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How do I remove matted hair strands from a biracial child?

Julie - posted on 06/01/2012 ( 3 moms have responded )

2

0

My daughter is 3.5 yrs old and she is (blk/wht) biracial. She also was born with a disease called Neurofibromatosis that has cause her to have issues with Autism, Speach Delay (she's still not talking at all yet), Decreased Hearing (she has 7% hearing in one ear and 13% in the other ear), and most importantly SID (sensory intergrated disorder). Because of all these issues combined, it made it hard just to get her hair washed... She thought of it as torture!!! No kidding! So we listened to a local hair salon stylist and she said to just force her into washing her hair 1-2 times every 2 weeks. However, in turn, this caused her hair to become SEVERELY matted! It bothers her so much and I don't know what to do. These matts just formed literally it seemed like 'overnight'. Now I've tried everything under the sun to get these matts out of her hair. The only time I've been able to work on her hair is when she's sleeping because of her autism and sensitivity issues. Even still, the matts rip out so much hair that by the time I'm done using leave in conditioner, waiting for the hair to soften, then combing out each matted strand... 1 hr will have passed and I've only gotten 2-3 matts out. WHAT DO I DO? There has to be an easier way! Can someone please help. I use the only product out I know best for her hair type called "Mixed Chix". It did make an improvement, but by the time I got the product, it was too late... the matted hair had already formed. Please help me! ~Thank you!

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3 Comments

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Serree - posted on 06/03/2012

50

11

I also agree with using a good conditioner to help make mats easier to remove. What type of hair does she have, curly, wavy, afro? I would say if it is curly, wavy keep it in pigtails, ponytail or braid it every day. If it is more afro and if you can't do corn rows yourself take her someplace that will do them for you. They will last a couple of weeks then you can take them down wash her hair then have them put back in and not have to worry about her hair in the interim. If her hair is already really matted you may have to cut it all off and start anew.

Jen - posted on 06/01/2012

139

9

I agree with America3437. Once you get the matts out, keep her hair in braids to keep it from knotting up again/worse. I understand she has sensory issues, but if you do it while she's preoccupied, with a movie perhaps, she'll likely sit still. That's what I do with my daughter who has Asperger's.

America3437 - posted on 06/01/2012

1,048

12

As a Certified Nursing Assistant I had this issue when people would come back from the hospital! We finally just put small amounts of a really good conditioner like,Aussie Moist, and worked it in to small amounts of hair until the hair seperates,comb out staring at tips and working towards the scalp. Works better on dry hair so do it before the bath and then wash hair and follow with more conditioner then rinse and comb out starting at tips and working toward the scalp again. Try putting hair in braid or pnytail to keep it from happening so frequently. Hope it helps. It was the only method that worked and we tried everything from detangler to vasiline.

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