Excessive Matting Of The Hair Is Referred To As

Excessive Matting of the Hair is Referred to as: Understanding and Managing Dreadlocks, Mats, and Tangles

Excessive matting of the hair, a condition where hair strands become tightly interwoven and locked together, is referred to by several terms depending on the severity and the desired outcome. While the most common and widely understood term is matting, other terms like tangling, dreadlocks (when intentionally created), and locks are also used. The specific terminology depends heavily on the context and the individual's intent. This article will explore the differences between these terms, delve into the causes of excessive matting, and provide comprehensive strategies for managing and preventing this common hair concern.

Understanding the Terminology: Mats, Tangles, Dreadlocks, and Locks

Let's clarify the key terms used to describe excessive hair matting:

Tangling:

Tangling refers to a relatively mild form of hair entanglement. Individual strands become intertwined, creating knots that are generally easy to separate with gentle combing or detangling techniques. Tangling is often temporary and can be caused by factors like friction from clothing, sleeping without a proper hair covering, or simply neglecting to brush or comb the hair regularly.

Matting:

Matting is a more severe form of entanglement than tangling. Hair strands become tightly compressed and felted together, forming solid masses that are difficult, if not impossible, to separate using conventional brushing or combing methods. Mats can be painful, uncomfortable, and may cause scalp irritation or even hair loss if left untreated.

Dreadlocks (Intentionally Created):

Dreadlocks are a hairstyle where the hair is intentionally matted and left to lock together naturally, or with the assistance of specific techniques. This is a distinct style choice, requiring specific maintenance and care. It's important to differentiate between intentional dreadlocks and unintentional matting, as the management and treatment differ significantly.

Locks:

This term is often used interchangeably with dreadlocks, referring to the matted and locked sections of hair. Sometimes, "locks" might also refer to smaller, less-developed stages of matting in the process of creating dreadlocks.

Causes of Excessive Hair Matting

Several factors can contribute to excessive hair matting. Understanding these causes is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies.

Hair Type and Texture:

Certain hair types are more prone to matting than others. Curly, coily, and kinky hair textures are particularly susceptible due to their unique growth patterns and tendency to easily tangle. The tight curls and coils can easily interlock, forming knots that gradually develop into mats. Fine hair, while not necessarily curly, can also become easily matted due to its delicate nature and tendency to slip and intertwine.

Hair Length:

Longer hair is more likely to experience matting than shorter hair, simply because there's more hair available to tangle and mat. The weight of longer hair can also contribute to the formation of mats, pulling the strands closer together and increasing the chances of entanglement.

Lack of Proper Hair Care:

Neglecting proper hair care is a major contributor to excessive matting. This includes:

• Infrequent brushing or combing: Regular brushing or combing helps to remove tangles and prevent mat formation before they become severe.
• Failure to detangle carefully: Aggressive detangling can damage the hair and worsen matting. Gentle, section-by-section detangling is crucial.
• Insufficient moisturizing: Dry, brittle hair is more prone to breaking and matting. Regular moisturizing and conditioning are essential to maintain hair health and flexibility.
• Use of harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals found in certain hair products can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to matting.

External Factors:

Environmental factors also play a role in hair matting:

• Friction: Friction from clothing, bedding, and other fabrics can contribute to tangling and matting, especially for long hair.
• Weather conditions: Extreme weather, such as humidity or dryness, can affect hair texture and increase the risk of matting.
• Entrapment of foreign objects: Small debris, such as dust, dirt, or lint, can get caught in the hair, making it more difficult to detangle and contributing to mat formation.

Underlying Medical Conditions:

In some cases, excessive hair matting can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. These conditions might include:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients can lead to dry, brittle hair, making it more prone to matting.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations can affect hair texture and growth, potentially leading to increased matting.
• Certain medical treatments: Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can cause hair loss and changes in hair texture that increase susceptibility to matting.
• Trichotillomania: This is a hair-pulling disorder that can contribute to matting, especially if the pulled hair is not removed completely.

Managing and Preventing Excessive Hair Matting

Addressing excessive hair matting requires a multi-pronged approach that combines preventative measures and targeted treatment strategies.

Prevention:

• Regular brushing and combing: Gentle brushing and combing should be a part of your daily hair care routine. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to minimize hair breakage. Always start from the ends and work your way up to the roots.
• Proper moisturizing and conditioning: Use a good quality conditioner after every wash to hydrate and strengthen the hair. Deep conditioning treatments can be beneficial for dry, damaged hair.
• Protective hairstyles: If you have long hair, consider protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or buns to minimize friction and entanglement. Use satin or silk scarves or pillowcases to reduce friction while sleeping.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that won't strip the hair of its natural oils.
• Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support healthy hair growth.
• Regular trims: Regular trims help to remove split ends and prevent further damage that contributes to matting.

Treatment:

If matting has already occurred, gentle detangling is crucial. This process requires patience and should be approached gradually to avoid causing further damage or pain. Consider these steps:

• Sectioning the hair: Divide the matted hair into smaller sections to make the detangling process more manageable.
• Using a detangling spray or conditioner: Apply a detangling spray or conditioner to help lubricate the hair and make it easier to separate.
• Using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush: Gently work through the matted sections, starting from the ends and working your way up. If a section is particularly resistant, don't force it. You might need to carefully separate it strand by strand.
• Seeking professional help: If the matting is severe or you're unable to manage it on your own, seek professional help from a hairstylist or trichologist. They have the tools and expertise to carefully remove mats without causing further damage.

Specific Considerations for Dreadlocks:

Intentionally created dreadlocks require specific maintenance and care. This typically involves:

• Regular tightening: Dreadlocks need to be tightened periodically to prevent loosening and unraveling.
• Washing and cleaning: Dreadlocks should be washed regularly to keep them clean and prevent build-up.
• Avoiding harsh chemicals and excessive heat: This will prevent damage to the hair and maintain the integrity of the locks.

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s crucial to consult a professional if you are struggling to manage matting, particularly if:

• The matting is severe and painful.
• You experience scalp irritation or inflammation.
• You are unable to detangle the mats yourself.
• You suspect an underlying medical condition is contributing to the matting.

A professional hairstylist or trichologist can offer personalized advice and treatment to address your specific needs. They can help to carefully detangle the hair, recommend suitable hair care products, and provide guidance on preventing future matting.

By understanding the causes of excessive hair matting and implementing appropriate preventative and treatment strategies, you can maintain healthy, tangle-free hair. Remember that patience and gentle handling are essential in managing matted hair, and seeking professional help when necessary can make all the difference.