Untangling the Root Causes: Why is my Hair so Tangled and Falling out?
Hair tangling is something we all have seen or faced in our lives. So why is my hair so Tangled and Falling out?
For some people, removing their tangles while brushing their hair might be a routine task.
Sometimes, when this tangled hair takes the form of knots, it can be difficult to manage your hair.
As a result, you may also see more hair shedding than usual.
There can be several reasons why your hair is so tangled that it’s falling out.
It might be due to a lack of proper hair care, medical conditions, hair type, etc.
This article will help you understand the underlying cause of your tangled or knotted hair.
Possible reasons for hair tangling
There can be many reasons for hair tangling. Some of the potential causes include:
Vigorous combing
One of the most common causes of tangled hair is vigorous (forceful) combing.
Vigorous combing can cause hair tangles through a combination of factors.
Friction
When you comb your hair forcefully, it creates friction and tension on the hair strands. This friction can roughen the cuticles, which are the outer protective layers of the hair.
Rough cuticles have a higher tendency to catch onto neighboring hairs, leading to tangles and knots.
Disruption of the natural flow or pattern of hair
Vigorous combing can disrupt the natural pattern of your hair.
Hair strands have a specific direction of growth, and combing against this natural direction can cause the strands to interlock and become entangled.
Forcefully combing a knot
If you encounter a knot or tangle while combing, forcefully trying to brush through it can worsen the situation.
It can result in hair breakage and split ends, creating uneven hair strands more prone to tangling.
Medical conditions
Several medical conditions can affect your scalp and cause itching.
To feel relieved, you may scratch your scalp. This may give you temporary relief from itching, but it will further deteriorate the condition.
Continuously scratching your scalp may also make your hair more tangled.
Here are some of the medical conditions that may cause itching on the scalp:
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Fungal infections
- Folliculitis
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, some other common causes of itching on the scalp can include:
- Dandruff
- Reaction to a hair care product
- Hives or rashes
- Head lice
Lack of hair care
Lack of hair care, like not washing or conditioning your hair, can build up dirt, oil, etc., on the scalp.
This makes the hair more sticky and prone to tangling.
Additionally, neglecting to detangle the hair regularly can cause tangling issues.
Pillowcase
A pillowcase can also be a reason for your tangled hair.
A cotton pillowcase can generate too much friction that may cause your hair to get tangled into a knot.
You can use a satin or silk pillowcase, as it can reduce tangling and hair breakage.
Genetic factors
Genetics plays a crucial role in determining hair texture, thickness, and structure.
If anyone in your family has a hair texture prone to tangling, you might also face a similar issue.
Which type of hair gets easily tangled
While anyone can face tangling hair issues, certain people are more prone to it.
A case study was done in 2016 to learn about Trichomonosis.
A woman aged 19 years faced this issue. She stated a history of knots getting caught in a fine-toothed comb whenever the scalp was combed with the breakage of a few hair.
On examination, her hair had these characteristics that can be potential reasons for hair tangling into knots:
- Dry hair
- Curly hair
- Split ends
Continue reading to know more about these hair types and textures and how they may cause tangling.
Dry hair
Hair that lacks the required amount of moisture is characterized as dry hair.
It makes the hair look dull and lifeless.
Dry hair is more prone to tangle than other hair types.
Curly hair
People with curly hair usually notice hair tangles because of the shape and texture of their hair.
They usually have dry that intertwines with each other and coils up. This also increases the risk of hair breakage.
Split ends
When you don’t trim your hair regularly, it can result in split ends.
Moreover, damaging your hair from frequently using heat products can also lead to uneven textures and rough edges.
This hair type entangles with nearby strands, causing knots.
Takeaway
Understanding the root causes of tangled and falling hair is essential for effective management and prevention.
Vigorous combing, friction from pillowcases, and disruption of the hair’s natural texture can all contribute to tangling.
Medical conditions such as Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, fungal infections, and Folliculitis can cause itching and scratching, leading to more tangled hair.
Neglecting proper hair care, such as not washing or conditioning regularly and failing to detangle, can also result in tangling.
Additionally, the choice of pillowcase material and genetic factors, including hair texture, thickness, and structure, may cause tangled hair.
Dry hair, curly hair, and split ends are common characteristics associated with increased tangling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my hair more tangled than usual?
There can be numerous reasons why your hair usually doesn’t tangle much, but now it does. The common causes for tangles include using cotton pillowcases, not frequently combing your hair, using heat styling products, using wrong combing techniques, etc.
Why is my hair so knotty and falling out?
If your hair is knotty and falling out, it can be due to several factors. One of the prime reasons is dryness in hair. This type of hair is prone to tangling and breakage. Other factors may include neglecting proper hair care, using the wrong hair products, etc.
Can scratching cause hair tangling?
Yes. Scratching your scalp can cause hair tangling. It can be due to medical conditions that cause itching on the scalp, like Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, fungal infections, and Folliculitis. Moreover, dandruff, reaction to a hair care product, hives or rashes, and head lice are also common causes.
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