If you are having problems with your hair matted underneath. You will probably be quite confused and worried with a part of your hair that is tangled and matted underneath. The secret behind why your hair is always matted underneath is also the concern of almost every woman with long or curly hair.
Despite our best efforts to maintain a consistent length or hairstyle, it seems that certain areas of our scalp have a purpose. This inconsistency can make it difficult to achieve the look you want or maintain a well-groomed look.
So the cause of matted hair underneath Is it random or are there fundamental factors at play? Understanding the reason behind this phenomenon is crucial in unraveling the mystery and finding potential solutions to prevent matting underneath.
Key Takeaways
- Causes of Matting: Hair matting underneath can occur due to factors such as lack of proper hair care, hair texture, sleeping habits, excessive product use, environmental factors, chemical treatments, and hair damage. Identifying the underlying causes can help in preventing and managing matting.
- Regular Hair Care: Establish a regular hair care routine that includes brushing or combing your hair daily. Pay special attention to the roots and underneath sections to prevent tangles and mats from forming.
- Gentle Detangling: Use wide-toothed combs, detangling brushes, or your fingers to detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up, being patient and gentle to minimize breakage.
- Moisturize and Protect: Keep your hair moisturized and well-conditioned to reduce friction and tangling. Use leave-in conditioners, oils, or detangling sprays to add moisture and protect your hair from matting.
- Protective Hairstyles: Avoid hairstyles that tightly pull the hair, as they can contribute to matting underneath. Opt for looser styles, such as loose braids or loose buns, that minimize tension and friction.
- Sleep with Protection: Protect your hair while sleeping by using satin or silk pillowcases, scarves, or bonnets. These smooth materials reduce friction and prevent tangles and mats from forming during sleep.
- Avoid Excessive Product Use: Limit the use of heavy styling products that can leave residue and cause hair to stick together. Use products sparingly and focus on lightweight options to maintain hair manageability.
- Be Mindful of Environmental Factors: Protect your hair from extreme weather conditions, such as wind or humidity, which can contribute to tangling and matting. Use products that provide moisture and prevent frizz.
- Minimize Heat and Chemical Damage: Excessive heat styling and frequent chemical treatments can weaken the hair, making it more prone to tangles and mats. Limit the use of heat and choose gentle styling methods. If using chemical treatments, ensure proper care and maintenance afterward.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are struggling with persistent matting or have severe tangles, consider seeking professional help from a hairstylist who can provide guidance, treatment, or specialized techniques for managing and preventing matting.
7 Reasons Why Is Your Hair Matting Underneath
Hair matting underneath refers to the condition where the hair becomes tangled and forms knots specifically at the roots or underneath sections of the hair. It can occur in all hair types, but it is particularly common in individuals with longer hair or those with curly, coily, or textured hair.
Hair matting underneath can happen due to a variety of reasons, including inadequate detangling, lack of proper hair care, sleeping habits, friction, or excessive manipulation of the hair. When the hair tangles and forms mats at the roots or underneath, it can create a tangled mass of hair that is difficult to separate and detangle.
Matting can make it challenging to style the hair, cause discomfort, and lead to breakage if not addressed properly. It can also affect the overall appearance and manageability of the hair. The severity of matting can range from minor tangles to tightly interwoven knots that require significant effort to untangle.
Here are 7 main causes of matted underneath hair:
Lack Of Proper Hair Care
The lack of proper hair care can indeed contribute to hair matting underneath. When hair is not cared for appropriately, it becomes more prone to tangling and knotting, which can eventually lead to matting. Here are some reasons why not taking proper care of your hair can lead to matting underneath:
Insufficient Detangling: Without regular and thorough detangling, tangles and knots can accumulate in the hair, especially at the roots and underneath sections. These tangles can become more intertwined over time, resulting in mats that are difficult to untangle.
Inadequate Moisture and Conditioning: Dry, brittle hair is more prone to tangling and matting. Without proper moisture and conditioning, the hair lacks the necessary hydration and suppleness to prevent tangles. Well-moisturized and conditioned hair is smoother and less likely to mat.
