Need provider who can help with severe matted hair situation

[Anonymous]

I actually need help for my child, rather than a parent, but I’m hoping someone in this forum can direct me to appropriate resources.

My child has a severe chronic illness, and has long curly hair that is severely matted. I need someone with the skills to untangle the hair, with the understanding that cutting may be necessary. I am trying to avoid a shaved head.

Any tips? Could anyone point me in the right direction?

Thank you in advance!

[Anonymous]

My daughter had a similar experience with her hair during treatment of her chronic illness.

We went to Cartoon Cuts in Rockville. The stylist we went to was very kind, and first added a deep conditioning treatment to her hair. Then slowly untangled the mattes, and added a nice cut. My daughter was able to watch a cartoon, and was actually cooperative because it didn't hurt (and I wasn't the one trying to detangle).

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP. We have a much more extreme situation, I'm afraid. Her entire head of hair is balled up into a giant matt. I have researched techniques online to remove dreadlocks, I've bought special products, and I've invested hours into untangling, but I've only freed the bottom inch or two. I think I need someone with specialized skills. Possibly someone who can come to the house.

[Anonymous]

Lollipop Kids Foundation has haircuts at their facility for special needs kids. I would contact them and ask if the hairdresser can take this on there or privately. lKF has a Facebook page. Also, consider posting in Special Needs.

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. My child has long hair that is prone to matting. This is what I typically do to break the mats:
Wet and out in lots of conditioner
Break up with wide toothed comb to extent possible
Add coconut oil and work it through the mat as much as possible. Lots of coconut oil.
Use the wide toothed comb and fingers to break it up as much as possible.
Use good hair scissors to make strategic cuts. If you cut vertically or at a diagonal into the mat, that will help break it without chopping it all off. Keep working at it with your fingers.
Definitely recommend T.v or a movie.
I am so sympathetic—my kid’s hair mats just from regular sleeping. If she were bed-ridden for an extended time I can imagine how bad it would get.
I do it myself because I never found a hairdresser as patient as I am willing to be with it. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I was neglected as a child(so different scenario) but i have long thick curly hair that my mom did not take care off and I was too young to know how. It was matted into a ball. The salon tried for hours, but eventually we had to cut some of it. I didn’t have to get a buzz cut or anything, but did rock a short hair cut, and it grew back quickly.

[Anonymous]

https://thetravelingbarbers.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://thetravelingbarbers.org/

While good intentioned, this site is like posting barbering jobs to a bulletin board, OP could easily get swindled or get someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. It also doesn’t seem too private.

[Anonymous]

op did you ever find someone? i am looking for something like this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:op did you ever find someone? i am looking for something like this

Not the OP, but cartoon cuts in Fairfax did a great job when our child had a huge, balled up mat in her hair. No buzz cut needed either. I think they have seen it all.

[Anonymous]

Try Aveda Botanical Repair conditioner or masque, then their Botanical Repair Leave in conditioner. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Try a q redew hair steamer. It loosens the tangles and mats. Works wonders on my daughters hair which is prone to matting. Olive oil also helps. Both work better than any detangling products I’ve tried.

[Anonymous]

My daughter just got a pixie haircut after years of fights and tears. It looks great! She is also very sensory and physical and is always rubbing her head against cushions like a cat, making the knots / matting so much worse.

[Anonymous]

Oasis Salon in Rockville specializes in curly hair, and I have been there when someone walked in with a matted mess on their head. I thought it would be cut out/off, but they did not. Call them and explain, and see what they can do.

[Anonymous]

I would also contact lice treatment specialists. They are used to coming to homes and spending hours combing out hair.