Is it possible to detangle severely matted 4c afro hair?

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Hair has not been combed for several months due to ongoing mental health issues. It is now one giant matted mess in the back and is like a giant dreadlock in the back. Is it possible to rescue the hair at all? Two afro hair salons have already refused to help with the hair.

Yes with a lot of patience.
I would have a spray bottle & a lot of conditioner to hand.
Choose a section to start and spray & add conditioner, then comb a tiny bit at a time, starting at the ends.
Once you get a section detangled plait or twist it to stop it getting tangled again.

@EnFlique Is there a conditioner you'd recommend? Would apple cider vinegar in the spray bottle with water help?

To be honest I’d go for something cheap as you will need a lot of it! The Alberto Balsam raspberry conditioner is silicone free and about £1 a bottle.
I have read about apple cider vinegar helping with the slip so could be worth adding a couple of tablespoons to the water but I have never tried that myself!

I would wash it a few times first to really dislodge any set fuzz or hair creme/gel. Then as recommended above lots of patience, section by section working from hair ends to the base.

Is the hair very long? If not I'd just cut it personally, as it may be quite weak too. Then let it regrow over time.

No experience of Afro hair but my daughter uses the pink Elvive glycolic gloss and it’s the most slick slippery consistency I’ve ever experienced. I think if anything was going to work it would be that. Even the shampoo is slimy/slippery, it’s really good for detangling. You get it on offer in a set

There is a woman on instagram who does this even for dreadlocks. I’ll try & find her account.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM4FoOrOmcJ/?igsh=bXJ3ejdoNjAyaTE4

here you go. She does amazing work.

OP, hope you are getting support with your MH and wishing all the best.

I’ve had badly matted hair in the past but not over a period of months so I can imagine the scale of the job you have.

I agree with the pp who suggested cutting your hair and allowing fresh growth to come through as your hair is likely to be damaged by the untangling process.

I’ve no experience of Afro hair. My hair is very fine and mats easily. I use mane and tail detangler it’s designed for horses but lots of us use it on our hair as well.

Lots of cheap conditioner (Alberto Balsam is good. I like the tea tree one), a metal tail comb, a series you haven't watched and patience.

If you're in the North West and comfortable with strangers, I'd be happy to help you.

Please know it will take patience, patience and more patience.

Don't try to wash it yet. When I remove braids and have that matting at the roots, washing before detangling just causes knots. My hairdresser also tends to dry brush the knots before washing my hair.
Just use a spray bottle and water with some conditioner or detangling spray. Use a metallic tail comb and pick at it. As you successfully detangle small sections, just twist or plait them so you can see your progress and it doesn't get retangled.

Sending you and your loved one lots of love and I hope they're receiving/accepting as much support as possible 🖤💐.

I had a friend who dematted her dreadlocks using fabric conditioner...

Spray bottle of warm water to saturate hair, and undiluted conditioner. I like Ultimate Blends or Alberto Balsam when hair is really matted - good value and gets the job done.

I spray hair with warm water (those continuous spray bottles from Amazon, etc. are great), then I massage neat conditioner into the areas where I want to section the hair, and use it to saturate the hair for detangling. I use an afro comb rather than a tail comb to detangle. I always start with four sections. I tie three out of the way, then split and section the part I’m working on as needed. Once plaited I tie a loose plait to keep it out of the way.

I prefer a plastic afro comb, but metal will work as well, followed by a brush (Cantu or Denman 7-row bristle brush style). I only use a wide-tooth comb if I can’t find my afro comb. I don’t use a Tangle Teezer, but my sister swears by them.

A satin bonnet or pillowcase is your friend going forwards.

I learn something new every day 😊