Rough Handling and Excessive Manipulation: Roughly brushing, combing, or manipulating the hair, particularly when it’s dry or tangled, can worsen the tangles and contribute to matting. Gentle handling and avoiding excessive manipulation are important to prevent additional knots and mats.
Improper Use of Styling Products: Using excessive or heavy styling products without proper application and distribution can cause the hair to clump together and form mats. Product buildup can create a rough surface, increasing the likelihood of tangling and matting.
Hair Texture
Hair texture can indeed affect the likelihood of hair matting underneath. Certain hair textures are more prone to tangling and matting, which can occur at the roots or underneath sections of the hair. Here’s how different hair textures can contribute to hair matting underneath:
Curly and Coily Hair: Curly and coily hair types have a natural tendency to intertwine and form coils or kinks. The bends and twists in the hair strands can easily catch onto each other, leading to tangles and matting. The tighter the curl pattern or coil, the more prone the hair is to matting, especially if not properly cared for.
Thick and Dense Hair: Hair that is thick and dense, regardless of its texture, can be more susceptible to tangling and matting. The sheer volume of hair strands can make it easier for them to become entangled, especially at the roots and underneath sections.
Fine and Thin Hair: Although fine and thin hair is generally less prone to tangling, it can still mat underneath if not properly cared for. Fine hair strands can be more fragile and delicate, making them prone to breakage and forming tangles that can lead to mats. Fine hair can also easily clump together, especially when lacking moisture or protective styling.
Combination of Textures: Some individuals have a combination of different textures within their hair, such as wavy, curly, or coily patterns. The presence of multiple textures can create areas of increased tangle-prone zones, particularly where different textures meet. These areas are more susceptible to tangling and matting, especially if not properly managed.
Sleeping Habits
Sleeping habits can contribute to hair matting underneath. The way you sleep and care for your hair during sleep can impact the likelihood of tangling and matting. Here are some ways in which sleeping habits can affect hair matting underneath:
Sleeping with Loose Hair: Going to bed with loose hair can increase the chances of tangling and matting. As you move your head and body during sleep, loose hair can rub against the pillowcase or get tangled and compressed, especially underneath where the hair is compressed against the surface. This can lead to knots and mats forming.
Friction from Pillowcase Material: The type of pillowcase material you sleep on can also affect hair matting. Cotton pillowcases, for example, can create more friction against the hair compared to satin or silk pillowcases. Friction can cause the hair to tangle and knot, resulting in matting, particularly at the roots and underneath sections.
Lack of Hair Protection: Not using any form of hair protection while sleeping, such as a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase, can contribute to tangling and matting. These smooth and slippery materials reduce friction and help the hair maintain its natural texture and prevent tangles.
Restless Sleeping: Individuals who tend to toss and turn a lot during sleep may experience increased tangling and matting. The continuous movement and rubbing against the pillowcase can cause the hair to tangle and form mats, particularly underneath where the hair is more compressed.
Excessive Friction
Excessive friction is a common reason for hair matting underneath. When there is excessive rubbing, tugging, or friction against the hair strands, it can lead to tangling and matting. Here’s how excessive friction can contribute to matting underneath:
Rough Towel Drying: Vigorously rubbing your hair with a towel to dry it can cause the hair strands to tangle and mat. The rough texture of the towel and the aggressive motion can create knots and snags, especially underneath where the hair is more compressed against the scalp or other hair sections.
Harsh Brushing or Combing: Brushing or combing your hair aggressively or using tools with harsh bristles can cause excessive friction, resulting in tangles and mats. Rough brushing or combing can pull on the hair strands, causing them to intertwine and knot, particularly at the roots and underneath sections.
Incorrect Use of Hair Accessories: Improper use of hair accessories, such as elastic bands or hair ties, can create friction and contribute to matting. Tight hairstyles or using accessories that have rough edges or surfaces can cause the hair to tangle and mat, especially when the hair is compressed or repeatedly pulled in one direction.
