Hair becomes matted when it is not getting combed as needed to permit natural shedding. Loose hair can knot several times around strands, creating tangles that cause the hair to matte. When the hair is damaged the cuticle is lifted and not smooth making it difficult for each strand to slide pass each other during the combing/brushing process.

To de-matte, saturate the matted area with a lubricant to make the cuticle smoother and easier for the strands to slide pass each other. Barrett recommends PhytoSpeeific's Revitalizing Treatment, lane Carter's Hair Nourishing Serum or Hot Six Oil for lubrication. Jojoba oil's structure resembles natural sebum oil produced by the scalp. Regular use of Jojoba oil makes tresses more resistant to tangles, dryncss and split ends. Shea Butter's fatty acids help to prevent brittleness. Cover hair with a conditioning cap and apply heal for 30 minutes. Depending on the damage of the hair. Barrett recommends removing hair from the heat to allow the lubricant to soak in and work through the tangles. Armed with pliers and a lot of patience, Barrett begins to reconstruct the hair.

To avoid hair matting and knotting, master cautions women against trying to take too many shortcuts and put their hair at risk.

•  Avoid knots and tangles by getting split ends cut regularly. Even hair extensions need to be trimmed.

•  Use the correct hair tools for your hair type. Straight hair may need brushing, while loose curls may only need "finger brushing."

•  For shampoos and conditioners look for hydrating ingredients that will help maintain moisture. Products that contain soy isoflavoncs that aid in strengthening hair and maintaining scalp integrity.

•  Depending on the condition of the hair, it is important to get your sew-in weave tightened every 1.5 and change out hair every 90 days.