Clip-in hair extensions are a popular choice as they require no professional help. If you opted for clip-in hair extensions because of their ease of wear, you may be concerned as to why they are getting matted with nobody to ask. I’ve done some digging and I have come up with a final answer for you!
Clip-in hair extensions become matted for various reasons relating to the hair’s condition, the hair care routine followed, and the hair’s quality (non-Remy human hair). Matting can occur if the hair is dry, tangled, dirty, or has heat damage. That said, your hair extensions could be matted because you sleep with them on while they’re damp.
Keep reading to learn exactly how to prevent your extensions from matting, and how to fix them if they have already succumbed to this problem!
8 Ways To Prevent Clip-In Hair Extensions From Matting
Matted hair extensions can be especially painful and annoying as the hair of the extensions not only gets matted together but gets matted and entangled with your natural hair too.
The best way to prevent your clip-in hair extensions from getting matted and tangled is to ensure that they are made from Remy human hair. This type of hair has aligned cuticles that run in the same direction, minimizing any mating and tangling. That said, never sleep with your clip-in extensions and ensure they are dry before you wear them.
There are a number of reasons why your clip-in hair extensions keep getting tangled and matted. The best thing you can do to prevent this from happening again is to find out what is causing the hair to get matted in the first place. Read up on possible reasons below and how you can save your extensions!
01. Invest in Remy hair
Your extensions may be getting matted may have to do with the quality of the hair. Hair extensions that are made from hair in which the hair cuticle runs in one direction are called ‘Remy’ hair.
If the hair has not been sourced from one donor, the hair cuticle on each strand may be running in different directions (non-Remy hair). This can cause the hair to become tangled and each strand will tangle with each other and lead to matting.
Remy hair is pricier than non-Remy hair but it is definitely worth it. If it is in your budget, try and invest in Remy hair extensions as this will prevent the hair from matting so easily.
02. Do not tease your clip-in hair extensions
Your hair extensions matting could be down to your styling habits. If you tend to do a lot of teasing or back-combing on the hair this may lead to matting and tangling.
Teasing (also known as back coming) is when you comb the hair from length to root causing it to bunch up and create volume. This technique can actually disturb the hair cuticle (which keeps the hair smooth) and damage the hair. When the hair cuticle is disrupted the hair becomes more prone to tangling and matting.
Teasing extension hair should be avoided if possible and if you do tease your extensions it is important to comb it out before washing as this can lead to unmanageable knots and matted sections.
Love teasing your hair, but don’t want to cause damage to your extensions? Check out our article for everything you need to know.
03. Keep the hair moisturised
Your extensions may be getting matted if the hair is too dry. Activities such as swimming or surfing with your extensions in or using the wrong products on your extensions can dry out the hair too much.
Pool water often contains chlorine, a chemical used to keep the water clean and free from bacteria, as well as seawater which is extremely salty. Chlorine and seawater can dry out your hair and this can lead to matting as the hair will tangle together.
If you are using regular products on your extensions, they may contain ingredients that are stripping the hair of natural oils needed to keep it smooth and tangle-free.
To avoid matted hair, make sure that you use moisturizing, sulfate-free products on your extensions and take them out before swimming! Look for products with nourishing oils as ingredients as these will help to keep the hair soft and moisturized!
04. Keep your extensions clean
Another reason your clip-in extensions may be getting matted is if they have not been washed! The dirt is often due to a build-up of product and sweat or sebum on the hair. Dirty hair extensions can become sticky and unruly and may tangle and get matted.
To avoid build up on your extensions, remove them before working out or doing any activities that may cause you to sweat. You should wash your extensions and natural hair regularly to prevent a build-up of the product!
05. Do not sleep with them in
If you sleep with your clip-in extensions in this may be causing the hair to become matted. The friction between your extensions and bedsheets may be drying out the hair and damaging the hair cuticle which could result in tangling, breakage, and matting.
Ideally, you should remove your extensions before you sleep, but in the event that you cannot remove them, you should at least protect the hair from damage. Either braid the hair to keep the extensions in place, or wrap a silk scarf around your head to act as a barrier between the hair and the bedsheets.
06. Detangle your clip-in extensions regularly
Clip-in hair extensions can become matted if tangles are not combed out as soon as they occur. You should be detangling your extensions regularly so that they remain smooth and knot-free.
Hair extensions can get matted at either the roots of the hair or through the lengths of the hair. Permanent hair extensions such as tape-ins weaves, and pre-bonded options, are the ones that will most likely get matted at the roots. The attachment site or bonds may stick together if they are not cared for. Clip-in extensions will probably get matted through the lengths of the hair.
The lengths of the hair, if matted, will bunch up and can look dry and frizzy. It can be difficult to get them looking smooth again afterward if the hair is extremely matted. When combing your extensions make sure you are using the right tools. Use a wide-tooth comb as this will reduce any static or breakage.
07. Do not expose your extensions to water while installed
If your hair extensions get wet while they are attached to your hair this can cause tangling and matting. The hair will become entangled with your natural hair and it could dry in matted sections.
You should try and prevent your extensions from getting wet while you are wearing them at all costs! If you cannot remove them before swimming or showering, wear a swimming cap or a shower cap to protect the hair!
08. Avoid heat damage
If you style your extensions with heat tools, this could be the reason for them getting matted. The exposure to heat may be drying out the hair and causing it to tangle more easily.
Instead of using heat tools to dry your extensions, allow them to air dry as this will reduce heat damage!
How To Fix Matted Clip-In Hair Extensions
To fix your matted clip-in hair extensions, detangle them by applying a sulfate-free detangling cream onto the matted sections and comb from the ends to the roots with a wig comb. Wash your hair extensions with a sulfate-free product to reduce frizz. Once the hair is completely dry, apply a drop of hair oil to the hair’s ends to smoothen it.
What you will need:
- Detangling lotion
- A wide-tooth comb
- Large hair clips
- Shampoo and conditioner (sulfate-free)
- Hair oil
Step 1: Divide the hair into smaller sections
Separate and layer your hair so that the matted sections are exposed. Dividing the hair into smaller more manageable sections will also make the process easier.
Step 2: Apply a detangling lotion
Spray a sulfate-free detangling lotion on to the exposed matted sections and gently massage it into the hair. If you do not have a detangling lotion, you can make a watery solution using water and conditioner to apply to the matted hair. This step will help to loosen up the matted hair.
Step 3: Comb through the hair and detangle
Next, you need to start combing through the hair. Hold your extensions firmly at the clip and start to gently comb through the hair. Do not tug at the extensions as this could lead to further damage.
Step 4: Wash the hair extensions
Once you have combed through the hair and removed the matted sections, remove and wash your extensions. Make sure you use sulfate-free products and do not scrub at the hair as this could make it frizz.
Step 5: Dry and treat the hair extensions
Allow your extensions to air dry completely. Once they are completely dry, comb through them to remove any lasting tangles.
Lastly, apply a drop of hair oil to the ends of the hair to smooth out the hair and you should be good to go!
Want to learn more about dealing with your extensions tangling before they reach that dreaded matted state? Check out our article for all you need to know.