Overstyling and Overprocessing: Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and overprocessing can weaken the hair’s structure, making it more prone to tangling and matting. Damaged hair strands are rougher and more likely to catch on each other, leading to knots and mats forming underneath.
Rubbing Against Clothing or Collars: Constant rubbing of the hair against clothing, particularly rough or textured materials, can create friction and contribute to tangling and matting. Hair at the nape of the neck or along the collar area is particularly susceptible to this type of friction-induced matting.
Product Buildup
Product buildup can indeed contribute to hair matting underneath. When styling products, such as gels, mousses, creams, or oils, are not properly removed from the hair, they can accumulate over time and create a sticky residue. This buildup can lead to matting and tangles. Here’s how product buildup can contribute to matting underneath:
Sticky Residue: Some hair products contain ingredients that can leave behind a sticky residue on the hair strands. This residue can cause the hair to clump together, making it more prone to tangling and matting, especially in areas where the hair is compressed or rubbed against other hair sections.
Attraction of Dirt and Dust: Product buildup on the hair can attract dirt, dust, and other environmental particles. As these particles accumulate in the hair, they can create knots and tangles, leading to matting, particularly at the roots and underneath sections.
Weighed-Down Hair: Excessive use or improper application of heavy styling products can weigh down the hair, making it more likely to tangle and mat. The weight of the product can cause the hair to stick together and form knots, especially in areas where the hair is compressed or in contact with other surfaces.
Reduced Hair Flexibility: Product buildup can make the hair less flexible and more rigid. When the hair loses its natural flexibility, it becomes more prone to tangling and matting, as the strands are less able to move freely and untangle themselves.
Hair Damage Or Breakage
Damage to the hair carries the risk of further damage and breakage.
Hair damage or breakage can contribute to matting underneath. When the hair strands are weakened, fragile, or prone to breakage, they can tangle and mat more easily. Here’s how hair damage or breakage can lead to matting underneath:
Split Ends: Split ends occur when the hair shaft becomes frayed or splits into multiple strands. When split ends are left untreated, they can travel up the hair shaft, causing the strands to become rough and prone to tangling. These tangled sections can eventually mat, particularly at the ends and underneath where the hair is more compressed.
Weak or Fragile Hair: Hair that is weak, brittle, or lacking in strength is more susceptible to breakage. Fragile hair strands can snap or fracture easily, leading to uneven lengths and uneven texture. The uneven strands can interlock and tangle with each other, resulting in matting underneath.
Overprocessing: Chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, and harsh hair practices can damage the hair’s structure, making it more prone to breakage and tangling. Weakened hair strands are more likely to knot and mat, especially when not properly cared for or protected.
Lack of Moisture and Hydration: Dry, dehydrated hair is more prone to breakage and tangling. When the hair lacks moisture, it becomes brittle and less flexible, increasing the chances of tangles and mats forming, particularly at the ends and underneath sections.
Hair Texture and Curl Pattern: Certain hair textures, such as curly or coily hair, have a higher tendency to tangle and mat due to the natural structure of the strands. When these textured hair types are damaged or not properly cared for, the risk of tangling and matting underneath increases.
Length Of Hair
The length of your hair can indeed contribute to matting underneath. Longer hair has a higher likelihood of tangling and matting due to the increased surface area and the potential for the hair strands to intertwine. Here’s how the length of your hair can affect matting underneath:
Increased Contact Points: Longer hair has more contact points where the strands come into contact with each other or with other surfaces, such as clothing or accessories. These contact points create opportunities for the hair to tangle and form mats, especially in areas where the hair is compressed or rubbed together, such as underneath.
Compression and Rubbing: When the hair is longer, it is more likely to get compressed or rubbed against surfaces, leading to tangling and matting. For example, when you sit or lie down, longer hair can get caught between your body and the surface, causing knots and mats to form, particularly underneath where the hair is more compressed.
