Hair Extensions Matting (The Best Fixes)

Hair extensions are a fun way to finally achieve the long, luscious locks you’ve always dreamed of. There are several different options and methods depending on your hair type, style, and budget.

However, while hair extensions provide tons of volume and length, ensuring they are properly cared for helps maintain the longevity of the extensions and the health of our natural hair.

As with natural hair, tangling and knots can be persistent in hair extensions as well. If not taken care of, those knots and tangles can turn into full-blown mats that are uncomfortable and damaging.

Hair mats are intense tangles that can clump together and be difficult to separate, and with hair extensions, it is crucial to keep hair tangle-free in order to get the most benefits from the extensions, plus protection for your natural hair.

What are the best fixes for matted hair extensions?

Prevention is the best method to ensure hair stays tangle-free, which includes brushing frequently, applying lightweight and nourishing haircare products, and securing it well before going to sleep.

Below, we discuss the different types of hair extensions, as well as the best way to care for them to prevent your newly installed extensions from becoming matted together.

By caring for your extensions properly, you can protect your natural hair and reap the ultimate benefits of volume and length from your extensions.

Different Types Of Hair Extensions

There are several different types of hair extensions available that work best for various hair types and textures, allowing you to achieve your desired hair goals.

The most commonly used methods are Keratin bonds, tape-ins, clip-ins, and hand-tied extensions. Each of these types of extensions requires a different application method, is better suited to different hair types, and comes with its own advantages and side effects.

Keratin bonds use a heated bond that is made out of keratin, which naturally makes up your natural hair already, to fuse together small bundles of hair to your natural hair nearest the root.

This method can also be referred to as fusion extensions, based on how the bonds fuse together with your natural hair. Keratin extensions can last between three and four months with minimal maintenance in between, making them ideal for adding volume and length to any hair type.

Tape-in extensions are another popular method that is perfect to add volume and length to most hair types, especially fine hair, and for styles that lay flat.

The extension is placed right at the root of the hair, where your natural hair will be placed in between two extensions that are long pieces of hair with tape at the end. The extensions last approximately 6–8 weeks and can be reused several times, depending on how they are cared for.

Clip-ins are the most temporary method and also the most accessible, as they do not require a professional to install them. Bundles of hair, called wefts, will have a clip attached to the end, where you can clip into your natural hair at the root.

The extensions are not meant to be slept in or worn for prolonged periods, making them an ideal option for switching up your hairstyle for a special occasion or event.

Hand-tied extensions are a newer method for adding length and volume to your hair, allowing for perfectly customized results, especially if you are looking to add highlights, lowlights, or color treatments.

Hand-tied extensions do not use any type of heat or adhesive to attach to your hair. Instead, the bundles are attached by a small bead and a weaving device, which can last up to one year, with maintenance required approximately every 6 weeks.

Why Do Hair Extensions Matte?

However, with your newfound locks comes the need to adjust your maintenance routine to ensure they are properly taken care of so you can keep your natural hair healthy, while also getting the most longevity out of your new extensions.

Much like our natural hair, if extensions are not properly taken care of, they will begin to knot, tangle, and mat together, which can damage both the extensions and your natural hair.

Hair extensions can become matted for several reasons, but all stem from improper care. Much like natural hair, if extensions are not brushed out frequently, knots are more likely to form, which can eventually turn into matted, damaged, and uncomfortable extensions.

Not brushing through hair extensions throughout the day, and especially before bed, can cause future tangles to occur.

Once you have hair extensions installed, the products you were previously using on your natural hair might now be too heavy for your extensions. Using products that weigh down the extensions, as well as excessive heat styling, can also cause hair to become easily tangled and matted.

Lastly, being too rough with your extensions will also cause persistent tangles. Rubbing your hair dry with a towel after showering can cause damage to your extensions, whereas gently squeezing out the water with a softer fabric, such as an old t-shirt, is recommended.

Also, sleeping with your hair down and loose, or on pillowcases made of fabric that can tug unnecessarily at your hair, can cause mats and tangles to occur more frequently.

How To Prevent Hair Extensions From Matting

As mentioned, you may need to adjust your haircare products once you have your hair extensions installed, and this can start with the shampoo and conditioner you are using.

Opting for sulfate– or silicone-free shampoos and conditioners that also provide hydration will ensure your extended locks feel soft and silky, and are easy to brush through.

When switching up your styling products, especially your conditioner, it is also important to avoid applying too much product at the root of your hair, where the extension is, as this can cause the bond or adhesive to slip or loosen.

Unlike our natural hair, which benefits from the natural oils it produces, hair extensions require additional moisture to maintain their shine and luster. Incorporating nourishing haircare products will help hydrate the hair and prevent tangling and knotting.

Look for haircare items that are lightweight and nourishing for your extensions. Be sure to use heat protectants when using heat styling tools.

A crucial part of hair extension maintenance is to brush your hair frequently, at least 2–3 times a day. It is ideal to gently brush through the hair with a boar bristle brush or a brush specifically for extensions, while holding the hair about mid-shaft and starting at the ends to prevent any harsh tugging.

Similarly, when blow-drying your hair, be gentle with the process and avoid keeping your hair soaking wet from the shower, as this can weigh down the extensions and cause tangles.

Knots and tangles are most likely to occur while sleeping at night, so it’s essential to ensure your hair is properly secured before going to bed.

Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase has proven benefits for the appearance and health of both skin and hair, as the texture allows it to glide smoothly across without any unnecessary tugging.

Wrapping hair in a bun, braid, or silk cap will help prevent hair extensions from tangling together throughout the night, making mats less likely to occur.

Hair Extensions Matting At Nape Of Neck

Matting extensions at the nape of the neck can be damaging to both the extensions and your natural hair, and can also be uncomfortable overall.

Hair extensions can knot at the nape of the neck through some of the ways mentioned above, but also by rubbing frequently against fabrics from our daily clothes and coats.

Most hair extensions are installed closest to the root, ensuring that any knots at the nape of the neck are addressed, which will help maintain the longevity and appearance of your extensions while they are in place.

It is essential to brush through the hair regularly, especially if it feels like the extensions are starting to tangle.

Keeping the hair moisturized through nourishing haircare products ensures that both natural hair and extensions are cared for and feel healthy.

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase or with your extensions secured in a bun or braid is important. Additionally, ensure you do not sleep with wet hair, as it is more likely to become tangled, especially at the nape of the neck. 

Conclusion

Much like maintaining your natural hair, keeping hair extensions mat-free can be a simple addition to your beauty routine.

Depending on your hair type, many of these fixes may already be part of your nightly routine; however, with extensions, they may need to be done on a more consistent basis.

Keeping your extensions tangle-free will allow you to enjoy the extra volume and length of your hair while maintaining a shiny, healthy, and smooth appearance.

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