Will head need to be shaved due to matted and locked 4C afro hair?

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If someone has not managed to comb their hair for several months due to mental health issues, should they consider shaving it off? The hair is afro type 4c and has become so matted at the back that it is now like a massive dreadlock. Two hair salons have refused to help detangle it as they say it's too matted. What options does the person have to get their hair detangled and avoid having to shave it off?

I’ve seen reels on social media of people who specialise in de-matting hair. Have you tried searching for those?

I’d probably just shave it off.

Have you tried the Black Mumsnetters topic OP?

Some very knowledgeable posters on there when it comes to afro hair.

The person whose hair is matted is morbidly obese so losing their hair would only make them look worse.

Go to an afro hair shop/curly hairdresser or find a braider/hair lady on Facebook who does textured hair and send some pics and get their opinions?
I would think it might be really hard and a big chop could be a great fresh start anyway. Perhaps you could get it braided or other protective style to help the natural hair to grow back and to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.
There's a black mumsnetters section you might like to post to as well for opinions x

Luckily, hair grows, and there are hats, scarves and wigs available.

Matted hair must be so uncomfortable.

I’ve dematted hair like this a few times over the years. Used quiet spells on night shifts at the hospital and my break times.

lots of conditioner the family brought in for me, it takes a long time. It’s one of those repetitive tasks I find really relaxing though, I remember being gutted when I’d finished.

@lunar1 What conditioner would you recommend using?

I would ask on Black mumsnetters or go to a specialty shop, I used what family members brought in so no idea if it’s the best option.

I will say I think if someone is happy to do it, it’s worth it, this hair type takes so long to grow to a good length.

What about a nice colourful scarf until it grows again ( or a baseball cap if a man)

Do they have someone that can help? As above tonnes of conditioner and patience. I've seen similar reels if you can search on Instagram. It will normally take a good few sessions. Start from the bottom up. If you get a section detangled from the Matt braid it when it's free until the next time so it doesn't get tangled in the Matt again ❤

I think anything is doable with enough time and determination. Find a really good series you both like, and a good position/chair to save your backs and just start. Do a bit every day till the hair is saved.

I’ve seen salons do it on social media and the process is like 6 hours a day for 5+ days. It must be very expensive to pay a hairdresser for 30+ hours of their time.

never super matted but i would suggest Hello hydration from herbal essence and Johnson & Johnsons kids detangling hair sprat. the spray is very very good and sometimes better used with hello hydration. And tons of patience.
unfortunately most people that detangle super matted black hair are us based. Perhaps consider/sell the shaving as a fresh start

Your options depend on whether you have help. No salon will do it because it is going to take days.

If you have help, you need a rat tail comb, a wide tooth comb, an extra-large jar of coconut oil, and unlimited patience.

Shein (yes, I know, they are the devil incarnate, but wigs are £££ usually) does very cheap wigs that a salon will cut to make them look more real. However, I highly doubt this person will look anywhere near as bad as they think they will with a shaved head, and they will physically feel a million times better.

If they're anywhere near me, I love this kind of thing. You'd be doing me a favour letting me help