Tangle Retention: Longer hair has a greater tendency to retain tangles and knots. Once tangles form, they can be more challenging to unravel in longer hair, making it easier for mats to develop, especially if the tangles are not properly addressed or detangled regularly.
Lack of Mobility: Longer hair has limited mobility compared to shorter hair. The weight and length of the hair can restrict its movement, making it more susceptible to tangling and matting, particularly in areas where the hair is less able to freely move, such as underneath.
Tips To Prevent Hair From Matting Underneath
After you know the causes of your hair matting underneath, you will fix the above causes to prevent your hair from matting underneath. Here are 8 tips to help you prevent matting underneath.
Regularly Brush Or Comb Your Hair
Brushing or combing your hair regularly is really a useful tip to prevent hair from getting frizzy underneath. It helps prevent tangles from forming in the first place. By gently running the brush or combing your hair, you can untangle any knots or knots, reducing the chances of tangles. It also helps distribute the natural oils secreted by the scalp along the length of the hair. These oils act as a natural conditioner and help moisturize the hair, making it less tangled and frizzy. Brushing stimulates the scalp and promotes blood circulation, which can contribute to healthier hair growth. A healthy scalp means healthier hair that is less prone to damage and frizz.
Use A Wide-Toothed Comb Or A Detangling Brush
Using a wide-tooth comb for detangling comb is really a useful trick to prevent tangles underneath. These tools are designed to gently untangle hair without causing excessive breakage or damage. Wide-tooth combs and detangling combs have a wider space between the teeth or bristles, allowing them to glide through the hair more easily. This reduces the chance of hair being pulled or entangled, minimizing breakage and preventing tangles.
It is designed to minimize tension on the hair strands. They help separate tangled or knotted sections without excessive force, reducing the risk of tangles and preserving hair integrity. Wet hair is more prone to breakage, and using a wide-tooth or tangled comb while your hair is still damp can help prevent frizz and damage.
Start Detangling From The Ends
Starting the detangling process from the ends of your hair is a valuable tip to prevent hair from matting underneath. It helps minimize breakage because you’re tackling the tangles or knots closest to the tips, which are typically the oldest and most fragile part of your hair. By gradually working your way up, you can detangle more effectively without causing excessive pulling or snapping of the hair.
When you begin detangling from the ends, you prevent knots or tangles from tightening further up the hair shaft. If you start detangling from the roots, you risk pushing the tangles down, making them harder to undo and potentially leading to matting underneath.
Apply Conditioner Or A detangling Spray
Applying a conditioner or detangling spray is a great trick to prevent frizzy hair underneath. These products provide slippage and moisture, making the detangling process easier and reducing the risk of tangles and mats.
Conditioners and detangling sprays coat the strands, providing slip and lubrication. This helps the comb or brush to glide through the hair more smoothly, reducing friction and minimizing the chance of tangles and mat formation. Using an anti-tangle conditioner or spray improves your hair’s manageability. It smooths the cuticle, reduces static electricity and enhances the overall texture of the hair, making it easier to detangle and style.
Sleep With Your Hair Protected
Sleeping with your hair protected is a valuable tip to prevent hair from matting underneath. During sleep, your hair can become tangled and matted due to friction against pillows and bedding. Switching to a satin or silk pillowcase can significantly reduce friction and minimize hair tangling. These fabrics have a smoother surface that allows the hair to glide more easily, reducing the risk of matting underneath. Before going to bed, tie your hair up in a loose braid, bun, or ponytail. This helps keep the hair contained and prevents it from moving and rubbing against surfaces, reducing the chances of tangling and matting.
Avoid Excessive Use Of Heavy Products
Avoiding excessive use of heavy products is a valuable tip to prevent hair from matting underneath. While certain hair products can provide benefits, using too much of them or using heavy products can weigh down the hair, contribute to buildup, and increase the likelihood of tangling and matting.
