How to get rid of really bad knots in hair?

Author: Yoshiko Crona  |  Last update: Monday, December 15, 2025

If you have a lot of knots then start with a wide-toothed comb; this will remove bigger knots, then move onto using a smaller comb. Start at the ends and work your way up using gentle strokes to detangle knots. Starting at the roots and pulling downwards could make tangles worse.

How do you untangle severely matted hair?

Wet your hair and put conditioner, wait 5 minutes. Then fill up the tub with warm soapy water and soak in it for a few minutes. Head back just float and relax. Then start manipulating the tangles, have them under the water while doing this. The tangles should gently fall out, slowly and gently untangle them.

How to get a really bad rats nest out of hair?

Make sure your hair is wet and soaked in conditioner. Get a tail comb and a regular brush and start from the very bottom of the nest. With your fingers try pulling tiny tiny sections apart and then comb it apart and down. Keep repeating the gentle stretching out of sections and combing.

What to do when your hair is extremely tangled?

Use a detangling spray like Air Dry Butter Cream Leave-In Treatment for extra slip. Drying: Gently pat dry with a microfiber towel. Brushing: Use a wet brush for wet hair, a wide-tooth comb for dry. Pre-Shampoo Detangling: Detangle before you hop in the shower by using Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler.

Why do I get such bad knots in my hair?

First things first, what causes hair knots, anyway? A knot begins as simply two interwoven strands of hair, but when the strand's outer layer, the cuticle, is damaged or textured, the chances of the knot growing and attracting more strands increase. Dry, heat, color, and product damaged hair is more prone to knots.

How to Get a Hair Knot Out - A Giant Knot!

How do you get the worst knots out of your hair?

Moisture can make detangling easier. It helps remove the tangles without harsh pulling. Use a spray bottle filled with water to spritz some water on your hair before starting out. Take sections of hair with your fingers, comb with a wide-toothed brush and clip the detangled hair with a secure hair clip or pin.

Why do I tie my hair in knots and pull it out?

Occasionally twirling hair can be a harmless activity that people do when they are bored. However, it can also be a sign of anxiety or stress. It may be the result of conditions such as trichotillomania. Hair twirling can cause adverse effects if it develops into pulling the hair out.

What is the best product to use on severely matted hair?

Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner For Damaged Hair and Dove 7-in1 Miracle Mist are great options. Apply to the matted section when your hair is dry, dousing the hair until it is fully saturated. This will give your strands some slip and make it easier to start unraveling the matting.

Is it better to cut knots out of hair?

If you've ever been so frustrated by tangled hair that you were tempted to simply cut out the knots you're not alone. Knotty hair is so irritating that it could push you to take drastic action, but unless you're ready for an impromptu short haircut, put the scissors down.

Is it better to detangle hair wet or dry?

Dry Detangling Tips

Working through larger knots when curls are dry is safer because when hair is wet, hair swells and the cuticle becomes more fragile, much easier to break. Hair is more likely to have their bonds intact when it's dry, but it can take time and patience to ensure you detangle gently and safely.

How to cut a knot out of hair without cutting hair?

Working out the Knot
  1. Divide your hair to isolate the knot. ...
  2. Mist the section of hair with your detangler. ...
  3. Work the product into the knot with your fingers. ...
  4. Pick the tail of a rat-tail comb into the center of the knot. ...
  5. Work your way up the section of hair, through the knot. ...
  6. Remove tiny knots with your fingers if possible.

How to get matted knots out of child's hair?

Wide-toothed combs have been the go-to brush for tangles in the past, but wet brushes are the new brush of choice for getting rid of tangles. For the best outcome, have both tools handy. If you notice the wet brush is still getting caught in your child's hair, use the wide-toothed comb instead.

What causes rats to nest in hair?

Rat's nest hair often occurs when hair becomes dry and lackluster, resulting in severe tangling. Factors such as poor hair care routines, environmental conditions, and even sleep habits can contribute to this issue. Neglecting proper hair maintenance can lead to knots that intertwine over time.

How do you get rid of severe clumps of matted hair?

Apply hair oil to the hair for additional slip. Using a wide-tooth comb, gently rake through the hair as you separate strands from one another. Isolate any loose strands. Start detangling with a brush from the bottom of the hair and gently move up towards the matted area.

What is a home remedy for detangling matted hair?

Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and 1/4 cup of warm water in a small spray bottle. Shake the bottle to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed. Spray all over hair and massage in. After running your fingers through your hair, comb out any remaining knots.

What is the best detangling spray?

Our Top Picks:
  • Best Overall: Amika The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer, $31.
  • Best for Straight Hair: Kenra Platinum Pearl Detangler, $21.
  • Best for Fine Hair: Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner, $46.
  • Best for Waves: Leonor Greyl Paris Lait Luminescence Detangling Milk Spray, $55.

How to get a massive knot out of hair?

If you have a lot of knots then start with a wide-toothed comb; this will remove bigger knots, then move onto using a smaller comb. Start at the ends and work your way up using gentle strokes to detangle knots. Starting at the roots and pulling downwards could make tangles worse.

How to untangle extremely tangled hair?

Read on and discover how to flaunt tangle-free happy hair.
  1. Oil regularly. Applying coconut or almond oil to your hair is one of the best ways of detangling your hair. ...
  2. Focus on scalp cleansing. ...
  3. Conditioning is the key. ...
  4. Don't miss the hair mask. ...
  5. Dry hair gently and use a serum.

Is matted hair unhealthy?

If left untreated, matted hair can lead to breakage, damage to the scalp, and in severe cases, may require professional intervention to detangle or cut it out. Regular brushing, moisturizing, and proper hair care can help prevent matting.

Why is my hair super matted?

If you have a lot of sebum buildup, it can coat your hair strands and make them stick together, causing your hair to get matted. The best way to avoid this is to wash your hair on a regular basis. You'll at least want to wash it every 7-10 days.

How do you loosen hard matted hair?

Step-by-step on how to untangle matted hair
  1. Step 1: Moisturize and apply a detangling product. ...
  2. Step 2: Section the matted hair. ...
  3. Step 3: Work from the ends and work your way up. ...
  4. Step 4: Use your fingers to detangle first, then a wide-tooth comb.

How do you remove product buildup from matted hair?

It is advised to start by applying gentle pressure or rinsing your hair lightly with water to hydrate the previously tucked-away ends before shampooing. Then, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle from the ends to the roots. This process helps remove dead hair and product buildup efficiently.

How to stop making knots in your hair?

Spray a leave-in conditioner or detangler on your hair

Leave-in conditioner moisturizes the hair, making it more pliable and less prone to tangling, making it easier to work through tangles. It can also protect the hair from the friction caused by the comb or brush, helping to prevent breakage and damage.

Can hair grow back after trichotillomania?

The good news is that trichotillomania hair loss typically isn't permanent, and there are plenty of ways to encourage new growth, from PRP therapy to topical medications. It's best to speak to your doctor or a hair specialist before opting for any of these treatments.

Does twisting your hair into a bun damage it?

Damage from these super tight hairstyles is normally noticed around the forehead and temples, as well as the nape of the neck. With the popularization of the model bun, we're also starting to see an increase in split ends due to the twisting and tying required to secure the super sleek style.

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