensions regularly, wear them in loose styles when you sleep, use a silk pillowcase, keep them moisturized, and get regular salon touch-ups. If they do get matted, don't try to cut it out - gently detangle with some oil or conditioner instead.
Choosing the right extensions and having them put in by a pro is key to preventing matting. High-quality Remy human hair extensions are way less prone to tangles than cheaper synthetic ones. With the right care routine, you can keep those extensions looking fresh and knot-free. Try our clip ins today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What's the best way to avoid matting with my hair extensions?
Brush gently daily, use a silk pillowcase, and never sleep with wet extensions.
My extensions are starting to get a little tangled at the roots. What should I do?
Lightly mist with detangler, then gently comb through the knots.
How often should I get my hair extensions maintained at the salon?
Most stylists recommend every 6-8 weeks to check for matting or loosening.
I heard sleeping with my extensions in a braid can help prevent matting. Is that true?
Yes, wearing them in a loose braid or ponytail minimizes friction and tangles.
