What Do Matted Hair Extensions Look Like?

Hair extensions can transform your look by adding beautiful length, thickness, and color. But over time, extensions are prone to tangling and matting, especially at the roots. Matted extensions not only look unkempt, but they can damage your natural hair and are difficult to remove.

In this guide, we’ll explain what causes matting in extensions, what matted extensions look like, and how to prevent and fix the issue.

What is Matting in Hair Extensions?

Matting refers to severe tangling and knotting in hair extensions, usually near the bonds at the roots. It happens when your natural hair, extension hair, and attachment points become tightly intertwined.

As more loose hair gets caught in the mess, matted sections expand and become dense clumps of tangled hair. Matting makes hair extensions difficult to brush, style, and maintain.

What Causes Matting in Extensions?

There are a few key reasons matting develops in hair extensions:

• Not separating bonds: Failing to regularly separate extension bonds with your fingers allows them to knot together.

• Wet hair: Going to bed with damp extensions causes the bonds to tangle overnight.

• Poor application: Extensions attached sporadically and close together are more prone to matting.

• Product buildup: Heavy products and oils can clump the bonds.

• Poor quality hair: Low-grade, processed hair tangles more easily than high-quality remy extensions.

• Insufficient brushing: Not properly detangling extensions causes knots to form.

Following proper aftercare and maintenance is crucial to prevent matting in extensions.

What Does Matting Look Like in Hair Extensions?

There are some clear visible signs that indicate your hair extensions are starting to mat:

At the Roots

• Dense clumps and knots near the bonds and weft tracks
• Bonds growing together in tangled clusters
• Resistance when trying to run fingers along the scalp
• Inability to see clean parts and sections

On the Lengths

• Hair appears dry, dull, and puffy
• Extensions don’t hang straight and smooth
• Difficulty running fingers through the ends
• Resistance and snagging when brushing

Overall Appearance

• Increased shedding and breakage
• Visible split ends and frizz
• Extensions lack shine and bounce
• Hair looks unkempt even when styled
• Flat, lifeless look even after washing

Catching matting early is key. If you notice extensions feeling dry and tangled, address it right away before knots worsen.

How to Prevent Matting in Hair Extensions

Preventing matting starts with proper daily and weekly care:

• Separate bonds morning and night with fingers.
• Only use sulfate-free shampoos and gentle brushing.
• Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb from bottom to top.
• Allow extensions to air dry fully before sleeping.
• Braid hair before bed and use a silk pillowcase.
• Schedule regular maintenance appointments every 4-6 weeks.

Avoid damaging extensions by:

• Never sleep with wet hair. Dry fully before bed.
• Don’t roughly brush extensions when wet.
• Don’t use thick oils or creams near the bonds.
• Keep hair away from chlorine, salt water, and excess sweat when active.

Visiting your stylist regularly ensures extensions stay separated and knot-free.

How to Fix Matted Hair Extensions

If you notice matting in your extensions, contact your stylist right away. Here are methods they may use to detangle matted sections:

Detangling Spray + Gentle Brushing

A pro detangling spray helps soften and loosen knots. Starting at the ends, carefully work up knots with a wide-tooth comb. Avoid ripping or forcing the mats.

Bond Removal + Reapplication

Your stylist can remove the matted bonds and reapply extensions above the problem areas. This may be needed for severe matting close to the roots.

Complete Removal + New Application

If matting is extensive, the best option is to completely remove the extensions. Fresh extensions can then be reapplied correctly to avoid re-matting.

Cutting Out Knots

In rare cases, stubborn matted sections may need to be cut off if they cannot be brushed out. But this risks uneven length and damage, so should be a last resort.

With prompt attention and proper aftercare, your stylist can get matting under control. But catching it early is key for the health of your extensions and hair.

At-Home Detangling Tips Between Salon Visits

While it’s best to have your pro tackle matting, here are tips to help loosen knots at home in between appointments:

• Use a detangling spray formulated for extensions on dry hair. Avoid wet brushing.

• Work in small sections, starting at the ends. Hold hair above knots as you gently brush down.

• Use a wide-tooth comb, never a normal brush. Metal detangling tools can cause breakage.

• Always brush gently and slowly. Don’t rip through knots or force.

• Apply a nourishing hair mask and let it soak in before brushing.

• Avoid excessive oils on the bonds that can cause buildup.

• Braid and protect hair overnight.

If home methods don’t improve matting after 2-3 attempts, contact your stylist right away to avoid permanent damage.

How to Care for Extensions After Detangling Matted Sections

Once matting is successfully brushed out, be diligent about aftercare to prevent re-tangling:

• Separate bonds 2x daily with your fingers.

• Only use reparative products like Olaplex to strengthen bonds.

• Deep condition weekly with a hydrating hair mask.

• Use a wet brush in the shower and wide-tooth comb when dry.

• Sleep in a loose braid on a silk pillowcase.

• Schedule takedowns every 4-6 weeks to avoid re-matting at the roots.

• Consider preventative bond sealing treatments.

• Avoid unnecessary heat styling whenever possible.

Prompt professional help combined with impeccable aftercare at home will get matting under control and restore the health and beauty of your extensions.

When to Remove Extensions Due to Matting

If you’ve tried the above detangling methods and aftercare with no improvement, it may be time to take out the extensions.

Consider removal if:

• Matting covers more than 30% of the head.
• Knots remain tightly tangled after 3+ detangling attempts.
• You notice breakage, shedding, and damage to your natural hair.
• Matting is impeding your daily life and causing distress.
• Extensions look overly unkempt even when styled.
• You’re unable to brush the full length due to knots.

Leaving in extensions that are extensively matted puts unnecessary strain on your natural locks. Timely removal prevents traction damage.

Expert Tips to Prevent Matting When Reapplying Extensions

If you are starting fresh with new extensions after matting issues, get ahead of knots with these pro tips:

• Have extensions color-matched perfectly to your hair. Contrasting tones knot easily.

• Ask for ties, tapes, and bonds sealed with silicone or keratin for slip.

• Opt for hand-tied wefts over machine-wefted hair. The knots are gentler.

• Have stylist apply in a bricklay pattern with diagonal parts to discourage tangling.

• Choose lighter weight extensions around 130-150g for less tension on hair.

• Request extra-long bonds and tapes (at least 2 inches from scalp).

• Only get extensions wet 1-2x a week and use dry shampoo in between.

• Have bonds moved up every 4-6 weeks before rematting starts.

• Invest in quality salon extensions over cheap knock-offs prone to matting.

With meticulous care and high-quality extensions, you can avoid the headaches of matting for good. Contact a stylist to get your extensions back on track!