How to Detangle Matted Curls Without Breaking Them

Start from the ends with a wide-tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair, working in small sections toward the roots.

1. Saturate with conditioner. Apply a generous amount of slip-heavy conditioner to wet hair, focusing on the matted areas. The conditioner creates lubrication that allows tangles to release without force. Don't rinse yet.
2. Section your hair. Divide hair into 4-6 manageable sections and clip them away. This prevents you from creating new tangles while working on existing ones. Start with the least matted section to build momentum.
3. Work from ends to roots. Using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, start at the very ends of each section. Gently work through small portions, moving up only after the lower section is completely smooth. Never start at the roots.
4. Use your fingers first. For severe mats, use your fingers to gently separate strands before introducing any tools. Feel for the direction of the tangle and work with it, not against it. This prevents unnecessary breakage.
5. Rinse and condition again. Once detangled, rinse thoroughly and apply a leave-in conditioner. Your hair is vulnerable when wet, so handle it minimally until it begins to dry in its natural pattern.