Severe or clinical depression is always hard to understand for an outsider who’s never been through it. It may seem very simple to overlook it or to just tell someone to try and get over it or simply feel better. But the truth is that severe depression manifests itself deeply and in many ways. One of those ways is the person’s lack of interest in grooming and hygiene. That’s when matted hair and depression become linked.
The Link Between Matted Hair and Depression
People who suffer from depression believe they have no reason to groom themselves anymore. That can be because of either the pain or numbness they feel inside. And the hair is one of the first features they stop taking care of. Unfortunately, hair is also one of the first parts of the body that you tend to notice when it’s not properly been taken care of. It quickly gets dirty and starts to gather buildup which, in turn, attracts lint and dirt. This, in time, essentially glues the strands of hair together in what could be described as natural ‘dreadlocks’ of matted knots. Evidently, the more you wait without not washing and detangling your hair, the worse it gets.
Matted hair usually makes depression patients feel even worse every time they look in the mirror. They need to cover up their hair each time they go outside. Moreover, the knots in their locks makes it almost impossible for them to find a romantic partner.
So, what are the benefits of detangling your hair?
The Benefits of Detangling Matted Hair
1. Detangling hair is therapeutic
Of course, therapy for depression comes in many shapes and sizes, and you should always seek advised help. However, you can also try little forms of therapy on your own that are designed to put you in a better mood. Detangling your hair is one of them. Simply watching every single strand of your hair lose its knots and become silky and shiny once more will give you confidence and reassure your faith in yourself.
2. Bond with another person
Often times you will find that you cannot do this by yourself. You are actually advised to seek help outside. The reason is that detangling your hair will take many hours which give you the chance to bond with the person who is helping you. This positive communication can work wonders for your depression by simply talking, being in their presence, sharing stories, and learning that there are people out there who care about you and your well-being.
3. Start feeling better about yourself
Matted hair and depression are linked because once it starts getting knotted, your hair gives you the impression you are no longer in control. Which, in turn, makes you feel bad and not worthy. However, as you make the conscientious decision of fixing it and then seeing the beautiful result, you will feel in control once again. You will also feel beautiful and alive, which may help you reduce depression.
What to Expect from a Detangling Session
It’s a good idea to seek professional help from a hairstylist in a specialised salon. They will know exactly how to treat and salvage your hair. Plus, you will get the benefit of bonding with a person that cares about your well-being. But what happens during the process?
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Expect some of your hair to fall off
The reason is that there are now loose strands and hairs as well as brittle ends that have been trapped for a long time in the knots. As the hair stylist unravels them, all the excess will fall off, leaving behind just the healthy part.
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The detangling session will be long
Depending on how long and tangled your own hair is, it can take between a few hours and a few days to unknot all of it. But you shouldn’t view this as even more cause for anxiety and stress. Quite the contrary. Think of it as a long session at the salon where you get to relax while a professional pamper your hair.
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Don’t apply any products on your own before the session
Especially no products that are rich in oils or conditioner. They will only serve to create even more build-up in your hair because of their creamy or oily texture. This, in turn, will make your tresses even more tangled and matted.
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Bring distractions and entertainment to the session
Seeing as this will take so long, you are welcomed and advised to bring your phone or your tablet to the session of detangling. You can watch a movie or your favorite TV show. You can also bring magazines or a book to read or listen to relaxing music. Anything that will make this process a pleasant and favorable experience.
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Don’t forget to snack
Depression and stress often lead to a loss of appetite. And we’ve already seen the link between matted hair and depression. So you are advised to eat as well as you can before coming into the salon. Plus, bring sweet and savory snacks in with you to munch so that you can keep up your energy levels as well as your good mood. Chocolate is a very good example as it has chemicals that support the brain’s production of serotonin. It’s the hormone that makes us happy. Here’s an article with more details on the amazing benefits of chocolate in the fight against depression.
Do you have matted hair and need detangling?
Do you need help detangling matted hair, send an email to brisbanedreadlocks@gmail.com.