How Much Does it Cost to Detangle Matted Hair?

Last Updated on April 13, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Matted hair can happen for reasons like a lack of proper hair care, some particular medical conditions, or simple neglect, and is a very common problem people have to deal with.

You shouldn’t leave matted hair untreated, as it can easily turn into scalp irritation, hair loss, or in some extreme cases, even infections. The good news is that there are a few ways in which you can detangle matted hair, some of them easily done on your own, while others require professional assistance.

This article will go over the cost of detangling matted hair, as well as common professional detangling services and DIY techniques so that you can detangle your matted hair at home.

You will also get a few tips for keeping tangle-free hair, as a cost comparison between professional detangling services and a DIY job so that you know exactly how to budget for it.

How Much Does it Cost to Detangle Matted Hair?

Usually, the cost of detangling matted hair is between $50 and $200, depending on several important factors, including the severity of the matting. However, there are also cases in which this cost can be significantly higher, especially in more severe cases of matting, or when using popular specialized detangling services.

The reason why hair severely matted will be more expensive to detangle is that it will take more effort and time for the job to be properly done.

The length and type of hair you have will also be a deciding factor when it comes to the final price. Thicker hair or considerably longer hair will take more time to have detangled, which means it will also be more expensive. The experience the stylist you choose has or the fame of the salon will also influence the price, as well as your location, as high-end areas also have more expensive service providers.

And of course, we can’t ignore the cost of tools and products needed for the job, as these are cheaper or more expensive depending on their brand.

Professional Detangling Services

There are some important benefits you can get from using professional detangling services for detangling matted hair. Among the most important ones is the more efficient and effective job of detangling than you might be able to do through DIY.

Professional stylists have the needed training and a lot of experience so that they can effectively detangle matting at even the most severe level.

They also use very professional, specialized tools and products so the detangling process is not only easier, but also less painful (as some pain is usually experienced during the process of detangling).

You will also be able to get other treatments along with professional detangling services, including hair steaming, deep conditioning, and different types of hot oil treatments. All of these treatments are meant to restore the moisture of your hair and make it more manageable so that it is easier for the professional to detangle and then style it.

Professional detangling services will usually cost somewhere between $75 and $200, although there are salons charging up to $250. This price will depend on factors like the location of the stylist or salon and the severity of the matting. The final bill could get even higher if you were to couple these services with other treatments not included in the detangling services.

Although for many people this is a rather steep price, it is also important to note that there are some risks along with the benefits of DIY detangling.

Detangling severely matted hair yourself at home might cause more harm than good, with issues like hair loss, scalp irritation, or even hair breakage being very common.

Seeking professional detangling services can help to ensure that the hair is properly detangled without causing any harm.

DIY Detangling Techniques

If you’re a hands-on type of person and prefer to detangle your hair in the comfort of your home, there are a few DIY techniques you can try to use to detangle matted hair. Most of these techniques have as a first step applying detangling spray to the entirety of the matted hair.

This is done as a way of loosening the tangles, which makes it easier for the hair to get detangled. The next step is to gently comb through the tangles, using a hairbrush with soft bristles or a wide-tooth comb. Start the process from the bottom of the hair and work your way up from there.

You might also like our articles on the cost of dreadlock retwisting, box braids, or tree braids.

When detangling your hair, try to avoid aggressive combing or brushing, as this usually leads to damage to the scalp or hair breakage. Try to be patient and gentle instead.

There is another popular technique some people use when detangling matted hair and it involves hot oil treatment. This is done by applying a worm oil of some sort, either olive oil or coconut oil, directly to the hair and scalp and then leaving it on for a few hours. Some people even leave it on overnight. The oil will work on softening the tangles, making it a lot easier to detangle your hair in the morning.

You should keep in mind that DIY detangling techniques, although very effective in the case of mild matting, should not be tried on complex hair types or severe matting. These are the cases in which you should really consider looking for professional detangling services.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Detangling Services

It’s always important to weigh both the pros and cons of the options when deciding on whether you should go for professional detangling services or try a DIY approach. Professional services will almost always be more expensive, which makes DIY detangling better if money is an issue for you.

Still, doing the job yourself might prove to be less effective and less efficient than professional detangling, especially if matting in your case is severe. Furthermore, it might take more time when you go for DIY detangling, requiring a few tries until you get things right.

Professional detangling on the other hand, although more expensive, will also come with better results, being more suitable for complex hair types or severe matting.

You will also save important time and effort when using professional detangling services, as a stylist with the necessary tools and expertise will be able to detangle your hair more effectively and quickly.

Tips to Keep a Tangle-Free Hair

It’s very important to have a set hair care routine you use regularly, to prevent matting and tangles from even starting to occur. This should include avoiding heat styling tools and harsh chemicals, protecting hair while sleeping, using a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray, and going for regular brushing and combing.

It is vital that you avoid adding heat styling tools and harsh chemicals to your hair, as they will damage the hair and make it more likely to start matting and tangling. You can use natural hair care products that are gentle on your hair instead, as well as reduce the number of times you use heat styling tools.

You can also ensure softer hair that will be easier to comb through if you use a detangling spray or a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. When doing this, make sure you don’t leave too much product in your hair as it will make it greasy and weighed down. You should also look for a product that is suitable for your particular hair type.

When you go for regular brushing and combing, you will be able to prevent matting and tables by distributing the natural oils of your scalp throughout the hair, which prevents knots from starting to form.

You can also prevent matting and tangles if you protect your hair while sleeping. This can easily be done by wearing your hair in a loose bun or braid while going to sleep.

Using a satin or silk pillowcase will also help, as these are materials known to be gentler on the hair, which means they will prevent friction that leads to tangles.

Final words

Although a very frustrating and time-consuming process, detangling matted hair is still very important to keep your hair manageable and healthy.

Before you opt for either a professional approach or a DIY job, you should know and understand the factors that will influence the final cost of detangling your hair, as well as the options you have.

Keeping up with your regular hair care routine and following some basic tips for taking care of your hair will help you prevent your hair from matting and keep it looking great and healthy.