When applying hair products such as creams, gels, or oils, use them in moderation. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed. Applying too much product can make the hair heavy, greasy, and more prone to tangling. When applying products, concentrate on the ends and mid-lengths of your hair. These areas tend to be drier and more susceptible to tangling. Applying product primarily to the ends and mid-lengths helps prevent excessive buildup near the scalp, where matting is more likely to occur.
Trim Split Ends Regularly
Trimming split ends regularly is an essential tip to prevent hair from matting underneath. Split ends can cause the hair to become more tangled and prone to matting, as the damaged ends can catch and intertwine with other strands. Split ends indicate damage to the hair, and if not addressed, the damage can worsen. By trimming split ends, you remove the damaged portions, promoting healthier hair growth and minimizing the risk of matting underneath.
Trimming split ends improves the overall texture and manageability of the hair. When the ends are smooth and healthy, it becomes easier to detangle and style the hair, reducing the chances of matting.
Protect Your Hair During Physical Activities
Protecting your hair during physical activities is a valuable tip to prevent hair from matting underneath. Physical activities like exercising, sports, or outdoor adventures can cause excessive sweating, friction, and tangling, leading to matting underneath. Before engaging in any physical activity, tie your hair up in a secure but gentle hairstyle. Opt for a loose bun, braid, or ponytail to keep your hair contained and minimize movement. This helps reduce friction and prevents tangles and matting.
If you’re involved in sports or activities that require headgear, such as helmets or caps, ensure that your hair is properly protected underneath. Use a silk or satin hair cap or wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before putting on the headgear. This helps reduce friction and keeps your hair contained, preventing tangling and matting.
Top 9 Hairstyles Contribute To Hair Matting Underneath
Updos And Buns
Updos and bun hairstyles can contribute to hair matting underneath. While these hairstyles can be convenient and stylish, they can also create tension and friction on the hair, leading to tangling and matting. When wearing updos or buns, the hair rubs against surfaces such as pillows, headrests, or clothing. This friction can create tangles and knots, especially if the hair is not adequately protected or if the hairstyle is worn for an extended period.
Extensions Weaves
Extensions and weave hairstyles can contribute to hair matting underneath. While these hairstyles can enhance volume, length, and versatility, improper installation, maintenance, or prolonged wear can lead to tangling and matting. Extensions or weaves that are not properly installed or secured can create tension and cause the natural hair to tangle with the added hair. This can lead to matting, especially if the extensions or weave are attached too tightly or if the braids are too small.
Box Braids
Box braids hairstyles can indeed contribute to hair matting underneath if not properly cared for. While box braids are a popular protective style that can promote hair growth and minimize manipulation, certain factors can lead to tangling and matting. If box braids are installed too tightly or if the sections of hair are too small, it can create tension on the hair strands. This tension, coupled with the weight of the braids, can cause the hair to tangle and mat. Additionally, neglecting to moisturize the hair underneath can cause dryness and contribute to matting.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks hairstyles, while known for their unique and intricate appearance, can indeed contribute to hair matting underneath if not properly cared for. Dreadlocks require specific maintenance and attention to prevent tangling and matting. The process of creating dreadlocks involves intentionally matting the hair strands together. This interlocking creates the signature texture and appearance of dreadlocks. However, if the interlocking is too tight or done without proper technique, it can lead to excessive tangling and matting.
Crochet Braids
Crochet braids hairstyles can contribute to hair matting underneath if not properly cared for. While crochet braids are a popular protective style that offers versatility and a natural appearance, certain factors can lead to tangling and matting. If crochet braids are installed too tightly or if the braiding pattern is too dense, it can create tension and increase the chances of tangling and matting. Proper maintenance is crucial to prevent matting with crochet braids. Failure to regularly cleanse the scalp and moisturize the natural hair can lead to product buildup and dryness, which can cause tangling and matting.
Tight Braids
Tight braids hairstyles can contribute to hair matting underneath if not properly done or cared for. While tight braids can create a sleek and polished look, they can also cause tension and stress on the hair, leading to tangling and matting. Tight braids exert tension on the hair, especially at the roots. This tension can cause the hair to become tangled and matted over time. If the braids are too tight or if the stylist pulls the hair tightly during the braiding process, it can increase the risk of matting.
