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, properly caring for them helps maintain their longevity and the health of our natural hair.
As with natural hair, tangling and knots can be persistent in hair extensions as well.
If left unchecked, 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, especially with hair extensions.
It is crucial to keep hair tangle-free to get the most benefit from the extensions and protect your natural hair.
What are the best fixes for matted hair extensions?
Prevention is the best way to keep hair tangle-free, which includes brushing frequently, applying lightweight, nourishing haircare products, and securing it well before going to sleep.
Below, we discuss the different types of hair extensions and the best way to care for them to prevent your newly installed extensions from matting together.
By caring for your extensions properly, you can protect your natural hair and reap the ultimate benefits of volume and length.
Different Types Of Hair Extensions
There are several types of hair extensions available that work best for different hair types and textures, helping you achieve your desired hair goals.
The most commonly used methods are Keratin bonds, tape-ins, clip-ins, and hand-tied extensions.
Each of these extension types 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 is also referred to as fusion extensions, because the bonds fuse 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 and accessible method, as they do not require a professional to install.
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 with a small bead and a weaving device, which can last up to 1 year and require maintenance 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 cared for.
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 hair extensions throughout the day, especially before bed, can lead to future tangles.
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 make hair more 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 at your hair unnecessarily, can cause mats and tangles to form more frequently.
How To Prevent Hair Extensions From Matting
As mentioned, you may need to adjust your haircare products once your hair extensions are installed, and this can start with the shampoo and conditioner you use.
Opting for sulfate– or silicone-free shampoos and conditioners that also hydrate 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 harsh tugging.
Similarly, when blow-drying your hair, be gentle and avoid leaving it 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 the skin without unnecessary tugging.
Wrapping hair in a bun, braid, or silk cap will help prevent hair extensions from tangling together throughout the night, reducing the likelihood of mats.
Hair Extensions Matting at the Nape of the Neck
Matting extensions at the nape of the neck can damage both the extensions and your natural hair and can be uncomfortable overall.
Hair extensions can knot at the nape of the neck through some of the ways mentioned above, and also by rubbing against fabrics in 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 and helping 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, avoid sleeping with wet hair, as it is more likely to tangle, 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 more consistently.
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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