Twisted Updos
Twisted updo hairstyles can contribute to hair matting underneath if not properly done or maintained. While twisted updos can be stylish and versatile, certain factors can lead to tangling and matting. When creating twisted updos, if the twists are overlapped too tightly or if the sections of hair are not properly separated, it can result in tangling and matting. Overlapping twists can cause the hair to interlock and become difficult to detangle. Failing to regularly cleanse the scalp and moisturize the hair can lead to product buildup and dryness, which can contribute to tangling and matting.
Cornrows
Cornrows hairstyles can contribute to hair matting underneath if not properly done or maintained. While cornrows are a popular and versatile protective style, certain factors can lead to tangling and matting. Cornrows require the hair to be braided tightly to the scalp. If the braids are too tight or if excessive tension is applied during the braiding process, it can cause stress on the hair strands and lead to tangling and matting. Neglecting to cleanse the scalp and moisturize the hair regularly can lead to product buildup, dryness, and flakiness, which can contribute to tangling and matting.
High Ponytails
High ponytail hairstyles can contribute to hair matting underneath if not properly done or maintained. While high ponytails are a popular and stylish choice, certain factors can lead to tangling and matting. The rubbing of the hair against the elastic band or other accessories used to secure the ponytail can cause friction and tangles. This is particularly true if the hair is not adequately protected or if the ponytail is worn for an extended period. Proper maintenance is essential to prevent matting with high ponytails.
FAQs
Q: Why is my hair matting underneath?
A: Hair can mat underneath due to factors such as lack of proper care, excessive friction, product buildup, hair damage or breakage, hair texture, sleeping habits, and the length of hair.
Q: How can I prevent my hair from matting underneath?
A: To prevent hair matting underneath, you can regularly brush or comb your hair, use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush, start detangling from the ends, apply conditioner or a detangling spray, sleep with your hair protected, avoid excessive use of heavy products, trim split ends regularly, protect your hair during physical activities, and maintain proper hair care habits.
Q: Does lack of proper hair care affect hair matting underneath?
A: Yes, lack of proper hair care can contribute to hair matting underneath. Neglecting regular cleansing, moisturizing, and detangling can lead to product buildup, dryness, and tangles, increasing the likelihood of matting.
Q: Does hair texture affect hair matting underneath?
A: Yes, hair texture can affect hair matting underneath. Coarse, curly, or textured hair types are more prone to tangling and matting due to the nature of the hair strands.
Q: Do sleeping habits contribute to hair matting underneath?
A: Yes, sleeping habits can contribute to hair matting underneath. Friction against pillows, tossing and turning, and not protecting the hair while sleeping can lead to tangles and matting.
Q: Can excessive friction cause hair to mat underneath?
A: Yes, excessive friction, such as rubbing against rough fabrics or accessories, can lead to hair matting underneath. The friction can cause the hair strands to tangle and intertwine, resulting in matting.
Q: Does product buildup contribute to hair matting underneath?
A: Yes, product buildup can contribute to hair matting underneath. Accumulation of styling products, oils, and dirt can create a sticky residue that causes the hair strands to stick together and tangle.
Q: Can hair damage or breakage cause matting underneath?
A: Yes, hair damage or breakage can contribute to matting underneath. Weak or damaged hair is more prone to tangling and forming mats, especially when not properly cared for or protected.
Q: Does the length of hair affect matting underneath?
A: Yes, the length of hair can impact matting underneath. Longer hair tends to tangle more easily, especially if not properly detangled or maintained, leading to matting at the roots or underneath layers.
Q: Are certain hairstyles more likely to cause matting underneath?
A: Yes, certain hairstyles, such as tight braids, extensions/weaves, box braids, dreadlocks, crochet braids, and twisted updos, can increase the risk of matting underneath if not done or maintained correctly. It’s important to be mindful of how these hairstyles are installed and cared for to minimize matting.
